From ‘Mother’s Ruin’ to hipster’s choice, gin has had quite the image update in recent years. Having become the nation’s favourite spirit, bars and venues are falling over themselves to bring you perfect serves and cool cocktails. But if you’re looking for venues that have really done their research, DesignMyNight have rounded up the ten best spots in the UK for gin enthusiasts to wet their whistles.
1. Gin Tonica at The Distillery – London
Located at one end of trendy Portobello Road, GinTonica at The Distillery is a must-visit for gin fans. Sample from their list of over 100 different types of gins from around the world, all served in their beautiful Copa de Balón glasses and chow down on their delicious menu of traditional tapas with a modern British twist.
2. Graphic Bar – London
Fronting over 300 gins, this Soho drinking spot is a one-stop-shop for the perfect serve. Each of their G&Ts are served with hand cut ice and botanicals designed to bring out the subtle flavours of each blend. If you’re looking for something a bit more complex, Graphic Bar also offer a range of gin cocktails inspired by different eras of cocktail making.
3. Ask For Janice – London
Located in the heart of the City, and swimming in contemporary art from the likes of Kid Acne and Damien Hirst, Ask For Janice is a cafe and basement bar that will have gin enthusiasts in their element. With over 40 different gins to choose from, you can also pick up a gin and tonic loyalty card so your tenth drink is completely free.
4. The Den – London
One of the most stylish hotel bars in London, this cool drinking hub at St Martin’s Lane has partnered with Bombay Sapphire to produce a short but oh-so-sweet series of cocktails. Featuring curious additions such as matcha tea syrup, and an intriguing pear and ginger offering, this is so much more than your average gin and tonic.
5. 214 Bermondsey – London
It’s no secret that 214 Bermondsey are big ol’ gin nerds, so much so that they’ve even created their own tonic water. Alongside a range of classic and contemporary cocktails, this South London bar also serves up tasting flights, which showcase gins from smaller distilleries, US offerings and aged numbers.
6. Six Storeys on Soho – London
Already one of London’s suavest haunts, Six Storeys on Soho are masters of ‘Gin Gluttony’. Boasting a creative selection of house-infused gins from fragrant pear and sage to an eccentric quince and blue cheese offering, it’s a real treat for adventurous gin fiends.
7. Worship Street Whistling Shop – London
If its intriguing cocktails weren’t enough, the Victorian-inspired Worship Street Whistling Shop offers more than 80 separate gins for you to explore. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick G&T, or getting in depth at one of their fascinating gin masterclasses, this cool and friendly Shoreditch spot will have you well-versed in your favourite spirit in no time.
8. Gorilla – Manchester
Head to the mezzanine bar of this trendy Oxford Road joint and you’ll find The Parlour. Stocked with some of the best gins from around the world, you’ll be treated to a carefully curated menu of specialist cocktails, martinis and tantalising gin and tonics that will surprise even the most worldly-wise gin enthusiast.
9. 40 St Paul’s – Birmingham
The first venue in Birmingham fully dedicated to gin and tonics, 40 St Paul’s is a small bar with a big buzz. It was the proud winner of ‘Gin List of The Year 2017’, possessing some 140 different bottles from which the knowledgeable staff whip up a stunning variety of tonics and cocktails from the interactive menu.
10. Heads & Tales – Edinburgh
With a cocktail menu that divides itself between ‘Gin’ and ‘Traitors’, it’s clear to see why this quirky Edinburgh watering hole is a place for juniper junkies. Home to two Edinburgh Gin stills, customers can watch the distilling process while they sip on some perfect serves, or pick their way through one of the bar’s tasty sharing boards.
For more info on the best bars in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Twitter; @DesignMyNight.
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