6 Cool Bars To Hole Up In This February

From dreamy pastel pink hideaways just waiting to be Instagrammed to heated outdoor pop-ups not to miss, we’ve whittled down our pick of the best new bars, cocktail dens and pubs with a twist popping up in London this month, guaranteed to quench your thirst come Friday night…

Tonight Josephine

Waterloo’s most Instagrammable new location has been filling our feeds, and it’s no surprise why – it’s impossible to visit without staging your own mini photoshoot in the Millennial pink interiors. A Venus fly-trap of feminist neon signs, rose-lined ceilings and pastel-hued cocktails, you’ll be hard pushed not to find something to photograph. For the ultimate Insta-bait, order the Violet Femme – a  a purple, gin-based drink served retro-style with a tube of Parma Violets – or the Love Potion – a tangy blend of pineapple syrup, strawberries and prosecco poured into a glittery sugar-rimmed glass.

111 Waterloo Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 8UL

Visit TonightJosephine.co.uk

The Gunmakers

Tucked away on Eyre Street Hill, this 19th-century pub has been given a major makeover by super-cool drinks agency Sweet&Chilli. It’s filled with lush greenery, exposed brick walls and some very special extras – a lush garden and an attic barbershop, the Gun Club, run by Tim Whiting. Sip on the selection of craft beers, wines and cocktails, and enjoy Asian-inspired dishes from newly appointed head chef, Madison Duffy.

13 Eyre St Hill, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 5ET

Visit  TheGunMakers.co.uk

The Parlour at Sketch

The David Shrigley-decorated Gallery isn’t the only room to get a 2018 update at Sketch – the Parlour (their tea room-turned-bar) has also had a major revamp. Redesigned by proprietor Mourad Mazouz and designer Andres Ros Soto to give an air of early-90s decadence, the quirky patisserie and drinks lounge boasts a diverse evening entertainment offering curated by Resident DJ Greg Pidcock, along with and Bars Manager Pepijn Vanden Abeele’s signature cocktails. The Cosmo Royale – Ketel One Citroen vodka, Cointreau, cranberry, lemon and champagne – is as pretty as the décor.

9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG

Visit Sketch.London

Hot Gin Roof at Ham Yard Hotel

Gin lovers, listen up – you’ve still got time to catch the Ham Yard Hotel’s and Sipsmith’s winter pop-up. Running until 24th February, the Hot Gin Roof sees the hotel’s outdoor terrace transformed into a cosy, lantern-filled escape serving up both classic and hot gin cocktails. Wrap up in a woollen blanket, enjoy sweeping views of the city and watch as your cocktail is ‘poked’ (with a red-hot poker) piping hot in front of your eyes. Once plunged into the cocktail, this historical bar tool will heat it instantly, caramelising the sugars and producing a wonderful ginny aroma.

1 Ham Yard, Soho, London W1D 7DT

Visit DesignMyNight.com

Moroccan Medina at Queen Of Hoxton

Another rooftop pop-up to catch before it’s gone, the Queen of Hoxton’s annual winter takeover is a must-visit. Open until 21st March – when it will receive another themed revamp in time for summer – the Moroccan-themed roof is inspired by the far-flung desert realms and romantic splendour of Marrakesh. Climb into a secret snug, hidden inside a giant Moroccan lamp, and enjoy a Spiced Hot Buttered Rum or shimmering Gold Pomegranate Bellinis amongst an array of luxurious cushions and dancing lights. Moroccan spices and traditional shisha scents permeate the night air as you sit around crackling chiminea fireplaces – pure magic.

1 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3JX

Visit QueenOfHoxton.com

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