Tayēr + Elementary

A two-parter from celebrated bartenders Alex Kratena and Monica Berg, Tayēr + Elementary occupies two joined spaces in Shoreditch and made it to the #2 spot on the list of the best bars in the world in 2022.

The front of the house is where you find Elementary, a minimalist walk-in bar in the exposed-vents-and-brick industrial style that seems to be all over the area these days. That's not a knock against it, however, as the elementary setting keeps the focus on the drinks or the passers-by you can watch through the big windows. The pre-bottled drinks come quickly and change daily, with the signature being the One-Sip Martini, a shot-style take on the iconic cocktail, though it's always a good idea to check what's roiling around the slushy machine as well.

The Tayēr venue in the back, meanwhile, is where the mixologists really come into their own, with the metallic yet welcoming space used as a showcase for both their craft and their in-house Muyu liqueurs. It's more akin to a laboratory or a fine dining experience, with the potions nameless and relying on seasonal ingredients to convey flavours and feelings. Due to limited space and the cosiness inviting you to stay awhile, you might have trouble getting in, but waiting it out in Elementary is definitely a legitimate option, as are the snacks and non-cocktail drinks they also offer.