We're helping you get to know some of the biggest disruptors in London food and drink, from the rogue chefs and the tastemakers to the trendsetters and the hospitality history redefiners. This week, we talk to a master of complex creations and drinks that are demanding of attention, Andy Loudon from Scarfes Bar, who tells us more about the vibrancy of cocktail bars in London and where he recommends to get a true taste of the city's impressive scene.
Photo: Andy Loudon
Tell us who you are and what you do.
I'm Andy Loudon, Director of Bars at Rosewood London, and I oversee the beverage offerings at Scarfes Bar, The Gin Bar at Holborn Dining Room, and The Mirror Room.
Tell us more about Scarfes Bar, and why people should visit.
Scarfes Bar, located in the heart of London in Holborn, is a stone’s throw away from the city’s iconic landmarks, and a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Scarfes Bar was named after the famous British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, whose artwork adorns the walls and pages of the new cocktail menu. ‘From Scratch’ is the bars latest menu which launched in 2024, which features 22 original creations, has drawn inspiration from the deep history and exalted traditions of cocktails with the addition of considered flavour, innovative technique and, above all, an unerring sense of fun. Guests which visit Scarfes Bar can experience a truly unique atmosphere inspired by a drawing room, with a fantastic music program with live jazz music and a sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere.
If anyone is ordering a cocktail at Scarfes Bar, which one and why?
If there is one drink that I would recommend from our current menu, it would be the Ramos & Eve. Inspired by the two classic cocktails, the Ramos Gin Fizz and a Pina Colada, it is a richer and more indulgent agave serve, with Espolon Blanco, pandan, acorn, coconut cream, pineapple soda and garnished with a sprinkle of matcha powder.
The Ramos & Eve at Scarfes Bar.
If you’re heading anywhere after a shift at Scarfes Bar, where are you going and why?
After a shift at Scarfes Bar, I love heading to a place that serves a good pint of Guinness – as for me there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a cosy British pub after work. The look, the feel, and the atmosphere are unmatched. Alternatively, I might head over to Bethnal Green to enjoy a couple of cocktails and bites at Satan’s Whiskers – they have a great soundtrack too.
What are your thoughts on the London cocktail bar scene at the moment?
The London cocktail scene is incredibly vibrant right now, offering a wealth of options for cocktail enthusiasts to explore, it’s one of the things I love the most about this city, London takes something like cocktail bars and create such a diverse range of options. There really is something for everyone - you have modernist molecular styles at places like Tayēr + Elementary, classic cocktail havens in hotel bars like The Connaught, high-energy venues scattered throughout the city, Italian aperitif bars like Bar Termini, and simplistic independent bars like Three Sheets.
Finally, if there’s one perfect cocktail; ingredient, which is it?
When creating a cocktail, I like to use an ingredient to help tell a story to the guest. The bar industry heavily caters to trends, often these stick around for a long time, while others fade in and out. Storytelling not only attracts customers but also engages them, and I believe it will continue to be a key trend in the coming years. Creating venues, menus, and cocktail programs that weave a narrative throughout helps to engage guests and draw them into the story of a cocktail bar. While throwing ingredients together to create a great-tasting drink is straightforward, a bartender and team that can articulate a sense of narrative through the cocktail itself truly elevate the experience and ensure success.
For more great bars in London, check out our guide.
