London

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London

Words by Luca Missaglia, Italicus Global Brand Ambassador

The capital of the UK has a wealth of culture, bringing together music, museums, festivals, fashion and theatre.

The city is a hub of diversity. The infamous West End theatre district offers tourists a seat at large productions. Cultural attractions stretch from the Tate Galleries, the Notting Hill Carnival and the 02. Iconic landmarks attract visitors from around the world, from the Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, to Hyde Park and Borough Market.

The bar scene is as diverse as the city, with venues of all sizes, for all tastes. Follows the eight bars in London Italicus recommends.

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The Coral Room at Bloomsbury Hotel

Address: 16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 3NN
Website: TheCoralRoom.co.uk
Facebook: @TheCoralRoom/
Email: info@thecoralroom.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday-Friday Midday-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am - 8pm
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Giovanni Spezziga

The Coral Room, set in the heart of Bloomsbury, designed by the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki, the vibrant grand salon bar reflects an exquisite country house transported to the city. Part of The Bloomsbury hotel, it is moments away from Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden and Oxford Street. Open from midday daily, The Coral Room provides the perfect setting during the day for guests wishing to meet for a light bite cocktails and great English sparkling wine, transforming itself into a lively cocktail bar in the evenings. The versatility of The Coral Room is sure to make it an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of Central London.

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Connaught Bar

Address: Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Website: The-Connaught.co.uk
Facebook: @TheConnaught
Email: info@the-connaught.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 7070
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Ago Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani

The Connaught Bar opened its doors in 2008 when rising mixology star Ago Perrone was called to bring his innovative flair to the newly refurbished hotel bar. 12 years down the line, Ago has not only built a legacy that resonates globally but also nurtured one of the strongest and most passionate teams on the bar scene. Today, The Connaught Bar is a top global cocktail destination and stands out for the world-class service and memorable experience offered to its guests.

Consistently recipient of the most sought-after accolades, the team is now led by Ago, his right-hand man, Head Mixologist Giorgio Bargiani, and Bar Manager Maura Milia. Bartenders, waiting staff and bar backs seamlessly work to the highest professional standards whilst adding a distinctive warm touch to the service. Always on the quest for the finest produce, freshest ingredients, most innovative techniques and concepts, The Connaught Bar team continues to stay ahead of the game, reworking the classics into extraordinary creations that never fail to delight drinkers from all over the world.

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CITY SOCIAL | SOCIAL24

Address: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, Cornhill, London EC2N 1HQ
Website: CitySocialLondon.com
Facebook: @CitySocialT42
Email: reservations@citysociallondon.com
Tel: 020 7877 7703
Bar opening hours: Tuesday - Friday 12pm-10pm, Saturday 4pm - 10pm
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Catalin Ciont

CITY SOCIAL
Located on level 24 of Tower 42 in the heart of London and boasting magnificent views across the city, City Social features a Michelin star restaurant by Jason Atherton serving a beautiful modern-British menu. City social also houses a relaxed bar, Social24, offering cocktails inspired by the famous London landmarks that can be spotted from the panoramic view.

SOCIAL24
Inspired by the famous London landmarks that can be spotted from the bar's panoramic view, Social24 serves a selection of beautiful cocktails, as well as an interesting selection of beers, spirits, wines and champagnes. Social24 also serves a delicious food menu, perfect for quick business lunches and social gatherings with friends. One of London's most famous rooftop bars, soaring high above the city with views over some of its most iconic buildings.

The glamorous restaurant and well-stocked bar is always a treat. Located way above the City on the 24th floor of the Tower 42 building is this infamous rooftop bar. With jaw-dropping scenes over some of London's most iconic buildings, you can understand why it's so popular. Everything is about the view here, with tables carefully placed to ensure you'll get to enjoy it – but luckily the drinks and service are equally as impressive. Their signature cocktails are the sort of price you'd expect for seats this good and include some inventive twists. The back bar is home to an extensive list of spirits and the team are more than happy to recommend something special for you... plus with nibbles from Jason Atherton, it's always worth that lift ride.

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Aqua Spirits

Address: 5th Floor, 30 Argyll St, Soho, London W1F 7EB
Website: AquaSpirit.co.uk
Facebook: @AquaKyotoLondon
Tel: +44 020 7478 0540
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12-10pm, Sunday 12-8pm.
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Gianluca Capilungo

Aqua Spirit is one of London's most iconic cocktail bars. Located on Argyll Street in the heart of the West End, this sophisticated bar with its spectacular open-air rooftop terrace is the ultimate destination for the discerning drinker. Adjacent to contemporary Japanese restaurant Aqua Kyoto, there are several Asian-inspired cocktails to enjoy alongside a selection of delicious bar snacks.

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Brasserie 108

Address: 108 Marylebone Ln, Marylebone, London W1U 2QE
Website: 108Brasserie.com
Facebook: @108MaryleboneLane
Email: info@108marylebonelane.com
Tel: 020 7969 3900
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 12pm-9.45pm,
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Musa Ozgul

Set in the heart of Marylebone, 108 Bar is a sophisticated space, offering the finest cocktails alongside a delicious small plate menu from Executive Chef Russell Ford. Located alongside 108 Brasserie on the secluded Marylebone Lane, 108 Bar is perfectly situated to offer an escape from the city for an idyllic drinking and dining experience.

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Cecconi's at The Ned

Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
Website: TheNed.com/restaurants/cecconis
Facebook: @TheNedLondon
Email: restaurants@thened.com
Tel: + 44 (0)20 3828 2000
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday Midday - 10pm
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Floriano Cubeddu

Enzo Cecconi, the youngest-ever general manager of Hotel Cipriani in Venice, opened Cecconi's in London's Mayfair in 1978. For the first time, Londoners were able to order fresh pasta, carpaccio, tiramisu and Bellini cocktails. Enzo Cecconi believed in spectacular food and spectacular service, bringing theatre into the restaurant by finishing dish in front of his guests eyes.

Cecconi's became part of the Soho House family in 2004, and now there are restaurants across the world, from Mumbai to New York. Cecconi's at The Ned serves northern Italian dishes in a classic setting. Expect the same favourites that are served at its sister restaurants in Mayfair, Berlin, Barcelona, Istanbul, Miami and West Hollywood.

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Pasta Della Nonna

Address: 57 Paddington St, Marylebone, London W1U 4HZ
Website: pastadellanonna.restaurant
Facebook: @PastaDellaNonnauk/
Email: marylebone@pastadellanonna.restaurant
Tel: 020 7935 9686
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-9pm
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Alessandro Geraci and Gaspare Di Carlo

Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, Pasta della Nonna is one of the most authentic Italian made locations in London. Step away from the bustle of Baker Street & into this cozy and unique space that will transport you & your guests to the gorgeous climes of Italy with our traditional Italian cuisine, first class service & beautiful selection of cocktails and fine wines.

Using the freshest, finest ingredients, we make homemade pasta everyday and all varieties of traditional sauces following ancient recipes and methods handed down by Italian grandmothers. You can enjoy the authentic "Aperitivo al Fresco Style"and explore their selection of handcrafted products, it will amaze & astound your guests, adding that extra special essence of the real "made in Italy"to any occasion.

Tavolino

Address: London Riverside, London SE1 2DB
Website: https://www.tavolino.co.uk
Facebook: @TavolinoKitchen
Email: reservations@tavolino.co.uk
Tel: 020 8194 1037
Opening hours: All week 11.30am-10pm
Art of Italicus 2020 bartender: Michele Giarrusso

Tavolino is a neighbourhood Italian bar and restaurant on the river at London Bridge, Tavolino ('small table') serves simple, high quality dishes prepared with the best produce from across Italy and the U.K.

Enjoy a carefully sourced wine list and delicious cocktails with your meal or linger over a negroni and "stuzzicchini" at Bar Aperitivo as the sun sets on an unparalleled view of London's iconic skyline, underlined by the tidal Thames.

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