London venues for a happy National Spritz Day next weekend

Next Saturday 1^st August is National Spritz Day, which offers a very reasonable excuse to get booked in for some of the best examples in the capital. The spritz has long since moved beyond the standard Aperol formula, and the options gathered here reflect that range: from floral and fruit-forward to alcohol-free, with some very nice terrace aperitivo settings to match.

Entries have been chosen to represent a spread of price points, from a £6 non-alcoholic chamomile spritz to a £35 unlimited aperitivo sitting. Some lean towards the experimental, incorporating ingredients such as lavender, guava and watermelon soda, while others stay closer to tradition. What follows is a practical guide for anyone looking to mark the occasion, wherever they happen to be in London.

Crust Bros: Lavender & Limoncello Spritz

Better known for its pizza, Crust Bros has turned its attention to the aperitivo hour with a spritz that leans into the softer, more floral end of the spectrum. Priced at £9.50, the Lavender & Limoncello Spritz combines limoncello and lavender syrup with prosecco and a splash of soda, finished with lemon and a dusting of lavender. The result balances the sharp citrus of the limoncello against the herbal sweetness of the syrup. It is available across the group’s three London sites, in Covent Garden, Earl’s Court and Waterloo, making it a summery alternative to the standard Aperol.

Franco’s: Strawberry Spritz

For a seasonal twist on the ubiquitous aperitivo, Franco’s on Jermyn Street offers a Strawberry Spritz (£18). The drink combines the restaurant’s homemade strawberry Quaglia Berto aperitivo with prosecco, soda water and fresh strawberry, resulting in something a touch fruitier and softer than the standard formula. Those who prefer the original need not worry: the Aperol spritz remains on the menu – an oldie but a goodie. One of St James’s longer-standing Italian establishments, Franco’s makes for a convenient stop for a pre-dinner drink in the area.

Novikov Italian: Classic Aperol spritz

Novikov’s Italian restaurant on Berkeley Street runs a daily aperitivo session on its terrace, held between 5pm and 7pm. Priced at £35 per person, the experience centres on unlimited Aperol spritz, with negronis and bellinis also available alongside a selection of Italian aperitivo bites. The format follows the northern Italian tradition of pairing early evening drinks with light snacks, designed to bridge the gap between the working day and dinner and served here in a pleasant outdoor Mayfair spot.

Riding House Café: Guava Rose Spritz

For those seeking a sparkling alternative to the usual house pour, Riding House Café offers two spritzes worth considering. The Guava Rose Spritz (£12.80) pairs prosecco with Pama pomegranate liqueur, guava, rose, lemon and bitters, resulting in a fragrant, fruit-forward drink. Alternatively, there’s the Tangier Spritz (£13.50), which takes a more citrus-led route, combining East London gin, Aperol and prosecco with pomegranate, tangerine and lemonade. Both are available across the group’s three London sites in Fitzrovia, Victoria  and Bloomsbury. 

Bar Thirteen at Château Denmark: Cucumber Watermelon Spritz

Tucked away at Château Denmark in the heart of London’s Tin Pan Alley, Bar Thirteen offers a lighter option for warmer months in the form of its Cucumber Watermelon Spritz (£16). The drink combines Garden Swift Gin with St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Double Dutch Cucumber Watermelon Soda and a top-up of prosecco, resulting in a refreshing serve that leans towards the crisp and floral rather than the heavily boozy. It’s the perfect pick for anyone seeking something easy-drinking without sacrificing complexity.

Bar Douro: Camomila Spritz

Bar Douro’s Portuguese kitchens have added a non-alcoholic option to their list with the Camomila Spritz, priced at £6. The drink combines a house-made chamomile cordial with lemon, offering a lighter, herbal alternative to the usual sparkling apéritifs. It is available at both of the group’s London sites: Bar Douro London Bridge, in Flat Iron Square in SE1, and Bar Douro City at Broadgate Circle in EC2. Both venues focus on regional Portuguese cooking and wine, making the spritz a fitting choice for those seeking a low-key aperitif.

Food Desk