Hottest bar openings in November 2015

Nightjar’s much anticipated tiki sister venue, a rare spirits haven in Hong Kong and a saloon for renegade elves are among the most exciting bars to open their doors last month.

A diverse array of bars opened around the world last month

In addition to tiki-themed Oriole, London expanded its speakeasy scene with the opening of another 1920s-style drinking den, while a unique site dedicated to mezcal and, unusually, Pac Man, opened its doors to a flurry of fanfare.

A historical pier in New York has been reawakened with the launch of a stylish nautical-themed bar, and Austin, Texas, welcomed one of its most anticipated lounges of the year.

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

Bootlegger, London

London’s love affair with the Prohibition era continues as new basement bar Bootlegger joins the raft of 1920s-inspired watering holes in the city. With 65 covers, the bar is located in the heart of the financial district and boasts exposed brickwork, period flooring, vintage fittings and turn of the century cash registers, as well as “secret props” to immerse drinkers in Prohibition decadence. Retro libations include the Kahlua-based Informant, Grey Goose-based Giggle Juice and Bacardi-based Booze Hound.

PDT Mezcalaria, Edinburgh

A completely separate venture from New York’s famous PDT, PDT Mezcalaria is a stone and mortar tribute to its smoky Mexican namesake, as well as 80s video game paraphernalia, Pac Man in particular. Entered through a red phone box, the bar is brimming with retro pinball machines and arcade games and also an extensive selection of mezcal cocktails.

Foxglove, Hong Kong

Another champion of the speakeasy theme is Foxglove in Hong Kong, which features an array of rare Cognacs and Japanese whiskies for discerning, wallet-heavy drinkers. The bar, opened by Ming Fat House, the group behind the award-winning Mrs Pound in Sheung Wan, communicates a story around the character Frank Minza, described as a “death-defying adventurer with a taste for rare spirits”. Its menu has been crafted to pay homage to distinct drinking eras, which imbibers can peruse with a house jazz band playing in the background.

Oriole, London

Opened by the founders of famed experimental London speakeasy Nightjar, Oriole brings a refreshing twist to the city’s vibrant bar scene with its tiki theme and an innovative menu divided into three sections: Old World, New World and The Orient. Exploring the origins of some classic but forgotten cocktails and breathing new life into them, Oriole conveys the themes of travel and adventure and is inspired by drinking habits around the world. Based below London’s iconic Smithfield Market, the bar is run by a expert team of mixologists, led by Luca Cinalli.

Geraldine’s, Austin

Austin’s much anticipated and newest bar Geraldine’s opened its doors last month, featuring an abundance of hearty American dishes and innovatives cocktails. House serves include Willie’s Cup, a mix of double rye whiskey, hemp seed milk and sage, Mood Indigo, made from gin, Mazanilla Sherry and crème de mure, and the Ladybird, containing Amontillado Sherry, cider and sarsaparilla bitters.

Lodge a’Argent, London

Stylish London bar and restaurant Coq d’Argent has welcomes its popular après ski-themed pop-up Lodge d’Argent for a third year running. The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to snuggle up under blankets and enjoy a winter warmer amid frosted Christmas trees, rafts of wintery ferns and even a shell suit or two. In addition to its festive drinks selection, Lodge d’Argent offers culinary treats such as venison burgers, raclette, Apline dry cured ham, black truffle tartifflette oozing with Reblochon, or sweet potato tartiflette laced with pancetta.

Pier A Harbour House, New York

Based in the Big Apple’s financial district, Pier A Harbour is located on a pier that has been closed for 127 years. Divided into two levels – Long Hall and Oyster Bar – the venue has been created around a nautical theme and is brimming with seafaring relics. Visitors will not only be treated to fine food, drink and hospitality, but also one-of-a-kind views of the Manhattan skyline.

South Pole Saloon, London

A fun alternative to the festive pop-up, South Pole Saloon, based in south London’s Brixton, is described as a “surreal Christmas spectacle like no other”. Themed around the story of a dive bar frequented by Father Christmas’s forsaken elves in the South Pole, the bar helps festive naysayers explore the dark side of Christmas. Cocktails such as the Hot Tennessee Toddy and Monkey Shoulder Apple Macs are served alongside food from venders including Dip & Flip, The Crust Conductor, Butchies and social enterprise Papi’s Pickles.

Fragrances, Berlin

Berlin’s unique perfume and cocktail pairing bar Fragrances may not be brand new, but last month it launched a completely revised menu comprising 30 contemporary serves. Upon entry, guests find themselves in a “Hall of Fame” where all 30 drinks are arranged as small interactive works of art. From here, imbibers rely on all their senses to select their cocktail of choice rather than simply selecting from a menu. Each is served in an unusual vessel – for example, an oversized strawberry with cotton candy – which guests are invited to make themselves if they choose to.