The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
GO HERE: to discover what people are raving about when they rave about London cocktail culture. The elaborate drinks in this hotel lounge are concocted from house-made bitters, herbal remedies, tinctures, and cordials, served in a velvety space that evokes a time when men on both sides of the bar had mustaches and waistcoats. The list was created by a molecular mixologist about town, which means that there’s a literal explosion accompanying a drink called the Flintlock. Prepare yourself.
ORDER THE: Lime Blossom Fizz, Sorrel Collins, the Flintlock
THE VIBE IS: modern Victorian—and highly alluring when it comes to drinking.
PRACTICAL STUFF: Weekends are very, very busy, so park yourself early, or stay at the hotel (rooms upstairs go for £195/night). The cocktail lounge is open 7 p.m. to midnight, Sunday to Wednesday, and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday to Saturday. You can also book a table online.
