The Cocktail Trading Co. Smithfield ★★★★★

Popular London watering hole the Cocktail Trading Co. has just opened a second bar in the heart of Farringdon, Smithfield Market. As with its sister venue, CTC Smithfield offers the brand’s experimental trademark cocktails, along with a lively vibe in a new basement bar.

CTC Smithfield is situated below Ask For Janice, an all-day modern restaurant and bar, opposite the beautiful Victorian Smithfield market. With an emphasis on local produce and seasonality, Ask For Janice offers diners a short but creative menu in a space that bursts with a buzzy atmosphere.

The second branch of the popular cocktail bar thrives on innovation and pushes all cocktail boundaries. Experimental cocktails are taken to the next level, whilst not compromising on quality. Don’t expect the average Cosmopolitan – cocktails here are served up in snow globes, brass tins or even on fast food tray: experimental indeed. The CTC's eclectic offerings are more than just cocktails: what makes CTC’s drinks an exciting experience are the presentation.

Homemade salted caramel peanut butter pralines perfectly complement one of our favourite drinks on offer: if you're sweet tooth definitely put your hands on The Chocolate Flip #1, you won't be disappointed. And, if all sounds a little too rogue for your tastes, CTC Smithfield also serve up classic cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

The atmosphere's lively yet intimate and CTC Smithfield is an interesting concept and a bar that definitely stands out. Unlike its sister venue, the CTC Smithfield branch takes reservations: highly recommended if you want to avoid a wait.