10 of London’s finest eco-friendly bars
Apr 25, 2018
World Best Bar
26 November 2020
London has always been at the forefront of whatever trend has captured our interested this week. The speakeasy, the pop up, the avocado… but it’s not all frivolity, London’s bars have also jumped on the global movement towards sustainability. From reducing waste, to designing more environmentally friendly menus, it’s not just avocados making our drinks green! With bar hopping still as popular as ever, we’ve uncovered several exceptional, eco-friendly spots that need to be at the top of everyone’s list.
1. Nine Lives, Bermondsey
Nine Lives on Bermondsey Street strongly believes that everything can be used more than once. The bar’s zero-waste ethos is reflected in their menu, where you can find a section called ‘Loops’ for cocktails containing ingredients previously used to create other drinks.
2. Long Arm Brewing Company, Shoreditch
A pub powered by fish? You’d better believe it! London’s first fully sustainable pub, the Long Arm is also a microbrewery with a one-of-a-kind cycle of consumption. Leftover grain from the beer-brewing process is used to feed the fish, whose waste fertilises the pub garden, which produces fresh fruit and veggies. What’s more, when the fish have done their duty, they’re used to make delicious dishes.
3. Oriole, Smithfield Market
With decor inspired by the era of exploration and cocktails designed to delight, Oriole is one to add to your bucket list. Although not traditionally eco-friendly, the exotic garnishes used for their cocktails are grown bar side under a hydroponic light, allowing all to witness their humble origins.
4. Scout, Shoreditch
Simple, yet brimming with wacky and wonderful tastes, Scout offers up a unique experience. Creatively concocted cocktails are made in what resembles a science lab. They infuse, ferment and boil ingredients, either their own or those found within the British Isles, all while sticking to their mantra of minimal waste.
5. Trash Tiki, London
Blink, and you’ll miss it! Trash Tiki is a travelling pop-up bar on a mission to reduce waste and educate the public about sustainability. Since they’re busy spreading their message worldwide, Trash Tiki only makes an appearance in London a few times a year. Keep an eye on their tour dates if you want to experience a truly eco-friendly cocktail.
6. Midnight Apothecary, Rotherhithe
Nestled in a secret garden next to the Thames, Midnight Apothecary is truly remarkable. Enjoy cocktails created with hand-foraged and locally grown ingredients as you relax by a campfire and bask in the magical surroundings of this whimsical oasis.
7. Sager + Wilde, Hoxton
Ever heard of a biodynamic wine? We hadn’t either until we stumbled across the wonder that’s Sager + Wilde. They specialise in wine made from untreated grapes grown according to solar and lunar cycles. It doesn’t get more eco-friendly than that!
8. Super Lyan, Hoxton
Super Lyan is the creation of Ryan Chetiyawardana, an eco-friendly warrior who focuses on sustainable consumption. Plastic straws, citrus fruits and ice have all been banned to reduce their carbon footprint. But don’t worry; this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. On the contrary, their cocktails are legendary!
9. Hawksmoor, Spitalfields
Hawksmoor isn’t eco-friendly in a way you’d expect. By fundraising for eco-friendly initiatives, they support Action Against Hunger, a charity that combats famine and promotes self-sufficiency. Although Hawksmoor is a chain restaurant, head to Spitalfields if you want to visit the original!
10. Antidote, Soho
Specialising in both biodynamic and natural wines, Antidote is the perfect place to sample scrumptious, sustainably produced wine. Pop in for a quick drink or try an organic wine with a responsibly sourced meal. At Antidote, enjoy eco-friendly dining at its finest!
Although it took bars a few years to catch on to the global eco-friendly initiative, it’s obvious that there’s a plethora of ways that bars can slash waste. Now the only question that remains is: why aren’t more bars in London like this?
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