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Hottest bar openings in December 2017

A Star Wars-inspired pop-up bar, a rooftop drinking den and a boozy video game arcade are among the hottest bars to open their doors last month.

Charmaine’s in San Francisco is among our hot new bar openings in December

The New Year has come and gone. But, before signing off alcohol for a month, why not take a look at some of the newest bar openings, each aiming to cure your January blues.

From a speakeasy rising from the ashes of an old boxing gym to Star Wars-themed pop-ups, this month’s hottest bars offer something unique to put a smile on your face in everyone’s least favourite month.

Click through our gallery to find out the hottest new bars to open in the last month.

Missed out on our list of the top openings from November? Check out our gallery from last month here.

London Cocktail Club, London

London Cocktail Club’s newest venue opened on Liverpool Street last month and follows the theme of “lock-in at the freak show.”

Sit back with one of the group’s famous cocktails in the vintage fairground-themed basement bar, which features big-top styled faux-leather banquettes, ouija board tables and the flickering buzz of multi-coloured lights.

Darkside Bars, Washington, New York and L.A

Star Wars mania swept the world in December as The Last Jedi hit cinemas and to mark the occasion, three themed pop-ups opened in Washington, New York and Los Angeles.

The Darkside Bars are open throughout December and January and feature decor to rival the Death Star and signature cocktails, such as Taste The Dark Side and The Imperial.

Tapas Revolution, Newcastle

The latest venue from Tapas Revolution has opened in Newcastle, bringing a taste of Spain to the city.

Inspired by chef Omar Allibhoy’s hometown of Madrid, the bar features vivid blue tiles, potted greenery and Iberian music – bringing a taste of Madrid’s lively bar scene to Newcastle.

Allibhoy said: “I’m excited to be opening our first Lounge & Sangria Bar in Newcastle, there’s a great bar scene here and I’m excited to get involved and bring some Spanish twists to the mix.“

Level Up, Singapore

Retro arcade games and next level drinks come together at this new Singapore bar.

Level Up is a new concept for the island city-state, bringing together the best arcade games, drinks and Asian-inspired bar snacks at the Clarke Quay site.

Throughout the bar the nostalgia continues, as graffiti murals of your favourite arcade game characters cover the walls and hundreds of pages of comic books line the restrooms.

Jack Solomons Club, London

Housed on the site of a former boxing gym, Jack Solomons takes its name from the British boxing star and hopes to become the venue he would have opened.

The Soho speakeasy transports you to a world of old-school glamour, with red leather walls, plush velvet seats and a pewter bar top.

Access to the secretive venue is through a hidden door off a street-side deli, which leads you past a neighbouring kitchen’s butchery and into the basement. Follow the sound of the music and you can’t go wrong.

Peaky Blinder Bar, Liverpool

A new bar has opened in Liverpool, inspired by the hit BBC show, Peaky Blinders.

The 1920s-themed bar has opened on the site of the old Cains Brewery and comes from the team who opened a similarly themed venue in neighbouring Southport.

The Peak Blinder Bar features a range of draught and bottled beers, a selection of spirits and a cocktail menu inspired by the programme.

Drinks on the menu include The Thomas Shelby, Naughty Ada and Billy Kimble’s Breakfast.

Charmaine’s, San Francisco

Located 120 feet above San Francisco, Charmaine’s offers incredible views of the city and equally excellent cocktails.

The hotel rooftop bar brings European chic and the ‘California cool’ lifestyle to San Francisco alongside a menu of original cocktails and bar snacks perfect for sharing around the fire pits.

The Blue Post, London

The team behind London’s The Palomar and The Barbary have opened their latest venue, The Blue Post.

A pub has stood on the Chinatown site for 275 years and The Blue Post aims to honour this history.

On the first floor, The Mulwray Cocktail Lounge is all polished marble, brass and killer cocktails. Downstairs, the beer cellar has become Evelyn’s Table, offering countertop service, with just 11 seats and the kitchen right behind the counter.

Nuala Bar, London

By day, Nuala promises comforting flavours cooked over a giant fire pit, with modern riffs on classic combinations. But in the evening, things shift up a gear.

Nuala Bar is an underground Irish bar with live music every day, an impressive whiskey menu, signature cocktails and a range of draught beers.

With its sweeping concrete bar and sleek relaxed seating, this new London venue hopes to change your opinions of traditional Irish bars.

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