Whether you spent last month doing Dry January or you were mostly just hiding out from the cold, February is bringing with it a whole host of new bars to tempt you out of hibernation. If you fancy a classic cocktail at a hotel bar, or you want to start off your night at an aperitivo bar, there are plenty of brilliant new spots to check out.
In London, the team behind Peckham bar Funkidory have opened up sister site Mama Funki, while the famed hotel The Dorchester has launched a luxe new bar after a big refurb. Across the pond, there’s a gin-focused speakeasy-style spot in NYC, while over in Miami, the team behind award-winning Barcelona bar Two Schmucks have launched a fun pop-up.
Read on for our selection of the most exciting new bars to visit this month.
The best new bars to visit in February 2023
Mama Funki
London, UK
The people behind Peckham bar Funkidory are continuing to keep south London well-watered with the launch of a sister bar in Camberwell. Sitting below another south London fave, Italian restaurant Forza Win, Mama Funki is a basement bar that promises brilliant cocktails, often made with ingredients from local producers. They’ll even have a lab space for experimenting. The bar’s signature cocktails include the ‘Mama Rita’ with tequila, lacto-fermented blackberry cordial, Mama Funki triple sec, and ‘the Butterfly’ – a mix of gin, amber vermouth, cinnamon basil cordial, orange juice and bitters. As well as delicious things to drink, there will be great tunes, too – think: nostalgic hip hop, soul and funk tunes, as well as live music.
Open now, mamafunki.com
Artists’ Bar, The Dorchester
London, UK
As part of a mega refurbishment, The Dorchester has unveiled a glitzy new drinking spot, the Artists’ Bar. With crystal chandeliers, a mirrored piano (which belonged to Liberace, no less) and cocktails served tableside on drinks trolleys, you can expect seriously glam vibes from the latest addition to this iconic Mayfair hotel. As the name suggests, the walls will be adorned with artwork, including a piece inspired by the Queen Elizabeth II postage stamp and an aerial view of Hyde Park. Alongside classics (Champagne cocktails, an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan), look out for the signature cocktails which have been inspired by the artworks, including the ‘Stamp Duty’ with Doorly’s Barbados rum, Drambuie, Oloroso Sherry, lime and English breakfast tea butter.
Open now, dorchestercollection.com
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The Schmucks pop-up
Miami, USA
The team behind Barcelona’s celebrated dive bar Two Schmucks have headed stateside, taking their creative cocktails and fun vibes to Miami. With bartenders Moe Aljaff and Juliette Larrouy at the helm, Two Schmucks was awarded the number 7 spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list last year, but the pair have now left and opened a pop-up bar at the Moxy South Beach hotel. Don’t be fooled by the name, when it comes to drinks, these guys know what they’re doing.
Open until 1st April, marriott.com
Thirteen
London, UK
Soho hotel Chateau Denmark has swung open the doors to its shiny new bar, Thirteen. Promising a different take on the hotel bar, this spot will lean into the musical history of its home on Denmark Street, with cocktails including the ‘Rock Punch’ (a mix of the Real McCoy 5, rhubarb, lime and ginger beer) and a David Bowie-inspired gin tipple called ‘Major Tom’. If you get hungry, Cue Point will be serving up its brilliant Afghan barbecue fusion dishes to soak up all that booze.
Open now, thirteenldn.com
Ploume Bar
New York, USA
If you like to have plenty of options when it comes to the gin in your G&T, you’ll be right at home at Ploume. The new basement cocktail bar at Nomad/Chelsea is stocked with no less than 900 varieties. The launch menu includes creations like the ‘Killer Bee’ with Woody Creek gin, Malfy con limone gin, yellow Chartreuse, five spice honey, lemon and cinnamon, and the ‘Hot & Bothered’, a mix of mezcal, Aperol, fresno chilli, pineapple and lime. As well as classy cocktails, this speakeasy-style bar promises an extensive champagne selection, luxe bar food and world-class DJs. What’s not to like?
Open now, theivorypeacock.com
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Equal parts
London, UK
The crew behind Sager & Wilde, known for being one of the original contemporary wine bars in London, has opened a new, slightly different drinking spot. Equal Parts is an amaro and aperitivo bar on Hackney Road, not too far from the first Sager & Wilde spot. It first opened on the quiet as a coffee bar and wine shop, while securing a license, but is now ready and raring to go as an aperitivo bar. Bellissimo!
Open now, Equal Parts
