World-renowned contemporary art fair, Frieze London, returns to Regent’s Park from the 14th-17th October, and to celebrate we have put together a list of our top artsy bars to kick back and relax at with a cocktail or two after perusing the fair.
Graphic Bar in Soho’s lively Golden Square offers a contemporary art fix. Graphic Bar is a shrine to urban artwork, their permanent collection boasts work by celebrated typographic street artist Ben Eine, Pop painter Ben Allen, 3D artist Jim Sharp and Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger. This reverence for contemporary art spills over into their drinks menu which features a spectrum of vibrantly coloured ‘Paint Tin Punches’ served in paint pots.
Hidden away in their subterranean bar, Ask For Janice in Farringdon possess a superb art collection featuring a Damien Hirst print as well as a specially commissioned graffiti piece by Kid Acne.
Claude Monet asserted “without fog, London would not be a beautiful city” and The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar has channelled the words of one of their most famous guests into the creation of ‘The Impressionist’ cocktail. Grey Goose Vodka, Miclo Violette Liqueur, Cherry Marnier, Raspberry and Ruinart Rosé are brought together in a spectacularly theatrical plume of dry ice rose fog, transporting the drinker into the pinkish hues of Monet’s London.
For those who would like to experience Art in person, Bourne & Hollingsworth Building is hosting life-drawing classes in their basement space on Tuesday evenings from 7pm. New attendees and beginners are always welcome.
Are there any other artsy bars we left off our list? Let us know in the comments