Whether you like Christmas shopping or not, I can guarantee you will be doing it a lot over the next month as the Festive Season is around the corner. So why not make a day / night out of it by treating yourself to a little drinky or two before and/or after your shopping! I have picked Selfridges and Hamleys (Oxford Circus) as I'm sure you will be frequenting these areas, spending your Christmas pay packet.
I have given you two bars/pubs per budget category to choose from:
Shopping at Selfridges?
Splash the Cash
The Connaught Bar within the famous Connaught Hotel is an extremely stylish and tasteful hotel bar. Designed by David Collins, served alongside tempting cocktails is a range of Helene Darroze culinary creations inspired by the south west of France.
Cocktails¨£12.00
Mews is one of Mayfair's best-kept secrets: a sophisticated four-floor restaurant and bar with an air of exclusivity, but no membership fee in sight. Tucked away in a historic courtyard, the converted mews houses offer a venue that's as smart and stylish as its location.
Cocktails £9.00
Happily Affordable
In the heart of the West End, Ruby Lo is the perfect basement venue; dark and sexy, with a huge bar to guarantee that you will get served your drinks quickly. Come for a cocktail (or pint) and stay for a night of dancing.
Happy Hour: 2 for 1 on all house cocktails from 5-8pm Mon-Sat
Cocktail £7.00
Fino's Wine Cellar is a cosy little wine bar with some fantastic wines available. Relax with a drink at the classic long copper counter top, which runs the length of the bar, or retreat into one of the cosy little alcoves.
Large Glass of Wine £3.80
Drinkonomical
The Three Tuns is a traditional pub with a wide selection of ales, fruit machines and Sky TV.
Pint of Lager £3.30
Bonds is a good spot for relaxing drinks and chat. They offer a wide range of bottled and draught beers from around the world, fantastic quality wines and really great classic cocktails.
Cocktail £5.25
Shopping at Hamleys / Oxford Circus?
Splash the Cash
Sketch is a much talked about restaurant and bar and is a destination place for imaginative food, art and music. Fabulous, quirky 'must-see' decor will make will create the perfect atmosphere for a memorable night out.
Cocktails £13.00
The Purple Bar, with its veritable symphony of purples, lavenders and violets, is a chic and intimate lounge that has become one of London's hottest gathering places. Draped in violet silk opera curtains, and furnished with lavender Queen Anne chairs, purple etched Venetian mirrors, and a bar that looks like an enormous meteorite just fallen from the sky
Cocktails £13.00
Happily Affordable
22 Below is a small, understated New York Style basement bar that caters well for most drinking occasions. Cocktails are tasty and its right in the heart of Carnaby Street.
Happy Hour: Selected cocktails £4.50 and bottles of wine £10 Mon-Fri 5-7pm
Cocktails £8.00
Match Bar rejects the formulaic so expect to find new drinks, new sounds and a pretty cool atmosphere to go with it. A rare find in the West End.
Cocktails £6.75
Drinkonomical
All Bar One is a smart and simple bar offering. Relaxed atmosphere for a catch up and a bit of food.
Large Glass of Wine £2.85
The Argyll Arms dates back to the Victorian age and has a real charm about it. It is often packed with drinkers spilling out onto the street so go early or be prepared to stand.
Large Glass of Wine £2.95
Now put that extra present back on the shelf and save the money for a cocktail or two ;)
Matthew
