Features

The most exciting new bars opening in February 2022

From Simon Rogan’s foray into natural wine to a cocktail bar from some of whisky’s brightest minds, this month’s hottest international bar launches should make for destination drinking

Words by Laura Richards

cocktail at holy bar, london, uk
The Lover's Cocktail is on the menu at London's recently launched Holy Bar (Photo: Joakim Blockstrom)

While there’s no doubt that we’ve all upped our home bartending game, nothing can beat the thrill of taking a seat at the bar and having somebody else pour the drinks – particularly when the bartenders are among the best in the business. That’s why we’re bringing you a new monthly roundup of the most exciting bars opening around the world.

In February 2022, we’re looking forward to a new Asian outpost of popular wine club 67 Pall Mall, a natural wine bar from Michelin-Starred chef Simon Rogan over in Hong Kong, and a new Athens outfit from the team behind the fourth best cocktail bar in the world. Plus, closer to home in London, a new hotel bar designed by Tom Dixon and with drinks from the team behind whisky specialist Milroy’s is causing a bit of a stir.

Read on to find our selection of the most exciting bars to launch in February 2022. Plus, don’t forget to consult our guide to February’s hottest new restaurants, too.

Global bar launches: February 2022

the line bar in athens, greece
(Photo: The Line)

The Line

Athens, Greece

Initially, this Athens launch was shrouded in mystery, with some of the world’s top bartenders posting cryptic content to their social media feeds captioned, ‘What the f**k is The Line?’. We can now tell you that it’s an exciting new venture from the team behind the city’s popular cocktail bar, The Clumsies (ranked at number four on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, no less). The concept is fairly radical: neither a trad cocktail bar nor a straightforward wine bar. Instead, its drinks will be shaped around fruit wines created in collaboration with T-Oinos winemaker Thanos Georgilas.
Now open, www.lineathens.gr

a cocktail at new bar, silverleaf, in London, UK
(Photo: Lateef Okunnu)

Silverleaf

London, UK

From the striking marble bar to the whisky glassware, renowned designer Tom Dixon has certainly put his stamp on this destination cocktail bar inside London’s Pan Pacific hotel. But there’s more to Silverleaf than meets the eye. Expertise comes from the team behind London whisky specialist Milroy’s – and from its temperature-controlled drinks display cabinet to Alba, its private 12-seater space for intimate tastings, it’s evident that spirits are set to be treated with particular reverence throughout.
Now open, www.panpacific.com

cata costa rica bar
(Photo: Cata Caza)

Cata Caza

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

It might look like a backpacker’s paradise, but there’s a whole lot of substance to this recently launched beach bar. Behind the concept are Megs Miller and Liz Furlong – the former, the co-founder of London bar FAM and an Altos Tequila ambassador, the latter, the mind behind Costa Rica cocktail bar Bebedero, a watering hole that champions local ingredients. Cata Caza looks set to offer an agave education as well as a good time to Costa Rican beach dwellers.
Now open, www.catacostarica.com

a cocktail at holy bar in london, uk
(Photo: Joakim Blockstrom)

Holy Bar

London, UK

With dishes like ‘sexy tofu’ on its menu, plant-based restaurant Holy Carrot in London’s Knightsbridge is already one of those places with a bit of an Instagram following. Its new ‘secret’ bar could be about to cement its cult status in certain circles. Holy Bar is said to be inspired by Salvador Dalí’s style of surrealism, and will be serving up crystal therapy and Tarot readings alongside vegan bar snacks and Piper-Heidsieck cocktails. With its outré modus operandi, we predict punters will either love it or hate it…
Now open, www.holycarrot.co.uk/holybar

67 pall mall singapore
(Photo: 67 Pall Mall)

67 Pall Mall Singapore

Singapore

The cellar will be home to 5,000 wines from 42 different countries, ensuring the latest launch from 67 Pall Mall lives up to the lofty standards set at its flagship members club in London. Speaking of heights, the Singapore club will be perched on top of Orchard Road’s Shaw Centre, affording penthouse views across the city. Just as impressive are the indoor views, though, with a six-metre-tall tower installed behind the bar, housing some 1,000 wines. Expect all the typical members’ club perks – but move fast, as sign-ups are already said to be close to capacity.
Opening: Feb 14, www.67pallmall.com/the-singapore-club

the baker and the bottleman hong kong
(Photo: The Baker and the Bottleman)

The Baker and the Bottleman

Hong Kong

If the bakery-meets-natural-wine-bar trend has passed you by, it’s time to sit up and take note, as chef Simon Rogan steps into the space. The Baker and the Bottleman is a third Hong Kong outing from the celebrated Brit, who is known for keeping a sustainable ethos at the core of Michelin Star concepts L’Enclume and Roganic. While the bakery element of this Wan Chai operation is already in full-swing, an upstairs wine bar is due soon, with its focus on low-intervention offerings selected by Master Sommelier Pierre Brunelli. Cheese and cold cuts will accompany the list of natural, organic and biodynamic bottles.
Opening: TBC, www.thebakerandthebottleman.hk