The iconic American Bar at the Savoy is the most influential bar in London, reveals a new report on trends in the capital’s dynamic drinking-out sector.
The ‘London Influencers’ report from CGA Strategy and BarChick investigates the most influential outlets in the capital, profiling their standout appeal, their drinks ranges and how suppliers can gain listings there. It highlights the outstanding quality of London bars now and reveals how they set standards for others to follow—not just in London but worldwide.
The report also reveals the drink trends likely to proliferate across the market, including the rising importance of ‘thought leaders’ be that online via social media or ‘in-the-know’ friends. The research also uncovers the growing prominence of star-name mixologists, in-house distillation and South American spirits, along with the continued rise of premium, small-batch and unusual drinks and theatrical service. It has a host of valuable market insights for bar operators and suppliers alike.
The five London bars named by the report as most influential are:
1 The American Bar at the Savoy The country’s oldest surviving cocktail bar and still one of its most sought-after, with supremely knowledge staff and a menu that has inspired countless others
2 The Connaught Bar Another legendary cocktail bar set within a grand old London hotel, it is famous for its glamorous style and dramatic serves
3 Dandelyan Launched just two years ago at the Mondrian Hotel and possibly the finest example of celebrity bartenders, with Mr. Lyan
4 Hawksmoor Spitalfields The acclaimed steak restaurant has set the standard in drinks for all other food-led businesses to follow
5 Hawker House A late-night market in Canada Water run by London Union, adding whisky and rum bars to the popular collective of street food operators
Next on the list of influential bars—and the first standalone venue in the top ten—is Callooh Callay in Shoreditch. Seventh is leading craft beer exponent The Draft House on Old Street, and eighth is Nightjar in Shoreditch—a bar that with nearly 34,000 Instagram followers and 36,000 Facebook likes shows the benefits of building a profile on social media. The top ten is completed by tap room Mother Kelly’s on Bethnal Green and the Blind Pig, a ‘secret’ bar at Social Eating House, Jason Atherton’s restaurant in Soho.
The full ‘London Influencers’ report is available now. For more information, please call CGA Strategy on 0161 476 8330 or visit www.cgastrategy.co.uk.
