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Hottest bar openings in October 2016

A groundbreaking whisky den, specialist Cuban bar and fairytale cocktail forest are all included in our latest round-up of hot new bar openings around the world.

Revolución de Cuba in Newcastle features on our list of hottest bar openings in October

October has seen the opening of a whole array of venues around the world – from rooftop hotel bars to historical haunts and established cocktail chains.

While the team behind B.Y.O.C. have opened a new cocktail venture in East London, the UK has also seen the expansion of a colourful Cuban bar chain in Newcastle and the debut of Dalston’s latest dance spot.

In addition to the UK capital, the US saw a number of exciting bars open their doors, including the re-opening of a beloved New York bar in Austin. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong a specialist baijiu bar has designed a list of carefully-crafted cocktails using the unique spirit.

Did you miss our favourite openings from September? Check out the list from last month.

Click through the following pages to discover some of the hottest bars to open around the world in October 2016.

Ping Pong, London

Ultimate Dim Sum destination Ping Pong has brought its vibrant atmosphere and delicious eats to Maiden Lane in the very heart of Covent Garden. Serving up bite-sized sharing plates alongside stunning contemporary cocktails, the new site boasts a sleek interior design and a long-slung, standalone lounge bar. Be sure to check out the Chestnut Sour – Chivas Regal 12yo, Disaronno, fresh lemon juice, Angostura bitters and chestnut served with a spray of Ardbeg 10 yo – or the specially-crafted Black and Gold Tom Collins created in collaboration with Welsh fashion designer Julien Macdonald.

B.Y.O.C., East London

Bring Your Own Cocktail (better known as B.Y.O.C) has opened its fifth venue in east London, inviting guests to step back into the prohibition area whilst enjoying a bespoke cocktail and celebrating the great British Library. Guests are asked to pay a £25 entrance fee and bring along their favourite spirit from which the bartenders will whip up a delicious range of tipples. With a 1920s theme, the bar has books lining the walls, vintage wallpaper and a piano for live music in the evenings.

Merchant House Fleet Street, London

The second Merchant House has opened on Fleet Street with a focus on Irish and Scottish whiskies (with around 500 already in their collection) and a cocktail menu focused on the British Empire and the area’s history and stories. Named ‘A Sense of Place’, the cocktail menu consists of a series of drinks, each aligned to a story of rebellion, folklore, terroir etc. The knowledgeable staff are keen to introduce new people to a whole world of whisky as well as lighter, refreshing whisk(e)y cocktails.

Cedar Tavern, Austin

Austin’s latest bar harkens back to the long history of New York City with the opening of Cedar Tavern in Eberly – a dining and drinking space. During its storied tenure, the original Cedar Tavern in Greenwich Village played host to the likes of Bob Dylan and Jackson Pollock. After it was shut down, the 150-year-old bar was disassembled and preserved, now reappearing in Austin, featuring a drinks lineup that focuses on craft cocktails and beer.

Revolución de Cuba, Newcastle

The twelfth venue from the Cuban chain is set to opened this month in Newcastle in a 4,500 square foot venue. The new venue will feature a live music stage and hold weekly salsa socials, special Rum Club events, themed fiestas and cocktail masterclasses. Promising a fantastic selection of premium cocktails and a wide selection of rums, customers will be able to enjoy a relaxed food and drink experience during the day before it turns into a Caribbean fiesta at night.

Light Brigade, Sydney

Situated in the Light Brigade Hotel on Oxford Street, is its latest addition – a cocktail bar 83 meters above sea level, from which both the harbour and the city skyline are visible. There’s even a circular bar that fans around the open terrace so that there’s views from every angle. And if you want to get away from those rays (although you can be safe that won’t happen in November), you can retire to the 1920s-styled cocktail lounge or head to the first floor dining room if you get peckish.

Forest Restaurant and Bar, London

Forest Restaurant and Bar will open for a new winter season in Selfridges with the rooftop transformed into a glittering party, set in an alpine forest. Selfridges and restaurateur Des McDonald have collaborated for a sixth season on the iconic rooftop restaurant and will be transforming the space into a golden, winter forest for shoppers and party goers. Forest’s beautiful walkway entrance will be decorated with glitter balls and gold and glitter accents throughout the restaurant provide the perfect shimmery wintry retreat.

Deng G, Hong Kong

Sichuan chef Deng Huadong has just brought his celebrated Deng G restaurant from Shanghai to Hong Kong. The large space has an opulent bamboo décor throughout the dining area, complete with a baijiu bar on the first floor, where guests are invited to wind down with a baijiu cocktail, before heating up their palates upstairs. Starters are designed to share, such as sliced pork with garlic and chilli and a simple dish of okra with ginger.

Ray’s Bar, London

The team behind Voodoo Ray’s and Dalston Superstore have unveiled a new late-night drinking spot in Dalston, Ray’s Bar, offering incredible cocktails and a roster of vinyl DJs. Ray’s Bar combines brightly coloured textured interiors, including eye-catching monochrome patterns and mesmerising mirrored disco walls. The drinks menu has been designed by drinks consultant Shiv Lal (previously GM at Lab Bar), along with general manager Waseem Akbar and head bartender Dave Miller. The trio have created a diverse menu incorporating the varied inspirations and flavours of the surrounding Dalston area.

Caravan Bankside, London

Already hugely popular in Exmouth Market and King’s Cross, Caravan are making the leap across the river to Bankside this Autumn. Like its other sites, it will be an all-day restaurant with breakfast and brunch playing a big part of it. New cocktails to the menu include the Chef’s Margarita with preserved lemon, lime and cumin salt and ‘Curds & Whey’ milk punch.

Temple & Sons, London

Jason Atherton-owned restaurant group The Social Company opened the doors to Temple & Sons, a new City grill restaurant and bar, situated adjacent to the iconic Tower 42. Carbonated cocktails are canned on site, including Can Can, which combines strawberry and black pepper jam, Reyka vodka, Aperol and Prosecco; and Temple’s Tipple, a mix of Jameson’s Irish whiskey, stout, chocolate bitters and coffee. Cocktails served in card milk cartons and sardine cans will take inspiration from traditional British provisions, such as Gentleman’s Relish – a Bloody Mary made from a Portobello Road gin distillate with Gentleman’s Relish and Worcestershire sauce.

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