First You Take a Drink…

I’ve lived in London for 21 years now, and yet I still wouldn’t be able to tell you about ALL the cool bars and hangouts across this beautiful city. What I can tell you about is the trendy bars and hangouts that I know, and if you ever get the chance to visit London you should hit me up and we can live it up large.

London is home to many places where you and your friends can argue about how good/bad Big Bang Theory is. (Did I utter something blasphemous? Sue me.) If you don’t like the hustle and bustle of the club, because come on lets face it getting sweaty is not cool in the summer, then bars or something similar are definitely places you want to visit.

Here’s my list of the top 5 places to chill (or get very, very drunk in) in descending order:

5. Honky Tonk

Situated in Clapham, I had no idea this place even existed until a few months ago. Not only do they serve drinks, but they also serve food during the day. I haven’t had the chance to sample any of the food in this fine establishment, but I’m hoping to go back soon and try their Love Me Tender ribs.

If you’re not a fan of beer, but still love alcohol and love to try new things then I suggest you get a beer cocktail. Even though it has beer in it, it’s so subtle you’ll only notice it after you’ve pretty much downed it.

www.honkytonklondon.com

4. Be At One

There is actually a chain of these across London, Reading and Brighton. I’ve been to the one in Clapham Common, and I popped into the one in Brighton when I went a few weeks ago. The bar has quite dim lighting, which makes it romantic and sensual… coincidentally the two times I’ve been there I was on a date. Figures.

They have an excellent range of cocktails and Happy Hour is 5 – 8PM. If you download the app, you can actually get two cocktails that are the same for only £9.50. (This surely smells disaster, but I never regretted it)

www.beatone.co.uk

3. Revolution

The last time I was there was about a year ago. It was the start of a crazy night with some old friends, which ended with one of them puking on the bus after valiantly proclaiming that she was going to central London to get crunk.

Nevertheless, this place is great. The interior design is very nice and they have loads of comfy seating areas. There are actually two situated in Clapham, and my friends and I went to the one near the station. We were immediately enticed with a cocktail pitcher made by the bartender ‘Dan the Man’ called Fizzy Rascal. Fizz up, look sharp.

www.revolution-bars.co.uk

2. Slug and Lettuce

This is more of a pub than a bar, but it’s still a cool place to chill. They also do food during the day. I went to eat there when I went to Portsmouth – my friend ordered a Fisherman’s platter, which took up pretty much all of the table and my food looked minuscule in comparison. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak, which was good but after visiting Camden Food Market and having one there I might have to re-evaluate.

Good food + alcohol + good times = A-OK in Chynna’s books.

http://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk

1. Adventure Bar

This place holds a very special place in my little alcoholic heart. I feel like I’m about to write a love poem about this place, but honestly, it is one of the best bars I’ve been to. If you follow me on Instagram/Twitter, then you might see that I am in here quite a lot. To be honest, I blame the fact that there’s one literally 5 minutes down the road from where I live.

What can I say about this bar without sounding like I’m about to cream my pants? Okay… maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit, but every time I’ve been in Adventure Bar I’ve ALWAYS had a blast.

Basically, if you’re ever in London and you end up in Adventure Bar, but don’t invite me… we’re not friends, anymore. JUST so you know.

www.adventurebar.co.uk

Honourable mentions:

• Aquum – You might remember a post in which I did way too much on my birthday that I don’t even remember what happened. This place attributed to that memory loss. They have cocktails with fire, for God’s sake. The food, as well! Mmmhmm.
• The Penthouse – This is actually a club. I detest clubs now (I think I’m getting old), but this one I thought deserved a mention because it has one of the sweetest views of London ever. You don’t have to pay so much to go to the London Eye – just head on over to the Penthouse. Entry is around £10 and you can enjoy good drinks and a beautiful panoramic view on the 6th floor.

There are plenty of places that I’ve yet to discover, but now that I’m living in this city permanently I have plenty of time to find them all. I’m sure I’ll blog about the antics I get up to in the places I discover – perhaps I’ll be making a part 2 of this list.

Until then… drinks up, amigo!

_{Disclosure:
I have no affiliation with any of these places nor was I compensated to write about my experiences. When I come across a place I genuinely love I am most definitely going to share with you all!}