There's a new bar coming to Covent Garden that's channelling a bit of New York energy, opening this November. Cato is the latest project from hospitality group Bart & Taylor (the folks behind some of the UK's most celebrated pubs and bars), created in partnership with award-winning bartender Angelos Bafas.
At the heart of Cato is the House of Julep, a space dedicated to reviving the minty classic that Cato himself made famous. The herbs and fruits will be grown in-house, with the aim of becoming London's first self-sufficient cocktail bar. Anything they can't grow themselves will be sourced from local allotments and small farms – a nice nod to sustainability without making too much of a fuss about it.
The concept takes inspiration from Alexander Cato, the world's first celebrity bartender, and reimagines his 1800s tavern for modern-day London. The bar will span three levels, each with its own vibe. The ground floor, the House of Julep, is all about delicious cocktails enjoyed in a more lively space. Head downstairs to discover something moodier and more intimate, featuring a 12-14 drink menu crafted exclusively with British spirits and ingredients, inspired by the cultural mash-up of New York's neighbourhoods. And if you're really into your drinks, Cato's Study will host pop-ups, masterclasses, and experiments.
There will also be food, including elevated takes on American bar classics. Pick from a menu of fried oysters (a nod to the original Cato's Tavern), mouthwatering burgers, and toasties to soak up the juleps.
It's early days, but Cato sounds like one of those bars that could quietly redefine Covent Garden's cocktail scene. Keep an eye out for the opening date.