London’s myriad of bars has something for everyone. From historic cocktail venues to vibey speakeasies to beer gardens, the city is full of surprises. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite drinking spots in London for you to discover some of the best bars the city has to offer.
Poet Samuel Johnson once said: “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. That could not be more true. Constantly buzzing and full of mystery and charm, London has a little bit of everything, making boredom hard to come by. With bars dotted around town, you have endless options to choose from based on your needs.
Disrepute
£££
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Located in the heart of Carnaby Street, just a few minutes from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly stations, Disrepute Soho is a 1960s-inspired bar ideal for an early evening aperitivo. The dimly lit, low-ceiling bar with leather booths combines sophistication and the era’s counterculture. Carnaby Street bars generally offer different drinking experiences depending on where you go. Stop by for an aperitivo hour every Thursday to Sunday between 4-6pm. Though a members’ only bar, the bar allows for non-members if capacity allows.
Location: 4 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London, W1B 5PW
Diogenes The Dog
££
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A grocery store and wine bar all in one? Named after the Greek philosopher who lived in a barrel, Diogenes the Dog invites guests to escape the city noise to sample new wines. One of the best wine bars in London, the venue is tastefully decorated with plants and a heavy wood interior giving you that homely feeling. The staff are all trained sommeliers and can help you pick the right wine for you. Simply ask and you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Location: 96 Rodney Rd, London, SE17 1BG
Coupette
££
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On the hunt for the best cocktail bar in London? The city has too many gems to only pick one, but if you’re looking for an elegant yet affordable spot, Coupette is your place. As the name suggests, it brings a touch of French sophistication to the East End of London. Simple, elegant and great-value cocktails are served in a dimly lit bar with an exposed brick wall. On Sundays, the team brings out their Development Menu based on drinks created on the day, giving guests a chance to try new cocktails every week. This is a ticketed event, and early booking is recommended.
Location: 423 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 0AN
Heads + Tails
££
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Located just opposite West Hampstead station, Heads + Tails is one the best cocktail bars in London set in a connected venue that offers two different experiences. Enter Tails, the basement-level part of the neighbourhood bar, if you are in the mood for dark spirit cocktails served in a shadowy wooden bar with muted tones. Or stay on the ground floor at Heads, the bright and airy level boasting a high ceiling, gold accents and a marble bar top. The bar puts a spin on classic cocktails; their Cosmopolitan with a modern twist is a must-try.
Location: 175 W End Ln, London, NW6 2LH
The American Bar
£££
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The American Bar at the Savoy is the longest-standing cocktail bar in London. The art deco cocktail venue opened in 1893, got its name from the American-style drinks that were on offer, and is today recognised as a classic spot. The bar is one of many jazz bars in London, where visitors can enjoy a soiree with pre-theatre drinks while listening to the tunes of music played by a live jazz pianist. Walk-ins are welcome, however, only guests at the hotel can make a reservation
Location: The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ
Homeboy
££
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You can gulp your pint of Guinness at a pub. Or you can enjoy it and other flavoured drinks at a modern speakeasy-style Irish bar. Founded by two friends, this drinking spot pays homage to Irish heritage with its warm and inviting hospitality. The bare brick walls and leather banquettes create an informal atmosphere that gets really lively on the weekends. Located in the heart of Islington, Homeboy bar brings together comfort, great cocktails and a good dose of hip-hop and RnB music perfectly well.
Location: 108 Essex Rd, London, N1 8LX
Fitz’s Bar
£££
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A lot of places claim to be one of the best hotel bars in London, but Fitz’s Bar is speacial. Named after architect Charles Fitzroy Doll, the bar is located inside the Kimpton Fitzroy, a 5-star Grade II-listed hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury. This Gatsby vibes den – with stained glass windows, plush seating, plumage and a disco ball – serves unique and glamorous cocktails. Stop by for an early evening or a late night drink and try their new cocktail menu; Theory of Colour. Inspired by the Dutch painting “Still Life of a Vase of Flowers,” the creative menu is bound to take you on a fascinating drinking journey.
Location: Russel Sq, London, WC1B 5BE
Tayēr + Elementary
££
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Located just a few minutes from Old Street station, Tayēr + Elementary is made up of two bars combined into one space where traditional meets modern. Tayēr has a dark tone and an industrial feel to it. Hidden behind a concrete wall, it opens up to a stainless steel island where the bartenders put their mixologist skills to the test. Open Tuesday-Saturday, you can stop by anytime without a reservation. Elementary, on the other hand, lures guests into a room with large floor-to-ceiling windows and a relaxed atmosphere. You can expect to find pre-made cocktails on tap, but worry not – they’re delicious and very well-priced.
Location: 152 Old Street, EC1V 9BW
Bar Termini
££
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Looking for one of the best bars in Soho, London? Let us introduce you to Bar Termini, an Italian-inspired coffee and cocktail bar in the heart of Soho. Cool, cosy and lively, the drinkery has a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of an old Italian train station bar from the 1950s. Renowned for its fabulous Negroni and Marsala Martini, it’s an ideal spot to visit before dinner or an outing to the theatre. Booking is a must.
Location: 7 Old Compton St, London, W1D 5JE
Four Quarters South
££
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Four Quarters South is where you should be if you love craft beer and arcade games. Located on the buzzing Rye Lane in Peckham Rye, this easy-going spot opened its doors in 2014, becoming London’s first arcade bar. The venue stores over 40 craft beers and 50 types of whiskey from around the world, perfectly paired with retro games. Be sure to stop by on a Thursday night for a Super Smash Bros tournament.
Location: 187 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4BN
