Aqua bar
There's nothing more exhilarating than sipping cocktails, while overlooking the hustle and bustle of central London, with the afternoon sun blazing down.
If you have not made the time to do so, then it is a must.
With the warmer weather slowly slipping away, time is the essence!
One of our favourites (not for our bank balances) is the Aqua bar, just off Argyle street. A gorgeous roof top terrace, over looking Regent street. You will be captivated by the array of flags, strung out across Regent street for the Olympics and famous landmarks.
Soak up the rays and watch the sun go down with work colleagues, friends or Clients. A chance to get away from the chaos that lies beneath.
What I like about it, is that it is hidden away and incognito to the tourists overflowing from Carnaby street. It is based at the top of the old Dickens and Jones department store and if you did not know it was there, you would miss it. The bar is generally filled with lots of suits, but nice to go for drinks early evening, where there is lots of style and a good ambience.
If your afternoon spans into the evening, which can quite happen, why not soak up some of the alcohol at one of the 2 restaurants of Spanish and Japanese cuisine. If food is not what you are after and you just want to escape the evening chill, then the bar inside is exquisite.
Be prepared for £10 drinks!
http://www.aqua.com.hk/
Mary Janes Bar
Mary Janes holds a ‘social hour’every evening after work from 5pm to 8pm. Although holding a ‘happy hour’ inLondon isn’t exactly unique, this is one of my favourite places to visit afterwork.
The cocktails are made superbly,and the talented bar staff don’t attempt at ‘stalling’ that all importantcredit card transaction when the clock is about to strike eight!
The bar covers two floors,beautifully decorated with chandeliers, black leather booths, and rich shades of red velvet curtains,creating that extra special touch of elegance.
On most weekday evenings the bar is brimming with local professionals outto mingle and network. A great spot to go with some colleagues to get to knowsome of the inner city workers you all pass on your daily commute! No doubt afew business cards will be exchanged here and there!
The bar also offers private hire booths and curtained off areas, perfectfor treating your hard working teams, as well as for taking clients out tosocialize. The bar even offers a private hire karaoke room for special eventswhich I would thoroughly recommend!
Drinks are reasonably priced, with a wide selection of cocktails on offeras well as higher end vintage champagnes and liquor.
The perfect after work venue with an unbeatable atmosphere!
The Arts Theatre Club
This has to be one of my favourite 'secret' bars in Soho. (not so secret to those who work around Soho) but all the same, a gem of a bar to those who have not been before.
What's not to love about it!
If you are looking for somewhere intimate, quirky and a far cry from the somewhat seedy bars in Soho, then look no further.
You are led down some stairs to a basement bar, where you feel that nostalgic escapism that you are walking into someones living room from the 1920's. Originally founded and created by actors for after a night working at the Theatre.
The bar is dimly lit, with small gatherings of people seated in booths, huddled in corners and up close and personal by the old fire place.
Go here with a small group of friends and try a Raspberry Ricket or the Von Trappe cocktail, served to you in a teapot. For £12.50, a small price price to pay to people watch, soak in the prohibition atmosphere and lively music.
A perfect pace for a Friday night drink or to take someone visiting!
The website is worth a look at for its originality and creativeness, on its own
http://www.theartstheatreclub.com/
