From a bar taking inspiration from 1980s disco to a multi-disciplinary arts venue conjuring post-exhibition cocktails, London’s longer summer evenings provide the perfect opportunity to sample the capital’s new bars. Meanwhile, across the world in Sydney, as winter draws closer, so does the opportunity to hunker down in a tavern dedicated to the Negroni.
Read on for the hottest new bars opening this May.
The best new bars to visit in May 2025
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Parasol
London, UK
Parasol definition: a light umbrella used to give shade to the sun. It’s also the name of the hedonistic new addition to Dalston, co-founded by Andy Kerr of The Umbrella Project and The Sun Tavern, both of which are subtly paid homage to via this new bar. Its other co-founder, Tom Gibson, is no stranger to a late-night in North London, counting Corrochio’s and The Bluecoat amongst his arsenal. With Kerr and Gibson at the helm, Parasol is sure to make a fantastic addition to Dalston’s nightlife and with a commitment to hosting DJs that play ’80s NYC dance music, it will be the perfect location to while away a Friday night with a glass from their impressive list of French and Italian wines. The cocktail list has been crafted for drinks and music-lovers alike with a menu divided into two genres, House and Disco. Intriguing choices include Disco Biscuits – Woven Scotch, late-harvest riesling, strawberry aperitif and biscuit tea soda; and June Bug – Takamaka overproof rum, Yellow Chartreuse, pineapple, banana, melon, coconut and lime, all for just £10 a glass.
Open now, parasol-london.co.uk
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Herbs Taverne
Sydney, Australia
The classic cocktail gets a psychedelic twist in this playful new drinking den brought to Sydney’s CBD by the Mucho Hospitality Group. Say hello to Herbs Taverne, the 80-seater cocktail bar that takes its clientele on a journey to the heady heights of mid-century New York. As seen in both Cantina OK! and Bar Planet, Mucho are known for focusing their bars on one signature drink before opening it up to many twists, turns and creative directions. The team at Herbs Taverne has curated a streamlined list of 12 cocktails that use the Negroni and amaro as a starting point for many interpretations of the classic beverage. Paying homage to bitter flavours, their list of more than 40 rare amari from around the world are a celebration of global drinks culture. The Green Negroni, complete with parsley amaro, looks particularly interesting.
Open now, muchogroup.com.au/herbs
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Town Bar
London, UK
An opening that has been on everyone’s lips for the past few weeks is Town – the brainchild of chef and restauranteur Stevie Parle, whose new haunt is a homage to British produce. Along with the restaurant is Town Bar, the stylish new offering spearheaded by Kevin Armstrong of Satan’s Whiskers. Armstrong is no stranger to an accolade; Satan’s Whiskers consistently features on multiple ‘best cocktail bar’ lists and Town is sure to benefit from his experience and creativity. The wine list promises to be extensive, platforming old and new world producers, plus rare and exceptional gems, while the ‘succinct’ cocktail menu will include refreshing aperitifs and modern classics – the perfect place to unwind after a meal.
Opens 12 May, town.restaurant
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Lila29
Brussels, Belgium
Opening soon in Brussels’ Quartier Nord is the stylish new bar and restaurant Lila29, housed on the 29th floor of the latest addition to the portfolio of The Standard Hotels group. Following in the hip, neo-brutalist style of the group’s other hotels, this atmospheric new haunt is the perfect place to grab a nightcap in a sky-high setting that you’ll want to see and be seen in. The drinks menu is a delight, with cocktails such as the Lila29 Spritz – gin, jalapeno and fig vermouth with lime soda – to tickle your fancy. If cocktails are not what you’re after, the spirits list is extensive, with a wide range of whiskeys, Tequilas, rums and more that will take you from Japan to the Dominican Republic in just the flick of a page.
Opens 9 May, standardhotels.com/brussels
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Setlist
London, UK
Somerset House’s Setlist is another London drinking spot receiving a fair bit of attention in recent weeks, in part due to its interesting programming that traverses art, hospitality and everything in between. Establishing its home within a Grade I-listed arts venue, this exciting new space will host interactive installations, live music, DJs and more, offering a fantastic experience shaped by some of the best names in the capital’s food and drink community. The team behind the project consist of Thomas Kidd (Bar Elba and Luna Springs), James Dye (Frank’s and Bambi), Paul Smyth (Mission Kitchen) and Clement Ogbonnaya (Prince of Peckham and Queen of the South), all stalwarts of the London hospitality scene. An impressive drinks menu includes cocktails such as the Somerset Spritz – Lillet Blanc, Suze and cider; and the Setlist Spritz – Lillet Rose, raspberries, tonic, pomegranate and basil. Setlist will also offer the largest alcohol-free menu in the city, including a stellar line-up of 0% beers, cocktails and wines. A vast selection of street food will be available to soak up all the excellent drinks, with chefs Opeoluwa Odutayo, Sophie Wyburd and more stepping up to the hotplate.
Opens 8 May, somersethouse.org.uk
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The Caravan Shop
Glasgow, UK
From the team behind Glaswegian staple Brett is The Caravan Shop, an intimate shop/bar/bistro set just a moments throw from its acclaimed sister restaurant. Over the past three years, this space has lived many lives, existing as a storage unit for its older counterpart and once housing the high-end restaurant Cail Bruich before taking on its new guise. From promises of Guinness for £4.50 a pint, to a good old-fashioned Aperitivo Hour (to be drunk alongside a sinful portion of macaroni cheese waffles), The Caravan Shop has laid the foundations for a trusty neighbourhood bar. Be sure to nip in either before or after your trip to Brett, grab a glass and watch the world go by.
Open now, instagram.com/the_caravan_shop
