7 Stylish Tastemakers On Their Most-Loved Cocktail Bars
From iconic meeting places to hidden gems, romantic hangouts to people-watching hotspots, we asked seven tastemakers to share the beloved bars they return to again and again… By KATIE BERRINGTON
Laila Gohar, artist and co-founder of Gohar World
“My favorite bar is Estela in New York City. I like to sit at the bar and have a classic margarita. It’s intimate, you’re likely to run into a couple of friends, and if you get hungry there are great small plates to snack on.”
Laura Jackson, broadcaster and founder
“I love the old-school vibes at the American Bar at The Savoy in London, with its art deco design features. Sitting at the bar and ordering a dirty martini feels like the ultimate treat. It’s the oldest surviving cocktail bar in the city, so feels totally iconic and will never lose its legendary charm. I can only imagine some of the famous faces who’ve enjoyed a cocktail there since it opened in the late 1800s.”
Sylvie Mus, stylist
“My favorite bar at the moment is Brasserie l’Émil at the Château Voltaire hotel in Paris. It has a cool ‘old New York’ vibe, with a lot of vintage touches. My favorite tables are opposite the bar, from where you can admire the beautiful stained-glass features on the walls.”
Olivia Perez, digital creator
“Lolo Wine Bar in LA is one of those places that has everything: delicious drinks, sublime food and a vibe that can turn the worst of days into the best. You can sit outside and enjoy an alfresco drink, or make a new friend while sitting on the couch in its bar room. There’s no wrong order at Lolo, but the ever-changing cheese board and butter plate, with a glass of orange wine, might be one of my favorite dinners in LA.”
Zeena Shah, art director, writer and presenter
“I absolutely love going for a cheeky cocktail at Hacha Dalston in east London. It does the best mezcal Mirror Margarita, and the negronis are divine. My favorite place to sit is actually at the bar, or by the window to people-watch. PS: They also serve delicious tacos…”
Eny Lee Parker, artist and designer
“Prima Brooklyn has become a favorite in New York – it’s run by Daryl Nuhn and Bradley Ogbonna, who are both neighborhood friends of mine. They have done an amazing job creating a welcoming space for the community – and the wine and food by current chef-in-residence Nathanael Cox is incredible. I also love Rhodora Wine Bar in Fort Greene; the vibe and people are great. It’s perfect for a large group of friends or a cute date night, since the park is so close by for a little walk afterwards. And The Nines has one of my favorite dirty martinis in the city – plus, if someone is playing the piano, it’s a nice romantic treat.”
Amber Guinness, author and cook
“Procacci on Via de’ Tornabuoni, Florence’s answer to Bond Street, is the perfect spot for a glass of Franciacorta and the famous Procacci truffle sandwich. This historic bar was bought recently by the winemaking Antinori family, so the wine selection by the glass is excellent – although they do also make a great gin and tonic. The room is tiny and set up like an old-fashioned apothecary, with tall wooden shelves soaring up to the ceiling, and counters groaning with delicious things to nibble on. The recipe of what is in the tiny truffle brioche buns is a secret, but they are all the more delicious for the mystery.
“Caffè Rivoire, the birthplace of the negroni, sits in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria, with a lovely view over to the Fountain of Neptune and the Loggia dei Lanzi. A negroni here will taste like no other negroni you’ve had. They use much less Campari, so the color is a pale pink and is all the more delicate and delicious for it.
“My third and final favorite is The Laslett, in London’s Notting Hill. It is rare to find a relaxed, cozy corner in London where you can meet someone for an unstressful drink. The Laslett is my answer, with its fabulous bar that is surrounded by lovely artworks and plush armchairs. I also love this spot in summer, thanks to its outdoor terrace adorned with olive trees. For me, the sign of a great bar, aside from drink and atmosphere, is whether it does perfect, unfussy snacks of olives, crisps and nuts – which The Laslett does.”