The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars of 2024

Once again, the Top 50 Cocktail Bars of 2024 sponsored by Franklin and Sons has been announced, with a who’s who of drinks writers, businesspeople, and influencers from across the UK deliberating, including our very own Aidy as host!

After much investigation and debate, the highly competitive list has been shortened to 50, and these 10 represent cocktail heaven. The full list is at the bottom of this page for your convenience, so you can find the nearest and greatest cocktail bars in your area... especially with Valentine’s Day coming up. For now, though, let the countdown begin...

10. Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London

Retaining its top ten spot, Tayēr + Elementary offers something of a dual experience. For high-speed, all-day premium ‘draught’ cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Elementary is where you want to be. But come nighttime, Tayēr awaits through the partition – a world of darkness, changeable exotic concoctions, and a rotation of guest bartenders. Renowned seasonal snacking, a commitment to drinks other than cocktails, brutalist décor and a warm service complete this unique offering.

Address: 152 Old St, London, EC1V 9BW
Website here (walk-ins only)

9. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

The second highest Scottish bar on the list, Panda & Sons is one you could be forgiven for missing. Stroll past on the hunt for libations, and you might just think it’s a barber shop, but enter, and you’ll be welcomed past the Prohibition face and into speakeasy bliss. Cabinets of curiosities and vintage furniture set in dim light make for a very seductive proposition, not to mention the ‘Chapters’ based menu. Currently, the theme is Transcend, dedicated to innovative freezing techniques researched for 5 years. An incredible science lab-cum-speakeasy experience.

Phone number: 0131 220 0443
Address: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF
Book here

8. AMARO Bar, Kensington, London

Rocketing up from 46th place last year is AMARO, a modern take on the classic cocktail bar. It only opened in 2021 with the former head mixologist at the Savoy Elon Soddu at the helm, serving classical twists like the Mango Bellini and Peach 76. Beyond that, more expensive vintage cocktails are available, the priciest of which is the 1980 Boulevardier at £190. The complete drinks selection is really expansive (particularly the whiskey) and the granite bar is stunning.

Phone number: +447745520816
Address: 15 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP
Book here

7. Swift Soho, Soho, London

The shelves at this Old Compton Street spot are bending under awards. With mirrors a-plenty, leather booths and a smorgasbord of unique cocktails, it’s no wonder it’s Top 10 yet again. A buzzing ground floor leads into the basement den where you can find live music, a rotating cocktail theme and over 300 whiskies! It all comes together magnificently.

Address: 12 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TQ
Book here

6. Blinker, Manchester

Into 6th from 41st last year, it’s Blinker in Manchester. Named after a forgotten classic (a cocktail of rye, grapefruit, and raspberry), this bar is all about seasonality and local ingredients. Expect a menu that changes on the monthly, with dedicated Martini and Old Fashioned sections standing out, as well as generous No-Lo serves.

Phone number: 0161 236 8225
Address: 64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ
Book here

5. Hey Palu, Edinburgh

The best cocktail bar in Scotland, say Hey to Palu. It’s quaint, intimate, and modern, with a focus on Italian aperitivo styles. Amari, Bitters and Vermouths are everywhere, all soundtracked by killer songs. Expect Negroni and Martini classics, as well as twists like the signature White Strawberry Negroni. Oh, and the bar team are award-winning in themselves! A complete cocktail offering.

Phone number: 0131 285 6752
Address: 49 Bread St, Edinburgh, EH3 9AH
Book here

4. Couch, Birmingham

Narrowly missing out on the Top 10 last year but now up to 4th it’s Couch in Birmingham. Behind the bar is the 2024 Bar Team of the Year, working hard so you can relax and enjoy their cinema-inspired handcrafted cocktails, for example A Bronx Tale with Malfy lemon, blood orange and Cocchi Di Torino Vermouth. Clean, spacious, relaxed and artistic.

Address: 1466 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 2NT
Book here (walk-ins only)

3. Passing Fancies, Birmingham

Step onto the podium now with another Brummie spot – Passing Fancies. Climbing 29 places from last year, this laid-back spot only opened in 2022 but has already established a stellar reputation for its ‘kitchen at a house party’ style. As the name suggests, the team embrace themes and change, but generally specialise in fruity delights like Adult Ribena and Berry Cobbler.

Phone number: 07542 839882
Address: 30 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BF
Book here

2. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London

In 2nd place, and the highest London finish of the entire list, it’s last year’s winner, Satan’s Whiskers. Rather than the swanky London style, it embraces a more unassuming character – think taxidermy, hip-hop, exposed brick, and unique décor. It’s famous for its community feel, with daily menu changes, expert mixology, and a famous atmosphere. Try the Bloody Mary with tacos and quesadilla if you go.

Phone number: 02077398362
Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, London, E2 9RA
Book here

1. SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester

And it’s Manchester that takes the top spot! It’s Schofield’s Bar, the brainchild of famous Mancunian brothers, not Liam and Noel but Joe and Daniel Schofield. Their iconic venue sits on the corner of art deco beauty Sunlight House and offers reasonably priced classic cocktails and in house twists making use of their 25 years of bartending expertise. It’s such a distinguished bar and the literary themes pull everything together nicely. A worthy winner, and shimmering jewel of the North.

Phone number: 07311 777606
Address: 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester, M3 3JZ
Book here

The Franklin & Sons Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2024:

1. Schofield’s Bar – Manchester

2. Satan’s Whiskers – Bethnal Green

3. Passing Fancies – Digbeth, Birmingham

4. Couch – Stirchley, West Midlands

5. Hey Palu – Edinburgh, Midlothian

6. Blinker – Manchester

7. Swift Soho – London

8. Amaro Bar – Kensington, London

9. Panda and Sons – Edinburgh

10. Tayēr + Elementary – Shoreditch, London

11. Kwãnt – Mayfair, London

12. Speak in Code – Manchester

13. Three Sheets – Dalston, London

14. 🔶🟥🔵 – Hackney, London

15. Murder Inc – Soho, London

16. Tabula Rasa – Leeds

17. Lab 22 – Cardiff

18. Filthy XIII – Bristol

19. Crossroads – Newington Green

20. The Connaught Bar – Mayfair, London

21. Project Halcyon – Manchester

22. SOMA – Soho, London

23. Eve Bar – Covent Garden

24. Side Hustle – Covent Garden

25. The Hideout – Bath

26. Little Mercies – Crouch End, London

27. Below Stairs – Leeds

28. Silverleaf – Spitalfields, London

29. Bar Termini – Soho, London

30. Seed Library – Shoreditch, London

31. Charlie Brown’s – Glasgow

32. Bramble Bar & Lounge – Edinburgh

33. Scarfes Bar – Holborn, London

34. Happiness Forgets – Hoxton, London

35. The Absent Ear – Glasgow

36. 69 Colebrooke Row – Islington, London

37. Artesian – Fitzrovia, London

38. Callooh Callay – Shoreditch, London

39. Fox and Chance – Birmingham

40. The Milk Thistle – Bristol

41. Nauticus – Edinburgh

42. Public – Sheffield

43. The Gate – Glasgow

44. Nightjar – Shoreditch, London

45. Ojo Rojo – Bournemouth

46. The Wildcat – Edinburgh

47. Lyaness – South Bank, London

48. Pennyroyal – Cardiff

49. Bench – Sheffield

50. The American Bar – Auchterarder

The Maple Syrup Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that can be endlessly reinvented, and one version we love is The Maple Syrup twist. It really brings the warm caramel flavours out of the Bourbon for a rich cocktail layered up with those delicately poised herbal and aromatic bitter notes. If you opt for the crispy bacon garnish, then the salty and smoky touch is an obvious winner with Bourbon and maple syrup and adds a wonderful intrigue to the flavour. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

Ingredients
60ml/2 oz whisk(e)y (preferably Bourbon)
7.5ml/0.25 oz maple syrup (or to taste)*
2 dashes angostura bitters
Garnish: 1 orange peel or if you’re feeling fancy a piece of crispy bacon

Method
1.      Take a tumbler and stir together your whisky, bitters, ice, and syrup* - make sure you get your hands on proper maple syrup and not maple flavoured syrup because you will definitely notice the difference!
2.      Strain over large ice cubes, ideally in a rocks glass.
3.      Finish with your garnish. Now, orange peel is the traditional choice and works but if you want to try something different, try a piece of crispy bacon!

You can find other autumnal easy-to-make cocktail recipes all across our website like our Spiced Rum Hot Toddy and Fig Martini! If you want other Old Fashioned variations, go here!

How Do You Store Wine Bottles Properly?

We love wine, but it’s sensitive and there’s nothing worse than putting time and money into buying a lovely bottle of wine only for it to be spoiled by not storing it correctly.

Whether it’s opened but unfinished, unopened but penned in for a pour, or you’re storing with no intentions of ever drinking, there are surprising pitfalls waiting for you at every turn. So, here is a comprehensive guide on how to store wine properly. Let’s begin with leftover wine…

How to store open wine bottles

Temperature & Light

As a number one priority, high temperatures and direct sunlight must be avoided. Wine deteriorates rapidly in these conditions, so cool and dark conditions are always best. For opened wine, refrigeration is the safest bet because it slows oxidation down and guarantees no high temperatures or sunlight.

Oxygen

Oxygen is initially a friend to wine, with many bottles improving after an hour or so of opening. However, it quickly becomes an enemy.

Re-corking is essential, and the same goes for checking that the cap is tightly secured. Basically, anything you can do to stop air from getting into the bottle will help preserve the wine so we’d recommend buying yourself a reusable cork if you haven’t got one already.

Once opened, you’ll need to store your bottle vertically to minimise the amount of wine coming into contact with the air. This won’t help to keep the cork moist but once opened, this shouldn’t have time to have much of an impact. You can always tip the bottle to moisten it, or add some water to it so that it remains a snug fit.

If you regularly find yourself with half a bottle leftover, then it might be worth buying some empty half bottles to decant into. If you want to really push the boat out, there are even wine pumps that remove the air. Remember, the less air in the bottle the better!

How to store wine bottles you will open

Temperature & Light

Even if you’re planning on cracking open a bottle of wine soon, don’t make the mistake of just leaving it anywhere. It’s easy to just pop it down somewhere and forget, and even an hour in direct sun can completely ruin a wine. White wine in particular can become ‘light struck’ which is why bottles are generally not clear!

There’s really no need to refrigerate a bottle you plan to open, but cool and dark conditions are best. No direct sun (avoid indirect if possible), and comfortably below 20 degrees Celsius.

Oxygen

Screwcaps don’t really need to rest on their side as that’s more relevant to corks and longer ageing. Just check that the cap is secure with no dents or anything letting in oxygen. As long as it’s not opened, there’s of course no harm in horizontal positioning, however.

Don’t disturb it

This isn’t likely to have a massive impact if you’re going to get round to drinking it sooner rather than later, but vibrations in the fridge will cause some degradation to the wine over time by disturbing sediment and altering the chemical structure slightly. There are other reasons to avoid the refrigeration too, like intense odours breathing through the cork and the likelihood of it being regularly moved and sloshed around to make room in the ridge.

How to store wine bottles you plan to keep

Temperature & Light

If you’re planning on storing wine bottles for longer periods of time, then it’s pretty much the same rules – cool and dark. Ensure there is no risk of the area climbing over 20 degrees Celsius, and ideally lower. Remember to make sure that no light comes through at any point of the day, and if there’s a risk of this simply cover the bottle with cloth or something similar.

Store horizontally

Wines that you’re storing for years will likely be corked, so store these wines horizontally. The cork might seem tight, but if it dries out completely then oxygen will seep in and gradually destroy the wine.

Avoid strong odours

As a rule of thumb, keep wine separate from any strong odours from foods, cleaning products and alike. As we mentioned before, wine breathes through the porous cork so just be aware of the nearby smells and make sure it’s neutral. The kitchen might initially make the most sense for wine storage in your home, or perhaps the garage, but both these locations have potential to surround your wine with strong aromas so be careful.

Don’t disturb it

Similarly, to bottles of wine you plan on opening soon, it’s important to leave wine alone. Any vibrations from a fridge or washing machine or movement from gym equipment will slowly affect the liquid. This is even more relevant for long-term storage because constant jolting of the bottle adds up over time. Like we say, the occasional removal of a bottle to look at it won’t be detrimental, but if you’re storing wine it’s likely to be of high quality or an investment, so keeping it still is best.

Humidity

Something people can forget about when it comes to storing wine you don’t plan on opening is humidity. Even if stored horizontally, very low humidity will dry out the cork which again, can lead to oxygenation issues.

On the other hand, higher humidity could begin peeling labels off bottles or at least damaging them, causing issues with re-sell or just aesthetic irritation. Luckily, no particularly special humidity conditions are required (it’s wine not some exotic frog!) but just make sure humidity isn’t much lower than 50, or above 70 – around 60 is perfect. Most homes will be around 55 but this obviously varies house to house and room to room!

If something’s gone wrong with storing your wine, or you just have leftover wine that is on the turn then hold your horses. A staggering amount of leftover wine gets poured down our sinks every year, and there’s actually loads you can do with it! Explore your wine’s second life here!

What is Vermouth and How Do You Drink It?

What is Vermouth?

In a nutshell, vermouth is a fortified wine, beginning life as a flavoured wine that is then boosted with neutral alcohol and often infused with other botanicals.

The history of Vermouth

For many drinkers, vermouth is just another cocktail ingredient used in the Negroni, Manhattan and Martini to name a few, but few know more about it beyond this.

Like a surprising number of alcoholic creations, its origins are medicinal, but you’ll struggle to find a modern-day Doctor who prescribes vermouth! In German, wormwood translates to ‘wermut’ and is one of the most historically significant ingredients, so this is where ‘vermouth’ comes from. Antonio Carpano is credited with the term, creating the first commercial bottles of vermouth as we know it in Milan way back in 1786.

Luigi and Giuseppe Cora were responsible for popularising it in the early 19th century, and soon after came a flourish of famous Italian brands like Gancia, Ballor, Cinzano and Martini, as well as French creations like Noilly Prat. Since then, craft distilling means the world of vermouth distilling has blossomed as has fortified wine more widely.

What are the different types of Vermouth?

Historically speaking, two types of vermouth were considered and the Alps provided a fairly accurate border between them. Red vermouths, or Italian vermouths, came first before the French produced their white and dry blends.

In the modern era, the distinctions are more sophisticated, however:

Dry vermouth may be the most well-known, and is what you’ll find in most cocktails with its intense spices and botanicals. It could be argued that subsets like, ‘Extra Dry’ are their own types of vermouth too.
Sweet vermouth (sometimes called red) is unsurprisingly, noticeably sweet containing way more sugar than the dry.
Blanc vermouth (sometimes called Bianco or white) leans towards the sweeter, floral side and is a kind of middle ground between dry and sweet vermouth.
Rose vermouth is far less common but focuses on florality rather than sweetness.

How do you drink Vermouth?

The truth is vermouth is probably more versatile than you think. You can enjoy it on its own over ice served as an aperitif, or top up with soda for a similar but longer drink. Most vermouth you buy will be between 16%-18%, so a lot of drinkers opt for it as a low-alcohol option compared to gin or vodka.

Though it’s often confused with a spirit, it’s important to remember that vermouth is a wine base. Therefore, it isn’t one to be stored in the liquor cabinet for months on end once opened. You’ll likely have around 2 months to finish it, and it should be stored like a regular wine bottle would be – conveniently, we’ve got a whole guide on that here! It’s fortified so it’s not quite as fickle as an open bottle of wine, but it will oxidise and deteriorate over time.

The most famous way to enjoy vermouth though, is in cocktails, and for good reason too because it really lifts so many of our favourites. So, let’s take a look at some of the best cocktails that show what an essential player vermouth is in mixology.

Which cocktails can you make with Vermouth?

Classic Negroni

Negronis are so popular because they’re a) super easy to pull together and b) taste delicious. The right vermouth binds this together fantastically well, adding great weight and layers of sweet complexity.

Ingredients                          
25ml sweet vermouth (like Cocchi Vermouth di Torino)
25ml London Dry Gin
25ml Campari
Garnish: orange peel

Method
Add the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill it with ice. Stir for 20-30 seconds until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass. Add large ice cubes and garnish with that orange peel.

Vodka Martini

The Vodka Martini is so simple that a quality dry vermouth is required to let it really shine. We recommend a 50:50 split of vodka and vermouth for the perfect blend of silky smooth texture and herbaceous spicy undertones. The subtlety and elegance of the lip-smacking concoction is why we love it, but a dash of orange bitters can elevate it even more!

Ingredients
25ml dry vermouth (like Noilly Prat Original)
25ml vodka (like Grey Goose)
Dash of orange bitters
Twist of lemon

Method
Shake or stir your vermouth and vodka together with some ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Add the orange bitters, a twist of lemon and voila!

Vermouth Spritz

This Venice style spritz works so well for a refreshingly light sipper, and we love using the underappreciated rosé vermouth for more of a red fruits presence, because the Aperol already brings plenty of aromatic taste. The final cocktail is a perfect blend of subtle sweetness, delicate bubbles, floral notes and herbaceous undertones with plenty of oomph.

Ingredients
50ml rosé vermouth (like Regal Rogue Wild Rosé)
15ml Aperol
Prosecco to top up
Garnish with lemon and fresh mint

Method
Add the vermouth and Aperol to your glass with ice, top up with Prosecco and garnish with lemon and mint for the finishing touch. Enjoy!

Which Vermouth should I try?

Regal Rogue Wild Rosé Vermouth

Regal Rogue love to show off the wine in their vermouth, and their Wild Rosé pushes Australian Illawarra plums to the front alongside strawberry and rosella. There are gorgeous hints of spice and nods to tropical flavours in this accessible and super versatile vermouth, and it works just as well in the cocktail above as it does with a simple tonic. Stunning.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 16.5%
Find here: £16.74

Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth

If you’re scratching your chin pondering on which vermouth to try, then it only makes sense to opt for the original French vermouth, the benchmark dry white that is Noilly Prat. In the tiny Marseillan village, highly acidic Picpoul grapes are used and the liquid is part aged in casks, and part aged in the elements for slow oxidation. This blend is macerated with their trademark herbs and spices for the pinnacle of dry vermouth. For a Dry Martini, look no further.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: UK £14.99 // US $11.99

Cocchi Vermouth Di Torino

This is our choice for a classic Negroni and to be honest, plenty of other mixes. In and around Piedmont in Northern Italy, the recipe dates back to 1891 and uses Moscato wine, tangy citrus and rhubarb, traditional wormwood and a guarded blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Rich and intense, it is delicious to explore on the rocks or as a welcome twist to classic cocktails.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 16%
Find here: UK £19.95 // US $22.99

Vermouth is an absolute must in any mixologist’s cabinet, but we have a number of other drinks guides of liquids that are misunderstood or simply not talked about enough. Take a look at Absinthe, Pisco and Baijiu here!

The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars

Who better to answer the question, ‘what is the best cocktail bar in the UK?’ than the Top 50 Cocktail Bars awards. And who better to deliver the good news to the winners than our very own Aidy who hosted the ceremony!

An academy of drinks writers, leading business heads and influencers from all four corners of the UK arrived at this Top 10 as the finest cocktail bars in the country.

The full Top 50 is listed at the bottom of the page so you can see where your nearest amazing drinking spot is, but for now let’s dive in to the Top 10.

10. The Connaught, Mayfair, London

The Connaught Bar is the super sophisticated watering hole of its namesake hotel. Beautifully designed with platinum silver and classy furniture, you can expect to see the trademark martini trolley being ceremoniously wheeled over to a candlelit table, or showstopping ‘multi-dimensional’ cocktails leaving the bar. From mastering classics like the Bloody Mary to adaptations like the Faraway Collins, a twist on a Tom Collins using Star of Bombay gin at the heart of it, the cocktails are classics with modern interpretations and the setting is everything you want from a Mayfair haunt.

Website

9. 🔶🟥🔵 (A Bar with Shapes for a Name), Hackney, London

Without a doubt the most unusually named bar on the list, this is ‘A Bar with Shapes for a Name’, although that isn’t really the name... it’s just the description you would give the bar because the actual sign is three coloured shapes. This Bauhaus style carries over into the unique inside space – functional, minimal and with no bottles on show. Remy Savage and Paul Lougrat designed it this way to reimagine what a bar is and could be. The lack of convention doesn’t end there, because the menu which is a 50/50 split of classics and in-house specials uses blind tasted spirits. The big names are only served if they genuinely taste good enough, which might explain the comparatively reasonable London prices.

Website

8. Speak in Code, Manchester

Part of the flourishing cocktail scene in Manchester, Speak in Code is a relaxed, dimly lit, bare brick/dark wood bar with an imaginative and extensive plant-based menu. The gorgeous Victorian arch welcoming you peaks expectations which are more than met by signatures like Track 13 which uses grape skin vodka and chamomile wine, and Hot Buttered Rum Old Fashioned using fat-washed golden rum, demerara mix and cocao bitters. Keep an eye out for their incredible cocktail gift sets too!

Website

7. Three Sheets, Dalston, London 

Solidifying its No.7 spot from last year, Three Sheets by the Venning Brothers is a gorgeously designed sleek and simple bar with interesting seasonal ingredients. Their carbonated French 75 with Victory Gin, clear lemon, Moscato and orange flower is a stand-out signature serve, along with the Blackcurrant Americano.

Website

6. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh

Panda & Sons is the Scottish representative in the Top 10, albeit one in disguise! Stroll past outside and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a barber shop, but this is all part of the prohibition-style false exterior that stylises the inside too – think dim lighting, cabinets of curiosities and vintage furniture. Each ‘chapter’ of the menu offers something different, such as Chapter One’s technical fat washing, clarification and sous vide and Chapter Two’s modern classics. A fantastic speakeasy experience with endless lovely touches.

Website

5. Swift, Soho, London 

Swift on Old Compton Street is no stranger to awards, loved for its mirrored walls, leather booths and expansive range of unique cocktails. The ground floor is casual and lively, but the basement den regularly hosts live music, and offers over 300 worldly whiskies and a rotating cocktail theme – currently ‘Legends’, celebrating much loved great thinkers, artists and performers. Take Only in L.A, for example, an Ab-Fab inspired mix of Absolut Elyx and Martini Rubino.

Website

4. SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester

Topping Manchester’s scene is Schofield’s Bar, named after the bartending brothers who created it. Situated on the corner of art deco beauty Sunlight House, they offer a combination of classic cocktails with in-house stylings paired with some of their favourite books! How about Casino Royale with a Vesper Martini? The Old Man and the Sea alongside a Mojito perhaps? The distinguished old-world venue also offers popcorn and charcuterie boards to snack on so it’s the kind of place you can happily whittle away the evening with everything you need.

Website

3. Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London

The first onto the podium is Tayēr + Elementary, a venue of two halves. ‘Elementary’ offers casual all-day cocktails served at speed thanks to a draught system including Old Fashioned and Aquavit. Seasonal produce-led snacking also features massively in the experience. Through the partition however, ‘Tayēr’ awaits – inviting darkness with unusual and regularly changing exotic cocktails introduced by guest bartenders.

Website

2. Lab 22, Cardiff

Behind a fairly innocuous door between a bakery and a restaurant is last year’s winner, the experimental and eclectically-styled cocktail bar. Pajtim Tani Hasa’s menu in particular has been heavily praised, winning the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu in 2021’s World’s 50 Best Bars. Science and personality-led, the current ‘Theory + Frontiers’ menu uses locally foraged ingredients to mimic well known flavour profiles. For instance, ‘Concrete Daisy’ uses rooftop honey and ‘Point Nemo’ incudes sea-salt chocolate fish scales. Besides being delicious, every drink is thoughtful and commenting on the world around us.

Website

1. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London 

Back up to top spot is the Bethnal Green icon that is Satan’s Whiskers. It steps out of the swanky London style in favour of unassuming character, with taxidermy, unique décor, hip-hop, and exposed brick. A community cocktail bar of sorts, the offering changes every day but generally you can expect classics with twists, like the Industry Sour with lime, Chartreuse, Fernet Branca and egg white, or food pairings like the Bloody Mary with tacos and quesadilla. Expert mixology and unrivalled atmosphere crown this the deserving winner.

Website

If Gastropubs are more your speed, then the Top 10 breakdown of those was also recently scrutinised and updated to present the best the UK has to offer!

The Top 50:

1 Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London
2 Lab 22, Cardiff
3 Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London
4 SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester
5 Swift, Soho, London
6 Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
7 Three Sheets, Dalston, London
8 Speak in Code, Manchester
9 Bar with Shapes for a Name, Hackney, London
10 The Connaught, Mayfair, London
11 Little Mercies, Crouch End, London
12 Couch, Birmingham
13 Bramble, Edinburgh
14 The Pineapple Club, Birmingham
15 Ojo Rojo, Bournemouth
16 Disrepute, Soho, London
17 Artesian, Oxford Circus, London
18 Hideout, Bath
19 Nightjar, Shoreditch, London
20 Present Company, Liverpool
21 Publiq, South Kensington, London
22 Scarfes Bar, Holborn, London
23 Lyaness, South Bank, London
24 Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum, Chinatown, London
25 The Absent Ear, Glasgow
26 Happiness Forgets, Hoxton, London
27 Hey Palu, Edinburgh
28 Filthy XIII, Bristol
29 Homeboy, Islington, London
30 Soma, Soho, London
31 Coupette, Bethnal Green, London
32 Passing Fancies, Birmingham
33 Bar Termini, Soho, London
34 Seed Library, Shoreditch, London
35 Murder Inc, Soho, London
36 Penny Royal, Cardiff
37 Callooh Callay, Shoreditch, London
38 Silverleaf, Liverpool St, London
39 Public, Sheffield
40 Fox & Chance, Birmingham
41 Blinker, Manchester
42 Below Stairs, Leeds
43 Milk Thistle, Bristol
44 Gungho!, Brighton
45 Hedonist, Leeds
46 Amaro, Kensington, London
47 Cottonmouth, Nottingham
48 Tabula Rasa, Leeds
49 Lunar, Glasgow
50 Bench, Sheffield

The Top 8 Flavoured Vodkas You Need to Try

A fantastic original vodka is difficult to surpass and let’s be honest, in the past the world of flavoured vodka has released some shockers trying to do so. However, there are some absolute gems too.
Whether you just want to try something different or you’re looking for some innovative mixology must-haves, here are some of the very best flavoured vodkas that got it spot on and have the awards to prove it.

Eccentric Cardi Bay Vodka

Scooping the top Master award at the latest Vodka Masters, Cardy Bay references Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales and that’s because this vodka is inspired by the yellow gorse flowers growing in that area – not your everyday vodka flavouring! They create a distinctly floral coconutty vanilla flavour to the expression for a wonderfully rich and creamy feel. We appreciate the effort put into the bottle too – this really feels a vodka that’s had a lot of work put into it.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £32

Koskenkorva Vodka Sauna Barrel

With just 2200 people living there, the tiny Finnish village of Koskenkorva is the production home of this fantastic vodka. We’ve mentioned their original bottle before, and Sauna Barrel has all the same pure smoothness but with hints of smoky heat, hence the name. The flavouring comes from resting in oak barrels picking up on the bourbon smokiness they used to contain. The infusion is subtle, and although the idea of a Finnish sauna doesn’t make the mind immediately jump to delicious drinking, it absolutely works! It’s another Master award winner, so find out for yourself!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5% 
Find here:  £21.49

Manchester Spirit Grapefruit Vodka

This British vodka uses rotary evaporation (roto-vap) techniques to extract the pure zingy vibrance of fresh grapefruit, with no chemical flavouring used. It’s 100% natural and tastes it, with a clean but creamy mouthfeel. The bitterness is perfectly balanced, and we’d recommend topping this with soda or as an extra juicy citrussy Cosmo!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30

Absolut Lime

The original Absolut bottle, inspired by medicine bottles of a bygone era, is eye-catching enough, but the enchanting green hue of Absolut Lime is even more striking. Inside, it’s bursting with a tangy citrus kick from all-natural lime with no added sugars. It’s produced in Sweden like all other vodkas from the range so has the same smoothness and minerality, but with that refreshing lime and slightly sweet finish. This could easily be a new cocktail kit essential for citrussy twists on the classics.

Size: UK 700ml / US 1.75L
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £18.56 / US $26.98

Masons Citrus Vodka

Masons have thrived since expanding from gin production into vodka, and Citrus Vodka is one of their more praised expressions. The delightful tang is down to vapour infused grapefruit and lemon, cutting through the pure Masons vodka. Think brightness, freshness, and smoothness. Try it for a punchier Cosmo and you might not look back.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £29.80

Pravda Espresso Flavoured Vodka

This Polish vodka is the real deal. From 100% rye grain, it’s distilled 5 times with Carpathian water before the decadence of roasted Arabica coffee beans are added. The Espresso flavour really kicks and creates a thick, subtly sweet liquid that oozes style. Drizzle it over your ice cream, pour it over ice, or add it to your coffee and cocktails - whichever route you choose you’re going to love it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 37.5%
Find here: £27.99

Vestal Black Cherry Vodka

Staying in Poland, check out Vestal Black Cherry Vodka. The potato vodka base that Vestal is renowned for brings a creaminess to which luscious black cherry is added. Sweetness plays off against tart nuance perfectly, with notes of cacao and marzipan creating a surprising bakery feel. It’s rich, dark, and sweet but without the sickliness that some cherry-flavoured drinks come with. There are honestly so many great serves for this, but after trying it on the rocks, it’s also delicious with lemonade or cola, especially for drinkers with a sweeter tooth.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £20.89

Shanty Seaweed Botanical Vodka

We have to shout out the gorgeous bottle for this vodka first! Local to production, Dorset artist Emma Brownjohn has designed the artwork to wrap around the bottle distorting it as if viewed underwater – love it. The liquid uses a variety of interesting botanical spirits (sea buckthorn, bergamot, yuzu, galangal, wasabi for example) and of course, 5 organic British seaweeds. Each is vacuum distilled to retain the delicate notes within that umami flavour before blending with the grain spirit. The vodka is full of complexity with sea botanicals, subtle citrus and a pleasant salinity perfectly balanced in a super smooth mouthfeel. It’s about as far away from the synthetic taste as you can get and a must-try for any vodka lover.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £39

If flavoured vodka is just not your thing, then we’ve got some super straight down-the-line recommendations too, with The Best Vodkas of 2022!

Flävar: The Upcoming World of Swedish Schnapps

If you’ve not heard of Flävar just yet, then chances are you will have by the end of 2023. The Swedish schnapps brand landed in many UK venues from May onwards, most notably cementing a place for itself on the Wetherspoons bar where 15,000 shots of each flavour are being poured out every week! So, what is it that’s captivated British drinkers?

Set up beside the easy-on-the-eye Lake Boren in southern Sweden, Flävar uses some of the freshest water anywhere to craft award-winning vodka with indulgent flavours. Railing against, “memories of garish neon glittery shots slammed back in the student union” as founder Rolf Munding put it, these 25% ABV schnapps are not only delicious, but super smooth, stylish, clear, and crisp. The distinctive and nostalgic herbal schnapps taste anchors the sweetness of their current three flavours in what appears to be a winning combo!

Inspired by traditional Swedish flavours, there’s Strawberry and Lime for a succulent and vibrant taste of summer, then bittersweet warmth of Raspberry and Liquorice and Salted Caramel, praised for its moreish sweet and salty character. With Blueberry and Lemon on the horizon as well as a fleet of other new flavours, Flävar looks like it’s here to stay.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about for yourself, you can expect to see Flävar on supermarket shelves soon, but until then you can order a 700m bottle from their website here for £19.99.

If you’d like to read more product reviews, click here!

8 Stunning Mocktail Recipes You Need to Try

We all know mocktails can easily totally miss the mark, but these 8 recipes are delicious in their own right with zero compromises. Whatever alcohol-free bottle you’ve got stocked; we’ve got the perfect mocktail for you to put it in.

Simple to make, gloriously refreshing and with the special feeling a cocktail should always come with, check out the magical mocktails below!

Tropical Passion Nojito – for the rum lovers

This mocktail is the perfect tropical getaway. If you can find a white rum alternative that’s ideal, but darker alternatives will be fine too because it’s unlikely that the No-Lo will smother the delicate flavours. The passion fruit just lifts the flavour with extra sweetness and adds a lovely touch of tartness that really adds to the refreshment. A glass of summer!

Ingredients
50ml No-Lo Rum
20ml passion fruit juice/1-2 slices of passion fruit
15ml sugar syrup
1 fresh lime
6-8 fresh mint leaves
Soda water

Method
Muddle the mint, lime juice and passion fruit and add your rum alternative. If your passion fruit is particularly sweet, you may want to skip out the sugar syrup but we like it left in. Top up with soda, plenty of ice and garnish with passion fruit, mint, or lime – whatever you have left basically!

Orange Square – for the vodka lovers

This is essentially an orange Moscow Mule, made using one of the top-notch vodka alternatives out there. The warmth and zip of the ginger balances wonderfully with light and bright orange and lime, but it’s mellow enough for the No-Lo to cut through as the show stealer. It looks delicious and tastes even better. Enjoy!

Ingredients
50ml vodka alternative
15ml lime juice
100ml ginger beer
30ml fresh orange juice
Orange slice (garnish)
Mint leaves (optional garnish)

Method
Strain freshly squeezed orange and lime juice into your glass and add your ‘vodka’ and ginger beer. Feel free to add a full slice of orange in there too. Garnish with an orange slice (we just can’t get enough) and some mint makes for a nice flourish too. Nom!

Palo-no – for the tequila lovers

There is an increasing number of more than credible tequila alternatives coming out in recent times, making use of that same agave flavour. This vibrant mocktail is a perfect way to enjoy those distinctive flavours without the alcohol. With sharp grapefruit juice and lime, it’s bittersweet, sour and a little salty, just like a good Paloma should be!

Ingredients
50ml tequila alternative
50ml fresh grapefruit juice
Soda (to top up)
15ml fresh lime juice
10ml agave Syrup
grapefruit wedge (garnish)
salt (garnish)

Method
Add ice and all ingredients except for the soda to your shaker and shake shake shake. Strain into a highball glass and top up with more ice and soda. Voila!

Whisky Sour Mocktail – for the whisky lovers

This will work for your favourite whisky alternative, but also those No-Lo creations that don’t fit as neatly into one category. If it’s got smoky and woody notes, or subtle caramelly vanilla notes, or if you just feel it has characteristics like whisky, then this silky sour is a safe bet.

Ingredients
60ml whisky alternative
30ml lemon juice
10ml sugar syrup
15ml egg white / aquafaba (chickpea juice)
2 dashes of aromatic alcohol-free bitters (something like Æcorn)

Method
Shake everything without ice first, then add ice, shake hard again, and strain into your glass. You can skip the egg white/aquafaba and bitters if you like, but you’ll miss out on the easy-drinking texture and added layers. As is always the case with cocktails though, do what you want!

Basil Gimlet – for the gin lovers

This is a more aromatic option that will suit a herbaceous gin alternative down to the ground. There are a few different ways you can do this, but we prefer elderflower and lime cordial with some peach for sweetness instead of syrup. It’s a botanical bliss, with tangy citrus and fragrant herbs giving enough space for the No-Lo to shine through.

Ingredients
50ml gin alternative
10ml elderflower cordial
10ml lime juice
10ml lime cordial (if not, then more juice and syrup)
Around 5 basil leaves
1 slice of peach (garnish)

Method
Muddle the basil thoroughly and then simply shake everything before straining over ice. Garnish with a sweet slice of peach and basil leaf and you’re all set.

Top Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, then some mint tea syrup (1:1 mint tea: sugar syrup) adds an intriguing cooling earthiness to this.

Apple Pie Sangria Mocktail – for the wine lovers

Simpler than it first appears, this a really nicely balanced mocktail that elevates a white wine apple spritzer to new levels. A sip of your No-Lo wine with sweet apple and sour lemon, underlined with vanilla syrup and honey and cinnamon on the rim is absolute heaven.

Ingredients
40ml wine alternative (preferably white, like Chardonnay)
40ml apple juice
20ml lemon juice
Dash of vanilla syrup
Honey, cinnamon and sugar(for rim)
Apple slice (garnish) 

Method
A simple syrup is always heating equal parts sugar and water, and we recommend vanilla pods to get the flavour here, but you could use vanilla essence. Shake your juices with the ‘wine’ and this syrup until it feels cold to the touch. Roll the rim of your glass in honey and then cinnamon sugar so it sticks evenly. Strain your creation over ice and garnish with an apple slice to top it off. Glorious.

Pink Fizz – perfect for the bubble lovers

If you’re looking for something simple and refreshing, this is it. It’s fun, bursting with citrusy tang and refreshing till the last drop with those beautiful bubbles. Pretty much any sparkling alcohol-free wine of good quality will suit this mocktail, so it’s super easy to pull together with whatever you’ve got in. Sometimes simple is best!

Ingredients
50ml sparkling wine alternative
15ml simple syrup
50ml grapefruit juice
Grapefruit slice (garnish) 

Method
No complicating this one, just give everything a good stir and serve chilled!

Prohibition CBDaisy – perfect for CBD lovers

The Prohibition Daisy goes way back to an era when drinkers were forced to get creative. So, in that spirit, we’ve added a CBD spin so you can unwind because isn’t that what cocktails are for? It’s super fruity, invigoratingly fresh and CBD replicates the relaxation of a boozy cocktail without the hangover!

Ingredients
30ml orange juice (ideally fresh)
15ml lime juice (ideally fresh)
15ml lemon juice (ideally fresh)
30ml pineapple juice
30ml raspberry syrup (like Monin)
CBD Bitters (like OTO) 

Method
The more freshly squeezed juices the better here. Shake everything with ice and strain into a glass with crushed ice. And remember to check your CBD amounts before adding!

We’ve kept it brand free so you can use whatever alternatives you might have in the cupboard, but if you need ideas for the best No-Lo drinks to buy then look no further! Check out our favourites here!