Shopping in the Capital this Christmastime, means you’ll need to stop off for a little Festive tipple to rest your weary legs. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots.
St James Bar, Regent Street
Ideally located just off Pall Mall, the stunning St James Bar is a stone’s throw from one of London’s major shopping destinations, Regent Street, a veritable treasure trove of world-class flagship stores and award-winning restaurants. For shoppers seeking to rest weary legs and indulge in a tipple or two this festive season, nestled within the luxury of Sofitel St James guests will find the St James Bar. Beautifully redesigned, the bar is warm and inviting featuring plush velvet seating and warm amber lighting with an exceptional new cocktail menu and bar snacks designed by next door’s Wild Honey St James restaurant.
The new menu, ‘Passport’ is inspired by countries from around the world, inviting guests to escape to exotic and far-flung corners of the world without having to leave the luxury of St James Bar. Shodo infuses delicate Japanese tea flavours of black cherry, green tea and apricot to make a sweet syrup which is then combined with Japanese Roku Gin, lemon and egg white while La Bandera celebrates Mexico’s finest exports, tequila & mezcal and consists Calle 23, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Avocado Liqueur and Ginger Beer Reduction.
Quaglino’s, Burlington Arcade
For those perusing the treasured trinkets of the Burlington Arcade, or treating dapper gentlemen to Christmas gifts from Jermyn Street’s famed proprietors, can be sure to swing by Quaglino’s to maintain morale with a cocktail from the beautiful new cocktail list, Wishes. Whether one is wishing for something sweet or spicy this Christmas, the ever-welcoming bar team will be sure to find shoppers a seat and a serve that satisfies. For those looking for something to eat, they can head down the famous staircase and grab a table in the impressive dining room, or sit back and relax upstairs with a selection of bar snacks – from oysters and caviar to comforting sharing plates, it’s the perfect spot to relax pre, mid, or post shop.
Ridgeview at The Coral Room, Bloomsbury
When the pavement-pounding of Oxford Street inevitably becomes too much to bear, shoppers can seek respite at the beautiful Coral Room at Bloomsbury Hotel, where they will find award-winning English Sparkling wine Ridgeview served three glasses at a time alongside parmesan and truffle fries for a mere £20.00.
As well as being exceptionally good value in a very pleasant setting, this is also a wonderful opportunity to learn about Ridgeview’s wines. Guests will receive a glass each of the signature Bloomsbury, Blanc de Noirs 2014 and Blanc de Blancs 2014, and will be able to taste the nuances of each blend whilst relaxing in the Coral Room.
Simpson’s in The Strand, Covent Garden
Nothing says Christmas like wandering around Covent Garden, drinking in all the festivities and entertaining the senses. Just a short walk from the market sits Simpson’s in The Strand in its stalwart glory. An institution of London’s food and drink scene, the upstairs bar at Simpson’s is one of the capital’s best kept secrets and an ideal place to stop and rest awhile. The soft furnishings offer a comfortable place to relax away from the noisy hustle and bustle of The Strand below. As well as an excellent wine list that heroes Ridgeview’s Cavendish sparkling wine, there is a beautiful new cocktail list with something for every time of the day – from short and invigorating ‘Sharpeners’, to enliven the early evening to ‘One for the road’ tipples best enjoyed after a meal in the
Grand Divan downstairs.
