PLACES
A Samantha Jones Cocktail Guide to London
March 2022
In a city overflowing with choice, pinning down a fail-safe speakeasy is no easy feat. It’s not everyday you come across a cosmo that would make the Sex and the City gals proud, but, if we’re honest, we think we’ve done a better job than most.
The ‘I’m Trying to Play It Cool and Pretend This is My Local’
Swift, Soho
We get it, we’ve all been there. They’re definitely out of your league but you’re feeling just about confident enough to shoot your shot. From their Hinge pics, their taste is luxe to say the least and your usual is a Disaronno and Coke. There are some clear disparities but nothing a night at Swift can’t gloss over. Hopefully.
This contemporary bar is the ultimate disguise for your … homely taste. Located in the heart of Soho, it has been designed for a one-of-a-kind experience. Spread across two carefully curated floors, share oysters and an Aperitivo upstairs or head downstairs to the den for live music and the finest whiskey in London. Overflowing with opulence, Swift’s luxe interior and impeccable cocktail reputation might just guarantee you a second date.
Chocolate Leather Lipstick Case
Damn You're Hot Matches
Espresso Martini Earrings
I'm Kind Of A Big Deal Candle
The 'I Have to Post or It Didn't Happen'
The Painters Room, Mayfair
I mean, let’s be honest, there’s only one reason you really go out. Being totally clear, there’s absolutely no judgement here. All that effort to get ready, you bet your matching winged liner that you’re going to get at least five pictures for your grid. And there is no better backdrop than The Painters Room.
Conveniently situated on Mayfair’s Brook Street, it is the perfect spot for a post retail therapy drink with the girls. Curated by interior designer, Bryan O’Sullivan, it takes inspiration from the coolest European bars for an effortless art-deco aesthetic. From its monochrome pink hallway to its mid-century furnishings, this elegant hideaway is a go-to for the ‘gram. Not to mention, they serve legendary house cocktails with only the freshest European ingredients.
Lychee Martini Bottled Cocktail
Cosmopolitan Drink Art
Keren Letter Ring in Yellow Gold
The 'Awkward After Work Drinks'
Nine Lives, London Bridge
Greg from HR has been trying to organize it for months. Until now, the sales team has successfully swerved the plethora of invites, but the time has inevitably come. There is no getting out of this one and the only thing that will make it bearable is an aesthetic spot, strong drinks and some form of entertainment to dodge any attempts at ‘after-hours’ chats.
Nine Lives is just buzzy enough for you to forget that you’re sat next to Susan from Accounts who was definitely party to denying that raise you requested last month. This quirky neighborhood bar is fresh on the London scene and full of character. It’s classy boho interior ticks all the boxes with plants hanging from the ceiling and rustic wooden furniture scattered in a totally on-purpose, not on-purpose kind of way. Their carefully crafted cocktails and famous shuffleboard are a winning combo guaranteed not to disappoint the corner office high-rollers.
Red Double Cigar Case
Better To Be Full Of Wine Candle
Guinness Is Good For You Cushion
The ‘Grandparents Can Finally Watch the Kids’
The Red Room at The Connaught, Mayfair
It’s been months in the making. Dates have been set (and re-set), calendars have finally been cleared and, at long last, the evening has arrived. We know what it’s like - one thing leads to another and before you know it, you’re at the fifth anniversary before you’ve got to celebrating the fourth. Its no-one’s fault but we know it’s definitely not yours. At this point you just need a well-poured drink and a one-of-a-kind location and, trust us when we say, we have just the place.
Located in the heart of Mayfair, you will find The Red Room hidden within the luxury Connaught hotel. Centered around the contemporary art of four revered female artists, their work is set against a soft interior that is complete with an Italian marble fireplace and a pink onyx bar. From rare vintage wines to capsule cocktail collections, The Red Room will impress even the most confident connoisseur. We’re more than a little confident that a visit here will make up for that thrice-delayed anniversary dinner.
You Are Pretty Fucking Awesome Candle
Old Fashioned Bottled Cocktail
Words by Talitha Ward