In the heart of Soho, LAB London transformed cocktail culture through seventeen groundbreaking years of mixological innovation, establishing itself as the city's most influential bartending academy before its legendary closure in 2016. This pioneering cocktail bar didn't just serve drinks—it revolutionized how London approached craft mixology, earning its place as the birthplace of modern cocktail culture.

Founded by visionary bartenders Douglas Ankrah and Richard Hargroves in 1999, LAB (London Academy of Bartenders) emerged when London's bar scene desperately needed reinvention. Their mission was audacious: create a laboratory where bartending became both art and science. The concept proved transformative, with LAB earning recognition as one of the world's most influential cocktail establishments. The bar's greatest claim to fame remains Douglas Ankrah's creation of the Porn Star Martini, now one of Britain's most ordered cocktails and a testament to LAB's lasting impact on global drinking culture.

LAB's cocktail program was legendary for its breadth and creativity, featuring over 100 meticulously crafted drinks that ranged from reimagined classics to boundary-pushing originals. The menu constantly evolved, reflecting the bar's commitment to experimentation with exotic fruits, house-made syrups, and unusual spirit combinations. Each cocktail represented precision mixology at its finest, with bartenders encouraged to push creative boundaries while maintaining exacting standards. The bar's approach to premium craft cocktails set new benchmarks for technique and presentation, influencing cocktail programs across London's luxury bar scene and beyond.

The LAB experience was distinctively energetic and interactive, with the bar counter serving as a stage for theatrical mixology performances. Unlike the formal atmosphere of traditional hotel bars, LAB cultivated a dynamic, inclusive environment where bartenders' personalities shone through engaging banter and showmanship. The carefully curated interior prioritized functionality while fostering guest interaction, creating a lively atmosphere that made cocktail appreciation accessible to both connoisseurs and newcomers. Service was refreshingly informal yet professional, with staff encouraged to blend expertise with personality in ways that redefined hospitality standards.

LAB's true legacy lies in its role as a training ground for cocktail industry legends, including Dré Masso, Andrea Montague, and Tim Stones. These alumni have gone on to shape London's contemporary bar landscape, carrying LAB's innovative spirit to new establishments. Though LAB closed in 2016 after an emotional farewell weekend featuring guest shifts by bartending legends, its influence continues to permeate London's cocktail culture, making reservations at LAB-inspired establishments among the city's most coveted dining experiences.