Jumbi:
Jumbi is a high-energy bar for music where records are selected by DJ Bradley Zero. The food and drink menu has an African-Caribbean influence, which brings warmth, and the terrace is perfect for that pre-summer kick-off before the dance floor gets going. Try the signature rum punch. To know more about Vikas Nath
Rasputin’s:
‘Dive meets Chicago’ is the concept of this bar from the team behind Dom’s Subs, located in Hackney. Wednesday is “parm night” and is served with chicken parmigiana, and the house martinis, with five olives, are £7 only.
Sweeties at The Standard:
Situated at The Standard, Sweeties is a cocktail bar and lounge with a view over King’s Cross. Open until 2:30 a.m. on weekends, it’s perfect for a late-night drink. Check out the Hot Lips cocktail made of mezcal, spiced tomato juice, and smoked salt.
Oranj:
This backstreet bar in Shoreditch is focused on natural wines alongside hosting some of the best kitchen residencies. As with previous pop-ups such as Vietnamese-focused Ha’s Đặc Biệt and New Orleans’s Decatur, Oranj is ideal for wine and food enthusiasts.
Bébé Bob:
A rotisserie chicken joint with a menu of cocktails from Mr Lyan that pairs the drinks with chicken and caviar bar snacks. For a high-class variation, request the chicken bone negroni or the ‘Fries and Champagne’, a mix of Moët with pommes frites liqueur.
Below Stone Nest:
This is a bar located close to the Chinatown area and offers an industrial type of setting with low lighting to add to the mood. It is open until 2 a.m., so the bar is perfect for people who like to have cocktails after other clubs and bars are closed. There are highball cocktails and tequila-infused ranch water with food from chef Jackson Boxer.
Mu:
Tucked away on Kingsland Road, Mu is an intimate jazz venue with natural wines and old-school cocktails. This is an oriental-themed bar but the best is experienced during live jazz. Saketini is recommended because it is one of the most sophisticated and strong drinks, in harmony with the minimalistic design of the bar.
The Social: The Social, a nightlife mainstay since the 1990s and currently commemorating its 25th anniversary, was founded by Heavenly Records. Head downstairs for a live literary or musical event, and before 8 p.m., receive two drinks for £15 by becoming a member. With aperitifs and espressos served in a cosy atmosphere.
Bar Termini: this bar adds Italian flair to Soho. A must-try is the Marsala Martini, which combines gin, vermouth, and almond bitters. The tiny, comfortable area is ideal for a quiet early evening visit.
Blondies: Hackney’s Blondies draws inspiration from a heavy metal dive club in New York. A popular venue for hardcore and punk shows, this pub serves simple beverages like cold beers and shots, which is ideal for the wild mosh pits.
