The New Cocktail Bars That Made 2018 Great!

As much as we love a cocktail bar that has been tried and tested – proving itself as the place to be for cocktail lovers far and wide, there is something exciting about the opening of a brand-new establishment. Shiny new glasses, aspirational new bartenders and dreams of irresistible new drinks are certainly a draw to any cocktail connoisseur.
The past twelve months have given us plenty of venues to get fired up about. Let us tell you about our favourites:

 

The Parrot, London, UK

Idris Elba might be better known for his TV acting than his passion for cocktails, but his brand-new bar opened in October 2018 and has had great reviews so far. Based in the Waldorf Hilton in Covent Garden, the bar has a 60-seater capacity and a chauffeur for those guests who insist on arriving in luxury. Tropical cocktails, delicious appetisers and live music nights make this a must-visit venue when visiting the City.

 

Red Rocks Beer Garden, Colorado, USA

With the sun on your shoulders and a good drink in your hand, it is hard to feel stressed. Red Rocks Beer Garden makes the most of both, using all local ingredients and suppliers wherever possible. Their values are simple – they intend to provide a fast, friendly service, so that guests can sample the local beers and delicious snacks while chatting with friends or spending some quiet time alone.

 

Banzarbar, New York, USA

As themed bars go, the Banzarbar is a little unusual. Based on the 1930s British Australian New Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition, the small space has a hint of the nautical about it. There is a whole cocktail tasting experience that samples low ABV drinks alongside small tasting plates to ensure you can keep drinking that little bit longer!

 

Nick & Nora’s, Sydney, Australia

You can find Nick & Nora’s on the 26th floor of V by Crown. The bar is worth the climb, taking inspiration from the 1930’s to create a lavish interior with incredible views across the famous Harbour. With room for up to 300 people, it is one of the larger bars on our list, backed up with an extensive spirit collection and cocktail list. Expect a few classics mixed with a couple of surprises!

 

Kin, Edinburgh, UK

Fronted by award-winning bartenders, Kin was always destined to be a big-hitter on the cocktail scene. With a speakeasy style in the basement of the Seasons restaurant, you can expect to see some exciting new cocktails served up that will be sure to tickle your tastebuds!

Our collection of venues shows no surprises on the location front – London and New York are always at the forefront of the cocktail scene. However, places like Sydney, Edinburgh and Colorado are set to give them a bit of healthy competition with amazing bars like these!