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Continuing my mission to discover bars with epic views around London, cloudM rooftop bar at citizenM Tower of London has been one high on my list to visit. Located on the 7th floor directly above Tower Hill Station, it’s said to be one of London’s best-kept secrets, where you can enjoy cocktails whilst enjoying a sensational view of the Tower of London. We were here to sample the new Gin & Tea Time menu, running Fridays – Sunday the menu is in collaboration with iconic gin brand Bombay Sapphire, championing the spirit in a range of London-inspired cocktails. The view really is undeniably stunning, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the panoramic views of the London skyline, include the Tower of London, The Shard and Trinity Square. Nestled into a comfortable chair with the sun slowly setting, this is one of those movements that fill you with love of the great city. Settled down with a plate of tea-time bites; English cheeses, charcuterie meats, nuts, olives, hummus and crackers. We ordered most extravagant-looking cocktail on the menu, the London Eye; a mix of Bombay Premier Cru, sugar syrup, lime juice, blue curacao, ginger, liquor and sparkling wine. Glistening bright blue, it was surprisingly fresh and easy to drink, garnished with a piece of fluffy blue candy floss as a nod to London’s skyline. Eager to try another, I opted for the Thames Trader; a blend of Bombay Sapphire gin, mango juice, cinnamon and chili syrup, lime juice and chocolate bitters. A lover of spice and all things chocolate… this was pretty much my dream cocktail, a level of sweetness that means you can’t drink too many but ideal if you want to sip on one or two. Delicious cocktails, tasty snacks and an insane view, Gin and Tea Time at cloudM is a great weekend option if you want to sip in style. Available Thursday – Sunday’s Address: 40 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4DJ Website: www.citizenm.com/cloudm/tower-of-london Written by Jordan Crowley Photos courtesy of citizenM #citizenm #cloudm #rooftopbar

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE have joined forces with six UK bars to create gin-infused artistic jelly cube and cocktail pairings as part of the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE ‘Saw This Made This’ campaign. A campaign that has been the talk of summer! The innovative brand wants to continue to show people that creative inspiration exists all around them, whether it be the area they live in, place of work or favourite park to walk through. Each of the six, unique ‘Saw This Made This’ art bite designs has taken creative inspiration from the bar’s local area – think iconic flower stalls on East London’s Columbia Road and the beauty of the National Monument of Edinburgh. Head bartenders from each venue spent time crafting a bespoke cocktail, to perfectly complement the art bite pairing. Guests can marvel at and enjoy bitesize art that’s edible, served up in an eye-catching jelly medium, paired with a creative cocktail serve. It’s arty, creative and a little wacky and we are here for it! Gather up some friends or loved ones and head on over to one of the bars for a night to remember. The six bars include – London’s Blue Bar at The Berkeley, Ester, The Bar Below at Hide, and Sager + Wilde Paradise Row, Manchester’s Exhibition and Edinburgh’s Hey Palu. Website: www.bombaysapphire.com Photo courtesy of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE #BombaySapphire #gin

If you’re in the know cocktail-wise, you understand that anything Mr Lyan touches turns to gold. From Dandelion to Lyannesse his incredible cocktails have gone global and won every award going. Seed Library inside the One Hundred Shoreditch is already a destination, even more so this November it will play host to a pop-up of the Toki Listening bar by House of Suntory. Bringing the sound of Tokyo to London and inspired by the concept of Japanese listening bars, the wood-panelled space already lends itself to a jazzy vibe and for the month of November has signature whisky cocktails blended with the signature Toki whisky, special events and a series of guest DJ’s. There are vinyl mixes by MAJ (My Analogue Journal)  taking in Japanese funk over the years as well as live performances every Thursday. Thurs 9th November – MAJ spotlight – 8pm-12am: Shaqdi and Kay Suzuki Thurs 16th Nov – MAJ spotlight – 8pm-12am: Ceylan Goksel and Mari* Kimura Thurs 23rd Nov – MAJ spotlight – 8pm-12am: Zag Erlat and Nina Yamada Thurs 30th Nov – MAJ spotlight – 8pm-12am: Zag Erlat, Shaqdi and Ceylan Goksel Make sure you visit on 22nd November as for one night only, there will be an exclusive bar takeover by renowned Japanese bartender Hidetsugu Ueno, visiting from Tokyo’s Bar High Five. During this exclusive evening, guests can sample a unique menu of Suntory Highballs, crafted by Ueno. Booking is via www.seedlibraryshoreditch.com The Toki Listening Bar is open 1st November – 30th November Seed Library is inside One Hundred Shoreditch at 100 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JQ Open Monday Wednesday Thursday 6pm- 1am Written by Claire Selby Photo courtesy of David Robson #seedlibrary #shoreditch #toki

Nestled in amongst the many independent bars and restaurants in Brixton Village, Finch Bar flutters into a bright corner with real style and elegance. The light decadent space reminded us of Paris, New York and Marrakesh with its warm terracotta walls, striped ceiling, and staff bringing the place to life with a level of service rare to find in the city. The space has clearly been designed for you to enter open-mouthed, gazing at the beautiful golden feather ceiling centrepiece and then marvelling at the wine racks and stunning marble bar. Seating is arranged for intimate conversations and there are only two seats at the bar. We opted for the giant delicious olives and moreish mixed nuts with our first cocktails: a mocktail and the Dickens Daiquiri. It was super refreshing to be asked what flavours we preferred for the mocktail – all night the barman blended flavours for us which were perfect incorporating bergamot, lady grey tea and nothing too sweet as we’d requested. We ordered the all aboard – a wooden platter with a delicious mixture of meats and cheese, including moreish chutney, rich sourdough and a medley of cheeses and cooked meats – wonderful presentation and plenty for two of us to share. Luckily we did get a seat inside eventually, which was a big tip as the November chills had started to set in. If you are looking for a place to impress a date, friend or a birthday treat we highly recommend this wonderful spot. Address: Granville Arcade, Unit 89 Coldharbour Ln, London, SW9 8PS Website:  www.finchwinebar.com Written by Claire Selsby Photos courtesy of Finch Wine Bar #brixton #finchbar #winebar

The competition is heating up for this season’s “go-to” winter wonderland party experience. Situated in Canary Wharf,  The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan has created an outdoor alpine experience with their terrace with 3 newly installed igloos providing an unforgettable experience under the open sky along with fantastic views of Canary Wharf. The heated igloos, adorned with evergreen woodland wreaths, twinkling lights, plush furry throws and can each accommodate 10 seated guests, providing the perfect setting to eat, drink, and be merry. Whether you’re planning a festive office party or a gathering with loved ones, The Sipping Room promises a snug and inviting atmosphere. To elevate the experience, indulge in exclusive Grey Goose Vodka cocktails designed to chase away the winter chill. Sip on creations like the “Berry Kisses Fizz” with Grey Goose Vodka, chestnut syrup, spiced berries, and a crown of Laurent-Perrier Cuvée. Or revel in the sweetness of the “Violet Spritz” featuring Grey Goose Vodka, violet liqueur, jaboticaba purée, soda, and a touch of shimmery silver glitter The menu offers warming starters which include butternut squash soup, and hearty mains include wild mushroom risotto and stargazy fish pie with cheddar mash crust. For those planning group celebrations, The Sipping Room presents a special festive set menu with three courses for £44.95. Guests can enjoy dishes like ham hock terrine, 12-hour braised ox cheek, and a decadent chocolate opera cake. Open seven days a week, guests can immerse themselves in the warmth and charm of the season, surrounded by fairy lights and breathtaking views. To book your igloo visit www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk Address: The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan, West India Quay, 16 Hertsmere Rd, London E14 4AX Written by Lorna Byrne Photo courtesy of The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan #alpineigloos #canarywharf #TheSippingRoombyDrakeampMorgan

Camden’s winter charm is taken to new heights at The Lucky Club’s newly opened Après Ski Terrace where we recently whittled a few hours away sipping their signature cocktails and indulging in cheese fondue creating a very enjoyable alpine experience. The moment you step through the entrance, the atmosphere whisks you away to a mountain retreat, complete with timber paneling, scattered skis of various shapes and sizes, and snow-covered evergreens illuminated by twinkling lights. The Lucky Club’s terrace, overlooking Camden, has been transformed into a picture-perfect Après Ski lodge, inviting patrons into a cozy winter haven. The collaboration with ADRIATICO Amaretto is evident in the carefully crafted cocktails that define the experience. ‘The Winter Club,’ a blend of Adriatico Bianco Amaretto, Vanilla Vodka, Pistachio Syrup, and White Chocolate, offers a delightful start, while the ‘Toblerone Martini’ with Adriatico roasted Amaretto, Vodka, Frangelica, and Chocolate Cookie Syrup proves equally satisfying (£14 each). The slow-sipping nature of these exotic concoctions encourages patrons to savor every moment. However, The Lucky Club is not just about cocktails; it boasts a diverse menu of culinary delights. We indulged in the Cheese Fondue (£38 for 2 people), a mouthwatering experience served with bread, new potatoes, cornichons, and silver onions. While the fondue was devoured within minutes, we couldn’t help but feel that a selection of accompanying sweet and spicy side dishes would enhance the overall experience. Throughout the week, The Lucky Club distinguishes itself with enticing deals and events. On Thursdays you can opt for 90 minutes of bottomless fondue and Fridays and Saturdays transform into Après Ski Parties, featuring DJs who amplify the festive atmosphere against the backdrop of the winter wonderland. In conclusion, The Lucky Club’s collaboration with ADRIATICO Amaretto is definitely one for the list this season… Whether you’re drawn to meticulously crafted cocktails, indulgent fondues, or lively Après Ski Parties, this establishment offers an immersive experience that captures the magic of the season. Address: North Stables Yard, Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London, NW1 8AH Written by Lorna Byrne Photos courtesy of ADRIATICO Amaretto #ADRIATICOAmaretto #theluckyclub #winterterrace

At this time of year we love nothing more than sinking into a comfy chair beside a crackling fire, and warming our Christmas cockles with a glass of red. As the outside turns chilled and the ground frosts over, just imagine clinking glasses with a friend or loved one, and sipping on a warming, full-bodied Argentinian Malbec. Renowned winemaker Trivento, brings to you two exceptional Malbecs from the high altitudes of Mendoza, down to your glasses, and both are sure to bring a satisfying sigh of contentment, as partygoers, friends and merrymakers share some seasonal cheer. Trivento Private Reserve Malbec – RRP £11 Aged for 8 months in oak barrels, this rich and robust wine is bursting with blackberry, plum and black cherry. A perfect accompaniment for those rich Christmas meals, especially roast beef and hearty pasta dishes. Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec – RRP £16 This bold, deep, yet silky smooth wine is a double International Wine Challenge 2022 winner. Intense fruity aromas give way to notes of plum violets, cassis and cherries. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for something a little more luxurious this holiday season. Both wines are available from select supermarkets such as Morrisons, Asda, Tesco and Sainsbury’s. for more information visit www.trivento.com Photo courtesy of Trivento #Malbec #Redwine #Trivento #wine

In the heart of London’s vibrant Soho district, a clandestine gem has emerged beneath the bustling streets, welcome to Sotto, an intimate subterranean bar that promises to transport you to a world of speakeasy glamour and Italian sophistication. Translating to ‘below’ in Italian, Sotto invites you to experience a slice of la dolce vita in a setting that combines an alluring ambiance, exclusive small plates, and a cocktail menu paying homage to Italy’s rich mixology tradition. Open every Friday and Saturday evening, Sotto’s chic interiors and soft lighting create a cosy yet classy atmosphere where experienced bartenders take pride in reimaging classic cocktails with ingredients sourced from Italy. Indulge in some unique pairings such as the Funghi Old Fashioned, where rye whiskey meets the earthy infusion of wild mushrooms, bitters, and demerara and for a taste of the exotic, the Avocado Amore blends pisco, avocado, Italian lemons, Calabrian chili, and basil foam. Meanwhile, the Citrus Botanica offers a refreshing fusion of Botanist gin with Italian lemons, Italicus, and yuzu, all ranging from £13 – £15. There is also an extensive wine list featuring some Italian favourites along with some other well known brands from across the world. If you are looking for the perfect venue for group celebrations or festive get-togethers, Sotto offers private hire options, allowing you and your guests to bask in the intimate charm of this subterranean speakeasy. And what’s a night out without a soundtrack? Sotto hosts a rotating line-up of DJs every Friday and Saturday, ensuring that the party continues well into the night. Dive into the sublime at 59 Great Marlborough Street, where the magic of Sotto awaits below the streets of W1. Website: https://bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk/news/sotto-bar Address: 59 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7JY Written by Lorna Bryne Photos courtesy of Sotto #soho #sotto #speakeasy

With a boozy family Christmas in store, this seemed like the ideal time to try my new home bar gadget; the acclaimed Winewizard. Supported by the likes of Dmitri Perlutchi, Head Sommelier at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants Group, the device is said to not only tremendously improve the flavour of wine but also reduce the perils of the post-wine hangover, the holy grail to wine-o’s like myself. The patented new technology aims to replicate the aging and decanting process of wine in just two seconds ultimately improving the taste of wine almost instantly. Opening a bottle of Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon, the bottle at hand seemed unusually acidic, so this seemed like the perfect time to open the Winewizard and give it a crack. Beautifully presented in a black windowed box, nestled into a bed of tissue paper, visually the contraction makes a brilliant present to gift to that wine lover in your life. Consisting of the core Winewizard canister, a velvet bag with a connecting tube to bridge between wine and cannister and an extensive list of instructions both on the inside of the box and a laminated sheet, it’s a simple enough device to work. Taking a glass of wine out of the bottle as per the instructions, we all had a swig of the untreated wine for reference before putting the nozzle into the glass and whizzing up for a couple of seconds. I have to say the difference was really quite incredible. Most prominently the high acidity level which had originally disappointed us had dropped tremendously, resulting in a far more balanced drink with a clearer taste of the wine’s nuanced flavours and complexities. It really did taste like a completely different bottle. Utterly impressed with how the first glass turned out we turned to the full bottle. My dad got a bit overexcited and forgot the part of the instructions that said to squeeze gently. This resulted in a hilarious but inconvenient explosive burst out of red wine (luckily not on anything that would be stained). After killing ourselves laughing he returned with a softer touch and finished with the bottle, minus the theatrics, and the Winewizard had an equally transformative effect on the remainder of the bottle. Having a somewhat restrained Christmas this year I didn’t have the opportunity to explore the other main product claim; the reduction and severity of dreaded wine-overs, but the science seems to be there. The product neutralises sulphites, which are added to wine and are a renowned cause of headache-inducing hangovers, so drinkers are much less likely to experience the nasty sulphite-induced effects of hangovers. Wine aeration devices have been available for some time but have merely looked to mimic the effect of decanting. The Winewizard replicates the decanting process instantly and far more effectively than its predecessors and rather more remarkably, it’s the first-ever device to successfully replicate and accelerate the effect of traditionally bottle-ageing a wine. For more information and to get your hands on the Winewizard visit www.vinalchemy.com  Price: £49.95 Written by Jordan Crowley Photo courtesy of Winewizard

If there’s one night of the year to dine out with a little extra sophistication it’s New Year’s Eve. Dress yourself to impress and choose a restaurant with glamour, pizazz and a menu that has you lusting for more. Farzi is situated around the corner from Piccadilly Circus and is all that and more. Upon entering the twinkling wonderland of Farzi, you are surrounded by all the sparkles worthy of NYE dining, The restaurant is currently celebrating the Christmas period big time, giving you all the festive feels. Farzi is celebrated for its playful and flavour packed gastronomy, the presentation of each dish is a delight for the eyes. Head Chef Dhwani Agarwal, a protégé of Kalra, has curated a menu packed full of flavour and sophistication to celebrate the New Year. We were lucky to be given an early taste of the NYE menu, which kicked off with their signature Farzi Royale cocktail, an enticing drink that sets the stage for a wonderful dining experience. Standout dishes from the 6-course menu include the Grilled Trout, with Beetroot Coulis and Beetroot Pickle, it was sat on top of a spicy and moorish medley of finely chopped vegetables and Indian spices, which perfectly complemented the beautifully cooked fish. Other big hits on the menu included the Guinea Fowl Pepper Fry and the Rajasthani Venison Champaran. The venison was encased in a flakey pastry alongside rice, beautifully layered with sesame seed and pine nuts giving it a wonderfully nutty flavour. “Clock after 12” is the perfect name for a devilishly delicious NYE dessert. Dark Chocolate, Salted Caramel Mousse and Almond jaconde, beautifully and aptly presented with a countdown on top. Break the outer case and you will be greeted with an indulgent mousse, and be warned, you will be lusting for more into the early hours. The six-course menu is priced at £79pp, available after 7pm. If you decide on dining in early you can opt for the Early bird menu, available before 7pm, priced at £55pp. Address: 8 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4BP Website: www.farzilondon.com Written by Nyla S.

Bombay Sapphire and The Hoxton Hotel have joined forces with artist Sofia Clausse to transform the Hoxton bar, Holborn. The Hoxton, Holborn collaboration is one of five across European cities where local artists have been challenged to create artwork inspired by their city which is being transformed into an in-bar installation. Sofia was attracted to the series of arched windows by the bar in the lobby of the Holborn Hox, which look out onto High Holborn, seeing them as reminiscent of stained-glass windows, particularly because of the arched shape, choosing these as the canvas for her artwork. You can marvel at her incredible creation, whilst celebrating your most-loved city with loved ones with the specially created ‘Crosstown Traffic cocktail’, which includes BOMBAY SAPPHIRE, Claret Vermouth and sage and hop-smoked Honey – a play on a Martinez served in a rocks glass. The London bar team drew inspiration for this cocktail, from the crossroads in High Holborn and The Kingsway. The large cross-stamped ice block evokes the crossroads motif, garnished with brushstrokes, black for the road, red for the Central Line and blue for the Piccadilly Line. Enjoy the installation from 28th August – end of September. Mark the dates in your diary! You don’t want to miss out. Address: The Hoxton Holborn, London, WC1V 7BD Website:: https://thehoxton.com/london Photo courtesy of The Hoxton

The stylish and beautifully designed Christina’s Shoreditch, have recently launched their new limited edition summer special cocktails. Which sits perfectly alongside their menu of expertly-crafted original cocktails and signature twists on the classics, using locally sourced British products and foraged wild ingredients. Tipples to enjoy include: Meadow Highball – inspired by the biodiversity of the forgotten pockets of grassland. Banana Daiquiri – A fun twist on the iconic Daiquiri, blending two local flavoured rums. Fig Leaf Colada – A twist on a traditional Piña Colada with Parafante Figleaf Liqueur, which takes the place of coconut, and chamomile of pineapple providing the essence of the flavour. Christina’s Bloody Mary – A vegan take on the brunch classic, including a hot sauce created in-house. The drinks are curated by Head Bartender Kevin Price Houghton and by the time you’re finished, you’ll be asking for the man himself to give him an encore! Situated on the ground floor of the Mondrian Shoreditch and designed by the award-winning design studio Goddard Littlefair, this is one bar, you don’t want to miss out on! Address: 45 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3PT Website: https://book.ennismore.com/restaurants/christinas/shoreditch Photography courtesy of Christina’s Shoreditch