February travel news: editor's picks

Barmini, Washington DC, USA

The man behind the award-winning Minibar restaurant, molecular Spanish chef José Andrés is adding to his Washington DC empire with Barmini. Offering concoctions like the 'Salt Air Margarita' invented over 15 years ago, Andrés brings us his first ever chef-driven cocktail concept, reinventing classics and bringing forgotten techniques to capital city diners. Spanish architect and designer Juli Capella, along with Georgetown-based architecture and design firm CORE and Forrester Construction Company, have created an inviting space that marries hard and soft surfaces. Guests sit at white pod counters, looking onto shelves behind the bar filled with antique glassware (some dating back to the 1930's), vintage barware and classic cocktail books. Cerruti Baleri's cactus sofa and fruit pouffes add a pop of colour to the stark black and white interiors.

Barmini, 855 E Street, NW, Washington D.C; www.minibarbyjoseandres.com

Writer: Carole Dixon