Time Out Bar Awards 2020 winner: Best New Bar

One of the recent additions to Soho's hip H Code, The Diplomat has since become a watering hole for people hankering for after-work drinks. Though its location is not so hidden, the bar does hide a secret pink VIP room that you can only enter through a referral from regular patrons. The bar is the brainchild of award-winning mixologist John Nugent (formerly of Lily & Bloom) who is known for his innovative twists on old classics. The drinks are relatively affordable while the cosy gastropub's burgers, fries, and truffled mac and cheese are to die for. For drinks, we love their mini-sized cocktails; their latest entry, Tuxedo #852, a riff on the classic Tuxedo (made with gin, dry vermouth, pear brandy, maraschino liqueur, served with a tiny pear) is so good that you'll wish they served it in large portions. 

The Daily Tot is a Caribbean-inspired bar named after the centuries-old ritual of handing out a daily rum ration to royal navy sailors from 1850 to the 1970s. The bar focuses on niche rum bottles from Barbados and Trinidad that showcase the true flavours of this versatile spirit. The bar is managed by Gerry Olino, formerly the head bartender of Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour. Look forward to tasting 12 signature cocktails that highlight rum's versatility with the classics, including twists using light flavours.   

Doubleshot is a cafe and cocktail bar created by the team of specialty coffee roastery, Cupping Room. Located in Hollywood Road, the place makes specialty brews, serves alcoholic beverages, and offers a full dining service every time of the day. Their signature cocktails are specially designed by consultant Chanel Adams (formerly of PDT) and maintained by head bartender Jade Lau. Drop by here for some breakfast and coffee in the morning or come by with your friends for some drinks at night. 

The bar opened in early 2020, with an extensive collection of whiskies from Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, and other world whiskies. Veering away from the usual gentleman's leather den, House Welley Bar exudes a modern vibe that appeals to both whisky noobs and enthusiasts. Expect to find single cask, limited edition, and distillery exclusive original bottlings (OB) and hard to find independent bottlings (IB) from the likes of Yamazaki, Macallan, to rare Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS).

The opening of this place, in the early part of 2020, was almost as mysterious as the venue itself with news of it only spreading predominantly via word of mouth, and making an appointment by phone or the bar's Facebook page was the only way to enjoy the experience. Now, accepting walk-ins, patrons can freely enter the curious-looking door on Staunton Street with a small window that shows only darkness behind it. The menu is extensive, with selections of whiskies and gins (averaging around $118 per serving), and wines by the bottle. Most of the bar staff came from 001, so you can expect quality classic cocktails and interesting house twists.  

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