Hottest bar openings in October 2015

Whether a dive bar in Melbourne, Japan-inspired venue in New York or an ornate gin parlour in London, new bars which opened around the world last month catered to all tastes and preferences.

These are some of the hottest new bars to open around the world in October 2015

Gerry Calabrese saw the completion of his task to turn an industrial laundry in the East End into a large-scale drinking den, while a wine/cocktail bar hybrid opened its doors in trendy Soho.

In Hong Kong, a “sophisticated haven” dedicated to the Prohibition era launched, as New York welcomed a Japanese cocktail bar where serves are given an innovative culinary twist.

Click through the following pages to discover some of the hottest bars to open around the world in October 2015.

68 and Boston, London

Adding to Soho’s already world-renowned bar scene is 68 and Boston, which is divided into a wine bar (68) and cocktail bar (Boston). Created by three leading names in London night life – Eric Yu, of The Breakfast Group; Martin Malley, co-owner of Planet of the Grapes; and Luca Cordiglieri, formerly bar manager at China Tang at The Dorchester – the venue is said to offer “two different experiences under one roof”. Downstairs, 68 is described as a “radical take on the concept of a traditional wine bar” with all wines priced £20 per bottle and most available by the glass. Upstairs, Boston, the brainchild of Cordiglieri and led by head bartender Josh Powell, features an original cocktail list including wine-inspired serves, punches and non-alcoholic drinks.

Republic Bar & Lounge, Hong Kong

Described as a “sophisticated haven” situated off the bustling streets of Hong Kong’s Soho entertainment district, Republic Bar & Lounge is a Prohibition-style cocktail bar with a “hint of contemporary attitude”. Signature cocktails include the Republic Old Fashioned, a mix of cigar smoked maple syrup, sweet burnt orange and Buffalo Trace Bourbon; The Empire, which includes Champagne, ginger vodka, black walnut bitters and orange juice; and the potent Otto Walker, a combination of Harley Davidson moonshine, Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey, amaretto and cranberry juice.

Wringer & Mangle, London

Cocktail maverick Gerry Calabrese – son of the world-renowned Salvatore Calabrese – has turned a former industrial laundry into one of the East End’s most talked about new cocktail bars, Wringer & Mangle. With a backdrop of evolving art exhibitions and an open kitchen, the bar offers a multitude of variations of the classic Collins cocktail. The 250 cover bar and restaurant is situated opposite the London Fields Brewery and features an expansive all-weather terrace. Inside, the bar has been designed with industrial cement that is offset with retro pictures, wingback chairs and an indoor pergola.

Quill, Manchester

With funding of more than £1m, Quill is the newest addition to Manchester’s exclusive King Street and is described as an “opulent oasis”. Split over two floors, the venue can accommodate up to 200 people and features separate bar and restaurant areas. It also has private dining areas, intimate seating spots and cocktail stations for a one-of-a-kind mixology experience. Part of the On The Wall Group, a Manchester based restaurant and bar group, Quill’s food menu has a British theme with European influences.

Mr Fogg’s Tavern, London

London’s popular Mr Fogg’s opened a second venue in Covent Garden last month, called Mr Fogg’s Tavern. The venue has an “upstairs downstairs” theme with a Victorian Tavern on the ground floor and a refined Gin Parlour and Salon upstairs. On the ground floor, 19^th century trinkets adorn the walls of the bar, which serves real ales, “mother’s ruin” gin-based cocktails and grog in traditional tankards. Head upstairs and you will be met by a radically different setting, surrounded by ornate glass chandeliers, antique theatrical props, and gin and tea libations.

Dishoom Carnaby, London

As London-based Dishoom becomes increasingly renowned for its expertly-crafted cocktails, as well as its delicious Indian street food, the group has opened up another venue in the west. Located on Kingly Street, Dishoom Carnaby features an array of India-inspired cocktails served in an area which is unofficially known as The Permit Room. Signature serves include the Thunderball, a mix of sloe gin fizz, cola and popping candy; the Debonaire, which includes orange, marmalade vodka, star anise and orange cream soda; and the Martini-style Commander, a combination of pepper-washed Royal Dock Navy Strength gin, Kamm & Sons liqueur and absinthe rinse. 

Heartbreaker, Melbourne

Australia has seen something of a dive bar boom in recent years, but newcomer, Heartbreaker, has been tipped for great things since it opened shop last month. The brainchild of Michael Madrusan, founder of Spirited Award-nominated The Everleigh, the bar serves Everleigh-created pre-bottled cocktails against a backdrop of seedy, but fabulous décor, and rock ‘n’ roll music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Bar Seki, New York

Opened by the teamed behind renowned New York sushi restaurant Sushi Seki, Bar Seki is a Japanese-style cocktail den with a drinks menu created by Shingo Gokan, winner of the 2012 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition. The venue’s beautifully presented, innovative cocktails combine the worlds of food and drink. The menu includes: the Kome, a mix of Japanese rice vodka, daiginjo sake and sturgeon caviar; the Koubai, made from Hendrick’s Gin, plum wine, Campari, rice vinegar and sea salt; and the Lychee, which includes Lychee-cello, Nigori sake, grapefruit and rose water.

Below & Hidden, London

Bourne & Hollingsworth Group has unveiled Below & Hidden, a new late-night clubroom below its popular Clerkenwell restaurant and bar, Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings. Described as “no bigger than an average living room”, the bar features walls covered with tapestry and floor to ceiling LED lights, and serves an array of bottled cocktails.