A Guide to London’s Best Gin Bars

A Guide to London’s Best Gin Bars

• Visiting London, Top Picks

Gin has seen something of a hip revival, shrugging off the weight of its chequered 100-year past and restyling itself as a delightfully adaptable mixer. From a medicine peddled on the streets of London in the 18^thcentury to today’s sophisticated blends of various botanicals, its renaissance has seen a boom in boutique distilleries, inspired ingredients and some pretty outrétonics. Relegating to history books the modest G&T with a slice of lemon, here’s our pick of London’s best gin bars.

The London Gin Club

With more than 350 gins on offer, The London Gin Club prides itself on a spectacular gin and tonic. From its careful choice of glass—no less than a Copa de Balon will do—to its twice-frozen ice, guaranteeing maximum chill, expect a very intelligent G&T at this esteemed drinking den. What’s more, the habitual slice of citrus has been carefully nudged aside for more interesting garnishes—rose petals, strawberries, mint—that are individually paired with the gin.

Graphic

World-class gins and cutting-edge urban art are honoured in equal measure at this trendy enclave on Soho’s prestigious Golden Square. With a heady count of 305 gin varieties stocked on its shelves, it offers a dazzling range of classic cocktails. Whatever your mood, there’s a gin and tonic to suit here, from spritely lemon and thyme flavours to a grown-up muddle of carrot and coriander. There’s plenty to look at as you sip. Graphic’s interiors are clad in some seriously witty contemporary art, including a piece by Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger.

The Ginstitute

Tucked demurely beneath the lively Distillery on Portobello Road, The Ginstitute in the basement is a prime contender for London’s geekiest (in the best possible way) gin merchant. Its aim is to match the flavours of pre-1830s pot-distilled spirits, hence the presence of its three copper stills quietly processing the 40 per cent-alcohol nectars on its carefully curated menu. Allow its Ginstructors to guide you on a three-hour journey through gin’s troubled past, with a nose around some of its favourites and an opportunity to blend your own.

The Gin Bar

Holborn Dining Room is a laid-back stalwart that hascertainly earned its place as one of London’s best gin bars. With a menu that brags more than 500 gins and 30 tonics, it might just win the G&T-filled trophy. Of that heady list of ingredients, there are more than 14,000 possible combinations, which means you’ll need to return more than once to ensure a fair trial.

Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour

A quintessentially British afternoon tea meets the beloved British boozy tipple at this cosy enclave in Covent Garden. Every weekend, generous G&Teas are served in teapots alongside traditional teatime nibbles such as egg and cress-stuffed crustless sandwiches, crisp mini quiches and utterly decadent chocolate brownies. For something a little more adventurous than a gin and tonic, try the Do Give This A Chai: Spiced tea is muddled with Tanqueray London Dry Gin, lemon and honey for a refreshing kick.

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Feature images © The London Gin Club; Rimma Bondarenko/iStock; SolStock/iStock; santypan/iStock; Sophies Steakhouse and Bar