Where to drink
Bars and clubs continue to open as London recovers from the post-Christmas blues.
Chakana is a new Incan-themed nightclub next to Selfridges, spearheaded by Nick House (Steam and Rye, Mahiki), who recruited international clubland superstars Andrew Dax (London, Ibiza), Corrado Mozzillo (Italy) and Augusto Rosillo (Argentina) to create a nightlife experience akin to Tarantino’s From Dusk Til Dawn.
Chakana, which translates as Tree of Life, is adorned with intricate carvings of serpents, pumas and condors, eerily lit skulls covered in guttering wax and knotty roots. They’ve created Peruvian-inspired superfood cocktails so drinkers can detox as they retox from the comfort of a snakeskin banquette or upon a horse-saddle stool.
In Mayfair, two eateries have opened with attractive new bars. Rextail, opened by Moscovian restaurant maven Arcady Novikov, boasts a high-spec finish, exposed brick walls, taxidermy and varnished woods. Guests can cosy up at the bar and enjoy a selection from the extensive cocktail list whilst relaxing amongst supermodels and the super-rich.
Casa di Fiori on Woodstock Street takes maximalist design to the next level with a plethora of flowers, floral-themed chandeliers created by Venetian artists, baroque furniture and a Wedgwood-inspired, blue and white colour scheme. Drinkers looking for a unique experience will appreciate the over-the-top kitsch and Rosé Champagne.
Mamounia Lounge has relaunched its flagship Curzon Street venue with beautiful mosaic flooring and silver leaf ceilings. Potent cocktails can be enjoyed whilst belly dancers gyrate, and shisha enthusiasts will be catered for with a snug terrace with heated flooring and a canopy.
Mark Hix has put the City in his crosshairs for his newest opening, Hixter, and has imported Tramshed’s chicken and steak concept to a handsome building on Devonshire Square. Weekday revellers can descend to Mark’s Bar in the basement, which has the same vibe (and bartender: James Randall) as the Soho original. Dim lighting, effulgent pressed tin ceiling tiles and inspired alcoholic concoctions have already scored a following with savvier City slickers.
Foxlow has just opened by the team behind Hawksmoor on foodie circuit St John Street. It boasts a light and airy room reminiscent of Scandinavia’s sexier venues, comprising of reclaimed materials including oak flooring and light fittings from a Wigan workingman’s club as well as chemistry tabletops from a school in Yorkshire. Pitch up at the bar for snacks and cocktails, Foxlow has a unique menu and it absolutely hits the mark.
Tim Badham is the founder of Innerplace, London’s exclusive lifestyle concierge. www.innerplace.co.uk @innerplaceLDN