It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no place quite as magical as Mayfair to truly embrace the festive spirit.
Head to one of these glamorous Mayfair bars that will spoil you with yuletide cocktails and a festive atmosphere. Here, we round up a few of the best bars to enjoy Christmas drinks in Mayfair.
Best for Christmas drinks with wow factor: Mr Fogg’s Apothecary
Sip hot mulled wine and award-winning classic cocktails at Mr Fogg’s Apothecary bar in Mayfair. Enjoy drinks in The Drawing Room, a cosy and intimate space filled with quirky artefacts from around the world: think old grandfather clocks, apothecary cabinets, and portraits of botanists and scientists. Find Mr Fogg’s on Brook Street, opposite the iconic Claridge’s Hotel. 15 Bruton Lane, London W1J 6JD.
Best for Christmas drinks in a unique setting: Mercato Mayfair
Enjoy Christmas drinks with a difference in the tucked-away crypt of Mercato Mayfair, a sustainable food hall that’s set within a grade 1 listed deconsecrated church. Head down into the basement wine cellar to enjoy festive drinks, and grab some food from one of Mercato’s two floors of food stalls that serve up everything from pizza to dumplings. It’s possible to book a table for groups of 10 or more.
Image credit: Ben Broomfield.
Best for drinks with your colleagues: Scott’s
It’s hard not to be impressed by Scott’s glamorous history. While it first opened as an oyster warehouse in the 1950s, it went on to become one of London’s most revered seafood restaurants and bars, and has welcomed politicians, artists, film stars and writers over the decades. The perfect place to mix business and pleasure, Scott’s has an extensive cocktail menu with a tempting mix of contemporary cocktails, non-alcoholic cocktails, spritzers and long cocktails. Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, London W1K 2RN. Book your table here.
Best for a romantic date night: The Red Room at The Connaught
Stepping into The Connaught’s Red Room, through a velvet-curtained doorway from the hotel’s Champagne Room is akin to stepping back in time. Expect a soft pink colour palette, majestic fireplace, pink onyx bar and art deco style furnishings. While away the hours sipping on vintage champagne or one of the bar’s eight signature cocktails, while admiring the curated art collection. The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K. 2AL. Book your table here.
Best for non-alcoholic cocktails: Jamavar
Non drinkers needn’t be left behind this festive season. Indian fine dining restaurant Jamavar has an excellent selection of alcohol-free cocktails that perfectly tie in with its excellent menu. Favourites include The Lychee Cooler (Lychee juice, fresh passion fruit, fresh lime & vanilla) and Spring Garden (Guava juice, fresh raspberries, fresh lemon & white peach). 8 Mount Street, London W1K 3NF. Book your table here.
Best for drinks with your family: Claridge’s Bar
If you’re planning a day of Christmas shopping with your family, you’ll no doubt be in need of a treat once you’re ready to drop. Whether you’re from out of town or a die-hard Londoner, you simply can’t go wrong with the iconic institution that is Claridge’s. In keeping with the hotel, the bar is an ode to all things art deco. While you’ll be spoiled for choice with rare champagnes and spirits, do ask the bartender to surprise you with a cocktail, and look out for the special food and drinks festive menus from November onwards. Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR. Book a table here.
Best for drinks with friends: The Lucky Cat Bar
If you’re after something a little less traditional than your average mulled cider, then The Lucky Cat Bar is for you. Part of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, it celebrates the spirit of Tokyo’s 1930s Kissa Clubs and Shanghai’s drinking dens. Hero beverages include the Shiso Smash and the Singapore Sling, but the cocktail combinations are endless thanks to the well-stocked bar’s extensive list of bitters, gins and vermouth, so come in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. It’ll make for the most fun outing with friends. The Lucky Cat Bar, 10 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP. Book your table here.
