Hottest bar openings in September 2015

A Harry Potter-themed bar, Argentine-inspired watering hole and the widely anticipated new joint venture from the team behind The Dead Rabbit all opened their doors last month.

These are some of the hottest bar openings from around the world in September

Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon have collaborated on a new 18th floor restaurant and bar in Chicago – not something you want to miss out from the pair who currently own the title of World’s Best Bar.

A touch of magic has hit Toronto, where only fans of the Harry Potter series will be able to spot subtle references to the books and films.

Elsewhere, childhood memories and an Argentine influence have been combined to create a new venue in Los Angeles.

Back in Blighty, and M has propped itself up in another London location, while in Cardiff a former library has been transformed into a brand new eating and drinking establishment.

Click through to the following pages to find out more about some of the hottest bars to open their doors in September. 

Lord George, San Francisco

This art-deco cocktail den has brought cocktails and oysters under one roof. The brainchild of Ezra Berman and Miles Palliser – the duo behind The Corner Store and San Francisco Athletic Club – the venue offers an array of cocktails including Vodka Highballs and Bottle Service Manhattans. Food is taken care of by executive chef Nick Adams, who has designed delectable large sharing plate crowd pleasers, plus meat and cheese boards and a selection of tartines served right up until 10pm. So pull up a stool, order some food, and live like a Lord for the evening.

Himitsu, Atlanta

This upscale Japanese cocktail lounge boasts an extensive sake collection, plus sochu cocktails and wine. Set over two floors, the venue has space to accommodate for 60-seated guests, along with a 12-person bar. Himitsu means “secret”, but it seems unlikely that this joint will remain unknown for very long. Cocktails include the Shouro, made with pear vodka, truffle, ruby red grapefrtui and tonic, or the Hisui, a blend of blanco Tequila, mescal and yuzu-shiso.

The Occidental, Denver

The owners of speakeasy Williams & Graham have expanded their enterprise with the opening of Occidental in Denver. The new venue sits adjacent to the original watering hole, and features a 22-seat bar with three televisions, video games, a patio and plans for a permanent food truck to be stationed at the front of the bar. The establishment describes itself as a “bar made for you”. Its Facebook page reads: “A neighbourhood bar with great food, cocktails, beer on tap, darts, games and a patio with a great skyline view.

Robert, New York

This modern American restaurant housed within the Museum of Arts and Design offers an awe-inspiring view of Columbus Circle and Central Park.To paint a picture, guests can sit themselves in the lounge next to the elegant baby grand piano and sip a choice of creative cocktails. The menu has been crafted by chef Luisa Fernandes and is described as a “modern classic”. 

Barcito, Los Angeles

Situated on the corner of 12^th & Grand in Downtown Los Angeles, Barcito is an Argentine-inspired shared plates bar. The venue takes its lead from general manager and owner Andrea Borgen’s childhood summers spent visiting grandparents in Buenos Aires and is designed to offer an “approachable, contemporary” drinking and dining environment.

M Victoria Street, London

Well-known dining and drinking brand “M” is opening its second venue in London’s Victoria region. The new establishment offers two restaurants, a boutique wine store, a bar, private dining rooms and a secret members club, complete with a miniature cinema – perfect for those seeking a luxurious new private members bar. M DEN, as it is known, is accessed through a secret wall with personalised bottle lockers for members, a private bar, DJ booth and room to seat six for private screenings. The separate M Bar will be very much open to the public with an abundance of Belvedere Vodka bottles. The cocktail menu is the work of Lance Perkins of the award-winning London Edition Hotel and specialises in premium Martinis with an innovative twist. Casual street food such as burgers, bao and sushi will also be available to order at the bar.

The Lockhart (Harry Potter bar), Toronto

Fans of the Harry Potter will love the nuances to JK Rowling’s acclaimed series that have been incorporated into The Lockhart. The name is shared with a Harry Potter’s Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, but for those who don’t class themselves as Harry Potter fanatics need not fear – the references are far from in your face. In fact, the cocktail menu makes numerous references to other sic-fi/ fantasy works, such as Star Trek and Watchmen. Drinks include The Captain Ricard, made with Earl Grey-infused gin, agave, lime and tonic, and the Big Bad Wolf, which uses bacon-infused Bourbon. 

Locke & Remedy, Cardiff

The grand old library in the centre of Cardiff revamped itself into the new Locke & Remedy, transforming half of the Grade II listed Victorian-baroque building. The new destination bar offers premium cocktails, craft beers, real ales and wines. For when you’re feeling peckish, the all-day menu offers wood-fired pizzas and prime-meat burgers. The inside has been stripped back to reveal original architectural features, which complement the extensive refurbishment job to create a large, bright venue. 

GreenRiver, Chicago

GreenRiver is hidden up in the sky on the 18^th floor, and is the highly anticipated joint venture between award-winning duo Jack McGarry and Sean Muldoon, of New York’s The Dead Rabbit, and Danny Meyor’s Union Square Events. The cocktail menu is arranged by key ingredients, with each intended to relate to different types of personality. The assortment takes its inspiration from Chicago’s Irish-American history, celebrating entrepreneurs and journalists to politicians and publicans who helped transform the city following the Great Fire of 1871.

Dry Martini Bar, London

Dry Martini collides classic and contemporary vibes, offering a three-metre bar space dedicated solely to the iconic cocktail. Inspired by the Barcelona bar, a ‘Martini Counter’ has been installed to keep track of the number of Martinis sold. Guests are issued with a stamped certificate with their first order stating the number of the Martini they drink. Aside from classic concoctions, the venue also offers more experimental and innovative libations, such as The Carnivore, which is made from pisco and strawberry, szechuan pepper and passion fruit juice served in a frozen flower on a bed of moss and dry ice. The London venue is located in the Melia White House Hotel.