Currently, our minds are wrapped around the world of bars. Spoiler alert: it seems we’re not the only ones experiencing this collective cerebral cocktail.
In a plot twist worthy of a soap opera, just days after Time Out officially anointed London’s Best Bar for 2025, we find our beloved Side Hustle at the NoMad London basking in the glory of being crowned ‘Best International Hotel Bar’ at the illustrious 19th annual Spirited Awards. Thank you, universe—nothing quite screams “cultured adult” like sipping overpriced cocktails while pretending to understand the complex history of agave.
For those in the know (or, you know, drinking), Covent Garden’s Side Hustle is practically a wet dream for cocktail enthusiasts. Time Out raves: ‘While you could find larger tequila collections at your average backyard fiesta, this swanky Latin American-themed locale—the former abode of some poor coppers—serves up sophistication that would make a piñata blush.’ Just imagine that; a bar where the walls are graced with vibrant photographs, daringly juxtaposed against the fine leather seating. If you’re lucky, it may even come with a complimentary existential crisis.
The ambiance? Think old-school gentleman’s club—if that club decided to ditch fussy cigars for craft cocktails and infused syrups. This dimly lit refuge features dark wood booths, luxurious green leather seating, a marble-top bar that could probably moonlight as a kitchen countertop, and enough photo prints to make your Instagram feed weep with envy.
Side Hustle isn’t just resting on its laurels; it’s also strutting its way onto Time Out’s list of the best hotel bars in London. Since opening its illustrious doors in 2021, it’s managed to charm drinkers and heart-breakers alike. And as if that’s not enough, the NoMad has decided to jazz things up by revamping its dining experience with a new name for its restaurant: Twenty8 NoMad. How imaginative! At this point, we expect to see a trend of restaurants named ‘Eatery’ popping up all over town.
The Spirited Awards, part of the grand spectacle known as the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, took place in New Orleans on July 24. The ceremony was attended by a gaggle of 250 industry experts, including Mr Lyan himself (yes, he does have a real name—Ryan Chetiyawardana, for those keeping score). He’s the man charged with ensuring we don’t just drink our way through life but also critically analyze our cocktails. He recently assisted Time Out in determining the city’s best first date bars, which is just a fancy way of saying “where to awkwardly sip cocktails until you realize you’d rather be alone.”
And, in an award highlight reminiscent of an unexpected plot twist in your favorite sitcom, the biggest accolade of the night—World’s Best Bar—was handed to none other than Kumiko in Chicago. Meanwhile, the title for World’s Best Cocktail Menu was snagged by Panda & Sons in Edinburgh. We can only assume the latter was judged on sheer charisma and the ability to make even the most mundane cocktail appear Instagrammable.
Side Hustle: 28 Bow Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7AW—where the drinks are pricey, the ambiance is rich, and your wallet will weep—and yet, here we are, all too happy to oblige. To keep abreast of boozy updates from London—be it news, reviews, or the latest events—feel free to follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Seriously, it’s almost like having a friend who tells you where to go, minus the awkward small talk.
Lastly, don’t forget to sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter to snag all the vital deets of the city directly in your inbox. Because who needs peace of mind when you can have daily updates about places that will let you drown your sorrows in overpriced cocktails?
