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Hottest bar openings in October 2018

London’s latest Japanese-influenced cocktail hideout and a Singapore hotel bar offering unrivalled views both feature in our round-up of the hottest new drinking dens.

Mo Bar at Singapore’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel features in our list of hottest bar openings for October

In a month that saw sushi restaurant and cocktail bar Sushisamba open its fifth site and Inception Group expand its portfolio of Around the World in 80 Days-themed venues, imbibers were also treated to a host of unique new concept bars that opened their doors as well.

In London, drinkers were given a new spot to get their G & Tea fix, while Arizonans gained another craft cocktail bar to explore.

Click through our gallery to find out which new bars have opened in October.

Missed out on our list of the top openings from September? Catch up on some of the best new spots for imbibers to explore here.

Sushisamba, London

Sushi restaurant and cocktail bar chain Sushisamba has opened the doors to its fifth venue, which has taken over the Opera Terrace atop Covent Garden’s Market Building.

The interior design for Sushisamba Covent Garden has been influenced by the spirit of Japan, Brazil and Peru, and features a glass roof and boasts views across the piazza.

As part of its beverage programme, Sushisamba Covent Garden will offer one of the largest premium saké selections in the world, as well as a robust Japanese whisky collection.

Ichibar, London

London Japanese restaurant Ichibuns has opened its first late-night drinking destination in the capital.

Ichibar has launched in London’s Soho serving up an extensive list of Japanese whisky, gin, craft ale, saké and a selection of signature cocktails.

Cocktails on offer include Azabu’s Sgroppino, which combines vodka, lemon sherbet, passionfruit, lychee and raspberry sorbet, and the Hadouken, a punchy mix of Tequila, watermelon, falernum, lime and saké.

Across The Pond, Phoenix

Across The Pond is the latest craft cocktail bar from hospitality experts Nicholas Campisano and Joshua James, the brains behind Arizona’s Clever Koi.

The new venue features an ever-changing menu of signature cocktails plus a selection of Japanese whiskies, craft beers and wines.

The space boasts a minimalist décor described as “tropical meets mid-century modern”, which is highlighted by dark and warm woods and colourful tropical wallpaper.

Mrs Fogg’s Maritime Club and Distillery, London

London bar operator Inception Group this month opened the doors to the latest site in its portfolio of Around the World in 80 Days-themed venues.

Mrs Fogg’s Maritime Club and Distillery has been inspired by Phileas Fogg’s wife, Aouda, and will span two floors each taking guests on a “fantastical journey filled with exotic flavours, ingredients and relics”.

On the ground floor, drinkers can enjoy a large central bar surrounded by foliage, large wooden fans and antique nautical items, while below deck guests will discover the engine room, a secret space filled with cargo as well as a gin distillery.

Teatulia, London

Teatulia has opened in London’s Covent Garden offering imbibers in the capital a selection of tea-based cocktails and rare tea blends from the tea garden in Tetulia, Bangladesh.

The space aims to be a “tea shop like no other” and has been described as part-tea shop, part-cocktail bar and part-literary salon.

Mo Bar, Singapore

The Mandarin Oriental hotel in Singapore has opened its latest bar concept, called Mo Bar.

The space is said to be a “chic new addition to Singapore’s bar scene” and boasts stunning view of the Marina Bay.

The décor incorporates travel artefacts, hand-carved wooden sculptures, etched metal panels and hand-woven tapestries, while the drinks menu features a number of signature serves created by bar manager Michele Mariotti.

Last Nights of Havana, London

The team behind London’s Skylight, Meanwhile Events, has launched its latest pop-up in the capital, Last Nights of Havana.

Taking over Tobacco Dock, the pop-up has been inspired by the opulent 1940s and 50s pre-revolution Havana and evokes a time when rum cocktails, cigars, Cadillacs and unbridled glamour were the order of the day.

Running until May 2019, music at Last Nights Of Havana will draw inspiration from Cuba’s famous sounds, and combine them with a contemporary London soundtrack.

Bulldog Bar, London

London dry gin brand Bulldog has opened a new gin bar inside London music venue Printworks.

The Bulldog Gin Bar features a host of Bulldog signature serves and hopes to enhance the brand’s partnership with the world of music.

The space utilises modern industrial lighting and materials in keeping with the building, while the Bulldog Gin Ginporium hopes to cement the space as a destination for distinct flavour.

Duke of Hamilton, London

The Duke of Hamilton has reopened in London’s Hampstead following an extensive refurbishment of the historic pub.

First opened in the early 1700s, the refurbished Duke of Hamilton will retain many of its historic features, including its iconic bar, while the new owners have put their modern take on a classic homely pub, with comfortable furniture, a relaxed atmosphere and contemporary touches.

Opening alongside the pub is the Hampstead Jazz Club, which will host intimate live performances by a variety of musicians, from established stars to emerging talent.

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