Hospitality group Bart & Taylor has partnered with Angelos Bafas (aka Mr.Ungarnished), to open Cato in Covent Garden, London, this November.
Bafas - who rose to fame at London's Nipperkin and later became group head of bars at the venue’s parent Creative Restaurant Group – joins Cato as managing partner.
Bart & Taylor – founded by Aiste Bart and Andrew Taylor - is the group behind nationwide restaurants Fern, Trickle, Adam & Eve and pub Mr Fox.
Cato, a New York City-inspired cocktail bar, is spread across two floors and takes inspiration from 1800s New York bartender Alexander Cato – considered by some to be the world’s first celebrity bartender.
The bar pays homage to the Julep, the cocktail most associated with its namesake.
Pulling on Bafas’ credentials in cocktails made with seasonal ingredients, the bar will grow its own herbs (including mint) using an in-house growing system, while also sourcing ingredients from urban allotments and local farms.
The venue will be divided into three distinct spaces. The ground floor bar 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.
Meanwhile 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 takes on American staples such as fried oysters (the signature dish at the original Cato’s Tavern), cheeseburgers and fried chicken.
Bafas will lead day-to-day operations supported by Yaw Asante, the group’s beverage manager.
Bafas said: “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.”
Bart and Taylor added: “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.”