Cato to open in Covent Garden this November

Hospitality group Bart & Taylor, in partnership with award-winning bartender and drinks author Angelos Bafas, aka Mr.Ungarnished, will open cato in Covent Garden, London, this November. The 2,200 sq ft, 100-cover New York City-inspired cocktail bar is spread across two floors and takes inspiration from Alexander Cato - the world’s first celebrity bartender.

A contemporary homage to NYC’s bar culture, the concept is built around community and inclusivity, with a drinks list focused on provenance, seasonality and minimal waste. The bar will be known as the “House of Julep,” reviving the drink that Alexander Cato made famous in the 1800s, with homegrown mints and herbs sourced from the bar’s in-house growing system. cato aspires to be the first self-sufficient bar for herbs and fruits, growing as much as possible in-house or purchasing from local urban allotments and family-run farms.

The venue will be divided into three distinct spaces. The ground floor “House of Julep” will offer juleps, smashes, twists on classics and cocktails on tap alongside beer, with a focus on swift and approachable service. “Lower cato” will feature a minimalistic cocktail menu of 12–14 serves made exclusively with British spirits and produce, each drink inspired by a different New York neighbourhood and their cultural influences. “cato’s Study” will serve as a laboratory and masterclass space, featuring a 10-cover communal table, pop-ups, R&D projects and an industry

library. A concise food menu will accompany the drinks, with elevated takes on American staples such as fried oysters (the signature dish at the original Cato’s Tavern), cheeseburgers and fried chicken.

Angelos Bafas brings significant experience to the project as the previous Group Head of Bars at Creative Restaurant Group, and as author of the newly published HYPER Drinks. Bafas is known globally for his minimalistic and ingredient-led approach to mixology, which earned his venues prestigious accolades, including Best Bar in the UK, a place on the Top 50 UK Cocktail Bars list, World’s Top 500 Bars, and recognition from The Pinnacle Guide with two Outstanding pins.

Bart & Taylor, who own and operate a portfolio of restaurants and bars across the UK, have brought in Bafas as a managing partner to bring cato to life. Angelos will lead day to day operations supported by Yaw Asante, the Groups Beverage Manager. Yaw’s experience spans from New York dive bars and speakeasies to developing drinks programmes across Bart & Taylor’s portfolio in London and beyond.

Bart & Taylor comment: “We’re thrilled to bring cato to Covent Garden, with an innovative concept that celebrates the craft of bartending while making world-class drinks approachable and inclusive. By focusing on seasonal British ingredients, supporting small producers and bringing the julep back into the spotlight, we want to create a space that not only serves incredible drinks but also builds community and inspires bartenders.”

Angelos Bafas comments: “cato is a very special project that has been in the making since I first met Andy and Aiste five years ago. Our aim is to bring memorable flavours and experiences to life using humble, local ingredients. By reviving old school, almost forgotten techniques, we aim to show how simplicity and creativity can transform the way people experience flavour through drinks.”

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