Cocktail Trading Co: London’s next top bar?

What’s better than a new bar? A new bar opened by three of the capital’s finest bartenders.

(L-R) Brading, Ball & Mil

On Monday, 26 January, the doors of The Cocktail Trading Co’s Development Bar and Table will open, and it is already shaping up to be one of London’s top bars. The Cocktail Trading Co., a bar and consultancy service, was founded by Andy Mil (LCC, Match, Steam & Rye), Elliot Ball (Steam & Rye, Shaker UK) and Olly Brading (LCC) last year.

They have had many highlights already: the Cheeky Tiki pop-up bar in association with The Real McCoy Rum during London Cocktail Week and becoming the victors of the Jim Beam Shake History cocktail competition 2014, which included a Woktail, and they even have an owl mascot named the Major.

Their first bar, known as CTC Development Bar & Table, is certain to be a hit with both consumers and trade alike. With a look of a Victorian gin palace meets vintage/industrial London, it will be quite unlike anything we’ve seen before, including reclaimed Scotch barrels serving as tables.

The drinks are a mix of fun and adventurous, including a ‘Tu-Whit-Tu-Whoo-Woo’ served in the nearest owl, and the ‘Sauvignon Private Ryan’, served in a ration tin and made up of Calvados, dry Sherry, sauvy B (no really), lemon juice and a cardamon and passionfruit syrup.

Tu-Whit-Tu-Whoo-Woo

It will also follow ethical practices with 25% of CTC D&T owned by an employee benefit trust. This means that 25% of profits will go to staff, along with wages and tips, as well as perks that will allow the staff to lead a sustainable lifestyle. It is a real bartenders bar with no hidden puppet masters. Elliot said they hope it improves the industry by serving as an example to others in regards to their ethical operations.

Situated beneath Central & Co. on 22 Great Marlborough street, this will be a fantastic addition the already highly awarded London bar scene. This ladies and gentle-owls, is going to be a HOOT!