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It’s sunny outside, which in our (one-track) mind directly translates to ‘aperitif season’. Similarly vocal on the subject of aperitifs was Saint Diadochos of Photiki (a 5th century ascetic, don’t you know), who not-so-famously remarked, “People who wish to discipline the sexual organs should avoid drinking those artificial concoctions which are called ‘aperitifs’”. Strong words, St. Diadocohos. And seeing as we are absolutely not wishing to discipline any such part of our body (and because describing aperitifs as ‘artificial concoctions’ totally discredits St. D as a reliable source anyway), we fully encourage aperitif drinking whenever the need takes you. Indeed, coming from the Latin ‘aperire’ meaning ‘to open’, aperitifs are supposed to stimulate the appetite, meaning you’ll be even more excited when your steak tartare finally arrives. We’re not really seeing a downside here. So, in celebration, we’ve put together a list of our favourite aperitif bars in London.

And if you’re not going out this weekend, why not make your very own aperitif chez toi? Scroll down for Mele e Pere’s Cocchi Rosa cocktail recipe, so you can DIY. Enjoy.

69 Colebrooke Row, Islington (above)

Tony Conigliaro’s cocktail bar opened up at 69 Colebrooke Row with the moniker ‘the bar with no name’. Whatever you call the place, Tony C has made it a destination for fans of classic cocktails and those seeking the cutting edge of this most un-dark of arts.

Bar Termini, Soho (below)

At a Pullman carriage high-backed leather banquette, enjoy pink peppercorn or rose petal Negronis, Bellinis with a twist, Masala Martinis and other first-class libations mixed by matinée idols moonlighting as bartenders, looking suave in cream tuxedos.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, Mayfair

It may be close to celebrating its 100th birthday, but this venerable seafood bar feels in the same vigorous good spirits as its owner Richard Corrigan. Meet for a glass of fizz in the Champagne Bar before moving to the Oyster Bar next door – we wholeheartedly agree with fans who insist Bentley’s is “always a pleasure to visit”.

Cartizze, Mayfair

Well-cut suits who come here for sundowners such as olive-oil Gin Fizz and truffled liquorice Chivas Sour also trade up to pricier cocktails made with vintage spirits such as 1930s Martini Rosso.  If you’re peckish, aperitivi include scallops and smoked pancetta in brioche, figs wrapped in ham, and tuna tartare with candied chilli and cucumber.

Chiltern Firehouse, Marylebone (above)

Chiltern Firehouse was last year’s hottest ticket in town and the scene is “top, top class”. Celebrities sprinkle stardust through the dining room, while staff prove they are far more than just a cast of pretty faces. Better known for dining, we’re big fans of the tiny-but-perfect bar, where appetite-spiking vermouth cocktails are partnered by knockout bites.

Corrigan’s Mayfair, Bond Street

“Elegant without being stuffy”, this class act combines the high-gloss sophistication of its off-Park Lane address with all the big-hearted, twinkle-eyed charm you’d expect from chef-owner Richard Corrigan. Three-course Sunday lunches are a steal, but the real pull for us here is the little-known bar; the ideal place for a quietly-civilised drink.

Hawksmoor Spitalfields, Shoreditch (above)

With its peacock blues, burnished art-deco brass, glazed Victorian tiles, recycled teak parquet and cosy-up, blue leather booths, the convivial cellar at Hawksmoor is a beauty to behold. Bag a high stool at the zinc bar for similarly handsome mixology. Live-wire staff decide each month's ‘Desert Island drinks' – their list of personal favourites from Hawksmoor's vast cocktail anthology.

Kettner’s, Soho

‘Drinking, dining and revelry since 1867’ is the bold claim of this much-loved Soho landmark, opened by the eponymous Auguste Kettner (chef to Napoleon III) and still cutting the mustard today. Much attention now focuses on the Champagne Bar, which offers two bookable ‘nooks’ and over 100 celebratory corks to pop, whatever the occasion or budget.

Mele e Pere, Soho (above)

Old Soho-ites who bewail the steady erosion of their neighbourhood’s Italian character can take heart from Mele e Pere. This casual, confident bar-cum-restaurant delivers what its customers want, while pursuing its own lines of interest (three types of homemade vermouth, we’re looking at you).

Polpo Campari Bar, Soho

Campari is having a moment. The 150-year-old Milanese bittersweet aperitif is currently ‘molto alla moda' in London, so rediscover this taste of Italia at Polpo's piccolissimo cellar bar – a fair representation of a Venetian bacaro circa 1960. Enjoy it the classic way with soda, or discover it in an Americano, Campirinha or Negroni classic.

 

 

Not going out tonight? Give this Cocchi Rosa Spritz recipe a go. You can’t fail with this crowd-pleaser…

60mls Cocchi Rosa

Fever Tree Tonic water, to taste

2 strawberries, halved

Basil leaf

Black pepper

Pour the Cocchi Rosa into a wine glass, add the ice and strawberry halves and top up with tonic. Garnish with the basil leaf and a twist of black pepper.