Raise a glass at Cato in Covent Garden.
Covent Garden is home to excellent restaurants and bars from around the world. Now, it is set to welcome a new cocktail bar in January, Cato. Drawing inspiration from New York, it looks set to raise the bar on London’s nightlife scene. So if you’re after a new hangout, here’s what you need to know.
Cato takes its name from 18th-century New York bartender Cato Alexander, who is widely regarded as America’s first celebrity bartender. Born into slavery in New York, he is known to have waited on George Washington. He ran his own tavern on Boston Post Road, which was north of New York.
Cato is the latest project from Angelos Bafas, also known as Mr Ungarnished. His previous ventures include Kioku Sake Bar in Whitehall and Nipperkin in Mayfair.
Cato will span three distinct spaces. On the ground floor is The House of Julep, dedicated to Alexander’s signature drink, with herbs grown on site and a fresh take on the classic julep. Downstairs, the main bar showcases its opening menu, Colour Has Flavour. Inspired by the concept of synaesthesia – where colours and senses evoke taste – the menu features inventive drinks using spirits ranging from Norfolk shiso to Scotch whisky. The venue also includes The Study, a space designed for pop-ups, masterclasses and special events.
The full food menu has not yet been unveiled. The food menu will feature elevated comfort food, with reimagined American classics such as burgers, fried oysters and toasties.
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GO: Follow @catocoventgarden on Instagram for more information.