September is here, and although the falling leaves and crisp scent of autumn on the air signals things are winding down, we can’t help but feel that it’s a period of new beginnings and exciting plans. It must be the back to school anticipation that creeps up on us at this time of year! And not only do we want to go and buy new stationery (who’s with us?) but we also want to sniff out the best menus, bars, and thrilling cocktail events that are peppering the month.
New opening: Old Compton Brasserie
There’s a new drinking and dining spot in Soho – one where the cocktails are as big a draw as the delectable dishes. No wonder, with mixology maestro Matt Whiley aka Talented Mr Fox on board curating the libation list.
Located on (surprise surprise) Old Compton Street and inspired by London’s most creative district, Old Compton Brasserie boasts bespoke artwork from artists and pieces that reflect the area’s iconic history. As well as contemporary British food which champions seasonality and quality in brasserie-style dishes, guests can get their hands on cocktails that pay homage to Soho’s most famous legends like Paul Raymond, Ronnie Scott and Soho Pam – the latter is served in unique glassware like a faux fur jacket flute!
POLPO x Sipsmith Spirit of Dining
Our favourite Venetian restaurant Polpo have teamed up with Sipsmith for a series of events and menus to celebrate the Spirit of Dining this autumn. Running until the end of October, each Polpo site will offer a new Sipsmith cocktail menu available all day, every day. Keep an eye out for the Sipsmith Negroni and the Sipsmith Sloe & Amaretto Sour, developed to complement the bacaro-style bars within each venue, and the strong Venetian flavours on the menu.
Plus, from 9pm, when purchasing two of aforementioned cocktails, guests will receive a complimentary cichèti such as the ‘nduja and mozzarella arancini, and the stuffed, fried olives – selected to match the cocktails with their crunchy texture and salty and savoury flavours.
New Q Aperitivo Offering at Quaglino’s
When Quaglino’s headed over to New York this summer to host a bespoke aperitivo pop-up in New York’s Dante (ranked #16 in World’s Best Bars), it was such a success that they decided to do the same back here in Blighty. And so behold, the Quaglino’s team are bringing their specially curated offering to Mayfair every Thursday this September.
Federico has created four specifically-designed serves that balance zingy bitters with sweet Mediterranean spirits, which perfectly encapsulate the hazy essence of late summer. We’ve got our eyes on the Merchant Of Venice (Rinomato Aperitivo, Mancino Chianti served with Peroni Ambra), and The Milky Way (Mount Gay XO and Goslings rums, Antica Formula, clear milk, cinnamon and vanilla, bitter trilogy (!) and lemon juice). What’s more, in true aperitivo fashion, each cocktail will be accompanied by a complimentary snack, ranging from charcuterie platters and arancini, to feta-stuffed peppers, all enjoyed to the tune of authentic, live Italian music. Now that’s living La Dolce Vita!
Every Thursday, from 5.30-8pm
Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration
Hot off the launch of their House of Botanicals in Fitzrovia, Mr Fogg’s is spreading the cocktail love once more and popping up on The Strand, with more whimsical and wonderful mixology delights.
This time, expect walls to be adorned with portraits of Mr Fogg’s fellow fearless pioneers and their intrepid tales will be depicted and narrated at regular Society meetings. There’s the downstairs Map Room which guests enter via an elegant lobby with an oversized rotating globe depicting where Phileas Fogg and his trusty valet, Passepartout, made their travels; there’s even a life-sized model of a Victorian Orient Express, complete with banquette seating and gleaming brass lamps, where guests can get sipping. One of our favourite elements? Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration will even give drinkers the chance to participate in the making of their drinks by pressing a button to trigger a chain reaction in a marvellous mechanical machine inspired by famous inventor Rube Goldberg. Now that’s what we call innovation!
Opening on 14th September
Berkeley Square Gin Residence at Morton’s Members Club
Well, when you’ve got it, you might as well flaunt it – and that’s exactly what ultra-premium Berkeley Square Gin is doing this month as it unveils it’s new look. Their month-long residency, Gintessential, will be taking place at prestigious Mayfair members’ club, Morton’s, and will be open to club members and Londoners alike until 28th September.
Guests can expect a gin oasis with bespoke cocktails and elegant serves, each designed to enhance the smooth flavour of Berkeley Square Gin. The Gintessential menu will be served alongside a tailor-made canapé pairing for an all-round epicurean experience.
Morton’s Club 28 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6EN
Balthazar’s American Whiskey menu and Manhattan Hour
Big on bourbon? Adore American whiskey? You’re in luck as this month, Balthazar launches a brand new American Whiskey menu and Manhattan Hour. The American Whiskey menu will celebrate the restaurant’s New York roots with a range of authentic American Whiskies from more than 15 US states. Launching alongside this will be Balthazar’s Manhattan Hour, offering guests an expertly curated menu of 10 Manhattans for £10, from 10pm every day. Sounds dangerous, and very, very fun!
Boozy brunching with MAV music
Shimmy into the weekend by heading to one of your favourite neighbourhood brunch spots and getting your groove on with MAV music. Taking place at No 32 The Old Town (Clapham), No 197 Chiswick Fire Station (Chiswick), No 29 Power Station West (Battersea) and 601 Queen’s Rd (Wimbledon), the new live DJ sets are ideal for anyone seeking a little bit of soul and hip-hop with a Bloody Mary and Eggs Benny.
In partnership with MAV Music, the curators of the bespoke day to night playlists across the
collection of bars and creators of the monthly Address Sessions mix, each spot will feature
live DJs from 12-4pm. We’ll be sipping cocktails including Elderflower & Earl Grey Fizz with fresh elderflower and lemon, Bellinis, served with Prosecco or Champagne and a classic Bloody Mary served with house made spice mix with fresh squeezed Sundance tomatoes.
The MAV Music Brunch sessions take place every weekend at No 32 The Old Town, No 197 Chiswick Fire Station, No 29 Power Station West and 601 Queen’s Rd from 12pm-4pm and can be booked through reservations.
The first pop-up ‘Honesty Bar’ in London
An honesty bar in London? We love the concept! To celebrate the launch of its new range of premium, single malt, age-statement whiskies (The Soleo Collection), The Glenrothes is inviting guests to experience the first pop-up ‘Honesty Bar’ in London, for one night only!
On Wednesday 12th September, whisky-lovers and novices alike are invited to taste,
discover and explore The Glenrothes’ new Soleo Collection – a no-nonsense range of five
single malt whiskies, that guests can sip as they please, without a price list in sight. Instead,
guests will be asked to simply “pay what you feel your dram is worth” at the end of the
evening, without pretence or pressure, just honesty. Tucked in the cosy basement of subterranean cocktail emporium TT Liquor, guests at The Glenrothes’ Honesty Bar can choose from the full selection of age statement whiskies in The Soleo Collection.
The Glenrothes’ Honesty Bar will be open exclusively on Wednesday 12 th September in the
Cellar Bar at TT Liquor, 17B Kingsland Road, London E2 8AA. Reservations are available
between 6.00pm-8pm and 8.30pm-10.30pm via Billetto here.
DrinkUp.London Cocktail Experiments!
It’s that time of year again – time to get experimental! DrinkUp.London’s hugely successful Cocktail Experiments where you can learn to ace those classics in a series of masterclasses, are back. Designed to help you discover your personal version of your favourite drinks, they’re ideal for the budding mixologist.
Running throughout the rest of the year, you can get involved with masterclasses in the art of three of the world’s most loved cocktails; the Negroni, Old Fashioned and Martini. September is dedicated to the Old Fashioned, so grab your chosen bourbon and get ready to stir like a pro!
26th September, 6.30pm-7.45pm and 8.15pm-9.30pm
TT Liquor, 17B Kingsland Road, London, E2 8AA
Tickets are £10 – buy them here.
The Clumsies visit Blind Spot at
St. Martins Lane Hotel
We have to say, we’re a little bit extra excited about this particular pop-up – The Clumsies just happens to be one of our favourite bars, like, ever! We’re not alone either – it was awarded 6th Best Bar in the World in the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2017 and was the highest bar not to be located in London or New York. Not only that, but this year it was awarded ‘Best International High-Volume Cocktail Bar’ at the Tales of the Cocktail awards. Phew!
Fresh from Athens, they’ll be pitching up at Blind Spot, St. Martins Lane’s elusive speakeasy, from Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th September. Guests will be able to sample a selection of their award-winning serves, including the Popeye and Olive, a sweet and sour mix of Star Of Bombay gin, mint, spinach, green apple, and green olive. We’re also looking forward to trying the Clumsy Martini, an exclusive and bespoke-to-Blind-Spot take on the classic, consisting of Grey Goose vodka, pickled rhubarb, manzanilla sherry, and Otto’s Athens vermouth. Quenching our thirst with some of Europe’s best cocktails? We can’t think of a better way to see out the summer.
Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th September.
