Bars & Pubs

Leffe Best New Restaurant | Best Gastropub | Best British Restaurant | Best Family Restaurant | Best Local Restaurant | Best Cheap Eats | Best Bar | Best Design | Best Traiteur | Best Coffee Bar

Best Bar

The Rake

WINNER
The Rake
Small isn’t the word. Like a licensed Tardis relocated to the streets around Borough Market, The Rake is a miniature haven for lovers of exotic beer– just one tiny room (less than 100sq ft) and a canopied, heated patio adjunct. It’s run by the knowledgeable folks behind the Utobeer stall in the market, and they’re great at giving advice when you’re perplexed by the abundance of choice. We sampled draught pints of German Veltins (a fine pilsner) and Belgian Kriek (a lip-smacking cherry beer) before plunging into the selection of more than 100 bottled beers with a glass of toothsome Power Station Porter, specially imported all the way from Battersea. Feature continues

There are also ciders, perrys, jenevers and schnapps; pork pies and crisps make up the uncomplicated snack list. Bringing the worlds of bar and pub together, The Rake is a pint-sized gem. Be warned, though, that the bar offers no solace for the wine-lover or cocktail aficionado, and it’s certainly no place for celeb-spotting or lounging on big sofas; you’re strictly here for the beer.
The Rake, Winchester Walk, SE1 9AG (020 7407 0557) London Bridge tube/rail.

RUNNERS-UP
Mocotó
This Brazilian bar-restaurant in Knightsbridge was shortlisted in the Best Bar category but closed in August.

Artesian
Rum’s the thing at the Langham Hotel’s Artesian, where a 50-strong list is growing steadily as the staff are trained in each new variety (always a sign of a classy bar). Prices are serious (£11-£14.50), but our classic Champagne cocktail, made with rum, of course, was irresistible – fizzing with fruit flavours and boasting a lovely molasses finish. Staff are professional and forthcoming, ready with recommendations; drinks are served in remarkably beautiful glassware. A hugely elaborate (and hugely expensive) makeover, courtesy of David Collins, divides opinion. We find it sails nervously close to OTT, and is somewhat schizophrenic, confused between sleek minimalism and opulent old-fashioned luxury. But for excellent cocktails with all the trappings, Artesian is hard to fault.
Artesian, Langham Hotel, 1c Portland Place, W1B 1JA (020 7636 1000/ www.artesian-bar.co.uk) Oxford Circus tube.

Big Chill House
On our visit to this branch of Brick Lane’s Big Chill bar, all the action was taking place on the lively roof terrace. When the sun’s out, this kooky and somewhat knocked-together eyrie is the perfect retreat from the smoky chaos of Pentonville Road. The pervading atmosphere inside is of a club, this ‘House’ being just that – a multi-levelled place with plenty of character within its nooks and crannies. The ground-floor bar is a simple open space with tables and chairs and appealing dark corners. Draught offerings aren’t special – run-of-the-mill lager and cider prevails – though the spirits selection is rather more innovative. Often noisy and busy (it’s a DJ bar, after all), waiting times at the bar can be long, but the Big Chill House has undeniable appeal. Food (hamburgers, fried snacks) is also served.
Big Chill House, 257-259 Pentonville Rd, N1 9NL (020 7427 2540/www.bigchill.net) King’s Cross tube/rail.

Montgomery Place
Montgomery Place is a pleasingly intimate cocktail bar on a busy stretch of Ladbroke Grove. Alex Fitzsimmons and Matt Perovetz from sister bar Dusk (and other London and NYC mixers) have consulted on a cracking cocktail selection. Inspiration for the list comes from great bars of the twentieth century and the classic drinks created therein. Concoctions start at £8.50; you might fancy the Montgomery-style martini (Tanqueray, Noilly Prat, named after Field Marshall Montgomery). Dark walnut tables and low lighting set the tone, and though the place is small, it has a lovely array of seating options: on the street, at the bar, at one of the slide-in diner-style booths, or tucked at the back on a curved banquette. Tap water was provided without asking and the staff seemed to enjoy chatting with customers.
Montgomery Place, 31 Kensington Park Rd, W11 2EU (020 7792 3921/www.montgomeryplace.co.uk) Ladbroke Grove tube.

Leffe Best New Restaurant | Best Gastropub | Best British Restaurant | Best Family Restaurant | Best Local Restaurant | Best Cheap Eats | Best Bar | Best Design | Best Traiteur | Best Coffee Bar