Where to drink in June
Summer is here! Well, nearly... it’s definitely just around the corner. It's the season of festivals, office summer parties and weddings. Time to pack away the Winter jumpers, dig out the flip flops and get out and about and enjoy the sunshine.* Here's a few of our top picks for where to drink in June.
*maybe pack an umbrella just in case though
Soho Theatre, London
The bar at Soho Theatre is lively, has a great relaxed atmosphere and full of great beers. We suggest arriving early before a show, ordering one of the fabulous traditional pizzas along with a bottle of The Captain's Wingtip. We heard you can become a member and enjoy the bar until 1asm after the shows. Sounds like a plan!
Pata Negra, Bristol
In the heart of Bristol you’ll find this hotspot, Pata Negra The buzz surrounding the ground floor tapas restaurant is insatiable. Search the internet and you’ll find nothing but glowing review after glowing review for the food, service and atmosphere. Speak to people that have visited Pata Negra and you’re more than likely to get a similar response; everyone loves the place! The love isn’t limited to the ground floor restaurant... after your meal, head upstairs to Noche Negra, a music bar with a latin inspired drinks menu, including the ever popular Cucapa range of Mexican craft beer. You’d be a fool not to check out this gem.
Photo credit: @patanegrabristol
Hubbox, Exeter
When in the west country, head to Hubbox. With venue’s in Truro, Plymouth and Exeter, the Hubbox team have American dining in the South West sorted to a tee. Their Exeter venue specialises in burgers, dogs and beer with an ever rotating craft beer menu bringing in beers from near (check out the local micro brewery beers they champion) and afar. And for those of you that don't fancy a beer, they stock the fine array of Dominion sodas. Everything about Hubbox Exeter oozes quality, especially those burgers.
The Diner (Strand)
After an authentic, classic American diner? Visit The Diner. There are 9 of then dotted around London but we're feeling The Strand right now, sitting new and proud opposite The Savoy. A hot dog with a root beer fits the bill nicely. Although apparently there is a Patty Melt that needs our immediate attention...? Well, it would be rude not to.
The Urchin, Hove
Shellfish and craft beer... a match made in heaven if you ask us! It's a belief that is echoed by most who visit this small gastro pub in Hove, East Sussex. Friendly, quirky and on trend, we love The Urchin and it’s team. Try exploring the wall of craft beer bottles; all available from the fridge for imminent drinking or to take away and savour at home. Ticking all the boxes, The Urchin even has a great, part covered, outside seating area. Please note however, the pub is small and extremely popular so make sure you book a table in the dining area should you be planning a weekend visit.
Mange Tout, Brighton
Sister venue to Plateau and a real favourite for the entire Heathwick team, Mange Tout is a French eatery located in the North Laine area of Brighton, just down from the train station. Locally sourced ingredients form the basis of the lunch menu as well as dominating the specials board. Mange Tout deliver on their belief of “real cooking, using fresh, sustainable ingredients of the highest quality”. The staff clearly love the venue and the food as they will fondly enlighten you with seeds of knowledge for each dish. Pair a light and fresh dish with a bottle of Wingtip’s The Captain Lager and you’ve got yourself a lunch that will make you wish you didn’t have to return to the office on a sunny afternoon!
The Ginger Dog, Brighton
We've been meaning to tell you about The Ginger Dog and include them in our where to drink journey but whilst trying to decide when best to visit them, they forced our hand, and our feet, as they tweeted their mid-May cocktail special: an Oak Barrel Martini, starring Dominion Oak Barrel Stout. Forming part of The Gingerman Group, The Ginger Dog is a small gastro pub situated in Kemp Town, Brighton. Fresh seasonal ingredients create a wonderful menu and this, along with the fantastic service provided by their knowledgeable, attentive staff and the great selection of craft beer behind the bar, results in a dining experience you won't forget for a while. Upstairs at the Ginger Dog you’ll find a private dining room that we're keen to investigate for our next get together! (Here's our recipe for the Oak Barrel Martini - although ours doesn't have 'treats'... boo)
As always, let us know any new places you discover to drink this month!