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Hottest bar openings in May 2017
By Annie HayesA San Francisco speakeasy based on science fiction action-adventure film Tron and an eclectic 60s-inspired clubbing experience in Singapore make our pick of the world’s hottest new bars.
A cocktail from Rooster Taqueria at London’s The Curtain
The UK and US dominated our pick of last month’s bar launches with a whole host of innovative, playful and downright bizarre menu concepts.
In London Duck and Waffle opened a second site, this time with a focus on the increasingly popular ‘taptails’ trend, while across town in Shoreditch new members club and hotel The Curtain opened its doors boasting cocktail direction from anti waste heroes Trash Tiki.
Chicago welcomed an Italian-inspired late night Art Deco cocktail den, and in New York a brand new hotel bar championing classic and speciality cocktails with a Moroccan twist flung open its doors.
Click through the following pages to discover some of the world’s hottest new bars in May 2017.
Missed our top openings in April? Check out last month’s list.
The Curtain, London
Trash Tiki founders and cocktail specialists Iain Griffiths and Kelsey Ramage are to oversee drinks direction for The Curtain – the first European venture from New York hotelier Michael Achenbaum. The duo launched the anti-waste punk pop up last year, and will oversee the drinks for Red Rooster Shoreditch, which will take inspiration from the restaurant’s Harlem roots; Rooster Taqueria, where the focus is on Latin and agave spirits such as Tequila, mezcal, pisco and cachaça; and a menu of spritzes and fizzes at rooftop bar The Lido. The Screening Room and the hotel room mini bars will also feature Trash Tiki bottled cocktails, and a ‘sun downer’ trolley will provide an in-room cocktail service at 5pm each day.
The Grid at Coin-Op, San Francisco
Arcade game haven Coin-Op has opened a speakeasy inspired by 1982 sci-fi cult classic Tron. After figuring out how to crack the secret online reservation system – which requires a coded password – drinkers enter The Grid through a door designed to look like a vintage arcade game. Inside the decor is clean, white and futuristic, and the drinks offering is science-y and bold: think coloured ice, flowers, spirits, shrubs, syrups and tinctures. Designed by bar manager Jason Huffman, the craft cocktail menu – described as an array of floral, citrus, umami, bitter, savory, sweet and creamy flavours – will be nostalgic for Tron fans and a treat for cocktail lovers. Even better if you’re both.
LuLu’s Lounge, Singapore
The bar is the brainchild of Josh and Sarissa Schwartz, the names behind Bang Bang, Employees Only Singapore and Privé group. Described as “a departure from the mega-club experience”, LuLu’s Lounge projects the characteristics of a 1960’s New York back alley club, with twists on classic cocktails, a carefully-curated wine list, and bottle service. The eclectic hotspot also features a garden hideaway clad in fairy lights with vintage-modern furnishings.
Colonel Porter’s Emporium, Newcastle
Named after the creator of Newcastle Brown Ale, Colonel Porter’s Tavern, Botanical Garden and Rhum Bar channels the age of Victorian adventurers with its quirky décor, spanning giant flowering trees, stuffed animal heads and a North East ‘roll of honour’. Alongside a range of cask ales, the bar will offer more than 100 rums and a full programme of unusual events such as ‘tipsy tea’ and talks by politicians, explorers and entrepreneurs.
Otto Mezzo, Chicago
This new late-night Art Deco cocktail bar champions “mindful” ingredients that have “distinct flavours of Italy”. A quick glance down the menu confirms this – take Figurati!, containing Purus Vodka, Don Ciccio & Figli Cinque, Luxardo Albicocca Apricot, Lurisia Aranciata and lemon; or the Biscotti Sour, combining Faretti Biscotti Famosi, Caffo Vecchia Grappa, Dashfire Lemon Bitters, Peychaud’s Bitters, bitter almond, lemon and egg white. To complement the drinks, Chef Hickey has created an aperitivo-inspired food menu with nightly-rotating pasta dishes.
Duck and Waffle Local, London
A second Duck and Waffle site graced London last month, this time located in St. James’s. Created by head of spirit and cocktail development Rich Woods, the bar menu launched with four ‘Taps & Tails’ cocktails and three bottled serves. Taps include the Millennial Mojito, made with Bacardi Carta Blanca; The Breakfast Fizz, already a popular serve from Duck and Waffle; and the Seasonal Spritz, with a blend of vermouths and aromatised wines, spritzed with sparkling wine. House cocktail Duck & Stormy sees Bacardi Carta Negra and fruit, lime and ginger juices sweetened and carbonated.
Jacques Bar at The Lowell, New York
Featuring geometric marble floors, embossed leather walls and a vintage-style mirrored ceiling; this chic Upper East Side cocktail bar is the final part of a three-pronged US$25 million redevelopment of the hotel’s public spaces. The bar’s menu boasts a mix of classic and speciality cocktails with a Moroccan twist, such as Marrakesh Express, comprising Tito’s Vodka, orange blossom water, and verbena; and Bleu de Majorelle; made with Bombay Sapphire gin, Jus de Myrtilles, and St. Germain.
The Clifton, London
Steeped in history, The Clifton has long been a fixture of the local community, and was restored to its former glory last month by brothers Ben and Ed Robson. The Georgian building has a fascinating history. So it goes, King Edward VII would often take his mistress Lillie Langtry there, and reputedly ordered the venue to change from a ‘hunting lodge’ into a ‘hotel’ to accommodate him because royals were not allowed to drink in pubs. Boasting an evolved definition of pub food, its very own craft beer and an impressive spirits offering, The Clifton is slated to be the new go-to boozer among St John’s Wood locals.