The art of aperitivo is an Italian tradition. In the early evening, friends gather to enjoy a cocktail, while snacking on delicious light bites – think crostini, arancini and charcuterie.

Over the past few years, London’s food and drink destinations have cottoned on to the laidback appeal of aperitivo hour, with many now offering Italian-inspired snacks alongside spritzes.

From new openings to old favourites, here are some of the capital’s best aperitivo spots…

These Days

From 11 May, drinks brand These Days is opening up its own aperitivo bar, slap bang in the middle of the Bermondsey beer mile. Enjoy a cold spritz (choose from options like the peachy Venetian or the blood orange Sundown; alternately, you can test out a new spritz that’s currently in development) while snacking on produce from nearby St John Bakery and Neal’s Yard Dairy. Head there on Thursdays and Fridays after 5pm and on Saturdays from 2pm.

100 Druid Street, London, SE1 2AN; www.thesedaysdrinks.com

Equal Parts

Previously operating as a wine and coffee shop, this eye-catching green tiled corner spot on Hackney Road has recently launched its bar, inspired by aperitif and amaro culture. It’s the latest venture from Michael Sager, the man behind nearby Sager + Wilde and Old Street’s Fare Bar + Canteen.

245 Hackney Road, London, E2 8NA; www.equalpartslondon.com

The Refinery Bankside

The summer terrace at The Refinery Bankside takes inspiration from the Italian Riviera (and features a photo-ready flower arch made from vibrant orange bougainvillea). For a classic aperitivo experience, try the Aperol spritz ‘sharing tree’ with your pals, paired with small plates like tempura samphire or Napoli flatbread; alternatively, you can opt for the eco-conscious zero waste cocktail menu, made using fruit offcuts.

110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 9AN; www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk

Polpo

Still the go-to spot for Italian small plates, Polpo’s Venetian cicchetti remain bite-sized highlights on the menu. Think stuffed fried olives, nduja arancini and truffle and potato crochette, washed down with a peach bellini or campari spritz.

41 Beak Street, London, W1F 9SB; www.polpo.co.uk 

Cecconi’s at The Ned

Over at the City outpost of this stylish Italian, you can catch aperitivo hour between 3pm and 5pm on weekday afternoons. Simply turn up and choose any aperitivo (options include a classic negroni or a non-alcoholic crodino, an aromatic herb aperitif) and two cicchetti (classics like aubergine parmigiana, zucchini fritti and mushroom arancini with truffle aioli are currently on the line-up).

The Ned, 27 Poultry, London, EC2R 8AJ; www.thened.com 

Emilia’s Crafted Pasta

The Wood Wharf branch of Emilia’s has just launched an aperitivo menu for their new riverside terrace. Enjoy the view while snacking on homemade parmesan crisps drizzled with honey and sipping on a Chinotto spritz or a fresh fruit martini.

12 George Street, Wood Wharf, London, E14 9QG; www.emiliaspasta.com 

Bar Termini

Tiny Old Compton Street venue Bar Termini is a Soho institution. The menu is small but perfectly formed (much like the space itself), with a sharp edit of wine and cocktails, including the signature spritz Termini, and simple, delicious snacks like caponata (a classic Sicilian aubergine dish) and a charcuterie selection.

7 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 5JE; www.bar-termini-soho.com

Il Maremmano

Just around the corner from Brockwell Park, this laidback bar is all about apericena - that’s a cross between aperitivo and dinner. On the menu, you’ll find regional specialities from the Maremma, a coastal region in southern Tuscany, like vegetables in bagna cauda dipping sauce and pork and lemon meatballs.

19 Tulse Hill, London, SW2 2TH; www.ilmaremmano.com

Zoom East

You can now enjoy Sicilian aperitivo at Zoom East’s new alfresco terrace, a surprisingly secluded spot just off Whitechapel Road that’s filled with greenery. The new spring menu features snacks like agro dolce peppers, confit artichoke and lipari salame.

Hyatt Place London City East, 45 Whitechapel Road, E1 1DU; www.zoomeast.london

Norma

Fitzrovia’s Sicilian-inspired dining spot has just launched its summer terrace, offering a special ultra-seasonal aperitivo menu. Food highlights include burrata, smoked cod’s roe and spianata with giardiniera, which you can pair with a Sicilian or Italian wine, or a refreshing punch.

8 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 2LS; www.normalondon.com 

Macellaio RC

Italian steakhouse Macellaio RC is also unveiling al fresco terraces at its Soho, Union Street and South Kensington restaurants, just in time for some sunnier weather, with decor inspired by a summer in Portofino. Pair your cocktail with a light bite from their menu, like arancini al caio e pepe or burrata genovese.

Various venues across London; www.macellaiorc.com  

Images: courtesy of brands