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Hottest bar openings in December 2016

There was certainly no shortage of hot new watering holes last month, ranging from a candy-coated cocktail den to a sophisticated Australian-inspired brunch bar.

Ritorno in London features on our list of hottest bar openings in December

As we begin the new year, we look back at the best bars to open at the very end of 2016 – including a destination bar for cheese and cocktail lovers in Nottingham, and an authentic aperitivo den in London’s Chelsea.

Across the pond, Los Angeles welcomes a fun neighbourhood cocktail bar decked out in artwork – with disco balls and a pink floor to boot.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong, a new luxury bar headed up by Yuriko Naganuma opened inside a men’s tailoring and grooming outlet.

Did you miss our favourite openings from November? Check out the list from last month.

Click through the following pages to discover some of the hottest bars to open around the world in December 2016.

Martello Hall, London

Martello Hall is a cocktail bar and banquet hall offering coffee and hot-desking by day, cocktails and pizza by night, an Italian feast for weekend brunch and takeaway pizza and coffee. Open all day and late night, Martello Hall is set over three floors and there’s even an on-site gin distillery producing small batches of Martello Gin. As much as possible is sourced locally including beers, charcuterie and even live entertainment.

Bar De Luxe, Hong Kong

One of Japan’s most famous bartenders, Hidetsugu Ueno has chosen Yuriko Naganuma to oversee his latest endeavour, Bar De Luxe, which has opened as part of men’s tailoring and grooming outlet, Attire House. His cocktail list includes The Hidden Gem, with Nikka From the Barrel Whisky, Japanese Yomogi herb liqueur, Averna Amaro and sugar syrup; and Black Negroni, which uses Bulldog London Dry, Carpano Antica Formula and Fernet Branca.

Ritorno, London

Authentic aperitivo bar Ritorno has opened its doors in London’s Chelsea, to bring an Italian cocktail experience to the area. Head barman Paolo Viola – formerly of Rivoli Bar at The Ritz – and chef Filippo Salzano have collaborated to create a unique cocktail and food pairing experience using ingredients inspired by and sourced from the Italian peninsula and surrounding islands. Try the Lady Giulia: a blend of Berto London Dry Gin and raspberry-flavoured shrub (an Oriental sweetened vinegar-based syrup) topped with Prosecco.

The Friend, Los Angeles

Located in Silver Lake, this charming new bar opened its doors on New Years Eve. Brimmed to the full with artistic detail, the candy-coated cocktail den includes works of art from noted street artists, well-priced cocktails and small plates until the early hours of the morning. The watering hole boasts a pink floor, a disco ball and a well-stocked bar, along with dishes from esteemed chef Eric Greenspan including croque monsieur, blinis and a couscous bowl.

Timmy Green, London

An all-day Australian restaurant and bar from the founders of popular brunch haunt Daisy Green has made its debut in Nova, Victoria. The 120-cover venue features a dedicated bar area with live music (via a baby grand piano and dedicated DJ booth), an upbeat restaurant (set over two floors), extensive outdoor lounging and an alfresco coffee bar. Organic and natural wines feature prominently on the Australian-influenced wine menu and cocktails are fresh and summery – think Veuve Clicquot Champagne Coolers and Raspberry and Lime Sours.

 

Tier, Nottingham

There’s only one place for cheese and cocktail lovers with the opening of Nottingham’s latest drinking den in the city centre. New bar and restaurant Tier serves up gourmet cheese toasties and innovative cocktails across two floors. Visit during happy hour (5-8pm) and classic cocktails such as the Espresso Martini, Tom Collins and Sidecar are just £4.

Smelly Goat, Sydney

Opening in the redeveloped Queens Hotel in Enmore, cocktail bar Smelly Goat is part of the three-in-one venue which also includes the Queen Victoria pub and Chinese restaurant Queen Chow. The upstairs bar has a swanky tavern feel with black timber panelling, taxidermy birds and an onyx bar. When you’re feeling peckish head to the Queen Chow for dishes including Japanese-Chinese scallop sashimi with yuzu, soy milk, quinoa and shisho and typhoon shelter crab.

The Hashery, Cardiff

Adorned with old comics and art, Cardiff’s latest bar and restaurant The Hashery is tantalising customers with homemade burgers, mussels and delicious drinks. Offering buy one get one free cocktails all day everyday, their range includes classics like Cosmopolitans, Mojitos and Daiquiris as well as their own concoctions like Pirate Juice, Electric Tea and The Filthy Wizard.

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