A music-focused Melbourne cocktail den and London’s latest Irish-inspired bar both feature in our round-up of the best new venues to open in January.

The Gun in London features on our list of the best new bars to open in January

Abstinence swept through the industry as Dry January took hold, but that didn’t stop the world’s bar operators from opening a host of exciting new watering holes.

Our pick of the top spots for imbibers to explore this month include a Polynesian-inspired cocktail parlour in Singapore and the latest underground drinking den from London’s Ladies & Gentlemen.

Click through our gallery to find out which new bars opened last month.

Missed out on our list of the top openings from December? Take a look here.

Pacifica, Singapore

Singapore bar Junior has reinvented itself to take on the guise of Pacifica, a tiki-inspired hideout.

Pacifica pays homage to tiki traditions, with exotic spirits, fresh ingredients and authentic Polynesian decor.

The bar’s menu is split into four sections: Legends of Liquid Lore, Apertiki, Traditional Tipples of the Tropics and Progressive Potions of Pacifica. Drinks on the menu include the Return of the Jiangshi, made with mushroom-infused rye whiskey, beetroot, five spice, smoky mezcal, lemon and passionfruit; and the Pāhoa, which combines Aperol, Champagne, grapefruit and passionfruit.

Peaches, Melbourne

The founders of Melbourne restaurant Dexter opened their latest project last month, called Peaches.

The bar, which takes over three levels in central Melbourne, boasts bright pastel interiors and a rooftop terrace with views across the city.

Cocktails at Peaches are separated into four sections – 90s pop, funk, metal and disco – and are served up alongside killer bar snacks, including spicy fried chicken.

The Grahamston, Glasgow

After a multi-million pound refurb at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu hotel, The Grahamston has opened in the hotel’s lobby.

Named in honour of one of Glasgow’s suburbs, The Grahamston is serving up a range of classic and signature cocktails, including its Smoked Old Fashioned, made with Glenfiddich 12-year-old, lapsang souchong and Angostura bitters; and the Pink Gin Fizz, which combines Pinkster Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, cream, soda water and egg white. 

Dear Irving on Hudson, New York

Dear Irving opened its second New York venue, this time taking up residence in the Aliz Hotel near Times Square.

Boasting luxurious interiors and views of the Manhattan skyline, Dear Irving on Hudson offers imbibers a menu of creative cocktails curated by bar director Meaghan Dorman.

The bar’s Ode to the Empire State menu features cocktails such as the Panorama Daiquiri, made with Owney’s rum, pineapple sugar, toasted coconut and lime; and the Half Moon Fix, which combines Mr Katz’s Rock & Rye, Ragtime Rye and blood orange.

Homeboy, London

Homeboy opened its doors in Islington and is the first venue from Irish duo Aaron Wall and Ciarán Smith, formerly of Callooh Callay and London Cocktail Club.

The bar brings a warm, laid­-back Irish hospitality to London, and offers classic cocktails and home-­cooked food set to a hip hop soundtrack.

Drinks on the bar’s menu include the Wogan, made with Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Apricot brandy, lime, sugar and saline; and the Taoiseach, which combines Redbreast 12 Potstill Irish Whiskey, Cointreau, Martini Rosso, pomegranate syrup, Angostura Bitters and Orange.

Chi Kinjo, Singapore

Singapore bar operator Coterie Concepts has opened the doors to its third venue, a sushi restaurant and highball den called Chi Kinjo.

The intimate Singapore venue offers a sushi menu curated by chef Lamley Chua and served up alongside innovative highballs and cocktails developed by group chief bartender, Sam Wong.

The drinks list includes the Sweet Pear & Rosemary, made with Tanqueray Gin, pear, sugar syrup, lemon juice and tonic water; and the Gin & Ginger, made with Tanqueray 10, ginger beer, lime juice and syrup.

The Gun, London

The East London Pub Co has opened the doors to its latest venue, The Gun in Spitalfields, which is inspired by the area’s heritage of artillery factories and breweries.

The 350-person pub features an industrial look and feel with design features including copper finishing, green marble and a statement ‘gunshot’ glass installation.

Imbibers will be able to enjoy an extensive drinks menu, including innovative spirits, wine and craft beers, with a dining menu comprising high-quality dishes made from locally sourced produce and ingredients.

Angel Music Bar, Melbourne

Last month, Melbourne’s bustling bar scene welcomed Angel Music Bar, the latest venue from celebrated restaurateur Con Christopoulos.

The music-focused venue mixes up signature cocktails to a soundtrack that is said to be “an eclectic mix of whatever feels right at the time”.

Angel Music Bar will host DJs across a range of genres and offer a “room service” food menu from the neighbouring Butcher’s Diner.

Ladies & Gentlemen Camden, London

London-based bathroom bar Ladies & Gentlemen has opened its latest site, taking over the abandoned public toilets on Camden Road.

The intimate underground drinking den is the third bar from founder William Borrell and offers the same vibrant yet cosy atmosphere found at the bar’s sister sites in Kentish Town and Kings Cross.

Cocktails on the menu at the new bar include the Four Plus Four, made with Ocho Blanco Tequila, rose vermouth, amaro and truffle; and the Emerald City Sour, which combines Bán Poitín, emerald city liqueur, yellow chartreuse, elderflower and almond.