Fire-cooked meats, smoky BBQ flavours and warming whiskey cocktails… what could be more enticing as the weather turns colder? Don’t miss Jamie Oliver’s Cocktail Week special, aptly named ‘The Big Smoke’, while taking in the buzz of this busy brasserie which overlooks some of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Part of Gordon Ramsay’s foodie empire, this vibrant warehouse-style bar and restaurant is known for its global-inspired menu and equally exciting cocktail offering. For Cocktail Week, they’re treating us to a ‘botanical journey’ for which they’ve created an Almond & Lemon Whisper, made up of gin, lemon juice, fresh ginger and pear purée topped with almond foam (just £6 with a London Cocktail Week pass).
We chat gin, glasses and the difference between shaking and stirring with Paul Hogg, Bar Manager at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen...
If you’re missing summer already, Wahaca’s funky neon décor and colourful street art will boost your mood, while the flavour-packed Mexican streetfood will re-awaken your tastebuds. The passion fruit and vanilla mojito, featuring golden Havana Club Anejo Especial rum, is a must-try for Cocktail Week.
Been shopping? Take the weight off your feet and cosy up among the twinkling fairylights, comfy seating and warm open kitchen of this classic Italian restaurant. Their fruity spritzers, which change with the seasons, are guaranteed to revive you when you’re all shopped-out.
For a quick lunch or a casual dinner, Nando’s famous PERi PERi chicken is guaranteed to hit the spot. During Cocktail Week, treat yourself to one of their Vinho Spritzers for a refreshing twist on a classic Sangria. Choose from red, white or rosé, all of which are served with fresh fruit and make the perfect accompaniment to those spicy Portuguese dishes.
For after-work drinks with views to die for, Madison is the place to go. From 29 September until 4 October, Dante NYC – rated one of the world’s best bars – is popping up at Madison to celebrate all that’s great about aperitivo culture. Transport yourself to New York City whilst sipping a Chocolate Negroni (or their Cocktail Week special – the Spicy Clover Club, pictured right) and listening to live music on the terrace. Heaven…
With its low lighting, friendly staff and long wooden benches, Pho is perfect for a laid-back lunch or early evening bite. Grab a pew and sample their unique take on a mojito – made with a clear rice spirit, mint, lime and soda – before tucking into some of their fiery Vietnamese street fair.
Hunker down in a leather-clad booth and watch the world go by while tucking into a hearty gourmet burger at Byron. What to drink during Cocktail Week? It has to be a Hardshake: made with your choice of bourbon, spiced rum or Baileys, this is the most indulgent drink imaginable.
1. For a mocktail with a kick, choose the Nice Tea at Bread Street Kitchen, made with Earl Grey, white peach puree, lemon and passion fruit.
2. Zizzi’s Passion Fruit Punch is sweet yet refreshing. Plus if you’re being really good, they give you the option to swap Sprite for soda.
3. Who needs alcohol when you have Wahaca’s Mockolada – a creamy, coconuty delight with a pineapple edge. We'll take two please.
Heading out and about? Try these luxe cocktail bars close to One New Change...
Blend three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, and half a measure of Kina Lillet – shaken not stirred – and you’ll have the perfect Vesper Martini. James Bond’s drink of choice in Casino Royale is expertly mixed by the bartenders at the Barbican’s Martini Bar, which first opened in 2012 for the Designing 007 exhibition. Visit from 5pm-6pm Monday to Saturday for £6 cocktails.