if there’s one word
to describe the bar scene
this year, it’s retro. The glitz and glamour of
the 1920s has been everywhere since Gatsby
mania hit with the film’s release in May.
Suddenly decadent joints like London’s
Berners Tavern
(bernerstavern.com)
were all the rage,
with chandeliers and patrons dressed to the nines.
It’s fitting that as party season proper approaches, the
sparkle is set to go up another notch all over Europe.
We’re particularly looking forward to supping vintage
Christmas cocktails in the finest crystal glasses at the
iconic Four Seasons George V Paris
(fourseasons.com/
paris)
. Back in London, prohibition drinking den
Nightjar
(barnightjar.com)
will be literally getting in the
swing of the season with live retro bands, elegantly
panelled walls and a sea of festive flapper dresses.
As for drinks: well, while this summer saw us
quaffing Italian concoctions such as Aperol
Spritz and Campari cocktails, as we
embraced
aperitivo
, Italian cocktail
hour, for Christmas these spirits get a
festive overhaul. “Campari has always
gone well with orange, so it’s a natural
winter choice,” says Dan Priesman, head bartender at
NOLA
(nola-london.com)
.
The other staple cocktail ingredient this season?
Whiskey, of course! Specialist bars for bourbon have
been top of the pops this year and the amber nectar is
perfect for winter, whether in a sparkler or toddy.
Get proof of the latter at Prague’s new hotspot, George
Prime Steak bar
(georgeprimesteak.com)
, where Jim
BeamDevil’s Cut bourbon is combined with maple syrup,
tangerine juice and star anise.
You’d better get used to it, as the bourbon trend is set
to continue into January. You might even find yourself
shooting it savoury style in a pickleback (that’s a shot of
whisky followed by a shot of pickle brine) or beetback
(with a shot of beetroot juice).
Bars in 2014 look set to take us places. The transport
theme at London’s Steam and Rye
(steamandrye.
com)
is modelled on New York City’s Grand
Central station, while Hoxley & Porter
(hoxleyandporter.co.uk)
is decorated
like an opulent train carriage. For now,
drink safely and see you next year.
barchick.com
B A R C H I C K
As party
season proper
approaches, the
sparkle is set to go up
another notch
ILLUSTRATION
PAUL BLOW
“Ready for a vintage knees up?”
As party season hits its stride, our secret drinks columnist reveals what liquid
trends are set to be hot this festive period (apart from the mulled wine)
1 1 5
V I E W P O I N T S
