These New London Bars Are Bringing The Heat: May 2022

Fine wines, 1970s glamour and flowing mezcal - May is gonna be epic

Seasonal affective disorder? Never met her. The sun is out, summer is in sight and there are a ton of beaut new bars opening in London this month, from a late-night aperitivo and pizza palace to a groovy rooftop hangout with serious LA vibes. Add ‘em to your must-visit list, and let’s do the damn thing!

Laurel’s on the Roof 

Now open

The shag is on trend, bell bottoms are everywhere, and each room in our flat now has its own dedicated disco ball. The style of the 1970s is back, baby - and this glamorous new east London hotspot understands the assignment. Laurel’s on the Roof, perched atop the Mondrian Shoreditch hotel, delivers a groovy atmosphere with a distinctly Californian twist. It’s inspired by the luxurious hedonism of the Hollywood Hills, which translates to banging retro cocktails (we’ll take a Wet Gibson, please) and an on-theme seasonal food menu (think shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell and tacos galore). We know where we’ll be hanging this summer… 

45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT

American Bar at The Savoy

Now open (again)

Yep, we’re well aware that this renowned hotel bar isn’t exactly new - it’s been around since 1893, after all - but we’re pretty jazzed that it’s reopening for the first time since last year, complete with a fresh cocktail menu. Titled Re:Invented, the American Bar’s lush new list reimagines some of the most iconic serves from throughout the bar’s history. Our first order? Spring Is In The Air, a cocktail first created in 1934 by the famed bartender Harry Craddock (apparently the drink’s main ingredient was an aperitif wine that no longer exists, so the legends at London’s Portobello Distillery casually dreamed up a new version just for this cocktail). Oh, and the menu’s development was led by none other than Anna Sebastian, queen of the hotel bar scene - a sure sign that the American Bar’s new era is gonna be next level.

The Savoy, London WC2R 0EZ

28°-50° Oxford Circus 

Now open

Picture it: you make your way to Oxford Street for a bit of retail therapy, only to find that the big Topshop has gone kaput and the crowds are stifling. To drown your sorrows and escape the bustle, you head to this oasis of a wine bar, the new sister venue of the perennially chic 28°-50° in Marylebone (and a replacement for the Covent Garden branch, which shut last year). 28°-50° Oxford Circus is ideal for unwinding with a glass or three of fine wine in a relaxed, Euro-chic setting, and if you’re peckish, the bar’s somms can guide you to the perfect food pairing. Feelin’ fancy? Take a peek at the Collectors’ List, featuring rare and unique wines, and treat yourself to some high-end sipping and swirling.

4 Great Portland St, London W1W 8QJ

The Residency

Now open

Whether you’re a Notting Hill local or you simply like to roam the streets there to make yourself feel like the star of a rom-com, this one’s for you. The Residency is the newest addition to the neighbourhood, serving up a variety of tried-and-true classic cocktails and cracking seasonal dishes (the banoffee pie has transformed us into a walking heart-eyes emoji). Wanna get your groove on? Stop by on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for DJ sets and flowing booze. 

50 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH

The Lucky Club Camden 

Now open 

There’s no shortage of rooftop bars to visit this summer, but we have a feeling The Lucky Club’s new Camden outpost will be on our regular rotation. That’s because it’s dedicated to two of our favourite things, Margaritas and tacos. Looking to grab drinks with a bunch of pals? With 130 covers, this place is perfect for groups. It also offers some pretty sweet deals on weekdays: two-for-one cocktails on Mondays, £2 tacos on Tuesdays, and - if you’re feelin’ lucky - the chance to roll a die for free drinks from Monday to Thursday. Plus, it’s got heaters and a retractable roof, because, ya know, London. Order us a Marg, will ya?

North Stables Yard, Camden Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AH

Palazzo

Opens 18 May 

The pizza prodigies behind Made of Dough have already set up shop in both Peckham and Shoreditch, and are now expanding their empire with this shiny new bar and restaurant in Crystal Palace. Palazzo is a relaxed all-day hangout - pop in for a light bite and a coffee in the afternoon, and roll through in the evening for delicious Italian dishes and boozy bevs. The drinks list is an aperitivo lover’s dream: from the Bicecletta (white wine, Campari, soda) to the Negroni Sbagliato (Campari, red vermouth, Prosecco), Palazzo’s got all the classics. And did we mention the late-night party vibes? Come prepared to boogie on Friday and Saturday evenings, when a killer line-up of DJs will be on deck until 1am. 

3-6 Church Rd, London SE19 2TF

Cavita and Mayahuel 

Opens 20 May 

Chef Adriana Cavita has worked in some of the hottest restaurants around the world, and now she’s bringing her signature style to our very own city - safe to say we’re feeling #blessed. At Cavita in Marylebone, she’ll be cooking up dishes that celebrate her Mexican heritage and explore the traditions of the country’s different regions. We’re pumped for the food, but naturally the major highlight for us is the mezcal bar tucked away in the basement. Mayahuel is set to have a stellar selection of sipping mezcals, banging small plates for snacking and some insane cocktails. We’ve never felt so seen.

60 Wigmore Street, London W1U 2RZ