As the nights draw in and the weather turns, we’re hunting for new spots to get cosy in the coming autumn months. With several bars opening this month in the UK and beyond, there are some exciting new places to hunker down with a glass of something delicious.
Many of the bars operate a ‘walk-in only’ policy, offering the perfect opportunity to be a little spontaneous. Whether you happen to find yourself on the rainy streets of Paris or darting across London, October’s fashionable new haunts make great places to drop in for a drink, with many of the industry’s biggest names putting together fantastic wine and cocktail lists. Read on to discover some of the best bars to visit across the globe this October.
The best new bars to visit in October 2025
Bar de Vie
Paris, France
The stylish young sister to Comptoir de Vie (which opened earlier this year to much acclaim), say hello to small but mighty Bar de Vie, tucked surreptitiously away underneath its older sibling in Paris’ 2nd Arrondissiment. To many Parisian tourists, the city oozes charm and Bar de Vie is a spot that adds to the poetic, romantic vibe. Nestled in a limestone cave, guests are immersed in the terroir that defines some of the finest French wine and invited to sip their way through an extensive wine list by candlelight. While this establishment appeals to trendy wine drinkers, its list is still serious, with a focus on low-intervention winemaking, independent spirits and craft beer, all sourced from across France by De Vie’s excellent team. Walk-ins only.
Open now, devie.bar
Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown
London, UK
The ECC made its debut 15 years ago on London’s Gerrard Street but is now back from a short hiatus as it reopens as a new concept, inspired by the rich heritage of London’s Chinatown. Prepare to be transported back to the mid-century, as the plush furnishings, exposed brick walls, eclectic DJ sets and warming drinks give the illusion of an illicit drinking den only known by a select few. With an inventive cocktail programme designed by IWSC judge and rum aficionado Timothy Falzon, the list includes new takes on old classics, a series of drinks inspired by Chinatown, and the ‘Vintage Collection’, which nods to ECC’s reputation for collecting aged and rare spirits. Drinks such as the You Make Miso Happy – bourbon, pineapple, miso, garlic eau de vie and lemon, and the Hay Jude – hay-infused Cognac, beurre noisette distillate and bitters – add to the group’s reputation for being, well, experimental.
Opening 3rd October, experimentalcocktailclub.com/london
Coulure
London, UK
Winemaker and importer Mags Janjo and GQ Sommelier of the Year Henna Zinzuwadia both know a thing or two about curating a top-quality wine list, so news of Coulure, a product of a partnership between the pair, is exciting. The latest addition to Tottenham’s buzzing bar scene will focus on producers that are Black-owned, in a similar vein to Janjo’s MJ Wine Cellars, whose list spans winemakers from across both the Old and New World from communities that are underrepresented across the industry. With a trade tasting of MJ Wine Cellars’ autumn portfolio taking place early this month, this will be a wine bar for both the trade and general public to come together, learn, and enjoy great wine.
Open now, @coulure_wine
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Ellipsis
Vancouver, Canada
Perhaps the most adventurous architecture to ever feature in our monthly new bars feature, this is Ellipsis in Vancouver, a bar-café that has made its home within a work of modernist art. In 1997, Arthur Erickson built the landmark Waterfall Building within the centre of the city with the intention of it being used as a living/work loft space. The cocktail menu features drinks framed as questions, such as Are We There Yet? – whisky, peanut butter cream and strawberry jam cordial – and What Keeps You Up at Night? – vodka, cocoa, espresso and a toasted rice pillow. From duck breast and plum to crispy toasts topped with liver moose and boozy cherries, the food menu is equally stylish. While food and drink is served all-day, as the night draws in, a momentous installation designed by Mandalaki is projected in the bar. Walk-ins only.
Open now, ellipsis.ca
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Bar Brasso
London, UK
As one of the best British summers in recent years slips away, it’s only natural that many of us are looking for ways to cling to those gorgeous dusky evenings for just a little longer. The magic of many bars and restaurants is that they offer the chance to be transported elsewhere for a moment, and for many people who are still chasing summer sun, look no further than the new, Mediterranean-influenced project from Robin Gill, Bar Brasso. The deli-cum-aperitivo bar, situated right next to Gill’s Darby’s, promises to have Campari in constant flow, as £5 Negronis and £6 Spritzes will dominate the happy hour. The wine list is also impressive, heavily leaning on bottles from northern Italy and San Sebastian, and Txakoli, a sparkling wine from the Basque region, will be on tap. For those hoping for a sensible evening, there will be plenty in the way of snacks; the ‘Bourdain’ toastie – featuring Mortadella and fontina – as well as Campari and blood orange sorbetto.
Open now, @barbrassolondon
