Hottest bar openings in April 2015

All manner of exciting new venues enthralled the world’s barflies last month, from a beach scene rooftop bar in London to an “urban farm” in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, Edinburgh, London and Los Angeles all appear in our pick of the hottest bar openings in April 2015

Whisky is also a dominant theme throughout our pick of the world’s hottest new bar openings in April 2015, with sites in the UK and China opening in celebration of the spirit.

Innovation was also at the heart of new bars unveiled last month, with an 80s throwback and apothecary-style drinking den popping up in Los Angeles and London.

Meanwhile, a high-end steak restaurant in the northern UK city of Manchester enhanced its cocktail reputation with an stylish new space.

Click through the following pages to see the hottest bars to open across the globe last month.

SkyLounge Nantucket Beach Club, London

London’s SkyLounge bar, based at the summit of the Doubletree by Hilton hotel, has welcomed its latest summer pop-up, Nantucket Beach Club. Launched in association with Snow Queen Vodka and Lanson Champagne, the bar channels a laid back New England vibe and even sports a scene out of Wedding Crashers and a miniature skittles lane. Serving an array of seafood-inspired dishes, frozen beers and Champagne cocktails, the haunt is set to become a must-visit spot of the London summer season.

The Pawn, Hong Kong

Popular Hong Kong venue The Pawn, located in Wan Chai, has opened a new rooftop bar called The Farm. The new space includes an “urban farm” filled with more than 20 different types of herb, including rare and unusual varieties such as Paris Market baby carrots, buckler sorrel, jaglo nero and bronze fennel. It is the brainchild of head chef, Tom Aikens, who has worked in the position since the venue reopened in November 2014 having undergone a refurbishment programme.

The Bar at Gaucho, Manchester

Any red meat lover will know Argentine restaurant Gaucho is renowned for its incredible steaks, but the high end chain is attempting to further establish itself in the cocktail world with the opening of a brand new bar in Manchester. Doubling its entrance space, Gaucho hopes its new space will become a “destination” cocktail bar in the city with capacity for 120 people. It is said to reflect the “golden era” of 1920s-50s Buenos Aires when architecture, cuisine and the arts were at their height.

Black Dice, London

Mayfair’s newest cocktail haunt Black Dice is based inconspicuously behind a pink door in the basement of Momo restaurant. Described as a “rock and roll” cocktail bar inspired by enigmatic figures of the 60s, the dark yet lavish bar is stylishly adorned with rock music memorabilia. It serves an array of modern and classic experimental cocktails, including a Daiquiri made with charcoal. Don’t be scared off by the peacock feathers and leopard skin.

Break Room 86, LA

The 80s, with all its glorious neon and karaoke, has reappeared in Los Angeles with the opening of Break Room 86. Situated inside The Line Hotel in Koreatown, the bar is awash paraphernalia from the decade, with hoards of televisions consistently playing classic shows such as Garfield and Blockbusters.  Pac Man and Donkey Kong even make an appearance on retro arcade games, while fruity blue cocktails are available in abundance.

Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder, Edinburgh

Usquabae Whisky Bar & Larder is said to be Edinburgh’s premier new whisky bar, stocking 400 different bottlings, with a number of craft beers and other spirits. Located in the basement of the popular Ryan’s Bar, Usquabae is a full of cosy candle lit corners, utilisng a speakeasy design with wood and copper. The bar prides itself on its list of unusual and rare whiskies, many from mothballed Scotch distilleries.

Tonic & Remedy, London

A new apothecary-themed restaurant and bar has opened its doors in London’s East End. Tonic & Remedy combines dishes designed by former Michelin-starred chef Paul Welburn, with cocktails crafted courtesy of award-winning Benedictine ambassador Jeremy Pascal. The concept aims to celebrate the apothecaries within British heritage in an effort to deliver a “tonic and remedy for everyone”. Signature serves will include Apothecary, a drink based on a herbal liqueur cooked with rosemary and sweetened with homemade peach-butterscotch jam.

Mizunara: The Library, Hong Kong

The recently opened Mizunara: The Library, based in Hong Kong, boasts an extensive array of whiskies from around the world and specialises in, you guessed it, whisky-based cocktails. Featuring an timelessly elegant design, the bar is sure to become sure to become popular among the city’s vast array of spirits connoisseurs.