‘Tis the season to fill up your glass with a Christmas cocktail because the party period has officially descended upon Bankside.
With a host of Christmas party and private dining venues offering varied festive menus, we thought we’d shine a light on the humble cocktail. When it comes to Bankside’s bar scene, the area boasts both old and new establishments who are whipping up award-winning cocktail concoctions. So if you’re planning a festive gathering this December, find out what to drink and more importantly where, below.
The Distillery, Hilton Bankside
Out of all the gin joints in London, The Distillery is the only bar that dedicates an entire section of the menu to gin from across the globe. Find over 50 handpicked gins including the fine old classics and vintage favourites from every point of the compass, to new gins from artisan distilleries springing up all over London.
What to sip?
Look out for the CARAT cocktail which features Brockman’s Gin, Chambord, Galliano, house infused Martini Rosso, cherry bitter and of course, edible gold.
Make a reservation here.
Dandelyan, Mondrian London
How could you possibly say no to somewhere that recently won “World’s Best Cocktail Bar” at the 2017 Spirited Awards? With a truly impressive ‘Vices of Botany’ cocktail menu inspired by the great Botanists and Explorers of our time, guests can enjoy refined interpretations of classics, plus Dandelyan originals. Complementing the imaginative cocktail creations, Dandelyan’s striking interiors were designed with flair by legendary British designer Tom Dixon. It’s a sumptuous, Art Deco–inspired space that references the luxurious cruise liners of generations past.
What to sip?
If you’ve ever wondered what Rock ‘n’ Roll tastes like, try the Velvet Brew – Pina; Tepache, Olmeca Altos, Del Maguey Vida. It’s boozy, fruity and smoky.
Make a reservation here.
Union Street Café
Transport your taste buds to Italy as part of Union Street Cafe’s immersive bar experience as you drink and dine under a canopy of olives trees and vines. The Olive Grove’s cocktail and bar snack menus feature two contrasting extra virgin olive oils from Puglia. Dishes and drinks have been blended with either Coratina, a full-bodied, fruity and spicy oil or Leccino, made using one of Italy’s favourite olives, a lighter, golden-green oil. A special festive menu has been devised for groups of 8+
What to sip?
The Truffle Martini – Gin Mare, Martini Bianco, lemon juice and truffle honey. Rim of salted truffle with chocolate.
Make a reservation here.
Hixter Bankside
Hixter’s downstairs space, Mark’s Bar, features an impressive sunken bar with cinema-style bar seating and serves incredible British-inspired cocktails and seasonal snacks. Like its sister bar in Soho, the understated luxury of Mark’s Bar Bankside offers the perfect setting for drinks parties or feasting. If you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply intrigued by the creative world of cocktail-making, the venue offers bespoke cocktail masterclasses for groups. Get in touch with reservations@hixterbankside.co.uk to find out more.
What to sip?
Temperley Sour – Somerset Royal 3yo cider brandy, Somerset Pomona, Burrow Hill apple juice, citrus and egg white.
Make a reservation here.
Arthur Hooper’s
Overlooking Borough Market, Arthur Hooper’s is a stylish restaurant where visitors can enjoy fresh food from local suppliers and wine from all over the world. Their ever-changing wine list is exclusively curated by Liberty Wines and is designed to be diverse and seasonal just like their European inspired menu. With Buster + Punch interiors, Arthur Hooper’s first floor private dining room is an exceptional space to host special occasions and the team can even arrange private wine tastings.
What to sip?
Death in Venice – Campari, grapefruit bitters and prosecco. The wine menu also deserves plenty of attention!
Make a reservation here.