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The best bars in London right now

By Sarah James

London has some of the best bars in the world. The capital’s bartenders are increasingly using innovative ingredients, local produce and a sustainable approach when crafting their menus, while the old school hotel haunts are still mixing classics with aplomb. There’s a spate of forward-thinking wine bars showcasing natural wine and craft breweries serving artisan pints. So whether you want a cosy London cocktail bar , a progressive wine bar , a rooftop bar or just an under-the-radar place for a quiet drink, there are plenty of places to raise a glass or two. Here are our favourite bars in London right now, in no particular order.

1. Paradise: After Dark, Soho

Paradise in Soho is a buzzing spot with delicious plates that sing with the flavours of Fernando's childhood in Sri Lanka. Dom Fernando opened the doors to Paradise Soho in 2019, and with that came a new passion for Sri Lankan food in London. Fast forward a few years, and Paradise Soho is opening its new late-night concept Paradise: After Dark. Situated on bustling Rupert Street, Paradise provides a welcomed reprieve from the beautiful madness that is Soho. The nods to brutalist architecture are clear – raw plaster lines the walls, the lights are dimmed, and a stainless steel bar is at its heart. It's unexpected for a brutalist-inspired space, but the team at Paradise managed to create an intimate and inviting atmosphere.

Meticulous is the word that comes to mind when I think of the cocktails at Paradise: After Dark. The team values detail, and their passion is evident as each mixture is concocted with the utmost care. I ordered three cocktails throughout the evening, each as unique and exciting as the last. The first: Cardamom Espresso Martini. The smokey flavour of the cardamom paired perfectly with the coffee, creating a more interesting take on a classic cocktail while ensuring it didn’t cross into the too-sweet territory it so often does. Next: Rambutan and Curry Leaf Daquiri, a drink that tasted as good as it looked with hints of curry leaf and paired perfectly with the fruity sweetness of Rambutan. And lastly, the bartender offered us an off-the-menu Ghee Martin - the most interesting of the three. The nutty Ghee flavour complimented the gin beautifully, making for a distinctive taste. Not a cocktail person? Not to worry, the Paradise: After Dark team provided the perfect list of dry whites and light reds to accompany the spices of the menu.

Paradise: After Dark offers a curated selection of small plates to accompany its cocktail menu. We had a tasty Rasavali purple yam and coconut pol-roti, the spice was ever-present, but the whipped Jersey butter and the cocktails helped to cool our mouths down. We also shared Urid dhal vadai doughnuts, which provided an exciting mix of flavours – urid (lentils), wild garlic, and coconut chutney.

A precise and passionate team is slinging out unique (and delicious) cocktails in the heart of town, so make your way over quickly. Amber Port

Address: 61 Rupert St, London W1D 7PW Website: paradisesoho.com

2. La Goccia, Covent Garden

In the heart of Covent Garden , this cosy drinking den is the latest venture from the Boglione family, founders of Petersham Nurseries. Enter through a red velvet curtain for interiors inspired by the horticulture roots of the family. Francesco Boglione’s art collection of contemporary botanical paintings lines the walls, the sleek bar is made up of hundreds of hand-dipped bronze leaves, and there are dried flower displays and foliage on almost every surface. Take a seat on a leopard-print bar stool with gnarled metal legs inspired by tree branches, or in an alcove lined with velvet sofas and distressed leather chairs.

Printed menus hand-tied with string contain carefully crafted cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as plenty of wines and beer. It's the cocktails that steal the show — ingredients change depending on the season, and the mixologists use lots of fresh spices, fruits and edible flowers. The Apple Star was our favourite: a refreshing, sweet-but-sour short drink containing JJ Whitley Gin, apple cordial, lime and Amaretto. Those with a sweet tooth should order the Dark Chocolate Martini which doubles up as a pudding, a mix of Vestal Vodka, oats, dark chocolate and hazelnut. Or, if you prefer a classic cocktail, chat to the bartender for your favourite tipple.

The bar menu is an ode to the adjoining Petersham Nurseries restaurant. There are plenty of Italian small plates using the ingredients sourced from the family farm in East Devon . Make sure to order the coccoli, fluffy balls of dough to dip in taleggio cream or gorgonzola dolce. We also loved La Goccia’s signature fried chicken, served with a dipping pot of creamy lemon sauce.

A great spot to know about in central London where you can slip away from the crowds. Sophie Knight

Address: La Goccia, 1 Floral Street, London WC2E 9FB Website: lagoccia.co.uk

3. Swift, Soho

This sleek Soho bar has long been a favourite on best bars lists – not just in London but across the globe. In fact, it made the World's 50 Best Bars in 2022, placing at number 30 as the second-highest-ranking bar in the capital. If you're organised enough, make a reservation in advance – the downstairs seating area is bookings-only and while you can walk in upstairs, this little spot is usually packed to the brim.

The summer 2023 menu has a sweet travel theme; Postcards from Swift draw inspiration from the team's favourite places worldwide. That means you can sip on The Rigoletto, a bright, light drink that riffs on Italian flavours: vermouth, port, apricot, lemon and pacharán, a sloe-infused liqueur. Or perhaps order The Broadway, inspired unsurprisingly by New York, made with rye whiskey, Lillet rosé, Campari and cassis. Our favourite, though, was The Old Compton, inspired by Swift's home in Soho; a punchy little number made with Rémy Martin 1738 cognac, Swift Jamaican rum, strawberry, rhubarb amaro, lemon and bitters. You can order wines by the glass and beer, but you're really here for the superior mixology.

Not Swift's forté; we recommend venturing elsewhere to some of Soho's best restaurants, such as Rita's or Bao.

Swift easily lives up to its reputation as one of London's best bars – add it to your list and make a point of visiting soon. Sarah James

Address: Swift Soho, 12 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TQ Website: barswift.com

4. Viajante87, Notting Hill

Notting Hill is not shy of new openings – and it hasn’t taken long for developers to notice the potential of Hillgate Village as a new culinary hub. After the successful launch of Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant Los Mochis in 2021, restauranter Markus Thesleff quickly set his sights on a new project. In January 2023, sustainable bar Viajante 87 opened its doors on Notting Hill Gate.

Taking inspiration from the same pan-Pacific countries as its sister restaurant, the vibe here is an Agaveria-come-Izakaya. Squirrelled away down a dark staircase, this intimate hideout is a creative haven: low-mood lighting, a back-lit bar made of recycled glass and an undulating feature wall made entirely out of cork. The bar has a 2am music licence, so expect plenty of bass-heavy tracks run by DJs.

Under the experienced direction of Panos Kanatsoulis (formerly of some of the world’s best bars, including The Clumsies in Athens and Zuma in Dubai ), the bar sits atop a dedicated mixology lab sprawling across the basement. Focussed on zero-waste drinks, cocktails are made with innovative technology and techniques to make the most of each and every ingredient. The Smoked Earth blend is a bright-pint drink, featuring lacto-fermented vegetables such as beetroot and purple carrot, spiked with smoky mezcal and served in a glass dusted with pink salt made from dehydrated vegetable scraps.

For something even more adventurous, try the Sleeping Chicatanas. Similar to a margarita, this zesty drink mixes three different types of alcohol (tequila, mezcal and metaxa) with koji rice and pine tree honey, poured over a giant ice cube and topped with a chicatana – a Mexican delicacy that, when fried, tastes like a salted popcorn kernel.

Bar food is equally innovative. Following suit from Los Mochis, there are plenty of small, flavour-packed dishes: think crispy fried sushi rice topped with spicy sashimi and fresh truffle shavings; tacos with Japanese twists; spicy habanero teriyaki duck; platters of sashimi, plus plenty of guacamole and chips for dipping. The ultimate snack accompaniments for punchy cocktails, the menu offers delicate finger food that leaves you wanting more.

Currently operating at 80 per cent zero-waste with plans to go complete as soon as possible, this is a lively innovative spot shaking up the eco-cocktail game in Notting Hill.

Address: Viajante87, Basement 87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ Website: viajantebar.com

5. The Painter's Room, Claridge's, Mayfair

Turn left through the lobby, turn right when you meet the rocking zebra then turn left when you see Kirsten Scott Thomas. The directions will make sense when you visit Claridge’s elegant new drinking den, anyway.  It’s an Art Deco lozenge of a space, carved out between the ballroom and the Talking Heads gallery of portraits (hence Kirsten’s appearance) and means you can now bar-hop your way around the Mayfair hotel , from its original drinking hole to the Fumoir and then here. The Painter's is a lovely place to while away an hour or so, the pale pink onyx of the counter as luminous as Venus in her scallop shell, with cornetto wall lights and the metal Paris Metro-like skylight above holding an intricately rolled Deco chandelier. It was was designed by Irish-born Bryan O’Sullivan – a name to watch; other commissions include the Berkeley Bar and The Park Hotel in Kenmare, along with new bedrooms upstairs at this hotel – who referenced archive photos of a Thirties Claridge’s bar of the same name for inspiration. He collaborated with artist Annie Morris, whose stack sculptures can currently be seen at Yorkshire Sculpture Park but here has doodled animals on the white wall in light grey and created a stained-glass window in wrapping-paper-bright colours. There’s something of the Matisse Chapel about this space, but also something a little Accidentally Wes Anderson (although is anything accidental these days?). Easy to imagine Jean Harlow draped in white mink here, blowing smoke rings from a cigarette holder and waiting for her close-up.  

Brought over by bar staff in blue painters’ smocks, while French electro-pop such as Kid Loco spins on the playlist, the menu is divided into four chapters – Light, Interpretations, Complex and Clean. Clean is zero alcohol, which Gen X-ers may want to totally ignore, while others may be intrigued by the May As Well Be a Negroni,  which conjures a convincing Campari-style bitterness by mixing Aecorn Bitter, rooibos and balsamic vinegar. There’s a lightness of touch, an absence of showy-offness, throughout the menu, which is devised by Nathan McCarley O’Neil, who arrived here via Dandelyan and New York’s Nomad bar – it’s strewn with herbs, elderflower and chamomile, along with French and Italian vermouths and a Provençal peach liqueur called Rinquinquin, which appears in Homage (on Light), a nicely dry, aperitif-styled drink with Campari, topped with a glug of Billecart-Salmon. Magistretti, from the same page, tastes almost healthy, with tarragon and grapefruit alongside gin and Cocchi. Two real highlights, though, were the twisted Old Fashioned (Interpretations), a gilded variation that draws in brown butter, quince and tonka to a mix of two whiskies, and the fragrant Saint Remy (Complex), a Martini-style serve with quince again, almond blossom and vodka, served with a cherry. Gusborne holds its own amid a French crowd on the sparkling wines list, while cider’s ever-growing sophistication is marked with a hip Derbyshire fermentation from Vicious Circle.

The short menu of European-inspired bites is devised to match the drinks, from scampi to beetroot tartare. The serrano and cheese croquettes ooze once bitten – best to discreetly wolf them down in one behind a napkin – while the croque monsieur, sprinkled with black truffle, is quite the prettiest croque monsieur we’ve seen, cut in four and resembling a savoury Battenberg Cake. Or retrace your steps and hope for a table at Davies and Brook, Daniel Humm’s humdinger of a Michelin-starred restaurant across the lobby.

Not avant-garde but perfectly impressionist – this is the prettiest ‘secret’ bar in Mayfair , one to set alongside other little London gems such as Bar Termini in Soho and The Connaught’s Champagne Bar. Rick Jordan

Address: Claridge's, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR Website: claridges.co.uk

6. Cave Cuvee, Bethnal Green 

Brodie Meah and Max Venning are rare examples of restaurateurs who really hit their stride during the pandemic. Before 2020, the story of their mini empire was successful, but following a fairly standard path. The two Mancunians opened Top Cuvée, a Finsbury Park wine bar , in 2019. When it was forced to close during lockdown, the boys pivoted and took the business online, launching nationwide delivery of their funky, all-natural wine list under the clever moniker Shop Cuvée. Business boomed, as locked-down would-be boozers tried to recreate the feeling of visiting an east London bar, in their own kitchens. Now, Meah and Venning have opened a Bethnal Green bottle shop - a souped-up offy upstairs selling the brand’s trademark organic drinks, and a tiny, Paris -inspired bar downstairs for sampling wines in-house, with a banging playlist and disco ball.

The team have a rotating selection of bottles open and available to order by the glass - you could scan the QR code to see what’s on the menu when you visit, but we recommend chatting to the staff to get their recommendations, or just placing faith in their exemplary knowledge and letting them bring you a couple of glasses blind. We tried a Pinot Blanc with a hit of green apple and an unusual Pinot Noir from Andreas Bender that was served chilled. Move on to cocktails to round off the evening – the Margarita is glass-clear and silky smooth, while the Old Fashioned is slightly smoky and dangerously drinkable.

There’s a short but streamlined menu of snacks - chunks of squidgy bread smothered in salty butter, melty r illettes de canard , green beans braised in rich tomato sauce and sprinkled with feta, and thick coins of saucisson were the standout orders. The Happy Endings ice cream sandwich was our surprise don’t-miss dish of the night - wrapped in colourful paper, it’s a nostalgic sweet treat that shouldn’t go with alcohol, but really does.

A fun spot, where learning about natural wines is a joy, not a chore. Sarah James

Address: Cave Cuvée, 250a Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AA Website: shopcuvee.com

7. Bar Crispin, Soho

A funky natural-wine bar with a serious snack list in a prime spot in central London

When Dominic Hamdy and Oliver Hiam (also behind Lundenwic on Aldwych) opened Crispin, an all-day eatery serving speciality coffee and pastries from The Dusty Knuckle in the morning and wines and seasonal plates in the evening, it was an instant hit. Then lockdown came, and the team quickly started selling natural wines via the Crispin Wine Club. Now they’ve brought their Spitalfields vibe and knowledge of interesting, fresh and funky bottles from old-world and small indie producers to Kingly Street. Inspired by Eighties Soho , the team collaborated with interior designer Jermaine Gallacher (whose South London studio also encompasses the very hip Lant Street Wine Bar) to shape a distinctly retro space. There's a chunky silver-zinc bar, jewel-toned triangle mirrors and fun zig-zag designs, plus a chilled playlist from DJs Peaches, Eliza Rose and Flo Dill.

Crispin's head sommelier Stefano Cazzato (previously at Hakkasan) and in-house wine expert Alex Price (formerly of Annabel’s and Beaverbrook ) have curated a list of 150 vintages. Daily wines by the glass are listed on the blackboard, so take a glance at the range of skin contacts, reds, whites and fizz specials, or speak to Alex and see what she recommends. We suggest kicking off with something bubbly – Tillingham Col’19 from East Sussex or a Pet Nat from Penedès in Spain , both summery and dry – and sample a skin-contact variety, where the grape skin remains in contact with the juice during the maceration period. We liked the Frei Körper Kultur Weiss 2018, which crosses German and Burgundy varieties for a tropical and zesty mix. If you’ve never tried a chilled red, do so here and ask Alex to pick one that pairs well with the small plates (more on that later). This is a place for natural wine, but they also make a mean Negroni and salty Vesper. Note: Alex will host monthly events at Bar Crispin such as natural-wine tastings and wine-and-food pairings downstairs in the private-dining Green Room.

Head chef Brendan Lee, who recently returned to London after stints across the pond at Michelin-starred Al’s Place in San Francisco and Emmer & Rye in Austin , leads the kitchen. He has created an innovative seasonal menu that pairs perfectly with the drinks list. Start with sourdough from Hackney ’s E5 Bakehouse smothered in brown butter – it makes an epic combo with thin slices of Trealy Farm Charcuterie coppa. Follow up with creamy burrata and crunchy fennel doused in Château La Coste olive oil, anchovy and potato focaccia with a zingy green sauce or fish from The Sea The Sea that comes with brown butter, capers and lemon. Pudding doesn’t seem like an obvious choice, but the black-garlic ice cream with tuile is a surprising hit.

Cool, fresh and a proper place to kick it with some friends over a glass of Pet Nat, delicious snacks and some banging tunes. Katharine Sohn

Address: Bar Crispin, 19 Kingly Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5PY Website: barcrispin.com

8. Atrium Bar, Nomad London, Covent Garden

A sexy, confident arrival for a show-stopping hit of New York pizzazz

There aren’t that many bars with their own cocktail books. The Savoy has one, of course, written in 1930 and awash with flips and rickeys and slings of all shades; so has the Café Royal, published a few years later and championing novel creations such as the Old Fashioned. But a favourite recent one is The NoMad Cocktail Book , a green-tinged tome written by the hotel group’s bar guru Leo Robitschek. When it opened in 2012, the NoMad New York ’s Elephant Bar quickly became one of those era-defining places that everyone wanted to be seen at – had Instagram been the force it is now, the bar’s Dirty Martinis would have gone viral. So there’s been a helluva lot of excitement over the arrival of NoMad London , right opposite the Royal Opera House.

It’s a properly New York-style hotel in the heart of the city, with a sense of theatre, and the bars to match. The pubby, leather-clad Side Hustle has its own street entrance and works as a standalone space for tacos, beers and cocktails that lean heavily into Mexican spirits, just the place for an after-work pick-me-up – or sharing the infamous two-foot-tall punch jars. And drinks are served amid the bookcases of The Library off the lobby. The Atrium bar, though, is tucked away below the spiral staircase, a curvaceous Deco-glam creation with pink tasselled bar stools, which looks out onto the restaurant and its three-storey atrium. Of course, many people will stop by here on their way to their tables, but this is a destination in its own right.

The Atrium’s list has several favourite NoMad cocktails, tried and tested over the years – the Walter Gibson twists the classic with Viognier and pear eau de vie, and pickled vegetables on the side; Hot Lips is a Margarita -style kiss of tequila and mezcal with jalapeño. But there are several classic names here too – that Dirty Martini is a salty kick served from the bottle, with white balsamic and several vermouths in the mix; the Espresso Martini adds whey and aquavit to cold-brew caffeine – and bespoke creations too. We had the tall Dolittle, a fruity summer concoction of vodka and sherry, and the Gentleman’s Exchange, a bold, Manhattan-esque drink with rye, vermouth, Suze and amaro with a Rubik’s Cube-sized hunk of ice, that transported us to Broadway. Look out for the beer cocktails, too. The bar works closely with the restaurant over ingredients – partly to avoid food waste, partly for a little synchronicity. Collina says he wants this bar to rock some New York attitude: the sort of place you walk in by yourself, pull up a bar stool and make new friends by the end of the evening.

There’s a short bar menu with crispy-skinned fried chicken and pea hummus and flatbreads among other bites, as well as the NoMad hotdog, a wondrous beast in a toasted brioche bun. If you like, you can order anything from the restaurant menu here – diver-scallops bouillabaisse, perhaps, or wild-garlic rigatoni.

When New York NoMad’s bar opened in 2012, London was still playing catch-up with its cocktail scene, but now the two cities are evenly matched. Here’s an evocative snapshot of both worlds. Rick Jordan

Address: Atrium Bar, NoMad London, 28 Bow Street, London WC2E 7AW Website: thenomadhotel.com

Laura Fowler

Charlie Hobbs

Olivia Morelli

Darcie Imbert

9. Scarfes Bar, Rosewood London, Covent Garden

A smart, seductive and, crucially, cosy draw for the cosmopolitan crowd

Honouring the British political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, whose designs line the walls and cocktail menu, this central bar is the Rosewood’s bona fide anchor in the city – a reason to visit for those not hunkering down in one of its marble-clad rooms. It's sexy. Moody Victorian parlour meets gentlemen’s club, with a fresh lacquered lick of modern cool. A dim amber glow envelops dark wood, antique hardbacks and deep velvet chairs, as well as the glamorous, animated guests at the bar, Martini glass in one hand, gesticulating with the other to a jazz soundtrack – just like Scarfe’s own caricatures.

As the meeting point of painting and potions, the cocktail menu riffs on the globally recognised Enneagram personality test, in the form of a moveable board: 18 different drinks have been skilfully created and paired up to match the two poles of each individual’s personality. What may sound complex in fact removes the agony of indecision too often caused by extensive menus. I reluctantly accepted The Individualist character level (self-absorbed, expressive, temperamental – key travel writer credentials), and the Grey Goose with fermented green pepper and hay-vermouth concoction hit the spot, perhaps exposing me further should this taste and character-trait nexus prove legitimate. As with star signs and horoscopes, intrigue always triumphs over suspicion. The reassuring Meditator can look forward to a Copalli rum cocktail with italicus guanabana, matcha and aloe vera, and the workaholic Achiever to Roku with fermented lychee and linden-honey citra hops. Those uneasy with this level of personality scrutiny on a Thursday evening can choose from a compact but comfortingly traditional wine list featuring Burgundys, Malbecs and Riojas, as well as a dizzying array of aperitifs, vodkas, gins and whiskys, all of which flank the glamorously lit bar and confirm Scarfes’ status as a serious drinking hole.

Elevated iterations of classic small plates – spicy fried chicken, polenta fritters with caponata topping and avocado and salsa taco bites – position Scarfes as an all-night affair, not simply a pre-dinner warm-up, or a refined ‘one more drink’ spot. Mop up those Enneagram cocktails with rosemary and Parmesan or tomato and cheese flatbreads which fill the drawing room-style space with irresistibly fragrant wafts of the Mediterranean .

Classic, suave and seriously playful, Scarfes Bar has established itself as a London institution for thirsty, polished punters – better still, despite the convincing gents’ club act, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Rosalyn Wikeley

Address: Scarfes Bar, Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN Website: scarfesbar.com

10. Spiritland, King's Cross

A super-cool café and bar driving London’s music scene forwards

After years of ambitious regeneration, King’s Cross, and specifically Coal Drops Yard , is London’s buzziest creative hub – work on Google’s HQ is in full swing, and Facebook are said to be eyeing up a nearby plot too. Spiritland captures the zeitgeist perfectly: part of a new breed of ‘listening cafés’ (a concept imported from Japan 's jazz kissatens – tea-rooms boasting state-of-the-art audio equipment), it’s raising the bar for London’s most committed music fans. The idea is to put music on a pedestal - to provide a comfortable space for people to listen to top-quality music, without needing to step foot into a sticky-floored super-club. By day, it’s a casual café, workspace and recording studio; by night a bar, restaurant and venue for label launches and DJ residencies. You can even take a piece of Spiritland home - vinyl, headphones and audio equipment lining the back of the bar are all up for sale. Each night, a different DJ takes to the decks of its world-class sound system and towering speakers (the whole set-up clocks in at just under half a million pounds), while guests sink into wonderfully retro green felt chairs to enjoy what the bar's founders describe as a ‘deep listening experience’. And although things do get darker and louder at night, this is categorically not a club: there’s no dancefloor, and thanks to the table service policy, there’s no jostling for space at the bar either.

Once the daytime flat white and cold-pressed green juice orders subside, a smart after-work clientele sip on creative cocktails like the Red Clay - a long drink of spicy mezcal muddled with cassis, ginger and lime, or the sticky-sweet Man Child made with vodka, Chianti, cherry, vanilla and lemon. There’s a nod to Spiritland’s Japanese heritage with a sizeable sake list, and hipsters are kept happy with craft beers sourced everywhere from Huddersfield to Byron Bay . The wine list is heavily European-focussed, with wines from Slovenia , Hungary and England included – and glasses start at a very affordable £4.50.

By day, freelancers and tech bods are fuelled by millennial-friendly avocado and sourdough, freekeh salads and salt beef miso mustard sandwiches. In the evenings, drinkers graze on small plates of creamy burrata with sorrel and truffle honey, anchovies with lemony butter beans and plates of Italian meats and cheeses served with warm flatbread. For pudding, there’s a deliciously dense chocolate brownie or strawberries with a huge dollop of clotted cream and black pepper syrup.

This may be a happy-making place for music lovers, but you don’t have to be a die-hard audiophile to enjoy it. Come for the food, the drink and the incredibly laid-back, unpretentious vibe; but with one of the world’s best sound systems providing the backing track, you may well discover a newfound appreciation for music. Teddy Wolstenholme

Address : Spiritland, 9-10 Stable Street, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AB Website : spiritland.com

The best live music bars in London

11. Pamela, Dalston 

Oyster-shucking beach babe in Dalston

For anyone who's ever dreamed of a bar inspired by Nineties icon Pamela Anderson (we know you're out there), the wait is over. Launched by a gang of six founders whose combined experience covers some of Dalston 's most infamous after-dark haunts – Alibi, Birthdays, Rita's – Pamela opened last May and is carving a very specific niche on the upper reaches of Kingsland Road. Yet while the Baywatch star is namechecked on the menu and festooned across the wall, Pamela the bar has its own, easy-going personality thanks to the surf-rock playlists, engaging staff, outdoor seats and recent addition of Decatur's soul-food kitchen.

The characterful menu showcases the team's in-house infusions. Negroni fans should try the Mitch Buchannon (£8.50), a blend of mint-tinged brandy, Campari and citrus, while in-the-know locals demand 'the green one' – aka the vivid Des Barres (£8.50) – made with jalapeno-spiked vodka, kiwi juice and coconut ice cubes. Elsewhere, picklebacks, snakebite-and-blacks and Pammy limoncellos stand out among more standard choices.

Recently graduating from pop-up kitchen to permanent residence, Decatur's Louisiana-influenced soul food is a major feather in Pamela's swim cap. The charred okra (£6.50), chicken wings (£7) and hearty, Cajun-spiced crawfish étoufée (£12.50) are worthy reasons to stop by – although its must-try signature is undoubtedly the melt-in-the-mouth chargrilled oysters (six for £12), glistening in garlic butter and fiery Crystal sauce. Ben Olsen

Address: Pamela, 428 Kingsland Road, London E8 Website: pamelabar.com

12. Crossroads, Camden

An innovative, zero-waste drinking den in Camden

As London’s hospitality industry slowed to a stop during lockdown, husband-and-wife team Bart and Monika Miedeksza put their heads together to create something different. Having worked for years at venues such as Dalston ’s High Water, Typing Room and Vagabond Wines, the pair wanted to match their experience with a passion for sustainability and community-led initiatives. A few months and a serious refurb project later, the aptly named Crossroads bar opened at the junction under Camden Town bridge.

Out on the pavement, signs (hand-painted by Monika) alert passers-by to £6 Espresso Martinis, directing inquisitive guests down a staircase encased in iron-wrought railings. Inside, former Victorian loos have been transformed into an underground, speakeasy-style bar. Industrial ceilings give way to midnight-blue walls and hand-hewn wooden tables, and light seeps in through the original glass roof. Hoping to bring a renewed sense of community to the neighbourhood , the Crossroads ethos is based on zero-waste: using what is already available, working with local produce and sticking to a closed-loop philosophy.

After struggling to source typical mixology ingredients during the pandemic, the team realised that one thing many bored Londoners had taken to during lockdown was gardening. So they sent out feelers and began sourcing micro herbs, vegetables and other produce from nearby, forming the basis of their weekly changing cocktail list. There are plans to add an indoor garden, with UV lights and an irrigation system adapted from water seeping through cracked Victorian tiles behind the walls, and eventually install solar panels to power the entire bar. From the small but punchy signature drinks list, we tried the Cairo, a refreshing, translucent tipple made with a blend of vodka, cold-brew sencha, melon and soda water, as well as A Tale of Two Cities, a sweeter mix of sherry, vermouth and aloe vera. Classic cocktails are also available on request, or ask the bartender for recommendations based on your taste.

The bar has a short menu of snacks and bites. In line with the zero-waste ethos, inspiration for food comes from leftover cocktail ingredients. Traditional options of olives and almonds appear alongside more creative dishes; cucumber is turned into homemade pickles once the skin has been used as a garnish for drinks.

Using lockdown as a springboard for innovation and creativity, Crossroads is a sustainable, community-focused project adding positivity to the Camden scene. Olivia Morelli

Address : Crossroads, junction of Royal College Street and Camden Road, NW1 9NN London Website : crossroads.bar

13. Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Seven Dials

Best for: wine buffs, not bluffs

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (or CVS for short) is one of those bars you’ve probably popped into while waiting for a spot at Barbary’s tiny countertop or a 20-inch pizza at Homeslice, but it was unlikely your final destination . It should be. Just like the original Parisian wine bar tucked behind the Marché Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement, the Neal’s Yard outpost – which goes by the same outlandish name – acts as a cosy respite from the tourist-filled cobbled streets of Covent Garden . The concept, from the team behind the Experimental Cocktail Club, a speakeasy in Chinatown notorious for its selective bouncer guarding the door, is a more relaxed affair. As long as you like wine, that is. This is not the place to ask for a glass of house red, but you won’t face a man wearing an earpiece like he’s guarding No.10, either. Instead, the charcoal-paletted space is designed for long, grown-up evenings sitting on the plump seats with a bottle of wine. The low-lit room is filled with chatter and candles ambiently flickering from their cut-crystal holders.

Sommelier Roman Jaën or one of his friendly, mostly French staff will greet you with a wine list so heavy it could knock you out, and a board of daily food specials you’d be mad not to try. We visited on a cold, wet, November evening and opted for a night of reds – natural Côtes-du-Rhônes that were smooth and light on the palate with flavours of soft red fruits, and complex blends from Bordeaux. For the more adventurous or wine savvy, there’s a Mystery Wine on the shortlist – guess it correctly and you’ll win a bottle for the table.

Come for a snack and we dare you not to stay for dinner. Fluffy potato croquettes with goat’s cheese are crisped up delicately, while a deep-panned pita bread drenched in tahini and wild mushrooms is not for sharing. The Posh Madame served with truffled ham and a quail’s egg will satisfy any wine-induced cravings, while carefully selected French cheese and meat platters are always a safe bet. Sides of white or green asparagus go well with simply cooked sea bass with lemon, or with the grilled lobster.

A centrally located wine bar with finesse and fabulous food, which will make you feel like you never left your living room.

Address: Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Seven Dials, 8-10 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP Website: cvssevendials.com

14. Diogenes the Dog, Elephant and Castle

A cavernous wine bar in the last place you’d expect to find one

Diogenes the Dog’s owner Sunny Hodge has recently returned from a road trip through Texas on the back of a Harley-Davidson, visiting vineyards that produce wines which have drawn a comparison to those from Portugal . It’s not the first time he has taken a journey like this to find offbeat winemakers and regions that he can add to his esoteric menu – and it certainly won’t be the last. Hodge opened the wine bar on a quiet street near Elephant and Castle station at the end of 2018. Flooded with light in the day and moodily lit by low-hanging lamps and candles in the evening, the two-storey space (which regularly hosts jazz nights in the basement) has exposed-brick walls neatly stacked with bottles and rustic wooden floors filled with bountiful foliage that gives it a simultaneously snug yet stylish atmosphere. It’s a vibe that is fitting for somewhere named after the Greek philosopher Diogenes the Cynic, who believed that all the artificial elements of society – money, power, fame and possessions – were incompatible with happiness. It was better instead, he thought, to live simply, in the present moment, and embrace what the natural world has to offer.

For a bar specialising in wines, Diogenes the Dog has an edgy, streamlined menu – only new regions and old winemakers who are experimenting make the cut. On the continuously changing list, there might be an orange from the Czech Republic; a citrusy white from Texas; red from the Shanxi region in northern China ; or wine from Champagne that is not, in fact, Champagne . Because the offerings are typically underrepresented in the UK, ordering glasses rather than bottles is highly encouraged and, with most staff being trained sommeliers, guests will be given a full background on each one. While the service is polished, the price point is reasonable – it’s Elephant and Castle not Mayfair, after all – and Hodge really wants to share his unusual findings with the world without putting people off.

Don’t come here for your five a day – it’s, quite rightly, all about the cheese. Smoked scamorza from southern Italy is plated up with juicy sundried tomatoes and a drizzle of wild honey, while a seasonal sourdough toastie comes with melted blue cheese and smashed pear. There’s also burrata served two ways: spread on focaccia with red pesto and capers; and on its own with a Genovese pesto.

A destination bar you’ll want to trek to for wines you almost certainly haven’t tried before. Emma Russell

Address : Diogenes the Dog, 96 Rodney Road, London SE17 1BG Website : diogenesthedog.co.uk

15. Moto, Covent Garden

An ancient tradition is celebrated on Maiden Lane

Two thousand years since sake was first brewed in Japan , the country seems to be falling out of love with its national drink, its breweries closing and sales slipping. But new interest has been piqued in the West, along with all things Japanese from matcha to Marie Kondo-style minimalism, which has resulted in exports of the fermented-rice beverage doubling over the past 10 years. In London, sake has floated onto some of the city’s hottest menus, selected by sommeliers for its umami quality that makes it naturally flavour-enhancing. Instead of the traditional ceramic ochoko , it’s served in wine glasses with fish and chips, cheese and oysters, as well as a range of Japanese dishes. Yet sake remains largely misunderstood by the masses, which Tokyo -born Erika Haigh hopes to change. Her new bar Moto (meaning ‘origin’ in Japanese) is entirely devoted to drinks from Japan, with sake sourced from small producers – some of which have never been exported before – taking centre stage. Well-versed in the language of wine, she has used her training as a sommelier to demystify what she sells, creating beautiful hand-printed cards that include tasting notes, food pairings, flavour intensity and sweetness levels. She ranks each bottle on shelves above the blue-and-white bar, going across from light, fresh and aromatic to rich, earthy and umami , then down from mild to medium and dry – it’s the focal point in a diminutive blonde-wood space that inspires humility.

Sake has an alcohol content that is a little above wine but is brewed like beer, with rice implanted with koji mould, then mixed with water and yeast. It’s a labour-intensive process that can take many years, the rice polished many times over to remove the bran – sometimes removing more than 60 per cent of the rice grain. It’s a complex undertaking, making sake delightfully diverse but also daunting, which is why Moto’s sake flight is the perfect starting point for newbies. Three aromatic sommelier-selected sakes will take you on a journey from sweet and summery flavours to deep and savoury ones. Though if you want to feel like a local ask for a nihonshu rather than sake ( it actually means ‘alcoholic drink’). Check out Moto’s list of vintages and super-premium daiginjo , or try their Japanese gin, whisky or absinthe for good measure.

For a bar this tiny, Moto’s ever-changing otsumami , or bar snacks menu, is impressive and balanced to perfection. There’s aubergine simmered until tender with a salty sauce that’s poured over the rice, while crunchy pickled cucumber is light and refreshing. They’ve recreated the popular street-food snack chicken karaage with tempura crumbs and sake, too, but if you’re feeling hungry the grilled miso salmon is rich and decadent.

The perfect classroom set-up for studying sake – the bright lights and lack of music demand that you give the drinks your full attention. Emma Russell

Address: Moto, 7 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NA Website: motoldn.com

16. Diddy's, Hackney

A friendly Hackney neighbourhood bar riffing on the classics

‘Where are all the bars named after female owners?’ Diddy Varley, co-founder of her beloved namesake, exclaims as she cheerfully takes our drinks order. Warm, energetic, colourful and cool, she is the personification of Diddy’s. After working for years in TV, she opened her dream place on a neglected stretch of Mare Street with her architect boyfriend Jayden Ali back in 2016. Now she’s neighbours with Mare Street Market, Bright and NT’s bar. The stylish corner spot full of plants, pops of bright colour and food-based artwork has since built up a loyal local following that you’ll immediately want to be part of. An airy relaxed café by day full of freelancers and coffee catch-ups moves easily into a casual drinking spot once night falls. There are only four tables and a bar perch (with a couple of extra tables downstairs), which means that with just a few couples on dates, a cluster of friends and the resident dog napping on the floor, the bar feels lively and inviting.

Although the bar serves a nice selection of biodynamic wines by the bottle (and non-bio by the glass) and a punchy selection of beer and cider, cocktails are the main attraction here. The menu is divided into four classics – Spritz, Negroni, Margarita and Sour – each with a series of options including the original and some mild deviations. There’s nothing too wild, luckily: Negronis go as far as a smoky and sharp Chile Mezcal variety, and there’s a refreshing Diddylicious Spritz with Campari, dry vermouth, lime and sugar syrup that’s worth a go on a warm evening. The classics are all done well and, wonderfully, the priciest cocktail on the menu is £9.

Crunchy bites come in the form of salty almonds, peanuts and giant kikos (puffed corn kernels), while a burrata or charcuterie platter of Iberico ham, beef chorizo and serrano will keep hunger at bay. But go straight for one of the toasties: sourdough oozing mature cheddar and mustard, with optional additions of kimchi, red onion, leek, jalapeño, chorizo and ham. We can strongly recommend the kimchi toastie washed down with a mezcal Margarita.

If a toastie and a £6.50 Negroni sounds like the best bar in London, you too could find yourself quickly becoming a Diddy’s regular. Sonya Barber

Address: Diddy’s, 69 Mare Street, London E8 4RG Website: diddys.co.uk

17. The Berkeley Bar & Terrace, Knightsbridge

A super-slick new hangout turns the hotel-bar compass back to Knightsbridge

When David Collins unveiled his jewel-box Blue Bar at The Berkeley in 2004, it quickly became one of the most stylish bars in London. The local drinking scene has changed a lot since then, preferring subterranean speakeasies and craft-ale pop-ups to stiff-collared hotel haunts. But now The Berkeley is mixing things up again with its newest addition, hidden away at the back of the building with possibly the most secret terrace in Knightsbridge. It is the first London hotel project for young-gun interior architect Bryan O’Sullivan of Bos Studio (in a fitting twist, he trained with Collins). And he has very much put his own stamp on it by designing every aspect of the space, from the half-moon, columned marble bar and chubby pumpkin pouffes to the walnut panels carved out of wood salvaged from a fallen tree on Lincolnshire’s Fulbeck Estate. A combination of the slick restraint of northern Italian design and the eye-for-detail of Deco, this beautiful space already feels like a modern classic, with a clubby atmosphere of popping corks.

Staff in emerald-green velvet jackets pour those just-popped Laurent-Perrier and Gosset rosé Champagnes into chilled flutes. Cocktails go from hard (a punchy Sazerac, with cognac, rye whisky, absinthe and bitters) to refreshingly soft (the non-alcoholic Pink Pearl is a mix of pomelo, grapefruit and lime juices and grapefruit soda). Those in the know hole up in the snug, where New York-based artist TM Davy created an abstract, swirling mural of female faces above the powder-pink banquette (it’s inspired by the women -only nature of the original pub snugs). This is where you want to be; book it out, set up your own playlist on the speakers and close the bespoke wooden doors (you’ll only be disturbed when you press the button for service).

Crab and lobster beignets and camembert-chicken tulips are served on a branch-like stand echoing the fallen walnut tree; Iberico ham toast is topped with salsa verde and lots of grated Manchego cheese; the supply of fat green olives and cheesy, crispy crackers is endless.

The bar at The Berkeley is the place to be. Again.

Address : The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL Website : the-berkeley.co.uk

18. Coupette, Bethnal Green

The best French-accented bar in the East End has a rosy-cheeked new summer menu

A Calvados bar, you might think, can only be found in a Normandy village, your glass topped by a demure Manon des Sources type while the occasional donkey ambles past sporting a pair of denim-blue culottes. To which, a Gallic shrug of indifference is needed. This bar opened in 2017 on the mean streets of Bethnal Green and is really the only place in London that takes Calvados and cider seriously, along with a line-up of other classic French serves. It's the project of Chris Moore, the dashing former head barman at the Savoy's excellent Beaufort Bar , who fancied a change of scene – a place to slip out of the jacket, put his favourite tracks on. Since opening, it’s carved out a reputation as one of the East End’s most idiosyncratic hangouts, with reliably assured cocktails. On a typical evening at Coupette (the name means 'a cheeky one' in French) you'll find a roll call of young chefs and bar staff from all around town at the counter, which is lined with hundreds of 10-centime coins (gathered together, they may just about buy you a drink at the Beaufort).

The new bar menu is a lovely piece of Forties-style graphic design, created by local sign writer Ged Palmer, whose bold-faced work with the Luminor Sign Co can be seen around town at places such as Breddos Tacos , Loughborough Junction and Pentreath & Hall. Moore’s original menu celebrated all manner of French spirits and eau de vies, plucking out obscure names and building inventive cocktails around them. Perhaps the highlights were the simple Apples, which fizzed up a different Calvados each week – his collection lines the top shelf, the names reading like a Paris Saint-Germain line-up – and the Champagne Piña Colada, made with coconut sorbet and Moët. Don’t worry: both those are still on the menu, but they’re joined by creations such as the Bloody Martini, a greenhouse-fresh savoury hit made with grilled beef tomatoes which are then filtered for several hours, infused with paprika and mixed with vodka (obviously) and fortified vin jaune (less obviously). Then there’s the Strawberries and Cream, a puddingy, not-over-sweet concoction that brings together olive-oil-washed vodka, clarified milk, rose vermouth and strawberry eau de vie. It may look like a mere trifle, but it’s a deeply satisfying, sophisticated drink that knocks the pips off other punches. We’re saving the Watermelon Gimlet and Corn Collins for a follow-up trip.

The French theme continues, with croque monsieur and salmon rillettes on the menu. But this is mainly about the cocktails – La Forchetta and the Japanese Canteen are well within striding distance if you need more ballast.

Some of the smartest cocktails in the East End – and the very best address in town to flirt with and develop a real appreciation of Calvados. Rick Jordan

Address: Coupette, 423 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN Website: coupette.co.uk

19. Lady of the Grapes, Covent Garden

A classic wine bar that wouldn’t be out of place in Montmartre – but isn’t trying too hard

Parisian Carole Bryon opened this dinky pillar-box-red wine bar on one of Covent Garden ’s quieter streets in 2018. Growing up in a foodie family, she took a series of sommelier courses in her thirties and soon noticed the gender inequality in the industry, from the prevalence of male winemakers and suppliers to the tendency of customers to gravitate towards male sommeliers rather than women. Opening Lady of the Grapes, she made a commitment to showcasing wines predominantly from women makers, producers and sellers. Inside all is deep wood and exposed brick, candlelit, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked full of bottles. Grab a window seat at the narrow bench table – the windows are often thrown open to let in hits of fresh air, and the charming European waiters hop outside to take your order through the window rather than squeezing between the crammed-together tables inside.

Wines are all organic and biodynamic, and the bar supports smaller producers – remember that when it comes to the prices. This isn’t a spot for a cheap red – glasses start at around £8, while bottles go from £26 and increase quickly. The list is carefully curated by Bryon and her team; we tried a classic Provençal rosé which was pale and summery, with notes of orange blossom and peony. Unusual wines sit alongside more traditional options, so there’s orange wine from Slovakia and a Pinot Noir from Oregon in the USA , for example. The long list of reds is perfect for a cosy night hiding away from Covent Garden’s thrum and we recommend the Villa Calcinaia Classico, a Chianti that’s oaky and fruity.

What is wine without cheese ? Thankfully that’s a question you don’t have to ponder here, as the cheese menu is nearly as varied as the wine list. Order a selection of creamy, firm Comté, soft, truffled Caciotta and Fourme D'ambert blue – a trio of choices comes with a crusty baguette and fruit. If you’re hungry, add some charcuterie to your order – we liked the Italian smoked speck and the Basque chorizo. And while you’re at it, why not go for some plump olives, bread (a basket of sourdough, spelt and walnut served with Normandy salted butter) and meltingly soft anchovies.

You could easily leave this bar without realising you’ve been in a woman-owned and supporting spot – and that’s half of the charm. Go to support a good cause, and stay because it’s cosy, unpretentious and delicious. Sarah James

Address: Lady of the Grapes, 16 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7NJ Website: ladyofthegrapes.com

20. Little Bat, Islington

Lewis Carroll-inspired neighbourhood superhero

This bar fluttered by last winter as a pop-up but has now settled at this off-Upper Street address. Cocktail adventurers will no doubt be familiar with its fancy-dress-loving sibling Callooh Callay in Shoreditch , which is accessed through a wardrobe and has Panini-style sticker albums for menus. This also sports a Lewis Carroll-inspired name but is little more reined in - Shrewd Hatter rather than mad, although watch out for the rubber ducks. Set behind a sombre, white-curtained front, it's a long, narrow space with a sweeping, wooden-topped bar, comfy Chesterfields, pineapple lamps, vintage tomes on floating shelves, a line-up of neon-bright Pure Evil artwork and a Photomat booth at the back. Islington already has the endlessly inventive 69 Colebrooke Row, of course, and the Dead Dolls House, but Little Bat is the swing-by, neighbourhood cocktail hangout the area really needed, with most drinks around the £9 mark.

You'll find beetroot, dill and Newcastle Brown Ale among the ingredients, but as head barman Barney Toy says, there's 'nothing too scary' here. He's from Sheffield via Auckland's Gin Room bar and has created a well-balanced mix of new creations and impeccable classics served in anything from Japanese green-tea cups to vintage coupes. The menu's strong on fizzes and sours - they must get through more eggs than Mr Strong - and you can keep Barney happy by ordering his delicious Pan Am (rum, Aperol, lemon juice and egg white), a Bacardi competition finalist. But also try the punchy, top-of-the-bill Steve McQueen (bourbon with cherry liqueur, Martini Rosso and cherry brandy) and the theatrical Smoking Jack, a lovely leaf-peeping concoction with applejack, maple syrup and cognac.

Scoop up handfuls of Marmite popcorn, although that won't keep the wolf from the door - the comfort-food menu also includes roast pulled pork, mac'n'cheese pots, home-made sausage rolls and fried chicken. Rick Jordan

Address: 54 Islington Park Road, Islington, London N1 Website: littlebatbar.com

21. Sager + Wilde Paradise Row, Bethnal Green

Punchy cocktails on Bethnal Green's buzzy Paradise Row

Sager-Wilde has become an oenological empire in London's E2 postcode. The original and much-loved Sager + Wilde wine bar on Hackney Road was followed up with California-inspired Mission on Bethnal Green's hippest strip, Paradise Row, in 2014. Now Mission has been transformed and renamed Sager + Wilde Paradise Row. The cavernous railway arch comes complete with exposed brickwork, vintage decor and the rumbling of passing trains, with a summer-friendly terrace out front and a low-lit, conspiratorial cocktail lounge hidden up above the restaurant. Keep it in mind for any upcoming date ideas – we think it's one of the most romantic bars in London .

The emphasis has shifted from Californian wine to cocktails. Bartender Marcis Dzelzainis pairs Waning Moon saké with vodka, caraway liqueur and a caperberry in The Tokyo Bullet, a shimmering take on a martini. A list of milk cocktails, far from channelling The Big Lebowski , use clarified milk to add a subtle, lactic balance to big-hitting flavours while a separate Old-Fashioned menu starring toasted coconut and olive oil is worthy of serious attention.

Former Chiltern Firehouse chef Sebastien Myers's eye-catching bar-snack menu includes chicken-liver pate and grape served in pink radicchio, scallop with a punchy XO sauce and brioche and, for those still seeking a rice-wine fix, a delicate saké cream. There's also a full restaurant menu. Ben Olsen

Address: Sager + Wilde, Arch 250, Paradise Row, Bethnal Green, London E2 Website: sagerandwilde.com

22. Behind This Wall, Hackney

Secret spot on Mare Street

This secret little spot at the top of Mare Street is not really behind a wall, but rather down a narrow staircase in a space previously occupied by a Turkish social club. Now the vibe is more hip-meets-zen with minimalist, Japanese-inspired styling in the pale-wood booths, white-tiled counter, black ceiling and vases of eucalyptus sprigs. The team behind this place are known for their vinyl-loving club nights and last summer's residency at the Oval Space arts venue down the road, so the stonking Tannoy Gold sound-system of the late Joy Division producer Martin Hannett is the talking point in this, their first permanent bar, pumping out classic disco and Afro-funk.

Could there be a more perfect cocktail than a mezcal Negroni? Pale and punchy, it's pimped up with a sprig of thyme. Then again, there's also the Ramos Gin Fizz, shaken dry (without ice) for two minutes, then with it for three – Ryan the barman jokes that he's developing Popeye arms – to create a deliciously rich and grapefruity drink that'll make you nostalgic for childhood ice-cream floats.

In keeping with this joint's neighbourhood ethos, the plump and briny oysters are from local fishmonger Fin and Flounder and come with Japanese chilli, pickle juice and yuzu pearls. Fat green olives and melting Iberico ham are from the Spanish deli around the corner. Finish it all off with a verdita shooter: mezcal and green juice, so almost good for you – right? Grainne McBride

Address: Behind This Wall, 411 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 Website: behindthiswall.com

23. Bar Termini, London

Old Compton Street's coolest cocktail bar

Bar Termini is the brainchild of cocktail king Tony Conigliaro ( Untitled , 69 Colebrook Row ) and Illy coffee's Marco Arrigo. And so, what they've created is an authentic Italian pit stop, named after Rome's main train station, that draws on-the-go city folk from first thing in the morning to late at night. Grab an espresso and pastry on your way to work, then come back in the evening and pull up a stool at the marble-topped bar and let dapper waiters in white jackets and black ties mix up some of the best cocktails in town.

Conigliario's famous Negronis are pre-made, aged and served (chilled, but without ice) in tiny custom glasses - making it all the easier to get through the extensive list of them. As well as the super-smooth Classico, there's a pink-peppercorn-infused Superiore, a rose-petal Rosato and a caramel-y Robusto. And the bottles, beautifully illustrated by tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta, are available to take home too. Those looking for something a little lighter should try the Spritz Termini, made with rhubarb cordial, gin, Aperol and prosecco, or a delicate and delightful Bellini with peach puree and almond blossom.

Gossip with friends while grazing the simple menu: plates of wafer-thin beef carpaccio, coppa and prosciutto crudo; hunks of the finest Parmesan and pecorino, and creamy buffalo mozzarella; burrata served with tomatoes and traditional Sardinian flat bread pane carasau.

The menus are short and straightforward so you can't really go wrong – this is London's perfect aperitivo bar. Tabitha Joyce

Address: Bar Termini, 7 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JE Website: bar-termini.com

24. Heads + Tails, West Hampstead

A neat West London neighbourhood cocktail bar that’s worth the journey

Everyone knows, if you want to go to London’s coolest bars you need to head East – to Shoreditch or Dalston , or even concrete monstrosity Old Street. If you can’t face the trek, there are cute bars and kitsch bars and edgy bars in central London, and even a handful in South and North London. But west? West London could be seen as somewhat bereft of bars to hunker down with a drink. And yet, a new crop of places are inching out on the Tube map, opening up a world beyond Mayfair. In Paddington, The Pilgrm hotel ’s first-floor lounge offers classic cocktails, and Darcie & May Green serves Prosecco on the roof of a canal boat. Soho House ’s White City House , in the old BBC Television Centre, is a Seventies-retro hotspot, and in Queen’s Park, Milk Beach (one of our new favourite brunch spots) entices a local crowd with their organic wine and small plates. And now, on West Hampstead’s West End Lane, Heads + Tails is serving brilliant cocktails in its two-floor bar.

The space is headed up by partners Will Partridge and Chris Dennis (previously at Kilburn Ironworks and Soho spot Disrepute, respectively), with two very distinct bars squeezed into one. On the ground floor, a dreamy colour palette of eggshell blues, rich turquoises and satisfyingly shiny gold make the long room feel light and frothy – this is Heads cocktail bar. Downstairs is Tails, a sophisticated, sultry basement area packed with wooden features and dark colours – a grown-up take on a dive bar.

We recommend you kick off upstairs, where the drinks menu matches the airy surroundings. Cocktails are aperitif-style, with an early-evening fizz: The Pendennis Club (made with gin, apricot liqueur, bitters and fresh lime) strikes a brilliant balance between sweet and sharp, while the West End Spritz is a cool take on a classic Aperol, featuring Suze herbal liqueur, bergamot and mandarin cordial and soda. If you’re taking it easy, a list of low-alcohol cocktails is cool and mature: try a dry vermouth with tonic or their Pink Lemonade: rosé, lemon sherbet and soda. When your palate is cleansed and you feel ready to move on, shuffle downstairs to Tails. Here, the menu flips (‘Like a penny!’ our waiter points out) to reveal a list of short and stirred (aka strong) cocktails: the Raven mixes cognac with green-tea syrup, Chartreuse, fresh lime and soda, while the heady Santa Maria includes Wild Turkey Rye, brandy, sweet vermouth, bitters and Bénédictine.

The snack menu is decidedly nibbly but well thought out: order olives or smoked almonds, a cheese board with treats from France and Italy , or a charcuterie board with UK -made salami.

This bar will challenge what you think you know about heading west for a night out: a buzzy, boozy spot that’s open until the early hours, giving you two evenings in one. Sarah James

Address : Heads + Tails, 175 West End Lane, London NW6 2LH Website : headsandtails.bar

25. Three Sheets, Haggerston

Polished neighbourhood hangout from London’s dynamic next-gen cocktail duo

The Venning Brothers are on a roll right now. Manchester -born Noel and Max, unlike Noel and Liam, get on rather well together. Max spent six years honing his craft at Tony Conigliaro ’s genre-busting 69 Colebrooke Row, while Noel had fun juggling frozen Margaritas at Manchester’s good-times Crazy Pedro's. Now they’re making quite a commotion in London, having recently created the menus for Mayfair’s Gridiron restaurant (go for their update of a Harvey Wallbanger) and Crouch End’s Little Mercies bar, and opening their Bar Three joint below Blixen in Spitalfields. Coming soon, the Top Cuvée bistro and bar in Finsbury Park. They’ve even written a book, Batched and Bottled , on the art of muddling drinks ahead so you’re not muddling bottles when your friends arrive. Three Sheets is their London HQ though, their first project together: a minimalist slip of a bar on Kingsland Road with Black Keys, William Onyeabor, LCD Soundsystem and New Order on the playlist, and just 10 cocktails on the menu. ‘We didn’t want a big concept or sitting space only,’ says Max, ‘which many people were doing when we opened in 2016. Just a fun place for good drinks, made quickly.’

With its fat-washed spirits and fermented fruits, the influence of Tony Conigliaro can be felt on the menu, but the drinks are all the brothers’ own – with input from award-winning head bartender Rosey Mitchell. One of the signature concoctions, the Shiso Miso, is a Japanese Old Fashioned made using Nikka whisky and miso, served on the rocks with shiso leaf in a ceramic cup. Max reckons there are far too many gins around so is championing vodka instead – small-batch Victory, in particular, which is made in London using green coffee – in drinks such as the Earth Martini, which with its slice of beetroot is just the sort of drink you can imagine Tess of the d’Urbervilles sipping in a Wessex salon. Cherry+Apple is a recent hit, a Bakewell tart of a drink, mixing amaretto, fermented cherry and apple digestif; Scottish Coffee is another puddingy hygge-making tipple – with bourbon and shortbread cream. And after a sip of the French 75, reimagined with carbonated Moscato and orange flower, you may wish to order a whole bottle.

Just simple plates of coppa cold cuts, cheese and bread – if you’re peckish you may have to walk along to Brilliant Corners for its Japanese small plates.

The sort of neighbourhood bar that was impossible to imagine in London five years ago, and a sign of the city’s (and Dalston’s) growing cocktail maturity. Rick Jordan

Address : Three Sheets, 510b Kingsland Road, London E8 4AB Website : threesheets-bar.com

26. Little Mercies, Crouch End

A stripped-down, ramped-up North London bar worth getting on the bus for

Crouch End, sometimes pronounced in a French accent, is one of those London villages that quite enjoys being apart from the rest of the city with no tube station , thank you very much, and while it was fine for drinking flat whites at one of many, many coffee shops and buying Moomin mugs and Tatty Devine pineapple earrings, followed by a pint at the Queens, it was a place that rarely rang in cocktail hour. But then Bar Esteban opened for excellent tapas and Irvin for Italian plates, and later, cosy little Nickel for well-mixed concoctions – though with Altered Images’s Clare Grogan behind Esteban, and the drummer from Lloyd Cole & The Commotions behind Irvin, there was always the niggling suspicion that you had to be part of an Eighties pop band to make it big here. But Alan Sherwood is far too young for that, and the Little Mercies bar he opened late in 2018 is doing something completely different for the neighbourhood. His track record takes in Scout and Peg + Patriot bars, and the drinks list here has been developed with help from Max and Noel Venning, the sharp-shooting brothers in arms behind Three Sheets . The name, in case you were wondering, comes partly from the song by hip-hop crew Doomtree, which you may hear through the speakers.

A whole lot of up-all-night, whizz-it-round-the-kitchen-in-a-rotovator work has gone into the cocktails here, but you wouldn’t know that from the speed at which glasses line up on the concrete counter . The Pornstar is poured from a bottle, and came from an idea Alan had to make a Pornstar Bellini, before he realised that passionfruit bubbles were best – those familiar with the French 75 at Three Sheets will get the picture, and it’s a fun take on what must be the most popular cocktail in the UK right now. And while you nurse the White Chocolate Old Fashioned, you could consider the 48 hours it took to arrive there, the way the chocolate was caramelised in a water bath for 10 hours, then cooked with Buffalo Trace bourbon and spun and chilled – or you could simply sip it slowly and enjoy those flavours floating around your mouth. The Delicious Sour, meanwhile, is as orchardy as they come, adding cider brandy, sour apple and apple caramel to Victory Vodka for a tarte tatin of a drink.

Rather than a salty aside to the cocktails, the plates here work in their own right, and could almost be the main reason you end up here. There are properly chompy croquettes with a jumble of mushrooms, fired by maple sriracha; a crisp enoki tempura; and lardo toast strewn with shavings of pickled walnut. The dish of pork and celeriac is a tender bar of tenderloin with a scrimmage-scrunch of pickled celeriac that you could eat a whole bowl of.

A North London game-changer. Rick Jordan

Address : Little Mercies, 20 Broadway Parade, London N8 9DE Website : littlemercies.co.uk

27. Hacha, Dalston

A Viva Mexico love song to agave spirits from a spirited East London insider

Anyone who loves cocktails should read Kingsley Amis’s highly entertaining Every Day Drinking , written in the 1960s and 70s; not least for its recipe for a Lucky Jim (12 to 15 parts vodka to one part vermouth and two parts cucumber juice. Don’t forget the cucumber). But Amis does get one thing totally, utterly wrong: he describes mezcal as the nastiest thing he ever drank. Which is nonsense. This is a drink every bit about the terroir as wine and whisky, which can be fruity and floral and soft and elegant, as silkily smoky as ‘ The Tracks of My Tears ’ rather than as chokingly in-yer-face as a bonfire. Mezcal has been drifting onto some of the best London bar menus over the past few years – some may have fond memories of Quiquirqui, hidden below a kebab joint on the Hackney Road, or are familiar with the ones at El Pastor, Temper and old favourite Café Pacifico. But here’s a new bar entirely devoted to mezcal and tequila, just along from Three Sheets, with 25 bottles numbered and racked up on the shelf by Deano Moncrieffe – a Diegeo brand ambassador who fell in love with the spirit 15 years ago and has been exploring its flavours ever since. Now you can too, in a leafy, bright, café-like space that avoids any skull-bashing Day of the Dead schtick and looks as if it pours nothing stronger than a cactus juice.

Deano has thought long and hard about the menu here, taking a handful of familiar cocktails and reinventing them with tequila and mezcal. Take the creamy Hacha Colada, which uses sultana-infused Anejo with horchata, chargrilled pineapple and a scattering of toasted coconut for an earthier, less-sugary-than-usual take on the Piña C. Or the Mirror Margarita, a brilliant, crystal-clear serve using a sour made from malic-acid rather than citrus and spritzed with Cointreau and grapefruit. But take time to ask Deano for a recommendation for a single serve – he pairs each tequila or mezcal with a flavour enhancer, which could be a square of chocolate, a shot of herby Seedlip or, in the case of one very funky mezcal – which had aromas of braying donkeys and scratching chickens but with thankfully none of the flavour – a few mouthfuls of London IPA. As for the wine list, how many other bars have one that straddles Bethnal Green and Mexico ?

Plenty of crunch, gloop and spice on the full menu here, from yuca chips and tostadas laden with pork belly and aubergine to sea-bass ceviche on crisp breadfruit tostaditas, and shredded-beef and plantain tacos – hard-shell or soft, all made on the premises.

A place to seriously get to grips with mezcal’s nuances, or just kick back with a plate of tacos and a cocktail. Rick Jordan

Address : Hacha, 378 Kingsland Road, Dalston, London E8 4AA Website : hachabar.com

28. Tayer + Elementary, Old Street

A double-whammy bar near the hip hubbub of Old Street

The London cocktail scene has been all aflutter ahead of this new arrival: the first solo bar project for Czech-born Alex Kratena, who helmed the Artesian bar at the Langham when it was named the World’s Best Bar for four years in a row, and his partner Monica Berg, formerly of Oslo ’s next-gen speakeasy Himkok. Out front is Elementary, an industrial space of exposed vents where light tumbles in through floor-to-ceiling windows and the action is centred around a single, long wooden bar. This is also where Alex keenly points out the seasonal wall: hanging wooden cards that show the fruit, herbs and other ingredients that he’s currently using in his cocktails. Behind a concrete wall imprinted with jars and glasses to look like bamboo is more dimly lit and boundary-pushing Tayer (from the Spanish word taller, or workshop). This seems to be Monica’s domain; she coolly mixes drinks behind the sleek, horseshoe wooden counter where bottles are stored in a stainless-steel, hip-level bar station she and Alex designed in line with the minimalist decor. The cleverly textured water glasses seem to be carved out of tree bark, giving a sense of nature although you’re surrounded by concrete and steel.

In Elementary the menu has some familiar numbers, albeit with a twist: Nordic Old Fashioned gets a Scandi twist with aquavit and cedarwood; a Palo Santo Gimlet is made with gin, sherry, Lillet Blanc and a cordial flavoured with the sacred South American wood usually used as incense, which Alex discovered on a trip to the Amazon – the resulting drink is incredibly crisp and clean. Little icons on the menu show you what size glass you can expect your drink to come in: highball, short or medium, with a single giant ice cube in each one. And there’s that all-important seasonal section, heavy on rhubarb at the time of our visit, namely in a Royal with Francinet-Remy Champagne. In Tayer the drinks list is a little trickier to figure out, with bolded-up ingredients being the only hint to the predominant flavour. The idea is to model it on how chefs would present a menu. Wood Sorrel, with gin, vermouth and sherry, is served in the most delicately stemmed Martini glass and tastes smooth with a herbal punch; Blood Orange has the kick of a Negroni from Campari and grappa, while Rhubarb is long and refreshing, with amaro, Apéritif de Normandie and soda.

Tata Eatery has been one of the most buzzed about London restaurant pop-ups over the past year or so. And with good reason. Here it sets up a permanent base serving, among other dishes, the brilliant and now-famous sando (note: it often sells out): thick slices of pink Iberian pork with raspberry jam and XO shallot sauce in toasted brioche. There are also equally delicious anchovy soldiers topped with bottarga – a steal of a snack for £5 – and an oozing short-rib quesadilla with mint yogurt and seasonal herbs.

A sleek new start for a super-talented young team – and possibly the tastiest bar food in London. Grainne McBride

Address : Tayer + Elementary, 152 Old Street, London EC1V Website : tayer-elementary.com

29. Lyaness, South Bank

A new opening replaces London’s best bar

When mixology magnate Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) announced that Dandelyan bar (one of the best bars in London) would close to make way for a new project, everyone was shocked. How could he possibly improve on a place that topped the The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018, alongside a clutch of other accolades which it accumulated during its four short years in operation? ‘The landscape and the conversation has shifted,’ he announced on Instagram. ‘It makes sense to start afresh.’ And so he has, beginning with the interiors: swapping Dandelyan’s jewel tones for a more soothing palette of blue and grey, and using electric-blue velvet banquettes to add a contemporary touch to the room’s Art Deco feel. But most importantly, he’s challenging our approach to drinking – again. At Lyaness, not sticking to the menu is encouraged. Trying something new is practically compulsory.

Expect to be impressed. The ingredients’ playful names and unexpected flavours come hand-in-hand with a very contemporary invite to be as experimental as you want. The menu centres around seven unique ingredients, each with a psychedelic name. Customer favourite, the Infinite Banana cordial, takes the team a full week to cook up. A sip on its own tastes like honey-dipped, perfectly ripe banana, but it’s best served with Bombay Sapphire, Bacardi Cuatro, toasted coconut and lemon, then topped off with a slither of freshly baked banana-bread crisp and a drop of orange butter. This is Lyaness’ dangerously moreish take on the Double Painkiller. Next up, Purple Pineapple, whose floral notes add complexity to the tropical flavour. Try it in a Piña Colada for a refined version of the classic. King Monkey Nut (which tastes exactly like a peanut) is unexpectedly delicious with citrus in the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club cocktail. ONYX is an elegant sake-like liquor with serious umami and a gorgeous pink colouring; Aromatised Milk resonates with the sour taste of keffir (or childhood favourite, Petit Filous); The smoky vanilla-ey Old Fashioned Whisky , developed at a Scottish distillery, adds a silky hint of caramel to a Sazerac. The seventh ingredient, Ultra Raspberry, bursts with tangy flavour. Ask for it in a Dog’s Nose Clover Club. They’ll know what you mean – and you won’t regret it.

Bar Bites undersells these small plates, which are more like top notch canapés than they are snacks. The Trio of Tacos (jerk pulled pork, seabass and bream ceviche and goats cheese with honey) is mind-blowingly good. Of course, if you’re drinking whisky, Haggis Croquettes are essential. 

Lyaness is doing something entirely new and it’s well worth experiencing. For cocktail-lovers, a visit is a must. Lauren Hepburn

Address: Lyaness, Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PD Website: lyaness.com

30. The Fumoir, Claridge's, Mayfair

A London institution serving some of the capital's best cocktails

Someone asked me the other day whether there was anything about Claridge’s that I would change. Nothing sprang to mind. Wanting to be a sport, however, I thought about it for a minute and said I would bring back smoking in The Fumoir. If that proved impossible or, as I suppose must be the case these days, illegal, then I would consider changing its name to The Fauxmoir. Still, the fact that you can no longer fume in the Fumoir is a loss in some ways but a gain in others. It is much easier now to make out the gorgeous little design flourishes, such as the elaborately etched Basil Ionides mirrors, that make The Fumoir one of the prettiest bars in the world as well as one of the best. In any case, successive cocktails – and you would be mad to stop at one – will supply a haze of a different and even more agreeable kind.

I could count on one hand the joints where, when asked what I would like, I would happily say ‘You tell me’ and remain confident that the result would be not merely OK but utterly marvellous. This is one of them. Though the phone-book-like drinks list will have rare-spirit fanatics drooling, to go ahead and order anything unmixed, such as a Karuizawa 1970 at £1,000 a dram (‘Make mine a double!’), would seem something of a shame. If ever there was a time and a place for a cocktail, this would be it. Preferably a classic cocktail. In the interest of science or scholarship – which, I have noticed, often run in parallel with the interest of acquiring a mild alcoholic buzz – you might ask the barkeep to fix you something totally old-school like a Sidecar, only in two versions. First the canonical, by-the-book version and then the as-made-in-The Fumoir saffron version. Both, I promise, will be sublime. A third, however, could well make coherent speech and a dignified exit tricky.

‘Snacks’ is not really the word. This is Claridge’s. Anything is possible. Lobster thermidor is possible. Ice cream and petit choux are possible. But if you are happy to keep things simple and your table cutlery-free, I recommend the smoked-salmon Moscovite cornets, with horseradish and caviar.

Hard to find for the first time (diagonally to the right off the lobby), but impossible to forget. Steve King

Address : The Fumoir, Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR Website : claridges.co.uk

31. The Library at The Ned, Bank

A tiny new bar in the City with a Martini twist

The Ned is one of those London hotspots you feel you should know about, even if you’ve never been. It crashed onto the capital’s hotel scene in 2017, and just about everyone who visits agrees that it’s a game-changer, with nine restaurants, more bars than you could hope to visit in a long weekend (16) and 252 bedrooms, all grand in their Edwardian pomp and glamour. Built in the 1920s under the helm of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the hotel lobby (once the banking hall of Midland Bank HQ) is a vast space where waiters twirl and dodge around the chaos to a soundtrack of live jazz. To find the latest addition, The Library Bar, you have to know that it’s there in the first place. Squirrelled away in the right-hand corner of the lobby, this space is pocket-sized and intimate, yet with all the buzz carrying through from next door. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases are packed with old copies of all the classics, towering over plump armchairs and low-slung sofas. We visited on a Tuesday and, thankfully, we had reserved, as our table was the only free spot.

This is a Martini and Champagne bar, so, unsurprisingly, the menu features both heavily. A white-coated waiter will wheel the Martini trolley to your table to mix your drinks in front of you, expertly taking you through the ingredients and process. The Martinis, you are warned, are made differently than elsewhere: an extra 10ml of your chosen spirit (Grey Goose or Star of Bombay) is added, alongside the Library’s own vermouth blend and orange bitters. The result is a drink that hits you on the first sip, yet it’s balanced enough to make even the most inexperienced Martini drinkers happy. Off-menu, the bartenders will mix a version with any spirit you like. Speciality cocktails are a little less jelly-leg-inducing: we enjoyed the Royale Punch (Remy Martin VSOP, peach, earl grey, citrus cordial, anise and Champagne) and the highly recommended Velvet Fizz (Konik’s Tail vodka, coconut, lemongrass, lime, egg white and Champagne). Non-vintage Champagnes are served by the flute, while vintage bottles are served in coupes (this allows the bubbles to develop as the liquid is poured). If you’re feeling especially flush, there are three Martinis on the menu that come in at £100 each, made with vintage vermouth and rare spirits from the 1970s.

Many of the bar snacks come from the Ned’s in-house restaurants, which means they are a cut above your standard crisps and sausage rolls. Fast finger food comes in the form of a Scotch quail’s egg with tartare sauce and Manchego and chorizo bon-bons. The pizzetta, with leek, fontina cheese and black truffle, is cooked in Cecconi’s pizza oven. If you’re ordering it, skip the Parmesan and truffle chips (there is such a thing as too much truffle) and opt instead for the courgette batons: lightly fried strips of juicy courgette doused in lemon juice and served piping hot.

In the high-flying context of The Ned, The Library Bar feels as if you’re in on a special secret. Sarah James

Address : The Library Bar at The Ned, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ Website : thened.com

32. Fitz's, Bloomsbury

A ritzy, glitzy hotspot with cocktails to expand your vocabulary and your palate

Hotel bars rarely live up to the hype – or the elevated prices. But the one at the recently rebranded Kimpton Fitzroy London (previously The Principal), on Russell Square is an exception. As soon as you saunter into the grand marble lobby, you know you’re set for a smart night out. The atmospheric main room serves serious Oscar Wilde-at- Soho House vibes, with impressively high ceilings, low lighting, velvet sofas, leather-panelled pillars and a central plume of ostrich feathers underneath a huge disco ball. A small stage to one side hosts occasional jazz and cabaret performers. And there’s a secret second room which feels more like a cosy members’ club, with lots of dark corners to hide away in.

Skip the wine and beer – it’s got them, of course, but they’re not even mentioned on the menu. The cocktails are the only thing to sip in such an opulent setting. But in contrast to the old-school decor, there are no classics here. Nearly all of the 16 playful signature drinks use at least one ingredient you definitely won’t have heard of before. The closest to a classic is the white Vesca Negroni, served with a comically large, pink ice cube which gradually adds a tang of strawberry sweetness as it melts. The Broken Window combines smooth 12-year Scotch with spicy Ancho Reyes, sherry, aniseedy sweet cicely and celery bitters for a crisp, sweet, piquant drink. For something lighter, try the Hive Mind: Sweetdram Escubac (like gin, but juniper-free), tequila and more sherry, mixed with tart white balsamic vinegar, soda and honey-fragrant propolis (the bartenders call it ‘bee spit’). In other cocktails you’ll taste pink- peppercorn tonic, bay-leaf syrup, toasted sesame and pimento bitters. Some intensive flavour research has gone into these drinks, but they are never over-powering. And don’t worry if you are feeling lost: affable, unpretentious and ultra-knowledgeable floral-shirted barmen are on hand to help you navigate the beautifully illustrated menu.

The emphasis here is definitely on the drinks, but there are some suitably hearty bites on offer to line your stomach. Despite being billed as One Bite, the fluffy hasselback potatoes, rich bone-marrow croquettes and fresh enoki-mushroom crudités with smoky aubergine and cabbage are all pretty substantial. If you’re still hungry, move on to the Two Bite options: lemon-sole tacos, truffle pizza soufflé, scallops or the juicy house burger – one-fifth brisket, four-fifths chuck roll.

An indulgent Bloomsbury night out with cocktail combos to surprise even jaded barflies. Sonya Barber

Address: Fitz’s, Kimpton Fitzroy London, 8 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 5BE Website: kimptonfitzroylondon.com

33. The American Bar, Savoy Hotel, Covent Garden

A clever new menu at London's ultimate hotel bar

Somebody once asked Harry Craddock, the genius who presided over the American Bar at the Savoy throughout the 1920s and 30s, what he thought was the best way to drink a cocktail. ‘Quickly,’ said Harry. ‘While it’s laughing at you.’ How dear departed Harry’s shade must have laughed when in late 2017 the American Bar was finally named Best Bar in the World. Not that standards have slipped and it didn’t deserve it. On the contrary. It’s almost certainly deserved it every year since it opened in 1904. The Savoy is a gorgeous bundle of stylistic contradictions – high Victorian, plush Edwardian, flapper-tastic Art Deco and various points in between – that somehow manages to be more than the sum of its delicious parts. At the American Bar, which wouldn’t look out of place either on a Cunard liner or in an episode of The Jetsons, service is lively and liveried, friendly but not fawning, attentive and expert – in short, as polished, pleasing and fit for purpose as the unobtrusively beautiful glassware in which your drinks will shortly arrive.

The menu changes every year. The latest one takes its inspiration from the photographs by Terry O’Neill with which the walls of the bar are decorated. Great idea. Great photos. Marlene. Frank. Mick and Jerry. Paul and Ringo. Judy and Liza. Michael Caine – no, hang on, that’s Peter Sellers. It’s a clever wheeze and it means the new menu is great fun to flip through and look at, even if the connections between pictures and cocktails are, shall we say, subtle. Take the First Impression, with which the menu begins. It’s a ravishing confection of gin, yuzu wine, elderflower liqueur, champagne and – stroke of genius – jasmine oil. A Gimlet with airs and graces. Apparently this First Impression takes its cue from a photograph of a skeletal David Bowie in his mid-70s Station to Station period being held upright by a considerably shorter but evidently better nourished Elizabeth Taylor, to whom he had just been introduced. It’s impossible to say for sure but something about Bowie’s posture and expression makes it look as though he wasn’t in the mood for a cocktail at all – more likely a coke. A lot of coke. It’s quite a tender, moving image. Sniff, sniff. There are 20 drinks on the new menu and it’s probably safe to say not a dud among them, though your correspondent only managed to taste nine of them, and wouldn’t, in all honesty, recommend that you tried to outdo him, or at least not in a single sitting. This stuff isn’t for amateurs. The American Bar has always been a forward-looking place – but it’s impossible not to get squiffy here without casting a fond backwards glance. This is, after all, the birthplace of such deathless classics as the Hanky Panky and the White Lady, and possibly one of the only places left on the face of the earth where, if you’d like to disburden yourself of the £5,000 in spare change that’s weighing down your trouser pockets, you can get a Sazerac made with actual Sazerac.

You’re at the Savoy, so a dollop of caviar seems appropriate. No, wait. You’re at the American Bar at the Savoy. So make it a burger and fries. With a dollop of caviar on the side.

Living history. A joy. Steve King

Address: The Savoy, 100 The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Website: fairmont.com

34. Smokey Kudu, Peckham

Peckham’s first seriously swanky cocktail bar

When young South African chef Patrick Williams and his partner, Amy Corbin, opened their first restaurant together in 2018, Queen’s Road was still the (relatively) dodgy end of Peckham . Yes, Corbin’s father is the Corbin behind restaurant group Corbin & King (The Wolseley, Soutine), but even so, in less than a year they received indisputable approval from the Michelin panel with a Bib Gourmand confirming the quality of the food, and the affordable prices, too. Just over a year later Giles Coren was finally coaxed south-east and, after only a short grumble, agreed with the rest of us, that Kudu is an ‘example of perfect restaurant making in a nutshell’. Less than two years on and the Kudu Collective is expanding fast. First up is cocktail bar Smokey Kudu. Two minutes’ walk from the original restaurant – under the arches at Queen’s Road Peckham station – the space is small, but cleverly conceived so it doesn’t feel it. There’s a pink marble horseshoe bar backed with vintage mirrors and an enormous original blown-glass chandelier from Venice, which had to be quickly reinforced on opening week to stop it swinging as the trains passed overhead.

Corbin’s plan was to create a cocktail bar that would be at home in Mayfair or Soho – quite the ambition given the rest of Peckham is still drinking craft ale in car parks. But as soon as you walk in, you really could be in one of London’s swankiest hotel bars. The cocktail list is immediately interesting, made up of classics but with a South African twist. A Braai Negroni is made with mezcal, rooibos, sloe, amaro, and thyme; while a Kudu Spritz is a mix of Aperol, South African vermouth, and rooibos topped with fizz. There’s also a short list of African grapes, as well as beer from local Brick Brewery. Sip one Zulu Espresso, finished with Amarula and nutmeg, and you’re likely to want to stay for the rest of the night.

So as not to confuse the fact Smokey Kudu is serious about cocktails, you’ll only find olives, a nut mix and biltong on the snacks menu – but they’re all significantly superior to your run-of-the-mill bar snacks. Crucially, there’s always Kudu come suppertime; or sourdough pizzas at Mamma Dough round the corner. Watch the space next door to Kudu where Little Kudu, a tapas-style joint is soon to add yet another option to the Queen’s Road Peckham roster.

This foodie couple know what they’re doing when it comes to restaurants, and, it turns out, bars, too. You’re not in Queen’s Road Peckham any more. Tabitha Joyce

Address: Smokey Kudu, Arch 133 Queen's Road, Peckham, London SE15 2ND Website: kuducollective.com

35. Satan's Whiskers, Bethnal Green

Neighbourhood cocktail bar with an old-school hip-hop soundtrack

Satan's Whiskers is one of those bars that bartenders at the world's top bars speak of. Despite its less-than-lovely location on Cambridge Heath Road, the bar serves some of the best cocktails not just in London, but the world. Marked only by a red neon sign above the door, the bar is stuffed with tongue-in-cheek taxidermy (look out for the smoking monkey and cocktail-shaking raccoon) and vintage spirits posters, and there are little devils cut into the bar top. The cocktail bar's namesake has a gin-and-juice base and the stereo plays banger after banger by Golden Age greats such as Biggie Smalls, Q-Tip and, of course, Snoop - the only complaint is that you can't get up and dance.

The cocktail menu always has a few new surprises but you can count on classics such as the French 75 and Satan's Manhattan (with Knob Creek rye whisky) to be there. You may also have the chance to try the Negroni with prosecco and a Salty Dog with vodka, pink grapefruit and pink salt. Hurricanes are served with blown-inside-out brollies and the East 8 Hold Up (vodka, Aperol, fresh pineapple and lime) is super-summery.

There's nothing dainty on the menu: sole goujons, sweet potato fries, whopping burgers and whole baked camembert. Hazel Lubbock

Address: Satan's Whiskers, 343 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 Website: twitter.com/satans_whiskers

36. Homeboy, Islington

North London whiskey evangelist with the teeniest-tiniest Irish pub in the whole of London

If you’ve ever wondered what Islington ’s Upper Street was like 30 years ago, it’s simple: just walk across to Essex Road. It’s one of London’s great under-rated thoroughfares, a mile-long arrow pointing straight to Essex and originally known as Lower Street. Not nearly as smart as Upper, of course – if you were on your uppers, you’d probably be on Lower – but full of characters. Some of whom will be found in Homeboy. It’s an Irish bar , though not in the way you’re probably thinking. This is a little Lower East Side. Bowery-black signage, green leather and two-tone bar; Guinness but no foam shamrocks; arm ink and French bulldogs; Nineties hip-hop instead of fiddles and The Dubliners.

Although there are Dubliners here: Aaron Wall and Ciarán Smith, who run the joint, bringing a deft hand learnt from Callooh Callay in Shoreditch and The Dorchester . The two are keen to share their sense of Irish hospitality – the same urge that made Father Ted ’s Mrs Doyle ask ‘Would you like a nice cup of tea? Go on, go on, go on…’ – and which goes back to historic civil laws that insisted on providing for strangers. At the back, through a small door, is the smallest Irish pub in London, opened for the Six Nations championship and decorated with uncovered punk-era posters and Guinness ads, with its own snug – that traditional VIP room of the Irish boozer.

Plenty of Irish whiskeys that can be approached in plenty of ways – or avoided altogether. A Boilermaker pairing such as Jameson Caskmates with a Chieftain IPA, perhaps, rolling the spirit around in your mouth to appreciate its profile – or a Hemingway-style Set Menu of Roe & Co with 1936 lager and a Daiquiri. The team have a playful approach with cocktails, many of which are nods to classic-era serves, but there’s nothing that feels too gimmicky – even the Teaandabiccie, which stirs whiskey with Benedictine, Barry’s Irish Tea, clarified milk and a Hobnob syrup. Go on, go on, go on…

There’s also the summery Emerald Collins, with Slane whiskey instead of gin or vodka , plus Cynar added to the mix, and the fruity-but-not-sweet take on the Manhattan, titled the Wogan (whiskey, apricot brandy, lime and sugar). If you can pronounce it, the Taoiseach is the bar’s lovely version of El Presidente, swapping rum for Redbreast Potstill. ‘We’re the dog snapping at the heels of the Dead Rabbit boys,’ says Smith.

The kitchen is currently being upgraded, so the menu’s a little limited right now, but the team will fix you a toastie or Tayto sandwich, made with the famous Irish crisps. Irish stew and soda bread are made to family recipes.

A warmly welcoming, no-bother bar, where Tuesday night may very well feel like a Friday. If you get too pickled, you might be allowed to sit in the window of Get Stuffed, the taxidermist’s opposite. Rick Jordan

Address : Homeboy, 108 Essex Road, London N1 8LX Website : homeboybar.com

37. The Coral Room, Bloomsbury

A show-stopper where everything is just peachy

Human babies are not, as is commonly supposed, born colour-blind. Science shows that they will spend more time gazing at brightly coloured things than at dull ones. As they get older and learn to speak, they tend to take longer to learn the names of the drearier colours, suggesting they are susceptible to a ‘preferential learning mechanism’ that favours the perkier end of the Pantone chart. Nor is this something we ever grow out of. And maybe it is one of the reasons why people of all ages are so keen on the Coral Room at The Bloomsbury hotel . A year or so ago the Doyle family, proprietors of the Bloomsbury, had the excellent idea of transforming what had for decades been the lobby into a bar. Martin Brudnizki , the designer they employed to make this happen, had one or two excellent ideas of his own, including that of painting the walls, which are enormous, a particularly beguiling, rich, vivid and opulent shade of coral pink. The result is one of the most beautiful bars in London.

This is a terrific, serious bar where you can feel confident ordering anything you fancy, on or off the menu. But something about the space itself is likely to steer your choice towards something fun and summery and light. The Coral Room has from day one been a champion of English sparkling wines, and house concoctions such as the Chiswick Spritz (Sipsmith London Cup, pomegranate, kumquat, raspberry vinegar, ginger syrup, lime juice, sparkling wine) prove that local fizz actually works brilliantly well in such aperitivo-style drinks. The colour of a Chiswick Spritz, incidentally, almost matches that of the walls but not quite. Something must be done.

Open from 10 o’clock in the morning till midnight, with separate brunch, lunch and afternoon-tea menus. From five o’clock onwards there are cocktail-appropriate snacks and small plates, many of a distinctly grown-up tone (manchego cheese and truffle honey; Dorset crab on toast). Your reviewer was there at lunchtime and hoovered up an impeccable if not entirely grown-up club sandwich.

The Coral Room has done as much as anywhere else to put the bloom back into Bloomsbury. Steve King

Address : The Coral Room, The Bloomsbury, 16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN Website : thecoralroom.co.uk

38. The Donovan Bar, Mayfair

Swinging Sixties glamour with impeccably tailored drinks from one of the cocktail world’s most dapper figures

Look carefully at the multitude of black-and-white portraits that line the walls here – for the Donovan the bar is named after isn’t Jason, of course, but the late Terence, whose photographs framed the 1960s – and you may spot one of comic genius Tony Hancock. He’s clutching a cup of coffee and wearing a trademark hangdog expression. Grumpiness personified. Were he clutching one of the cocktails here, though, he’d be all smiles; a broad grin would spread across his face. The Brown’s Hotel bar has always been one of the best bars in Mayfair , but has a new gleam in its eye, a certain swagger, since being rebooted in 2018. The room was redeveloped in photographic blacks, greys and whites, with racing green and burnished gold for extra dazzle. It was given its own street entrance, and its rather tight bar counter swivelled around and stretched out, its shimmery swimming-pool -blue glass top reflecting light from the spirit shelves behind, with the stained-glass St George window at one end – part of the building’s original 1885 incarnation. And after a pop-up appearance in 2017, Salvatore Calabrese was enticed over to take charge of the drinks menu here – the Amalfi -born bartender has been jiggling his jigger for four decades, perfecting his Martinis first at Dukes then going on to work at The Lanesborough and Fifty St James’s.

Calabrese made his first Negroni aged just 12, so if you order a Negroni, you can be assured it will be one of the best ones you’ve ever downed – the Gran Torino twists it with Johnnie Walker Gold and ginger foam. And if you’ve never tried his Breakfast Martini before – a drink he regards as one of his own masterpieces, with marmalade and cedar-wood essence in the mix – then do order one as an aperitif. But, since May 2019, a new menu has taken the 1960s as its inspiration, with Our Generation drinks arranged in four themes (‘Portrait’, ‘Fashion’ ‘Music’ and ‘Screen’). A drink named Paint It Black arrives with a brushstroke on its glass, mixing rooibos-infused tequila with a citrussy-fennel soda; Madam Loren rescues the tomato from the Bloody Mary, placing it in a Martini glass with gin and some intense fruit flavours, with a crispy basil leaf floating on top. For something a little more avant-garde, order an Alfie (whisky washed in hazelnut butter, muddled with ale and a briny tincture of seaweed and sage that will put hairs on your chest) and discuss the validity of the male gaze while looking at Donovan’s nudes in the Naughty Corner area of the bar.

Well, caviar’s always an option but the crispy beef croquettes are more satisfying, along with a salad-tossed bowl of crispy squid. Best to keep it crispy with cocktails.

A Mayfair original has been artfully revived – and while the drinks aren’t cheap, unlike the Sixties, if you were there you’ll remember them. Rick Jordan

Address: Donovan Bar, Brown’s Hotel, 33 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP Website: roccofortehotels.com

39. Black Rock and Black Rock Tavern, Finsbury

East London bars bringing whisky to a younger, less stuffy crowd

Whisky used to be the golf of the drinks world, with a reputation for stuffiness and peaty snobbery. But it’s changing fast: not just with sales booming, but with cool distilleries in Melbourne , Taiwan and the Cotswolds turning out experimental New World drams for a fresh audience. Black Rock, in the hinterland between the City and Shoreditch , is a temple for this more inclusive, hedonistic brand of whisky quaffing. Previously a dark basement bar built around an almost 200-year-old oak tree holding two troughs of the stuff, it expanded this summer to include the Black Rock Tavern at street level – a neighbourhood bistro that’s more Copenhagen -airy than Ginza-reverential. Owners Tom Aske and Tristan Stephenson, cocktail veterans who launched the lauded Worship Street Whistling Shop in 2011, are also set to open a blending room and a three-room hotel upstairs. As well as running Whisky Me, which delivers pouches of Scotch and rye to subscribers every month, Aske and Stephenson are bringing a Black Rock outpost to Bristol later this year, with plans for another London brach in the works, too. Having previously run whimsical sherry spot Sack Bar in the space that’s now Black Rock Tavern, the pair have officially gone all in on the amber stuff.

Downstairs is darker and more reverential than upstairs with more than 250 lovingly selected bottles in glass cabinets, each one reasonably priced and helpfully marked in sections: Smoke, Fruit, Balance, Fragrance, Spice, Sweet. There are peaty Islay classics and sophisticated Hokkaido standards, of course, but also spicy-sweet Kentucky corn whisky and a single malt from the Stauning Whisky distillery in Denmark’s Jutland, with hints of smoky chocolate, nougat and vanilla. Cocktails and highballs come under the same flavour headings, and of the two blends maturing in the oak trunk, one is a Limousin-aged bourbon that tastes like a minty Old Fashioned. The atmosphere is hardly stuffy downstairs, with chatty service and west coast hip-hop languidly bleeding from speakers, but in the Tavern upstairs it’s more irreverent, with fewer whiskies and more playful cocktails (there are also craft beers on tap). The Guinness Punch with smooth Oban whisky, condensed milk and spices is inspired by the velvety rum version you might drink over Christmas in Jamaica . And the Cardhu whisky with tonic would raise a bushy eyebrow at the country club. But our favourite is the Smokey Cokey highball, with 12-year-old Caol Ila, cherry bitters and Fever-Tree cola somehow blending with a dandyish elegance that 3am Jack and Cokes have never quite mustered. Thom Solberg, the Norwegian bar manager who dreamt up the menu, talks through it all with puppyish enthusiasm. He’s a long way from those dour, tartan-clad retirees who tend to lead Scottish distillery tours.

It’s called Scran here, as per the post-Kitchin trend, and is reliably unpretentious: house scratchings and a vegetarian haggis sausage roll with brown sauce upstairs; a pork-and-black-pudding Scotch egg downstairs. Naughty fun, but not really why you’re here.

Easily one of the best bars in London for Whisky. It's Whisky’s answer to the hipster craft-beer joint. Toby Skinner

Address : Black Rock, 9 Christopher Street, London EC2A 2BS Website : blackrock.bar

40. Hackney Church Co., Hackney

Craft ale with a mission – and a large beer garden – in Hackney’s latest foodie hub

A few years ago, had someone asked for a pint of Wu Gang Chops The Tree, or Fearless Spreadsheet Ninja, one would assume they’d either been a bit too liberal with the magic mushrooms or were quoting an ancient Monty Python sketch. But as anyone who’s recently dawdled at the taprooms of Tottenham’s Beavertown brewery or in switched-on pubs such as The Wigmore will know, craft ale in London is big – foamingly big, with almost every postcode having its own craft brewer, feverishly designing manga-style labels for limited-edition saisons and porters and pale ales. Now there’s a new ale champion, Hackney Church Brew Co. (previously St John at Hackney Brewery, no relation to Fergus Henderson’s joint), which has set up its gleaming fermentation tanks under the railway arches on the aptly named Bohemia Place, Hackney’s latest hot destination (pop-up Night Tales opens full-time nearby in July, with Japanese bites and a mezcal bar). The warehouse-sized space has real character, with smoke-blackened brickwork, steel-framed windows, a lovely lattice of bare timber in the architrave above, and reclaimed church pews along the walls. At the back is a sprawling beer garden with long tables from where you can watch trains spark and rumble on the tracks above the brewery. The pews are a little design pun, as the Rector of nearby St John at Hackney, one of London’s most credible churches – it's hosted gigs by Florence and the Machine and Coldplay – has been a key driving force behind getting the project off the ground.

The team here are passionate about their ale. Founder Luke Scanlon gave free rein to American craft-ale obsessive Ryan Robbins, and the results so far are lovely and very drinkable, though still being tweaked. But current favourites from the ones made on the premises are the citrussy IPA No 2 – the names are refreshingly straightforward, so far – which Ryan describes as having a ‘smooth mouth feel’, and the lager, a crisp, Munich -style creation with an American spin. But aficionados should try a third of a pint of the Imperial stout, fragrant with toasty, chocolatey, coffee flavours. Grab a beer tasting with Ryan when he has the time. The bar will also be showcasing beers from other London and UK breweries – highlights include an incredible blueberry sour from Charlton Brewing Co, and a non-alcoholic pale ale from Infinite Session.

The team invited in Emilio Stavrou, who channeled his favourite kebab shop in Nicosia for inspiration, with chicken thigh and pork skewers and pita pockets, but also catering to Hackney’s substantial vegetarian / vegan population with tempeh and charcoal-grilled halloumi-and-pear fillings, smoked aubergine dip and Mediterranean-fresh salads of crunchy cabbage and coriander and smoked chickpeas.

Just the place for long, outdoor summer ale-quaffing. Brewer Ryan reckons that the UK is about 10 years behind the USA when it comes to craft ale, but places like this are closing the gap. Rick Jordan

Address : Hackney Church Brew, 16-17 Bohemia Place, London E8 1DU Website : hackneychurchbrew.co

41. Dukes Bar, St James's

A cute little bar in a cute little hotel in a cute little side-street in St James’s

When they arrive – on a cute little trolley that’s wheeled right up alongside your table – the cocktails look cute and little too. Don’t be fooled. Proceed with the utmost caution. The first one’s fine, the second one’s even finer, but the third one will knock you into the middle of next week and steal your shoes. The bar is beautiful at any time of the day or night. There’s something about the look and feel of the place – cushy and country-housey, impeccably proper and ever so slightly louche – that’s just right.

Ian Fleming was a regular and came up with James Bond’s famous ‘shaken not stirred’ directive here. Martini freaks worship the current head bartender, Alessandro Palazzi, as a god among men. I know it’s heresy to say so, but I don’t really care for martinis. Never have. Though it’s highly entertaining to watch Alessandro fling vermouth across the room, as he does whenever he makes a martini, I’d much rather ask him to surprise me with something less familiar. At the time of my most recent visit, earlier this week, he’d come up with a new cocktail to mark the hotel’s 110th birthday. The 1908 contains vodka infused with verbena from Alessandro’s garden, a Queen Motherly slosh of Dubonnet, a drop of crème de cacao and a twist of Amalfi lemon. Absolute dynamite. And it’s as much fun listening to Alessandro talk about it as it is to drink. (You might get the conversation started by asking him what he thinks about people who order herbal tea in bars, as the old biddies used to do when he worked at The Ritz in Paris.)

Bowls of plump green olives and crunchy bitings are provided, though I’m ashamed to say that, after all these years, I still haven’t got around to tasting them. If you’re hungry, there’s an excellent restaurant downstairs, GBR, which has just reopened after an elegant makeover. It also has its own charming bar, staffed by members of Alessandro’s team, so there’s no need to worry about your hands starting to shake when you reach for your cutlery.

Among the best of the best bars in London, anywhere, ever. Steve King

Address: Dukes Hotel, St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY Website: dukeshotel.com

42. Nine Lives, Bermondsey

Zero-waste cocktails with a killer soundtrack

East London has pioneered the sustainable drinking movement in the city, with bars like Scout and Super Lyan championing local produce, repurposed ingredients and upcycled materials. Now, London Bridge is having a go with the opening of Nine Lives. Here, disused speakers have been repurposed as planting boxes for staff to grow their own ingredients in, and leftover citrus scraps from cocktail-making (not usually suitable for composting) are PH-balanced to help them grow. Aside from mindful mixology, you'll find a fantastic atmosphere, groovy music and the friendliest staff. The sound system is impressive - and perfect on Saturday nights when the bar hosts guest DJs. Note, there are plenty of nooks and corners to chill out in if you're not looking for a party. Plus, there's a shuffleboard in the back which is utterly addictive.

Why has the combination of whisky, coconut and salted caramel been so hard to come by? The Moby Dick, which blends all three is a revelation. Multiple mixologists here have participated in Diageo's World Class cocktail competition, so it's no surprise that the drinks menu is both innovative and appetising. Must-tries include the Kuti Bird, a fruity delight which arrives in a tiki cup, and a floral prosecco-based Alright Blossom. But, really, the whole drinks menu is worth sampling. Once you've made your way through that, wash it down with a shot of the homemade mezcal - the faintest hint of passionfruit makes it almost too easy on the palate.

You get more than a snack at Nine Lives, which is a very good thing considering how many drinks we've just suggested you try. Fresh ingredients, rich cheese and fantastic meats are used to make wood-fired pizzas. Try the 'white' (no tomato) salsiccia pizza , which comes with fresh Sicilian sausage and lush friarielli. The Verde Ortolana, topped with roast veg, mushrooms and artichokes is perfect for herbivores and omnivores alike.

This is one of those places where you'll become pals with the staff and never want to leave. Comfy, trendy, fun, relaxed and eco-conscious all at once. Lauren Hepburn

Address: Nine Lives, 8 Holyrood Street, Bermondsey, London SE1 2EL Website: ninelivesbar.com

43. The Vault, Soho

A clandestine, candle-lit scene beneath the streets of Soho

Everyone knows that you get to Hogwarts via Platform 9 3/4 and Narnia is only accessible by a wardrobe full of fur coats. But back in reality, locals know you get to the one of the best secret bars in London in the capital through a heavy bookcase at number 3, Greek Street. Also known as Milroy’s, the oldest whisky bar in London, number 3 is also home to The Vault, a beloved underground Soho bar with a steep staircase and a neon-lit sign. On entry, after you adjust to the low-lit space and smell of incense, you’re ushered through to a tiny candle-lit table. In the main bar, there’s only space for around 20 people, and it’s no surprise that you can detect date nights on at least half the tables (there’s also another room at the back, which feels like being on the inside of a whisky barrel). The brick walls are decorated with local art by ‘our friend Luke’ and by contemporary urban artist Anna Laurini, whose street art is prolific in London; you might recognise variations of her bold abstracts from around town (a red-lipped lady called 'the face' is her signature). There’s background jazz music but it’s unobtrusive and doesn’t drown out a lively hum of chatter or an easy banter between staff. You leave wanting to be friends with all of them; they’re kind, easygoing and on-the-ball.

Directing the team is head bartender Chris Tanner, previously of Soho linchpins Experimental Cocktail Club and Milk & Honey, as well as Satan’s Whiskies in Bethnal Green. He likes to keep things simple; drinks are unconventional but not overcomplicated, and he uses seasonal ingredients (and his own home-made bitters) where he can. The concise menu offers nine cocktails , and the least pretentious wine list I’ve ever seen – just choose between ‘red’ or ‘white’. Perhaps it’s intentional, to put people off; the cocktails are the real deal here, and it would be foolish to miss out on the foamy, fragrant Pandan Sour made with pisco and peat or a clean, coconut and fig leaf Martini for a nameless glass of wine. The French 94 is a bittersweet Campari cocktail made with pineapple and white vermouth which tastes like the first bite of a blood orange, and the Yuzu Gimlet is a devastatingly elegant, deadly alcoholic drink served with a single ice cube in a beautiful Nick and Nora glass (a delicate 1940s style named after the inebriated fictional characters in Dashiell Hammett’s novel A Thin Man ). The Brandy Highball is a crowd-pleaser, but it’s the Kingston Cocktail that is set to be a favourite as the capital gets colder, made with Jamaican rum, allspice and kummel; it’s warming, smooth and comforting, the tropical equivalent of mulled wine in winter .

There’s no food at The Vault – if you’re hungry, head down the road to 10 Greek Street or Michelin-starred L’Escargot (read our list of the best restaurants in Soho for more ideas).

Intimate not intimidating, cosy not cramped; The Vault is a warm, welcoming space you’ll want to return to again and again. Anna Prendergast

Address : The Vault (via Milroy’s), 3 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4NX Website : thevaultsoho.co.uk

44. Murder Inc, Fitzrovia

A quirky new speakeasy spot from the team behind some of London’s most inventive cocktails

Shoreditch’s The Cocktail Trading Co – which finally landed a permanent Brick Lane home in 2016 after a wildly successful pop-up on Carnaby Street – made its name for its witty, over-the-top creative tipples. Drinks – served in giant seashells, a hot air balloon, or even a Chinese takeaway carton – came with golf balls as ice cubes, a set of dentures as a garnish or a portion of chips as a bizarre topping. Founders Andy Mil, Olly Brading and Elliot Ball quickly racked up a string of awards for their no-limits ingenuity, and now the boys have opened a second venture – a gritty, gangster-themed drinking den in a dark and moody basement on a Fitzrovia backstreet. And although the place takes its cocktails seriously, the earnestness stops there. Donald Trump greets guests at the door (in the form of a life-size, grinning photograph, with ‘Old Douche Lane’ emblazoned across his chest…); inside, walls are lined with tongue-in-cheek, black-and-white photographs of hustlers and bad boys. Some of the decor is downright random (look out for the signed picture of Charlie Sheen in the loos), but the exposed brickwork and red neon lights give the place a sultry New York speakeasy feel. There’s live music some nights of the week too – but it’s a tiny space, so get here early if you want a seat.

There’s less smoke and mirrors here than at Murder Inc’s sister bar in Shoreditch , but that’s not to say drinks aren’t still served with a smack of theatricality. Expect all kinds of curious syrups, sherbets and garnishes (including walnut masala, tarte tatin sherbet and tonka bean egg yolk) – but start with the signature cocktail, Death in the Afternoon. It’s served on tap, a Listerine-blue, souped-up (and infinitely more delicious) version of Hemingway’s original, sweetened with a dash of ginger and agave syrup. Twists on the classics are the main theme – like the Long Irn Iced Tea, a hot mess of a drink topped up with Scotland’s favourite fizz, and the punny Hench 75, made with Plymouth Navy gin, a silky-smooth calvados, bergamot and sparkling wine. If you’ve come straight from supper, the Banana Ramos’s artery-clogging blend of coconut cream, banana milk and Jägermeister makes a perfect pudding – or keep the night going with a jug of frozen margarita. Absinthe makes a lot of appearances too. Best of all, prices are incredibly affordable – most cocktails hover around the £9 mark, and there’s a daily happy hour too.

There isn’t any – but Fitzrovia’s a foodie hotspot so there’s no shortage of dining options nearby. Hakkasan is literally next door; there’s Ottolenghi’s vegetable- and fermentation-led Rovi just up the road and around the corner the larger than life, shiny brand new Circolo Popolare.

Unpretentious, affordable and fun without feeling gimmicky – this is the perfect place to go to fill the pre- or post-dinner lag.

Address: Murder Inc, 36 Hanway Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1UP Website: murderinclondon.com

45. The Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair

An unpretentious hideaway in one of London's most iconic hotels

Some years ago, I became intrigued by a story told by Pliny the Elder concerning a wager Cleopatra made with Mark Antony that she could blow 10-million sesterces on one dinner. Apparently 10-million sesterces is worth about £400,000 in today’s money. She won the bet when she removed one of the pearl earrings she was wearing and dropped it into a goblet of wine (or vinegar). Pearls, in those days, were valued more highly than any other type of jewellery. The pearl dissolved; Cleopatra necked the contents; an astonished Antony conceded defeat.

I wondered whether this sort of stunt was really possible and started doing a bit of research. To cut a long story short: it is. Coleman Douglas Pearls, a specialist jeweller, supplied a pearl which they crushed into powder at my request. Giuliano Morandin, manager of The Bar at The Dorchester , supplied a cocktail into which I stirred the powder.

The result was a waste of a pearl and a Gimlet. But that little experiment provided a powerful reminder not only of the way in which anecdotes like Pliny’s are an essential part of what makes jewels magical, but also of the way in which guys like Giuliano are an essential part of what makes the best cocktail bars magical. The unflappable brio, the inexhaustible curiosity, the willingness to go the extra mile to create a memorable drink.

With its oddly timeless, curvy design – it could have been built yesterday or in 1968 – The Bar at The Dorchester is one of the most welcoming and least pompous of London’s great hotel watering holes. The attitude towards cocktails is much the same. Giuliano is not interested in showing off. He likes to chat and wants you to have a good time. If your idea of having a good time is to rediscover classic cocktails as prepared by a sorcerer, well, so much the better. That can be arranged. Nobody makes a better Martinez – one of the greatest-ever cocktails (Old Tom gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Boker’s Bitters), long out of fashion and neglected in favour of the Martini and the Manhattan that derived from it – than Giuliano. It is also typical of the sorcerer that he gives so much credit to his apprentices. There is an entire section of the menu dedicated to tipples invented by members of his team. Molto simpatico.

You could, if you prefer, view this not as one of the best bars in town that also happens to serve excellent Italian food, but as one of the best Italian restaurants in town that also happens to serve excellent drinks. The frutti di mare in particular is superb: lobster salad with avocado; grilled king prawns with fennel and radicchio salad.

A ray of Mediterranean sunshine on Park Lane, at any time of the day or night. Steve King

Address : The Bar at The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA Website : dorchestercollection.com

46. Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, Covent Garden

A spectacular showstopping cocktail bar on the Strand

The Savoy's vintage American Bar is the one you draw up a stool at, order a classic Martini and try to out-do the white-jacketed bartender with cocktail anecdotes (he'll win). It's also the one that gets the queues. The Beaufort, tucked away down the stairs and round the corner is more elusive, more rakish and far more tantalising - a gold-and-black Deco salon with a real sense of drama. It's a place for snappy one-liners, lacquered talons and raised, severely pencilled eyebrows. If Gypsy Rose Lee had flounced off the stage of Sondheim's legendary Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre, it's here she would have headed to order a Showgirl cocktail, doubtless followed by the current troupe of Dreamgirls. Unlike the American Bar (born 1904), it opened only in 2010, in the space formerly occupied by a cabaret stage known to George Gershwin and generations of vaudeville hoofers. The tradition endures, with regular performances and monthly burlesque nights.

It's one of the best bars in London so these may take a while to choose. The menu is one of the most beautiful you'll hold in your hands – following on from the previous pop-up list, this is an artful, Art Nouveau-style, Hans Christian Anderson of a tunnel book whose cut-outs stitch together stories and famous guests from the Savoy's long history, from Fred Astaire dancing on the roof and wartime parties to Duran Duran and Bon Jovi. It's a shameless namedropper. Many of the impeccably well-made drinks, all in vintage glasses, loosely reference alumni such as Marlene Dietrich, Amy Johnson and Katharine Hepburn.There's enough experimentation to hold the interest without toppling into novelty – chocolate fragrance, a taste of 'leather', even London 'fog' too; there's a shrub or two, and whey milk, and some drinks are garnished like a flowergirl's bonnet. Order The Old Magic, for its puddingy mix of Grey Goose, Guinness, chocolate, orange and vanilla, topped with Champagne. And the wonderfully savoury Incognito, which matches Patron Anejo tequila with popcorn, Averna, Martini Rubino and walnut. With one or two drinks coming in at £50, it's not a cheap date, but then the Beaufort is not a bar you should flirt with on a nightly basis. It's also the place to cherish a glass of Egly-Ouriet Champagne, at a mere £38.

As you're here for a special occasion, you may as well order the foie gras lollipops, if sensitivities allow, or else the beetroot macaroons laced with creamy goat's cheese.

This is a tour-de-force bar that should be on anyone's top 10 list, a place for modern-day Oscar Wildes to sprawl on a chaise longue and spend more of someone else's money than they might actually have intended. Along with the Connaught Bar and the Langham's Artesian, this is one of London's best hotel bars. Rick Jordan

Address: Beaufort Bar, Savoy, 99 Strand, London WC2R 0EU Website: fairmont.com

47. Silverleaf, Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street isn’t perhaps the obvious location for a ‘sultry, sophisticated drinking spot’. But this is where you’ll find Silverleaf, the Pan Pacific London hotel ’s cocktail bar from the team behind Soho stalwart Milroy’s and Shoreditch favourite Callooh Callay. Tucked between towering glass buildings, a whitewashed brick wall with a simple scripted sign sits beside a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway. Inside, a lift whisks you away from the bustle of Bishopsgate to a slick Tom Dixon-designed bar on the top floor of Devonshire House.

The emphasis here is on sensory experiences, which begin with an impressively creative cocktail list. The menu sets out core flavour profiles (each drink has four) that have been translated into symbols which appear throughout to help guide your selection. But if that seems like hard work, each drink has also been reimagined as an abstract illustration, the idea being that you can choose your drink by opting for the image that speaks to you – a method that becomes even more appealing the more drinks you try.

Despite the complexity of the menu, the drinks themselves are modern, minimal and totally fuss-free, with huge ice cube squares acting as an extension of Dixon’s angled, sleek design. The only hint of colour comes from the delicate edible garnishes – even the glasses are barely visible in the dimly-lit surrounds. The Pineapple / Miso and the Toasted Cream / Peach, the bar’s big hitters: the former, a Tiki bar-esque concoction disguised as serious tipple; the latter, a welcome upgrade on an old fashioned – smoky, funky with a lingering tang from the pineapple. The highlight? The Heartleaf / Kombu, an absolute must for dry vodka martini fans that can only be described as a garden in a glass with a clean, earthy, botanical quality.

Open till 2am, this is a stylish spot well worth missing the last train for. Sarah Allard

Address : Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch, London EC3A 7AB Website : panpacific.com  

48. Soma, Soho

Soho has always done speakeasy bars exceptionally well. The winding network of narrow streets seems built for people to dip into basement drinking dens or behind unmarked doors. In the past few years, it’s all but lost its nefarious nature and is now better known for smart restaurants than sex shops and all-nighters. Indian-spiced Soma, from the team behind Kricket , next door, somehow manages to tap into both the area’s seedy past and its smart-as-a-button present. An unmarked, unremarkable door set next to the Soho outpost of Will Bowlby’s British-Indian spot leads down to a narrow, dimly-lit room dominated by a 30-foot steel bar, with sexy alcoves carved into the walls.

A Mumbai -meets-London drinks list using ingredients made in-house includes helpful similarities between the drinks (given one-word names that highlight the predominant tasting notes) and cocktails we all recognise – Oak is compared to a Negroni, but made with cardamom, while the Margarita-like Chaat uses the Indian spice blend Chaat Masala and kumquat as well as more traditional mezcal. Our stand-out was the Almond – compared to a Highball, it uses almond soda and plum umeshu for an autumnal flavour that my plus-one boldly stated was the best cocktail she’d ever had (it was her first drink of the night, so this was in no way an alcohol-fuelled superlative).

Bar snacks take a low-waste approach, using leftovers from Kricket to create puffed-rice crackers. If you anticipate being really hungry, we recommend nabbing a table at Kricket first for Keralan fried chicken and goose vindaloo before moving across to Soma. Sarah James

This is a sexy find that feels like an insider’s secret.   Sarah James

Address : Soma, 14 Denman Street, London W1D 7HJ Website : somasoho.com

49. Seed Library, One Hundred Shoreditch

In the basement of the city’s most exciting new hotel opening, One Hundred Shoreditch , sits a secret drinking den. Seed Library is the latest venture from cocktail connoisseur Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), marking a return to his East London roots – Hoxton is where he opened his first bar, White Lyan, in 2013. A pioneer in low-waste mixology, Mr Lyan has single-handedly sparked a sustainability revolution in London’s cocktail scene, opening restaurant Cub and then Lyaness (formerly Dandelyan) at the Sea Containers in London, before launching Super Lyan in Amsterdam and Silver Lyan in Washington DC.

Aesthetically, the bar sits somewhere between an underground speakeasy and laidback living room. From the hotel lobby, follow the splodges of orange paint directing you down the staircase to find a seductive, dimly lit space, where chairs and sofas are covered in shades of ruby and wine and the bar has an amber glow. Poured concrete floors are offset by walls covered in tapestries (an easily identified artistic touch from the hotel’s creative director, Jacu Strauss, who placed tapestries in all the rooms and corridors in the upstairs hotel). On Fridays and Saturdays there is a changing roster of local DJs, playing in front of a wall lined with vinyl, and mixologists work away behind a bar of exposed brick and back-lit shelves.

In classic Mr Lyan style, the drinks menu is an inventive selection of heritage ingredients and innovative twists. It rotates regularly but cocktails of note include the Galangal Penicillin – a gingery version of a margarita, it's a punchy blend of Patron, mezcal, tingly galangal honey and lemon – and the Thai basil vodka soda, a sweeter drink with an aniseed and pear taste. The Ballermaker piqued our interest – a bottle of Krug, six lemon drops and tattie smiles – but the eye-watering price (£300) reigned in any lingering curiosity. In true Shoreditch style, there’s a low-intervention wine list and canned beer selection, and a short but sophisticated food menu featuring smoked beef rib croquettes and whipped cod’s roe with fennel seed waffles.

Mr Lyan’s done it again, returning bigger and better than ever. Seed Library is a lo-fi bar with outstanding cocktails, inventive snacks and plenty of personality. Olivia Morelli

Address : Seed Library, One Hundred Shoreditch Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6JQ Website : onehundredshoreditch.com

50. Alma, Soho

Not many people know that the most sought-after myrrh (of gold, frankincense and myrrh fame) comes from Yemen. Or that Ethiopian Korekima spice is similar to cardamom but with a slightly peppery twist. Tony Pescatori – the former manager at Shoreditch speakeasy Nightjar – is setting out to change this at Alma, a new Soho bar where such forgotten flavours and exotic ingredients are centre stage. From the same team behind Argentinian restaurant Sucre, and located just downstairs on Great Marlborough Street, Alma follows a similar worldly flair with a drinks menu that takes you around the world and sharing plates prepared by the open-fire cooking restaurant. The vibe is relaxed by way of seventies cool, with bronze mirrored walls, exposed brick and dim lighting. Settle into a section of the curved tobacco velvet booth and linger till late – evenings begin with a playlist of Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac and end with a live band serenading the Fugees’ ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’.

To get a taste of Tony’s vision, the menu is split into four sections – creation, ancestry, ancient arts and metropolitan. The rest, however, unless you’re an ingredients geek, reads like another language, with berries you’ve never heard of and liqueurs that are hard to pronounce. Such is the adventure though, and the friendly staff are more than willing to sit down and guide you through it. As a nod to upstairs, start with the Fernandito, an Italian amaro and coke that’s an intriguing mix of smoky, coffee and citrus, and beloved in Argentina – go figure. Then it's a choose your own adventure of where you want to go – there’s the Pina Colada style Maori, or the Cosmopolitan style Shibari, with Aronia berry jam (a tart berry often known as chokeberries) and Bachu leaf liqueur (a medicine leaf from South Africa) poured at the table out of a porcelain torso and garnished with an edible flower. Great thought and care has been applied to how the cocktails are served – the bartender explained that our Carioca was served in a glass that the team had custom painted and sealed that day. My favourite was the Mama Quillan, a concoction of mezcal, ancho verde chilli, nixta corn liqueur, singani, and cassava and mango cauim wine. It comes to the table in a copper half-moon and goes down dangerously smooth.

The bar menu is an offshoot of Sucre upstairs, so tucking in for supper here is an appealing option. For small plates, they are a decent size, particularly the slice of tortilla de papas, and the zingy-fresh stone bass tostadas, which come plated as four but are so good you’ll want two helpings. For just a nibble, go for the stuffed Gordal olives, served in a pool of aji verde, a zesty green Pervian sauce.  

A soon to be Soho favourite, where the menu feels like an adventure, and serious drinks are served in a completely unpretentious space. Lauren Burvill

Address : 47b Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JP Website : almabysucre.com

51. Le Magritte, The Beaumont, Mayfair

We live in exciting times. And right now, London’s hotel scene is very exciting; in fact, not since the time when the Spice Girls filmed Wannabe at the St Pancras Renaissance have things been this exciting. During and after lockdown, hotels have been dusting off the family heirlooms, playing musical chairs, reshuffling the pack, with Claridge’s digging deep into its basement and opening a new bar; ditto the Connaught. At the Beaumont , famously built in an Art Deco car park and opened in 2014 – though you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s been around since the days when Evelyn Waugh screeched around Mayfair in a Model T Ford – where was once Le Magritte bar is now Gatsby’s Room, where serves are mainly of the infused-leaf variety. So this is a new Magritte, a clubbable, polished nook of a bar with alabaster columns, cherrywood panels and a lovely, leather-edged granite counter, over which bartenders polish glasses and time slows down. Outside is a new terrace overlooking Brown Hart Gardens, while a 1950s painting by the eponymous artist hangs in pride of place – a man in a bowler hat facing backwards with a crescent moon just above him. 

DRINKS It may be named after the surrealist painter but the mood on the menu is class Twenties cocktails rather than anything avant-garde – no black umbrellas on Pina Coladas here. We suggest you pull up a seat at the bar and order a swift Martinez – made with a vintage-but-new DR Harris pick-me tonic – while you peruse the menu. The menu is by Antonino Lo Iacono, fresh from Mark’s Club, who has plundered the historic cocktail books for serves such as the Bohemian 75, adding absinthe of course, Paper Plane and a Refashioned Old-Fashioned, and adding PX sherry to the usual suspects. Plenty of spirits by the glass, and Guscombe alongside the French sparklers.  

FOOD Save some space as you’ll doubtless want to carry on to the newly revamped Colony Grill restaurant a few yards through the lobby, but there are excellent oysters on the half shell, along with kale crisps, French toast and bacon, and corndogs with a dash of stout mustard – just the sort of London- New York we appreciate. 

VERDICT Bond seems to have quite enough places in town suitable for a Vesper Martini, but we think he’d appreciate this one too. Rick Jordan

Address: Le Magritte at The Beaumont, 8 Balderton Street, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF Website: thebeaumont.com

52. Red Room

Behind a velvet curtain in the depths of The Connaught sits Red Room – a wine bar serving up red-themed artworks, an impressive wine list and inventive cocktails.

Red Room is the first bar to open at The Connaught in over 10 years, a move made even more exciting when you consider that the hotel’s main bar has been named the best bar in Europe twice as well as winning the World’s Best Bar 2021.

Bryan O’Sullivan – whose past projects include The Painter’s Room at Claridge’s and The Berkeley Bar – is the man behind the striking interiors. He aimed to create a space that feels like you’re relaxing in the living room of an art collector; with plump sofas, curved walls and a soft colour palette of pastel pinks, creamy neutrals and greens lending the perfect canvas to the pieces on display.

As for the art, you’ll find an all-female lineup – Louise Bourgeois’ ‘I Am Rouge’ sits proudly above the marble fireplace, alongside works from Jenny Holzer, Trina McKillen and young Vietnamese artist Ti-a Thuy Nguyen.

Wine, of course, is the focus here, with glasses of some of the world’s best bottles available to try – made easier thanks to a snazzy Coravin system that preserves bottles for longer to allow servings by the glass.

The team knows a thing or two about the tipples on offer, and are more than happy to help navigate the list. This isn’t a place where a glass is plonked in front of you – rather, glasses are decanted and served from custom made marble trolleys.

Six wine-themed cocktails – designed by Director of Mixology Agostino Perrone – serve as an extension of the red-hued works adorning the walls. ‘White’ – one of Red Room’s signatures – will be a hit with Martini fans, with hints of lemon and a smooth, clean finish. ‘Rose’ is the bar’s take on a Negroni – mellow, berry-infused vodka replaces the gin and a sprig of Amaranthus sitting neatly inside the ice cube adds a fragrant hit while you sip.

It’s not about nibbling on salad leaves while you’re sipping on the strong stuff, which makes Red Room’s menu a delight. Comfort food disguised as elegant bar snacks includes Ratte potatoes smothered in a creamy, truffle mayo, salmon sashimi on top of sticky rice, and tangy, slightly spicy Gochujang chicken oysters we’d happily go back for.

You don’t need to be an art or wine buff to appreciate this stylish space. This is a hidden treasure we highly recommend keeping up your sleeve to impress your most discerning pals. Sarah Allard

Address: Red Room at The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL Website: the-connaught.co.uk

53. Booking Office 1869, King's Cross

Now here’s one of London’s truly great spaces. Once the – you’ve guessed it – ticket hall for the original St Pancras train station , this was first unveiled as a bar in 2011, part of Harry Handelsman’s hugely ambitious (and very welcome: it might have been demolished) transformation of George Gilbert Scott’s red-brick Victorian masterpiece into the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The gothic revival architecture reels and rolls all around, with cathedral-sized windows, corniced ceilings, brick arches and enough oak panelling to supply a decade of BBC period dramas. But once you’d ogled the surroundings, it never really engaged you as a bar – it felt a little transient, as if trying to be all things to all people. So, a decade after the Booking Office’s rebirth, Handelsman invited French-Mexican designer Hugo Toro to redress the interiors as a Victorian-style Winter Garden. The result is incredibly lush, almost an ecosystem of a space, midway between 19th-century London and tropical Havana , with a little contemporary chutzpah. There are giraffe-high palm trees, banquettes covered in a lovely mottled blue-and-crimson material, a new fabric ceiling, clusters of white 3D-printed lamps blooming like snowdrops and two showcase pendant lights each made of 267 brass leaves. It’s more intimate and glowing than before, more romantic – perhaps the perfect spot to rendezvous before eloping to Paris on the Eurostar outside – and has one of the best cocktail lists around.

Cocktails in 2022 are all about the classics – with smart little tweaks, of course, and some theatre. At the Booking Office, which is now one of the best bars in Kings Cross (and there’s stiff competition) that means a pre-mixed House Martini, infused with beeswax and served on ice in its own little pharmacy-like bottle, while Victorian-inspired signature serves include a Victoria Sour (pisco, long pepper spice and plum syrup) and Ol’ Signalman (pecan-infused bourbon, Cocchi Rosa, coconut bitters), the latter finished off tableside by a waiter armed with a little blowtorch. The food has also been wonderfully ramped up, with snacks such as fried chicken served with a yogurt dip, or bresaola and celeriac remoulade or oysters from the raw bar – yes, there’s now a raw bar, what would the Victorians have made of that? – or make an occasion of it and settle down to the slow-roasted lamb shoulder.

At last, the Booking Office bar is a destination in its own right. However long you dawdle, you can sit here knowing there’s nothing quite like this anywhere else.

Address: Booking Office 1869, Euston Road, London NW1 2AR  Website: booking-office.co.uk

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53 Best Bars in London

By Sarah James

London has some of the best bars in the world. The capital’s bartenders are increasingly using innovative ingredients, local produce and a sustainable approach when crafting their menus, while the old school hotel haunts are still mixing classics with aplomb. There’s a spate of forward-thinking wine bars showcasing natural wine and craft breweries serving artisan pints. So whether you want a cosy London cocktail bar, a progressive wine bar, a rooftop bar, or just an under-the-radar place for a quiet drink, there are plenty of places to raise a glass or two. Here are our favourite bars in London right now, in no particular order.

Paradise: After Dark, Soho

Meticulous is the word that comes to mind when I think of the cocktails at Paradise: After Dark. The team values detail, and their passion is evident as each mixture (singing with the flavors of Dom Fernando's childhood in Sri Lanka) is concocted with the utmost care. I ordered three cocktails throughout the evening, each as unique and exciting as the last. The first: Cardamom Espresso Martini. The smokey flavor of the cardamom paired perfectly with the coffee, creating a more interesting take on a classic cocktail while ensuring it didn’t cross into the too-sweet territory it so often does. Next: Rambutan and Curry Leaf Daquiri, a drink that tasted as good as it looked with hints of curry leaf and paired perfectly with the fruity sweetness of Rambutan. And lastly, the bartender offered us an off-the-menu Ghee Martin - the most interesting of the three. The nutty Ghee flavour complimented the gin beautifully, making for a distinctive taste. Not a cocktail person? Not to worry, the Paradise: After Dark team provided the perfect list of dry whites and light reds to accompany the spices of the menu.

La Goccia, Covent Garden

In the heart of Covent Garden , this cozy drinking den is the latest venture from the Boglione family, founders of Petersham Nurseries. Enter through a red velvet curtain for interiors inspired by the horticulture roots of the family. Francesco Boglione’s art collection of contemporary botanical paintings lines the walls, the sleek bar is made up of hundreds of hand-dipped bronze leaves, and there are dried flower displays and foliage on almost every surface. Take a seat on a leopard-print bar stool with gnarled metal legs inspired by tree branches, or in an alcove lined with velvet sofas and distressed leather chairs. Printed menus hand-tied with string contain carefully crafted cocktails (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as plenty of wines and beer. It's the cocktails that steal the show— ingredients change depending on the season, and the mixologists use lots of fresh spices, fruits and edible flowers. The Apple Star was our favorite: a refreshing, sweet-but-sour short drink containing JJ Whitley Gin, apple cordial, lime and Amaretto.

Swift, Soho

This sleek Soho bar has long been a favorite on best bars lists – not just in London but across the globe. In fact, it made the World's 50 Best Bars in 2022, placing at number 30 as the second-highest-ranking bar in the capital. If you're organized enough, make a reservation in advance—the downstairs seating area is bookings-only and while you can walk in upstairs, this little spot is usually packed to the brim. The summer 2023 menu had a sweet travel theme; our favorite was The Old Compton, inspired by Swift's home in Soho; a punchy little number made with Rémy Martin 1738 cognac, Swift Jamaican rum, strawberry, rhubarb amaro, lemon and bitters. You can order wines by the glass and beer, but you're really here for the superior mixology.

Viajante87 , Notting Hill

Notting Hill is not shy of new openings —and it hasn’t taken long for developers to notice the potential of Hillgate Village as a new culinary hub. After the successful launch of Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant Los Mochis in 2021, restauranter Markus Thesleff quickly set his sights on a new project. In January 2023, sustainable bar Viajante 87 opened its doors on Notting Hill Gate.

Taking inspiration from the same pan-Pacific countries as its sister restaurant, the vibe here is an Agaveria-come-Izakaya. Squirrelled away down a dark staircase, this intimate hideout is a creative haven: low-mood lighting, a back-lit bar made of recycled glass and an undulating feature wall made entirely out of cork. The bar has a 2 a.m. music license, so expect plenty of bass-heavy tracks run by DJs.

The Painter's Room, Claridge's, Mayfair

Turn left through the lobby, turn right when you meet the rocking zebra then turn left when you see Kristin Scott Thomas. The directions will make sense when you visit Claridge’s elegant new drinking den, anyway.  It’s an Art Deco lozenge of a space, carved out between the ballroom and the Talking Heads gallery of portraits (hence Kristin’s appearance) and means you can now bar-hop your way around the Mayfair hotel , from its original drinking hole to the Fumoir and then here. The Painter's is a lovely place to while away an hour or so, the pale pink onyx of the counter as luminous as Venus in her scallop shell, with cornetto wall lights and the metal Paris Metro-like skylight above holding an intricately rolled Deco chandelier. It was was designed by Irish-born Bryan O’Sullivan—a name to watch; other commissions include the Berkeley Bar and The Park Hotel in Kenmare, along with new bedrooms upstairs at this hotel – who referenced archive photos of a Thirties Claridge’s bar of the same name for inspiration. He collaborated with artist Annie Morris, whose stack sculptures can currently be seen at Yorkshire Sculpture Park but here has doodled animals on the white wall in light grey and created a stained-glass window in wrapping-paper-bright colours. There’s something of the Matisse Chapel about this space, but also something a little Accidentally Wes Anderson (although is anything accidental these days?). Easy to imagine Jean Harlow draped in white mink here, blowing smoke rings from a cigarette holder and waiting for her close-up. 

Cave Cuvee, Bethnal Green

Brodie Meah and Max Venning are rare examples of restaurateurs who really hit their stride during the pandemic. Before 2020, the story of their mini empire was successful, but following a fairly standard path. The two Mancunians opened Top Cuvée, a Finsbury Park wine bar, in 2019. When it was forced to close during lockdown, the boys pivoted and took the business online, launching nationwide delivery of their funky, all-natural wine list under the clever moniker Shop Cuvée. Business boomed, as locked-down would-be boozers tried to recreate the feeling of visiting an east London bar, in their own kitchens. Now, Meah and Venning have opened a Bethnal Green bottle shop - a souped-up offy upstairs selling the brand’s trademark organic drinks, and a tiny, Paris -inspired bar downstairs for sampling wines in-house, with a banging playlist and disco ball.

Bar Crispin, Soho

When Dominic Hamdy and Oliver Hiam (also behind Lundenwic on Aldwych) opened Crispin , an all-day eatery serving speciality coffee and pastries from The Dusty Knuckle in the morning and wines and seasonal plates in the evening, it was an instant hit. Then lockdown came, and the team quickly started selling natural wines via the Crispin Wine Club. Now they’ve brought their Spitalfields vibe and knowledge of interesting, fresh and funky bottles from old-world and small indie producers to Kingly Street. Inspired by Eighties Soho , the team collaborated with interior designer Jermaine Gallacher (whose South London studio also encompasses the very hip Lant Street Wine Bar) to shape a distinctly retro space. There's a chunky silver-zinc bar, jewel-toned triangle mirrors and fun zig-zag designs, plus a chilled playlist from DJs Peaches, Eliza Rose and Flo Dill.

Atrium Bar, Nomad London, Covent Garden

There aren’t that many bars with their own cocktail books. The Savoy has one, of course, written in 1930 and awash with flips and rickeys and slings of all shades; so has the Café Royal, published a few years later and championing novel creations such as the Old Fashioned. But a favorite recent one is The NoMad Cocktail Book , a green-tinged tome written by the hotel group’s bar guru Leo Robitschek. When it opened in 2012, the NoMad New York ’s Elephant Bar quickly became one of those era-defining places that everyone wanted to be seen at – had Instagram been the force it is now, the bar’s Dirty Martinis would have gone viral. So there’s been a helluva lot of excitement over the arrival of NoMad London , right opposite the Royal Opera House.

It’s a properly New York-style hotel in the heart of the city, with a sense of theatre, and the bars to match. The pubby, leather-clad Side Hustle has its own street entrance and works as a standalone space for tacos, beers and cocktails that lean heavily into Mexican spirits, just the place for an after-work pick-me-up – or sharing the infamous two-foot-tall punch jars. And drinks are served amid the bookcases of The Library off the lobby. The Atrium bar, though, is tucked away below the spiral staircase, a curvaceous Deco-glam creation with pink tasseled bar stools, which looks out onto the restaurant and its three-story atrium. Of course, many people will stop by here on their way to their tables, but this is a destination in its own right.

Scarfes Bar , Rosewood London, Covent Garden

Honoring the British political cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, whose designs line the walls and cocktail menu, this central bar is the Rosewood’s bona fide anchor in the city – a reason to visit for those not hunkering down in one of its marble-clad rooms. It's sexy. Moody Victorian parlour meets gentlemen’s club, with a fresh lacquered lick of modern cool. A dim amber glow envelops dark wood, antique hardbacks and deep velvet chairs, as well as the glamorous, animated guests at the bar, Martini glass in one hand, gesticulating with the other to a jazz soundtrack—just like Scarfe’s own caricatures.

As the meeting point of painting and potions, the cocktail menu riffs on the globally recognized Enneagram personality test, in the form of a moveable board: 18 different drinks have been skilfully created and paired up to match the two poles of each individual’s personality. What may sound complex in fact removes the agony of indecision too often caused by extensive menus. I reluctantly accepted The Individualist character level (self-absorbed, expressive, temperamental—key travel writer credentials), and the Grey Goose with fermented green pepper and hay-vermouth concoction hit the spot, perhaps exposing me further should this taste and character-trait nexus prove legitimate. As with star signs and horoscopes, intrigue always triumphs over suspicion. The reassuring Meditator can look forward to a Copalli rum cocktail with italicus guanabana, matcha and aloe vera, and the workaholic Achiever to Roku with fermented lychee and linden-honey citra hops. Those uneasy with this level of personality scrutiny on a Thursday evening can choose from a compact but comfortingly traditional wine list featuring Burgundys, Malbecs and Riojas, as well as a dizzying array of aperitifs, vodkas, gins and whiskys, all of which flank the glamorously lit bar and confirm Scarfes’ status as a serious drinking hole.

Spiritland , King's Cross

After years of ambitious regeneration, King’s Cross, and specifically Coal Drops Yard , is London’s buzziest creative hub—work on Google’s HQ is in full swing, and Facebook are said to be eyeing up a nearby plot too. Spiritland captures the zeitgeist perfectly: part of a new breed of ‘listening cafés’ (a concept imported from Japan 's jazz kissatens —tea-rooms boasting state-of-the-art audio equipment), it’s raising the bar for London’s most committed music fans. The idea is to put music on a pedestal—to provide a comfortable space for people to listen to top-quality music, without needing to step foot into a sticky-floored super-club. By day, it’s a casual café, workspace and recording studio; by night a bar, restaurant and venue for label launches and DJ residencies. You can even take a piece of Spiritland home—vinyl, headphones and audio equipment lining the back of the bar are all up for sale. Each night, a different DJ takes to the decks of its world-class sound system and towering speakers (the whole set-up clocks in at just under half a million pounds), while guests sink into wonderfully retro green felt chairs to enjoy what the bar's founders describe as a ‘deep listening experience’. And although things do get darker and louder at night, this is categorically not a club: there’s no dancefloor, and thanks to the table service policy, there’s no jostling for space at the bar either.

Pamela , Dalston

For anyone who's ever dreamed of a bar inspired by Nineties icon Pamela Anderson (we know you're out there), the wait is over. Launched by a gang of six founders whose combined experience covers some of Dalston 's most infamous after-dark haunts – Alibi, Birthdays, Rita's – Pamela opened last May and is carving a very specific niche on the upper reaches of Kingsland Road. Yet while the Baywatch star is namechecked on the menu and festooned across the wall, Pamela the bar has its own, easy-going personality thanks to the surf-rock playlists, engaging staff, outdoor seats and recent addition of Decatur's soul-food kitchen.

The characterful menu showcases the team's in-house infusions. Negroni fans should try the Mitch Buchannon (£8.50), a blend of mint-tinged brandy, Campari and citrus, while in-the-know locals demand ‘the green one’—aka the vivid Des Barres (£8.50)—made with jalapeno-spiked vodka, kiwi juice and coconut ice cubes. Elsewhere, picklebacks, snakebite-and-blacks and Pammy limoncellos stand out among more standard choices.

Crossroads , Camden

As London’s hospitality industry slowed to a stop during lockdown, husband-and-wife team Bart and Monika Miedeksza put their heads together to create something different. Having worked for years at venues such as Dalston ’s High Water, Typing Room and Vagabond Wines, the pair wanted to match their experience with a passion for sustainability and community-led initiatives. A few months and a serious refurb project later, the aptly named Crossroads bar opened at the junction under Camden Town bridge.

Out on the pavement, signs (hand-painted by Monika) alert passers-by to £6 Espresso Martinis, directing inquisitive guests down a staircase encased in iron-wrought railings. Inside, former Victorian loos have been transformed into an underground, speakeasy-style bar. Industrial ceilings give way to midnight-blue walls and hand-hewn wooden tables, and light seeps in through the original glass roof. Hoping to bring a renewed sense of community to the neighborhood, the Crossroads ethos is based on zero-waste: using what is already available, working with local produce and sticking to a closed-loop philosophy.

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, Seven Dials

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels (or CVS for short) is one of those bars you’ve probably popped into while waiting for a spot at Barbary’s tiny countertop or a 20-inch pizza at Homeslice, but it was unlikely your final destination. It should be. Just like the original Parisian wine bar tucked behind the Marché Saint-Germain in the 6th arrondissement, the Neal’s Yard outpost—which goes by the same outlandish name—acts as a cozy respite from the tourist-filled cobbled streets of Covent Garden. The concept, from the team behind the Experimental Cocktail Club, a speakeasy in Chinatown notorious for its selective bouncer guarding the door, is a more relaxed affair. As long as you like wine, that is. This is not the place to ask for a glass of house red, but you won’t face a man wearing an earpiece like he’s guarding No.10, either. Instead, the charcoal-paletted space is designed for long, grown-up evenings sitting on the plump seats with a bottle of wine. The low-lit room is filled with chatter and candles ambiently flickering from their cut-crystal holders.

Diogenes the Dog, Elephant and Castle

Diogenes the Dog ’s owner Sunny Hodge has recently returned from a road trip through Texas on the back of a Harley-Davidson, visiting vineyards that produce wines which have drawn a comparison to those from Portugal . It’s not the first time he has taken a journey like this to find offbeat winemakers and regions that he can add to his esoteric menu—and it certainly won’t be the last. Hodge opened the wine bar on a quiet street near Elephant and Castle station at the end of 2018. Flooded with light in the day and moodily lit by low-hanging lamps and candles in the evening, the two-storey space (which regularly hosts jazz nights in the basement) has exposed-brick walls neatly stacked with bottles and rustic wooden floors filled with bountiful foliage that gives it a simultaneously snug yet stylish atmosphere. It’s a vibe that is fitting for somewhere named after the Greek philosopher Diogenes the Cynic, who believed that all the artificial elements of society—money, power, fame and possessions—were incompatible with happiness. It was better instead, he thought, to live simply, in the present moment, and embrace what the natural world has to offer.

Moto , Covent Garden

Two thousand years since sake was first brewed in Japan , the country seems to be falling out of love with its national drink, its breweries closing and sales slipping. But new interest has been piqued in the West, along with all things Japanese from matcha to Marie Kondo-style minimalism, which has resulted in exports of the fermented-rice beverage doubling over the past 10 years. In London, sake has floated onto some of the city’s hottest menus, selected by sommeliers for its umami quality that makes it naturally flavour-enhancing. Instead of the traditional ceramic ochoko , it’s served in wine glasses with fish and chips, cheese and oysters, as well as a range of Japanese dishes. Yet sake remains largely misunderstood by the masses, which Tokyo -born Erika Haigh hopes to change. Her new bar Moto (meaning ‘origin’ in Japanese) is entirely devoted to drinks from Japan, with sake sourced from small producers—some of which have never been exported before—taking center stage. Well-versed in the language of wine, she has used her training as a sommelier to demystify what she sells, creating beautiful hand-printed cards that include tasting notes, food pairings, flavour intensity and sweetness levels. She ranks each bottle on shelves above the blue-and-white bar, going across from light, fresh and aromatic to rich, earthy and umami , then down from mild to medium and dry—it’s the focal point in a diminutive blonde-wood space that inspires humility.

Diddy's , Hackney

‘Where are all the bars named after female owners?’ Diddy Varley, co-founder of her beloved namesake, exclaims as she cheerfully takes our drinks order. Warm, energetic, colourful and cool, she is the personification of Diddy’s. After working for years in TV, she opened her dream place on a neglected stretch of Mare Street with her architect boyfriend Jayden Ali back in 2016. Now she’s neighbours with Mare Street Market, Bright and NT’s bar. The stylish corner spot full of plants, pops of bright colour and food-based artwork has since built up a loyal local following that you’ll immediately want to be part of. An airy relaxed café by day full of freelancers and coffee catch-ups moves easily into a casual drinking spot once night falls. There are only four tables and a bar perch (with a couple of extra tables downstairs), which means that with just a few couples on dates, a cluster of friends and the resident dog napping on the floor, the bar feels lively and inviting.

T he Berkeley Bar & Terrace , Knightsbridge

When David Collins unveiled his jewel-box Blue Bar at The Berkeley in 2004, it quickly became one of the most stylish bars in London. The local drinking scene has changed a lot since then, preferring subterranean speakeasies and craft-ale pop-ups to stiff-collared hotel haunts. But now The Berkeley is mixing things up again with its newest addition, hidden away at the back of the building with possibly the most secret terrace in Knightsbridge. It is the first London hotel project for young-gun interior architect Bryan O’Sullivan of Bos Studio (in a fitting twist, he trained with Collins). And he has very much put his own stamp on it by designing every aspect of the space, from the half-moon, columned marble bar and chubby pumpkin pouffes to the walnut panels carved out of wood salvaged from a fallen tree on Lincolnshire’s Fulbeck Estate. A combination of the slick restraint of northern Italian design and the eye-for-detail of Deco, this beautiful space already feels like a modern classic, with a clubby atmosphere of popping corks.

Coupette, Bethnal Green

A Calvados bar, you might think, can only be found in a Normandy village, your glass topped by a demure Manon des Sources type while the occasional donkey ambles past sporting a pair of denim-blue culottes. To which, a Gallic shrug of indifference is needed. This bar opened in 2017 on the mean streets of Bethnal Green and is really the only place in London that takes Calvados and cider seriously, along with a line-up of other classic French serves. It's the project of Chris Moore, the dashing former head barman at the Savoy's excellent Beaufort Bar , who fancied a change of scene—a place to slip out of the jacket, put his favourite tracks on. Since opening, it’s carved out a reputation as one of the East End’s most idiosyncratic hangouts, with reliably assured cocktails. On a typical evening at Coupette (the name means 'a cheeky one' in French) you'll find a roll call of young chefs and bar staff from all around town at the counter, which is lined with hundreds of 10-centime coins (gathered together, they may just about buy you a drink at the Beaufort).

Lady of the Grapes , Covent Garden

Parisian Carole Bryon opened this dinky pillar-box-red wine bar on one of Covent Garden’s quieter streets in 2018. Growing up in a foodie family, she took a series of sommelier courses in her thirties and soon noticed the gender inequality in the industry, from the prevalence of male winemakers and suppliers to the tendency of customers to gravitate towards male sommeliers rather than women. Opening Lady of the Grapes, she made a commitment to showcasing wines predominantly from women makers, producers and sellers. Inside all is deep wood and exposed brick, candlelit, with floor-to-ceiling shelves stacked full of bottles. Grab a window seat at the narrow bench table – the windows are often thrown open to let in hits of fresh air, and the charming European waiters hop outside to take your order through the window rather than squeezing between the crammed-together tables inside.

Little Bat , Islington

This bar fluttered by last winter as a pop-up but has now settled at this off-Upper Street address. Cocktail adventurers will no doubt be familiar with its fancy-dress-loving sibling Callooh Callay in Shoreditch, which is accessed through a wardrobe and has Panini-style sticker albums for menus. This also sports a Lewis Carroll-inspired name but is little more reined in—Shrewd Hatter rather than mad, although watch out for the rubber ducks. Set behind a sombre, white-curtained front, it's a long, narrow space with a sweeping, wooden-topped bar, comfy Chesterfields, pineapple lamps, vintage tomes on floating shelves, a line-up of neon-bright Pure Evil artwork and a Photomat booth at the back. Islington already has the endlessly inventive 69 Colebrooke Row, of course, and the Dead Dolls House, but Little Bat is the swing-by, neighbourhood cocktail hangout the area really needed, with most drinks around the £9 mark.

Sager + Wilde Paradise Row, Bethnal Green

Sager-Wilde has become an oenological empire in London's E2 postcode. The original and much-loved Sager + Wilde wine bar on Hackney Road was followed up with California-inspired Mission on Bethnal Green's hippest strip, Paradise Row, in 2014. Now Mission has been transformed and renamed Sager + Wilde Paradise Row. The cavernous railway arch comes complete with exposed brickwork, vintage decor and the rumbling of passing trains, with a summer-friendly terrace out front and a low-lit, conspiratorial cocktail lounge hidden up above the restaurant. Keep it in mind for any upcoming date ideas—we think it's one of the most romantic bars in London.

The emphasis has shifted from Californian wine to cocktails. Bartender Marcis Dzelzainis pairs Waning Moon saké with vodka, caraway liqueur and a caperberry in The Tokyo Bullet, a shimmering take on a martini. A list of milk cocktails, far from channelling The Big Lebowski , use clarified milk to add a subtle, lactic balance to big-hitting flavours while a separate Old-Fashioned menu starring toasted coconut and olive oil is worthy of serious attention.

Behind This Wall , Hackney

This secret little spot at the top of Mare Street is not really behind a wall, but rather down a narrow staircase in a space previously occupied by a Turkish social club. Now the vibe is more hip-meets-zen with minimalist, Japanese-inspired styling in the pale-wood booths, white-tiled counter, black ceiling and vases of eucalyptus sprigs. The team behind this place are known for their vinyl-loving club nights and last summer's residency at the Oval Space arts venue down the road, so the stonking Tannoy Gold sound-system of the late Joy Division producer Martin Hannett is the talking point in this, their first permanent bar, pumping out classic disco and Afro-funk.

Bar Termini , London

Bar Termini is the brainchild of cocktail king Tony Conigliaro ( Untitled , 69 Colebrook Row ) and Illy coffee's Marco Arrigo. And so, what they've created is an authentic Italian pit stop, named after Rome's main train station, that draws on-the-go city folk from first thing in the morning to late at night. Grab an espresso and pastry on your way to work, then come back in the evening and pull up a stool at the marble-topped bar and let dapper waiters in white jackets and black ties mix up some of the best cocktails in town.

Conigliario's famous Negronis are pre-made, aged and served (chilled, but without ice) in tiny custom glasses—making it all the easier to get through the extensive list of them. As well as the super-smooth Classico, there's a pink-peppercorn-infused Superiore, a rose-petal Rosato and a caramel-y Robusto. And the bottles, beautifully illustrated by tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta, are available to take home too. Those looking for something a little lighter should try the Spritz Termini, made with rhubarb cordial, gin, Aperol and prosecco, or a delicate and delightful Bellini with peach puree and almond blossom.

Heads + Tails , West Hampstead

Everyone knows, if you want to go to London’s coolest bars you need to head East—to Shoreditch or Dalston , or even concrete monstrosity Old Street. If you can’t face the trek, there are cute bars and kitsch bars and edgy bars in central London, and even a handful in South and North London. But west? West London could be seen as somewhat bereft of bars to hunker down with a drink. And yet, a new crop of places are inching out on the Tube map, opening up a world beyond Mayfair. In Paddington, The Pilgrm hotel ’s first-floor lounge offers classic cocktails, and Darcie & May Green serves Prosecco on the roof of a canal boat. Soho House ’s White City House , in the old BBC Television Centre, is a Seventies-retro hotspot, and in Queen’s Park, Milk Beach (one of our new favorite brunch spots) entices a local crowd with their organic wine and small plates. And now, on West Hampstead’s West End Lane, Heads + Tails is serving brilliant cocktails in its two-floor bar.

The space is headed up by partners Will Partridge and Chris Dennis (previously at Kilburn Ironworks and Soho spot Disrepute, respectively), with two very distinct bars squeezed into one. On the ground floor, a dreamy colour palette of eggshell blues, rich turquoises and satisfyingly shiny gold make the long room feel light and frothy—this is Heads cocktail bar. Downstairs is Tails, a sophisticated, sultry basement area packed with wooden features and dark colors—a grown-up take on a dive bar.

Three Sheets , Haggerston

The Venning Brothers are on a roll right now. Manchester -born Noel and Max, unlike Noel and Liam, get on rather well together. Max spent six years honing his craft at Tony Conigliaro ’s genre-busting 69 Colebrooke Row, while Noel had fun juggling frozen Margaritas at Manchester’s good-times Crazy Pedro's. Now they’re making quite a commotion in London, having recently created the menus for Mayfair’s Gridiron restaurant (go for their update of a Harvey Wallbanger) and Crouch End’s Little Mercies bar, and opening their Bar Three joint below Blixen in Spitalfields. Coming soon, the Top Cuvée bistro and bar in Finsbury Park. They’ve even written a book, Batched and Bottled , on the art of muddling drinks ahead so you’re not muddling bottles when your friends arrive. Three Sheets is their London HQ though, their first project together: a minimalist slip of a bar on Kingsland Road with Black Keys, William Onyeabor, LCD Soundsystem and New Order on the playlist, and just 10 cocktails on the menu. ‘We didn’t want a big concept or sitting space only,’ says Max, ‘which many people were doing when we opened in 2016. Just a fun place for good drinks, made quickly.’

Little Mercies, Crouch End

Crouch End, sometimes pronounced in a French accent, is one of those London villages that quite enjoys being apart from the rest of the city with no tube station, thank you very much, and while it was fine for drinking flat whites at one of many, many coffee shops and buying Moomin mugs and Tatty Devine pineapple earrings, followed by a pint at the Queens, it was a place that rarely rang in cocktail hour. But then Bar Esteban opened for excellent tapas and Irvin for Italian plates, and later, cosy little Nickel for well-mixed concoctions – though with Altered Images’s Clare Grogan behind Esteban, and the drummer from Lloyd Cole & The Commotions behind Irvin, there was always the niggling suspicion that you had to be part of an Eighties pop band to make it big here. But Alan Sherwood is far too young for that, and the Little Mercies bar he opened late in 2018 is doing something completely different for the neighbourhood. His track record takes in Scout and Peg + Patriot bars, and the drinks list here has been developed with help from Max and Noel Venning, the sharp-shooting brothers in arms behind Three Sheets. The name, in case you were wondering, comes partly from the song by hip-hop crew Doomtree, which you may hear through the speakers.

Hacha , Dalston

Anyone who loves cocktails should read Kingsley Amis’s highly entertaining Every Day Drinking , written in the 1960s and 70s; not least for its recipe for a Lucky Jim (12 to 15 parts vodka to one part vermouth and two parts cucumber juice. Don’t forget the cucumber). But Amis does get one thing totally, utterly wrong: he describes mezcal as the nastiest thing he ever drank. Which is nonsense. This is a drink every bit about the terroir as wine and whisky, which can be fruity and floral and soft and elegant, as silkily smoky as ‘ The Tracks of My Tears ’ rather than as chokingly in-yer-face as a bonfire. Mezcal has been drifting onto some of the best London bar menus over the past few years—some may have fond memories of Quiquirqui, hidden below a kebab joint on the Hackney Road, or are familiar with the ones at El Pastor, Temper and old favourite Café Pacifico. But here’s a new bar entirely devoted to mezcal and tequila, just along from Three Sheets, with 25 bottles numbered and racked up on the shelf by Deano Moncrieffe—a Diegeo brand ambassador who fell in love with the spirit 15 years ago and has been exploring its flavours ever since. Now you can too, in a leafy, bright, café-like space that avoids any skull-bashing Day of the Dead schtick and looks as if it pours nothing stronger than a cactus juice.

Tayer + Elementary , Old Street

The London cocktail scene has been all aflutter ahead of this new arrival: the first solo bar project for Czech-born Alex Kratena, who helmed the Artesian bar at the Langham when it was named the World’s Best Bar for four years in a row, and his partner Monica Berg, formerly of Oslo ’s next-gen speakeasy Himkok. Out front is Elementary, an industrial space of exposed vents where light tumbles in through floor-to-ceiling windows and the action is centred around a single, long wooden bar. This is also where Alex keenly points out the seasonal wall: hanging wooden cards that show the fruit, herbs and other ingredients that he’s currently using in his cocktails. Behind a concrete wall imprinted with jars and glasses to look like bamboo is more dimly lit and boundary-pushing Tayer (from the Spanish word taller, or workshop). This seems to be Monica’s domain; she coolly mixes drinks behind the sleek, horseshoe wooden counter where bottles are stored in a stainless-steel, hip-level bar station she and Alex designed in line with the minimalist decor. The cleverly textured water glasses seem to be carved out of tree bark, giving a sense of nature although you’re surrounded by concrete and steel.

Lyaness , South Bank

When mixology magnate Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) announced that Dandelyan bar (one of the best bars in London) would close to make way for a new project, everyone was shocked. How could he possibly improve on a place that topped the The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2018, alongside a clutch of other accolades which it accumulated during its four short years in operation? ‘The landscape and the conversation has shifted,’ he announced on Instagram. ‘It makes sense to start afresh.’ And so he has, beginning with the interiors: swapping Dandelyan’s jewel tones for a more soothing palette of blue and grey, and using electric-blue velvet banquettes to add a contemporary touch to the room’s Art Deco feel. But most importantly, he’s challenging our approach to drinking – again. At Lyaness, not sticking to the menu is encouraged. Trying something new is practically compulsory.

The Fumoir, Claridge's, Mayfair

Someone asked me the other day whether there was anything about Claridge’s that I would change. Nothing sprang to mind. Wanting to be a sport, however, I thought about it for a minute and said I would bring back smoking in The Fumoir. If that proved impossible or, as I suppose must be the case these days, illegal, then I would consider changing its name to The Fauxmoir. Still, the fact that you can no longer fume in the Fumoir is a loss in some ways but a gain in others. It is much easier now to make out the gorgeous little design flourishes, such as the elaborately etched Basil Ionides mirrors, that make The Fumoir one of the prettiest bars in the world as well as one of the best. In any case, successive cocktails—and you would be mad to stop at one – will supply a haze of a different and even more agreeable kind.

The Library at The Ned, Bank

The Ned is one of those London hotspots you feel you should know about, even if you’ve never been. It crashed onto the capital’s hotel scene in 2017, and just about everyone who visits agrees that it’s a game-changer, with nine restaurants, more bars than you could hope to visit in a long weekend (16) and 252 bedrooms, all grand in their Edwardian pomp and glamour. Built in the 1920s under the helm of Sir Edwin Lutyens, the hotel lobby (once the banking hall of Midland Bank HQ) is a vast space where waiters twirl and dodge around the chaos to a soundtrack of live jazz. To find the latest addition, The Library Bar, you have to know that it’s there in the first place. Squirreled away in the right-hand corner of the lobby, this space is pocket-sized and intimate, yet with all the buzz carrying through from next door. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases are packed with old copies of all the classics, towering over plump armchairs and low-slung sofas. We visited on a Tuesday and, thankfully, we had reserved, as our table was the only free spot.

Fitz's, Bloomsbury

Hotel bars rarely live up to the hype—or the elevated prices. But the one at the recently rebranded Kimpton Fitzroy London (previously The Principal), on Russell Square is an exception. As soon as you saunter into the grand marble lobby, you know you’re set for a smart night out. The atmospheric main room serves serious Oscar Wilde-at- Soho House vibes, with impressively high ceilings, low lighting, velvet sofas, leather-panelled pillars and a central plume of ostrich feathers underneath a huge disco ball. A small stage to one side hosts occasional jazz and cabaret performers. And there’s a secret second room which feels more like a cosy members’ club, with lots of dark corners to hide away in.

Skip the wine and beer—it’s got them, of course, but they’re not even mentioned on the menu. The cocktails are the only thing to sip in such an opulent setting. But in contrast to the old-school decor, there are no classics here. Nearly all of the 16 playful signature drinks use at least one ingredient you definitely won’t have heard of before. The closest to a classic is the white Vesca Negroni, served with a comically large, pink ice cube which gradually adds a tang of strawberry sweetness as it melts. The Broken Window combines smooth 12-year Scotch with spicy Ancho Reyes, sherry, aniseedy sweet cicely and celery bitters for a crisp, sweet, piquant drink. For something lighter, try the Hive Mind: Sweetdram Escubac (like gin, but juniper-free), tequila and more sherry, mixed with tart white balsamic vinegar, soda and honey-fragrant propolis (the bartenders call it ‘bee spit’). In other cocktails you’ll taste pink- peppercorn tonic, bay-leaf syrup, toasted sesame and pimento bitters. Some intensive flavour research has gone into these drinks, but they are never over-powering. And don’t worry if you are feeling lost: affable, unpretentious and ultra-knowledgeable floral-shirted barmen are on hand to help you navigate the beautifully illustrated menu.

The American Bar, Savoy Hotel, Covent Garden

Somebody once asked Harry Craddock, the genius who presided over the American Bar at the Savoy throughout the 1920s and 30s, what he thought was the best way to drink a cocktail. ‘Quickly,’ said Harry. ‘While it’s laughing at you.’ How dear departed Harry’s shade must have laughed when in late 2017 the American Bar was finally named Best Bar in the World. Not that standards have slipped and it didn’t deserve it. On the contrary. It’s almost certainly deserved it every year since it opened in 1904. The Savoy is a gorgeous bundle of stylistic contradictions—high Victorian, plush Edwardian, flapper-tastic Art Deco and various points in between—that somehow manages to be more than the sum of its delicious parts. At the American Bar, which wouldn’t look out of place either on a Cunard liner or in an episode of The Jetsons, service is lively and liveried, friendly but not fawning, attentive and expert—in short, as polished, pleasing and fit for purpose as the unobtrusively beautiful glassware in which your drinks will shortly arrive.

Smokey Kudu, Peckham

When young South African chef Patrick Williams and his partner, Amy Corbin, opened their first restaurant together in 2018, Queen’s Road was still the (relatively) dodgy end of Peckham. Yes, Corbin’s father is the Corbin behind restaurant group Corbin & King (The Wolseley, Soutine), but even so, in less than a year they received indisputable approval from the Michelin panel with a Bib Gourmand confirming the quality of the food, and the affordable prices, too. Just over a year later Giles Coren was finally coaxed south-east and, after only a short grumble, agreed with the rest of us, that Kudu is an ‘example of perfect restaurant making in a nutshell’. Less than two years on and the Kudu Collective is expanding fast. First up is cocktail bar Smokey Kudu. Two minutes’ walk from the original restaurant—under the arches at Queen’s Road Peckham station—the space is small, but cleverly conceived so it doesn’t feel it. There’s a pink marble horseshoe bar backed with vintage mirrors and an enormous original blown-glass chandelier from Venice, which had to be quickly reinforced on opening week to stop it swinging as the trains passed overhead.

Satan's Whiskers, Bethnal Green

Satan's Whiskers is one of those bars that bartenders at the world's top bars speak of. Despite its less-than-lovely location on Cambridge Heath Road, the bar serves some of the best cocktails not just in London, but the world. Marked only by a red neon sign above the door, the bar is stuffed with tongue-in-cheek taxidermy (look out for the smoking monkey and cocktail-shaking raccoon) and vintage spirits posters, and there are little devils cut into the bar top. The cocktail bar's namesake has a gin-and-juice base and the stereo plays banger after banger by Golden Age greats such as Biggie Smalls, Q-Tip and, of course, Snoop—the only complaint is that you can't get up and dance.

The cocktail menu always has a few new surprises but you can count on classics such as the French 75 and Satan's Manhattan (with Knob Creek rye whisky) to be there. You may also have the chance to try the Negroni with prosecco and a Salty Dog with vodka, pink grapefruit and pink salt. Hurricanes are served with blown-inside-out brollies and the East 8 Hold Up (vodka, Aperol, fresh pineapple and lime) is super-summery.

Homeboy, Islington

If you’ve ever wondered what Islington’s Upper Street was like 30 years ago, it’s simple: just walk across to Essex Road. It’s one of London’s great under-rated thoroughfares, a mile-long arrow pointing straight to Essex and originally known as Lower Street. Not nearly as smart as Upper, of course – if you were on your uppers, you’d probably be on Lower—but full of characters. Some of whom will be found in Homeboy. It’s an Irish bar, though not in the way you’re probably thinking. This is a little Lower East Side. Bowery-black signage, green leather and two-tone bar; Guinness but no foam shamrocks; arm ink and French bulldogs; Nineties hip-hop instead of fiddles and The Dubliners.

Although there are Dubliners here: Aaron Wall and Ciarán Smith, who run the joint, bringing a deft hand learnt from Callooh Callay in Shoreditch and The Dorchester. The two are keen to share their sense of Irish hospitality—the same urge that made Father Ted ’s Mrs Doyle ask ‘Would you like a nice cup of tea? Go on, go on, go on…’—and which goes back to historic civil laws that insisted on providing for strangers. At the back, through a small door, is the smallest Irish pub in London, opened for the Six Nations championship and decorated with uncovered punk-era posters and Guinness ads.

The Coral Room, Bloomsbury

Human babies are not, as is commonly supposed, born colour-blind. Science shows that they will spend more time gazing at brightly colored things than at dull ones. As they get older and learn to speak, they tend to take longer to learn the names of the drearier colours, suggesting they are susceptible to a ‘preferential learning mechanism’ that favours the perkier end of the Pantone chart. Nor is this something we ever grow out of. And maybe it is one of the reasons why people of all ages are so keen on the Coral Room at The Bloomsbury hotel . A year or so ago the Doyle family, proprietors of the Bloomsbury, had the excellent idea of transforming what had for decades been the lobby into a bar. Martin Brudnizki , the designer they employed to make this happen, had one or two excellent ideas of his own, including that of painting the walls, which are enormous, a particularly beguiling, rich, vivid and opulent shade of coral pink. The result is one of the most beautiful bars in London.

The Donovan Bar, Mayfair

Look carefully at the multitude of black-and-white portraits that line the walls here – for the Donovan the bar is named after isn’t Jason, of course, but the late Terence, whose photographs framed the 1960s—and you may spot one of comic genius Tony Hancock. He’s clutching a cup of coffee and wearing a trademark hangdog expression. Grumpiness personified. Were he clutching one of the cocktails here, though, he’d be all smiles; a broad grin would spread across his face. The Brown’s Hotel bar has always been one of the best bars in Mayfair, but has a new gleam in its eye, a certain swagger, since being rebooted in 2018. The room was redeveloped in photographic blacks, greys and whites, with racing green and burnished gold for extra dazzle. It was given its own street entrance, and its rather tight bar counter swivelled around and stretched out, its shimmery swimming-pool -blue glass top reflecting light from the spirit shelves behind, with the stained-glass St George window at one end—part of the building’s original 1885 incarnation. And after a pop-up appearance in 2017, Salvatore Calabrese was enticed over to take charge of the drinks menu here—the Amalfi -born bartender has been jiggling his jigger for four decades, perfecting his Martinis first at Dukes then going on to work at The Lanesborough and Fifty St James’s.

Black Rock and Black Rock Tavern, Finsbury

Whisky used to be the golf of the drinks world, with a reputation for stuffiness and peaty snobbery. But it’s changing fast: not just with sales booming, but with cool distilleries in Melbourne, Taiwan and the Cotswolds turning out experimental New World drams for a fresh audience. Black Rock, in the hinterland between the City and Shoreditch, is a temple for this more inclusive, hedonistic brand of whisky quaffing. Previously a dark basement bar built around an almost 200-year-old oak tree holding two troughs of the stuff, it expanded this summer to include the Black Rock Tavern at street level – a neighbourhood bistro that’s more Copenhagen -airy than Ginza-reverential. Owners Tom Aske and Tristan Stephenson, cocktail veterans who launched the lauded Worship Street Whistling Shop in 2011, are also set to open a blending room and a three-room hotel upstairs. As well as running Whisky Me, which delivers pouches of Scotch and rye to subscribers every month, Aske and Stephenson are bringing a Black Rock outpost to Bristol later this year, with plans for another London brach in the works, too. Having previously run whimsical sherry spot Sack Bar in the space that’s now Black Rock Tavern, the pair have officially gone all in on the amber stuff.

Hackney Church Co., Hackney

A few years ago, had someone asked for a pint of Wu Gang Chops The Tree, or Fearless Spreadsheet Ninja, one would assume they’d either been a bit too liberal with the magic mushrooms or were quoting an ancient Monty Python sketch. But as anyone who’s recently dawdled at the taprooms of Tottenham’s Beavertown brewery or in switched-on pubs such as The Wigmore will know, craft ale in London is big—foamingly big, with almost every postcode having its own craft brewer, feverishly designing manga-style labels for limited-edition saisons and porters and pale ales. Now there’s a new ale champion, Hackney Church Brew Co. (previously St John at Hackney Brewery, no relation to Fergus Henderson’s joint), which has set up its gleaming fermentation tanks under the railway arches on the aptly named Bohemia Place, Hackney’s latest hot destination (pop-up Night Tales opens full-time nearby in July, with Japanese bites and a mezcal bar). The warehouse-sized space has real character, with smoke-blackened brickwork, steel-framed windows, a lovely lattice of bare timber in the architrave above, and reclaimed church pews along the walls. At the back is a sprawling beer garden with long tables from where you can watch trains spark and rumble on the tracks above the brewery. The pews are a little design pun, as the Rector of nearby St John at Hackney, one of London’s most credible churches—it's hosted gigs by Florence and the Machine and Coldplay—has been a key driving force behind getting the project off the ground.

Dukes Bar, St James's

When they arrive—on a cute little trolley that’s wheeled right up alongside your table – the cocktails look cute and little too. Don’t be fooled. Proceed with the utmost caution. The first one’s fine, the second one’s even finer, but the third one will knock you into the middle of next week and steal your shoes. The bar is beautiful at any time of the day or night. There’s something about the look and feel of the place—cushy and country-housey, impeccably proper and ever so slightly louche—that’s just right.

Ian Fleming was a regular and came up with James Bond’s famous ‘shaken not stirred’ directive here. Martini freaks worship the current head bartender, Alessandro Palazzi, as a god among men. I know it’s heresy to say so, but I don’t really care for martinis. Never have. Though it’s highly entertaining to watch Alessandro fling vermouth across the room, as he does whenever he makes a martini, I’d much rather ask him to surprise me with something less familiar. At the time of my most recent visit, earlier this week, he’d come up with a new cocktail to mark the hotel’s 110th birthday. The 1908 contains vodka infused with verbena from Alessandro’s garden, a Queen Motherly slosh of Dubonnet, a drop of crème de cacao and a twist of Amalfi lemon. Absolute dynamite. And it’s as much fun listening to Alessandro talk about it as it is to drink. (You might get the conversation started by asking him what he thinks about people who order herbal tea in bars, as the old biddies used to do when he worked at The Ritz in Paris.)

Nine Lives, Bermondsey

East London has pioneered the sustainable drinking movement in the city, with bars like Scout and Super Lyan championing local produce, repurposed ingredients and up-cycled materials. Now, London Bridge is having a go with the opening of Nine Lives. Here, disused speakers have been repurposed as planting boxes for staff to grow their own ingredients in, and leftover citrus scraps from cocktail-making (not usually suitable for composting) are PH-balanced to help them grow. Aside from mindful mixology, you'll find a fantastic atmosphere, groovy music and the friendliest staff. The sound system is impressive - and perfect on Saturday nights when the bar hosts guest DJs. Note, there are plenty of nooks and corners to chill out in if you're not looking for a party. Plus, there's a shuffleboard in the back which is utterly addictive.

The Vault, Soho

Everyone knows that you get to Hogwarts via Platform 9 3/4 and Narnia is only accessible by a wardrobe full of fur coats. But back in reality, locals know you get to the one of the best secret bars in London in the capital through a heavy bookcase at number 3, Greek Street. Also known as Milroy’s, the oldest whiskey bar in London, number 3 is also home to The Vault, a beloved underground Soho bar with a steep staircase and a neon-lit sign. On entry, after you adjust to the low-lit space and smell of incense, you’re ushered through to a tiny candle-lit table. In the main bar, there’s only space for around 20 people, and it’s no surprise that you can detect date nights on at least half the tables (there’s also another room at the back, which feels like being on the inside of a whisky barrel). The brick walls are decorated with local art by ‘our friend Luke’ and by contemporary urban artist Anna Laurini, whose street art is prolific in London; you might recognize variations of her bold abstracts from around town (a red-lipped lady called 'the face' is her signature). There’s background jazz music but it’s unobtrusive and doesn’t drown out a lively hum of chatter or an easy banter between staff. You leave wanting to be friends with all of them; they’re kind, easygoing and on-the-ball.

Murder Inc, Fitzrovia

Shoreditch’s The Cocktail Trading Co—which finally landed a permanent Brick Lane home in 2016 after a wildly successful pop-up on Carnaby Street—made its name for its witty, over-the-top creative tipples. Drinks—served in giant seashells, a hot air balloon, or even a Chinese takeaway carton – came with golf balls as ice cubes, a set of dentures as a garnish or a portion of chips as a bizarre topping. Founders Andy Mil, Olly Brading and Elliot Ball quickly racked up a string of awards for their no-limits ingenuity, and now the boys have opened a second venture—a gritty, gangster-themed drinking den in a dark and moody basement on a Fitzrovia backstreet. And although the place takes its cocktails seriously, the earnestness stops there. Donald Trump greets guests at the door (in the form of a life-size, grinning photograph, with ‘Old Douche Lane’ emblazoned across his chest…); inside, walls are lined with tongue-in-cheek, black-and-white photographs of hustlers and bad boys. Some of the decor is downright random (look out for the signed picture of Charlie Sheen in the loos), but the exposed brickwork and red neon lights give the place a sultry New York speakeasy feel. There’s live music some nights of the week too – but it’s a tiny space, so get here early if you want a seat.

The Bar at The Dorchester, Mayfair

Some years ago, I became intrigued by a story told by Pliny the Elder concerning a wager Cleopatra made with Mark Antony that she could blow 10-million sesterces on one dinner. Apparently 10-million sesterces is worth about £400,000 in today’s money. She won the bet when she removed one of the pearl earrings she was wearing and dropped it into a goblet of wine (or vinegar). Pearls, in those days, were valued more highly than any other type of jewellery. The pearl dissolved; Cleopatra necked the contents; an astonished Antony conceded defeat.

I wondered whether this sort of stunt was really possible and started doing a bit of research. To cut a long story short: it is. Coleman Douglas Pearls, a specialist jeweller, supplied a pearl which they crushed into powder at my request. Giuliano Morandin, manager of The Bar at The Dorchester , supplied a cocktail into which I stirred the powder.

The result was a waste of a pearl and a Gimlet. But that little experiment provided a powerful reminder not only of the way in which anecdotes like Pliny’s are an essential part of what makes jewels magical, but also of the way in which guys like Giuliano are an essential part of what makes the best cocktail bars magical. The unflappable brio, the inexhaustible curiosity, the willingness to go the extra mile to create a memorable drink.

Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, Covent Garden

The Savoy's vintage American Bar is the one you draw up a stool at, order a classic Martini and try to out-do the white-jacketed bartender with cocktail anecdotes (he'll win). It's also the one that gets the queues. The Beaufort, tucked away down the stairs and round the corner is more elusive, more rakish and far more tantalizing—a gold-and-black Deco salon with a real sense of drama. It's a place for snappy one-liners, lacquered talons and raised, severely pencilled eyebrows. If Gypsy Rose Lee had flounced off the stage of Sondheim's legendary Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre, it's here she would have headed to order a Showgirl cocktail, doubtless followed by the current troupe of Dreamgirls. Unlike the American Bar (born 1904), it opened only in 2010, in the space formerly occupied by a cabaret stage known to George Gershwin and generations of vaudeville hoofers. The tradition endures, with regular performances and monthly burlesque nights.

Silverleaf, Liverpool Street

Liverpool Street isn’t perhaps the obvious location for a ‘sultry, sophisticated drinking spot’. But this is where you’ll find Silverleaf, the Pan Pacific London hotel’s cocktail bar from the team behind Soho stalwart Milroy’s and Shoreditch favorite Callooh Callay. Tucked between towering glass buildings, a whitewashed brick wall with a simple scripted sign sits beside a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it doorway. Inside, a lift whisks you away from the bustle of Bishopsgate to a slick Tom Dixon-designed bar on the top floor of Devonshire House.

The emphasis here is on sensory experiences, which begin with an impressively creative cocktail list. The menu sets out core flavor profiles (each drink has four) that have been translated into symbols which appear throughout to help guide your selection. But if that seems like hard work, each drink has also been reimagined as an abstract illustration, the idea being that you can choose your drink by opting for the image that speaks to you—a method that becomes even more appealing the more drinks you try.

Soho has always done speakeasy bars exceptionally well. The winding network of narrow streets seems built for people to dip into basement drinking dens or behind unmarked doors. In the past few years, it’s all but lost its nefarious nature and is now better known for smart restaurants than sex shops and all-nighters. Indian-spiced Soma, from the team behind Kricket, next door, somehow manages to tap into both the area’s seedy past and its smart-as-a-button present. An unmarked, unremarkable door set next to the Soho outpost of Will Bowlby’s British-Indian spot leads down to a narrow, dimly-lit room dominated by a 30-foot steel bar, with sexy alcoves carved into the walls.

A Mumbai -meets-London drinks list using ingredients made in-house includes helpful similarities between the drinks (given one-word names that highlight the predominant tasting notes) and cocktails we all recognize—Oak is compared to a Negroni, but made with cardamom, while the Margarita-like Chaat uses the Indian spice blend Chaat Masala and kumquat as well as more traditional mezcal. Our stand-out was the Almond—compared to a Highball, it uses almond soda and plum umeshu for an autumnal flavor that my plus-one boldly stated was the best cocktail she’d ever had (it was her first drink of the night, so this was in no way an alcohol-fuelled superlative).

Seed Library, One Hundred Shoreditch

In the basement of the city’s most exciting new hotel opening, One Hundred Shoreditch, sits a secret drinking den. Seed Library is the latest venture from cocktail connoisseur Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), marking a return to his East London roots—Hoxton is where he opened his first bar, White Lyan, in 2013. A pioneer in low-waste mixology, Mr Lyan has single-handedly sparked a sustainability revolution in London’s cocktail scene, opening restaurant Cub and then Lyaness (formerly Dandelyan) at the Sea Containers in London, before launching Super Lyan in Amsterdam and Silver Lyan in Washington D.C.

Aesthetically, the bar sits somewhere between an underground speakeasy and laidback living room. From the hotel lobby, follow the splodges of orange paint directing you down the staircase to find a seductive, dimly lit space, where chairs and sofas are covered in shades of ruby and wine and the bar has an amber glow. Poured concrete floors are offset by walls covered in tapestries (an easily identified artistic touch from the hotel’s creative director, Jacu Strauss, who placed tapestries in all the rooms and corridors in the upstairs hotel). On Fridays and Saturdays there is a changing roster of local DJs, playing in front of a wall lined with vinyl, and mixologists work away behind a bar of exposed brick and back-lit shelves.

Not many people know that the most sought-after myrrh (of gold, frankincense and myrrh fame) comes from Yemen. Or that Ethiopian Korekima spice is similar to cardamom but with a slightly peppery twist. Tony Pescatori—the former manager at Shoreditch speakeasy Nightja—is setting out to change this at Alma, a new Soho bar where such forgotten flavors and exotic ingredients are centre stage. From the same team behind Argentinian restaurant Sucre, and located just downstairs on Great Marlborough Street, Alma follows a similar worldly flair with a drinks menu that takes you around the world and sharing plates prepared by the open-fire cooking restaurant. The vibe is relaxed by way of seventies cool, with bronze mirrored walls, exposed brick and dim lighting. Settle into a section of the curved tobacco velvet booth and linger till late – evenings begin with a playlist of Rolling Stones and Fleetwood Mac and end with a live band serenading the Fugees’ ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’.

Le Magritte, The Beaumont, Mayfair

We live in exciting times. And right now, London’s hotel scene is very exciting; in fact, not since the time when the Spice Girls filmed Wannabe at the St Pancras Renaissance have things been this exciting. During and after lockdown, hotels have been dusting off the family heirlooms, playing musical chairs, reshuffling the pack, with Claridge’s digging deep into its basement and opening a new bar; ditto the Connaught. At the Beaumont, famously built in an Art Deco car park and opened in 2014—though you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s been around since the days when Evelyn Waugh screeched around Mayfair in a Model T Ford—where was once Le Magritte bar is now Gatsby’s Room, where serves are mainly of the infused-leaf variety. So this is a new Magritte, a clubbable, polished nook of a bar with alabaster columns, cherrywood panels and a lovely, leather-edged granite counter, over which bartenders polish glasses and time slows down. Outside is a new terrace overlooking Brown Hart Gardens, while a 1950s painting by the eponymous artist hangs in pride of place—a man in a bowler hat facing backwards with a crescent moon just above him.

Red Room is the first bar to open at The Connaught in over 10 years, a move made even more exciting when you consider that the hotel’s main bar has been named the best bar in Europe twice as well as winning the World’s Best Bar 2021. Bryan O’Sullivan—whose past projects include The Painter’s Room at Claridge’s and The Berkeley Bar— is the man behind the striking interiors. He aimed to create a space that feels like you’re relaxing in the living room of an art collector; with plump sofas, curved walls and a soft color palette of pastel pinks, creamy neutrals and greens lending the perfect canvas to the pieces on display.

As for the art, you’ll find an all-female lineup—Louise Bourgeois’ ‘I Am Rouge’ sits proudly above the marble fireplace, alongside works from Jenny Holzer, Trina McKillen and young Vietnamese artist Ti-a Thuy Nguyen.

Booking Office 1869, King's Cross

Now here’s one of London’s truly great spaces. Once the—you’ve guessed it—ticket hall for the original St Pancras train station , this was first unveiled as a bar in 2011, part of Harry Handelsman’s hugely ambitious (and very welcome: it might have been demolished) transformation of George Gilbert Scott’s red-brick Victorian masterpiece into the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. The gothic revival architecture reels and rolls all around, with cathedral-sized windows, corniced ceilings, brick arches and enough oak panelling to supply a decade of BBC period dramas. But once you’d ogled the surroundings, it never really engaged you as a bar – it felt a little transient, as if trying to be all things to all people. So, a decade after the Booking Office’s rebirth, Handelsman invited French-Mexican designer Hugo Toro to redress the interiors as a Victorian-style Winter Garden. The result is incredibly lush, almost an ecosystem of a space, midway between 19th-century London and tropical Havana, with a little contemporary chutzpah. There are giraffe-high palm trees, banquettes covered in a lovely mottled blue-and-crimson material, a new fabric ceiling, clusters of white 3D-printed lamps blooming like snowdrops and two showcase pendant lights each made of 267 brass leaves. It’s more intimate and glowing than before, more romantic—perhaps the perfect spot to rendezvous before eloping to Paris on the Eurostar outside—and has one of the best cocktail lists around.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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The Essential Local London Pubs

Ale houses, inns and hostelries: the best places in town to enjoy a peculiar brand of British (and Irish) hospitality

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The London pub is a special thing. Simultaneously ubiquitous and endangered, genuine neighbourhood boozers are disappearing in scores; caught between property developers on one side, and gentrification’s slippery slope to soulless homogenisation on the other. Find the right local, though, and London’s pub culture is alive and well. Here are 14 quality London “locals” to check out.

The Black Dog Beer House

In a contested area — near Brentford’s former Griffin Park football ground, which famously has a pub at each corner — the Black Dog’s huge beer selection, balance between trad and modish food, and comfortable garden wins out. It’s rightly rammed with football fans every other weekend once again, so either come down for the atmosphere or check Brentford’s fixtures.

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The Cow has a definite food-focussed bent — the upstairs dining room serves properly good seafood — but the downstairs bar is five-star pub-nouveau. Guinness is expertly poured, and it’s well known for being one of the best places to pair a pint with a plate of oysters. The best place to drink in west London, bar none, and recently having overcome a license review that threatened its future.

Southampton Arms

“18 handpulls of full of lovely ale and cider and a fridge full of lovely meat.” If that isn’t enough to. convince a Londoner to visit this transportive wood-panelled pub, then perhaps all hope is lost — aside for some details. The beers are modern but not modish, coming across as Now That’s What I Call Pints compilation to a beer nerd and an inviting new world to the novice, while the lovely meat sees roast pork cuddled into baps. For those who don’t want lovely meat, get a plate of cheese or a vegetarian Scotch egg. It’s all built to soak up the beer, as thick and effervescent as its atmosphere.

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The Lyric is a West End oasis; the kind of small, honest boozer everyone looks for but can never find. It packs out quickly with the after work crowd, but there’s some comfort in that, too; the convivial atmosphere means it’s easy to forget that Piccadilly Circus is just around the corner. A good selection of ales and craft beers are on tap, and a concise wine list does what it needs to. Proper.

The French House

The French House is an oddity, and a distinctly un- English pub. Beer is no longer served in half pints only, and food is served longer than lunch only now, but there are no televisions showing the football, and mobile phone use is frowned upon. It’s a place steeped in history: Charles de Gaulle led the French Resistance in exile from here during WWII, while Francis Bacon used to frequent as a customer. It’s also where a certain chef, Fergus Henderson, first cut his teeth. So it’s a place to go to interact — entertainment comes from conversation, helped along by the nearly thirty champagnes on offer by the glass.

Stained glass windows adorn the frontage of this Covent Garden local; tucked away off the Strand, it’s a favourite with the craft beer types, with a celebrated range of beers on tap at surprisingly reasonable prices. There’s something special about being able to work through a pint of modish craft-IPA in a setting so unpretentious as to seem out of place, and The Harp has a loyal following because of it. A regular on the CAMRA “best of” lists.

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Coach & Horses

Located close to the tourist-magnet Covent Garden Piazza, this pub is a retreat; a place not commonly found in the capital of England. This is an Irish pub, in the truest sense of the phrase: indeed many claim it serves the best pint of Guinness in the city. There’s a vast selection of Irish whiskeys behind the bar, for those who care for a chaser, too. Another note: the service here is as it is in Ireland, which is to say — as a general rule — more competent than the average English boozer. Staff will capably serve more than one customer at once.

At nearly three centuries old, The Lamb is something of a time capsule. A Young’s pub, its tap focus is very much at the cask ale end of the spectrum, but it’s exactly this polished nostalgia that makes it such a Bloomsbury icon. Food, similarly, is modernised traditional pub fare, while the fit out retains numerous original features including the etched glass screening above the wood-panelled bar. There’s no TV, and no music either. This really is as close as it gets to stepping back in time.

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The Wenlock Arms

Another pub saved from the jaws of London’s insatiable developers, the Wenlock Arms is an incongruous sight in the otherwise stark new-build landscape between City Road and the Regent’s Canal. The Wenlock’s focus is cask ales, craft beers and real ciders from around the UK, supplemented by a minimal (but on-point) food offering: their website promises “toasties, Pig and Hay scotch eggs & sausage rolls and pickled eggs”. Excellent.

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The Auld Shillelagh

“Off the leash and on the lash” reads the motto atop every door frame in this tiny Stokey stalwart. A proper Irish boozer, there’s not a straight line in the place — it’s all old sagging timber beams, old sagging seat cushions, and old sagging locals. They lay claim to one of London’s best pints of Guinness, and deliver on the promise. A big beer garden out back is perfect when the weather is right, but if McGregor is in the ring, squeeze inside and join the hordes yelling at the TV.

The Royal Oak

The. Royal. Oak. The de facto living room of all the inner-Hackney twenty-somethings who can’t hang out at home because there’s a bunk bed in the kitchen, The Oak is legendary. Bentwood chairs, parquet flooring and panelled walls recall a bygone era, as does the disorienting sensation of stumbling out at closing time into the eerily quiet, cobbled streets around Columbia Road.

The Old Nun’s Head

The Old Nun’s Head calls itself the “Ryan Gosling of pubs”, which doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but the clarification helps: “basically just a really nice local pub, but a slightly weird one”. Certainly, it’s a hit with Peckham locals. Dog friendly and child friendly, with a food line up that rotates between three street food vendors and the requisite Sunday roast, it’s a weird local pub for a weird locale: the right balance of hip, old school honest, and family friendly for a neighbourhood in flux.

The Ivy House

The Ivy House has the auspicious claim to being London’s first cooperatively-owned pub. Like others on this list it was saved from re-development by its locals, the only difference being that they’re a bit more committed south of the river: it wasn’t enough for The Ivy House’s regulars to just petition the council, they raised £1million and bought the freehold. In the 70s, the pub played host to gigs from the likes of Joe Strummer and Jeff Beck; today it continues to run a bill of live entertainment alongside its regular pub duties.

Chesham Arms

The Chesham Arms is a Hackney treasure — 150-odd years old, it was nearly demolished to make way for more property development until the efforts of a community group secured its future. Re-opened in 2015, it was awarded CAMRA East London Pub of the Year 2016. Find refuge in this quiet little back street boozer — choose from an array of real ales and local craft beers, and order in dinner from nearby Yardsale Pizza.

The Bow Bells

The Bow Bells is everything a pub needs to be, and nothing it doesn’t... except maybe bright orange. Points for visibility, though; it’s certainly hard to miss. A self-confessed “East End boozer”, local real and craft ales are the order of the day. It’s a West Ham supporters pub, too, so expect it to get rowdy on match days (and don’t show up in an opposition strip). Oh, and apparently the ladies’ is haunted.

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Cool And Quirky Bars In London

This beaut of a city is fortunate enough to host several of the most unique, weird and wonderful bars in the world, from secret speakeasy dens and bars in toilets to rooftop palaces. Whether it's taxidermy or immersive experiences, fire-spitting bartenders or just the downright outrageous - you're spoiled for choice in the capital. Discover the best cool and quirky bars in London right here.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 23rd April 2024

The Piano Works Farringdon

2-4-1 Cocktails and 1 other offer

Taking residence in Victorian listed basement, The Piano Works is the revival of the loud and vibrant live music bars, where you can dance and party to the sound of a 6 piece band playing your song requests. Taking on a vintage style speakeasy, this House of Song is one of the best hidden gems London has to offer.

• Entertainment Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Party Bar

Puttshack White City

Using cutting edge technology, Puttshack has taken mini golf to the next level. Head to this quirky activity bar in Shepherds Bush and prepare to get your golf on with cocktails, craft beer and an international menu to keep you fuelled.

• Shepherd's Bush ⋅ West London
• Activity ⋅ Themed Bar ⋅ Party Bar

DesignMyNight Art Of Going Out Awards: The 2024 Winners

Wondering what the ultimate destinations are across the city? There's no one more trustworthy than the entirety of London, who have been voting for their favourite venues and experiences in the 2024 DesignMyNight Art Of Going Out Awards. The winn ing bars, restaurants, pubs and more have been revea led across 12 different categories  designed to celebrate our capital's gallery-worthy talent, and these trendy locations include jazz bar Ronnie Scott's , colourful gaming spot Fairgame and many more.

Swingers City

Swingers is a bar like no other, bringing two 9-hole crazy golf courses, alongside three street food vendors, five cocktail bars and a two-storey clubhouse all for you to hang out in. From date nights to activities with mates, you won't go bored here.

• City of London
• Entertainment Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Saturday 27th April 2024

Prepare to don an orange jumpsuit as you become an inmate at these immersive cocktail bars in central and east London. Inspired by America's infamous prison and the Hollywood movies surrounding it, Alcotraz creates tailored cocktails based on your liquor and tastes - just make sure the warden doesn't catch you.

• Food & Drink ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Themed Nights
• Tickets from £35.99 - £58.50

QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl

What happens when you combine delicious MEATliquor burgers with great cocktails, 12 bowling alleys and an ice skating rink? QUEENS Skate Dine Bowl is what. Head west for a fun day our complete with great food and activities.

• Notting Hill
• Event Space ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Activity

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Saturday 27th April 2024

Inspired by the Wild West, this immersive cocktail bar is one of a kind. Try your hand at card games and solve clues, in the heart of East London. Make sure you've smuggled in your choice of tipple which expert bartenders use to create personalised cocktails based on your own choices and tastes.

• Food & Drink ⋅ Immersive ⋅ Something A Little Different
• Tickets from £36.50 - £42.50

Try Our Easy-To-Use Table Search Engine

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The Little Blue Door

Double Down and 1 other offer

This quirky bar in West London is set to be flat party central outside of your own flat, with fantastic drinks, the coolest vibes, and even delicious, international food for you to tuck into. Expect mischievous mayhem when you visit. And in Soho? The Little Scarlet Door is calling.

• Fulham ⋅ Chelsea
• Restaurant ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Party Bar

The Arts Theatre Club

Boasting a DJ booth tucked inside of a vintage piano, cocktails served out of the finest of China, and luxurious seating arrangements, The Arts Theatre Club is certainly in the upper echelon of cool and quirky bars in London. This members-only Soho speakeasy acts as the perfect, Prohibition-era getaway amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

• Soho ⋅ Soho ⋅ Leicester Square
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Basement Bar

Simmons Tower Bridge

Margarita Mondays! and 4 other offers

Found right around the corner from Tower Bridge, Simmons brings affordable drinks to their small but perfectly formed cocktail bar. Featuring quirky decorations (there's an enormous dinosaur's head, for crying out loud) and a friendly ambience, make sure you're in between 4 and 9pm on weekdays if you want to take full advantage of their famous happy hour discounts.

• East London
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Event Space

Gigis Hoxton

Gigi's is an eccentric London DJ bar, live music venue and restaurant in the heart of Hoxton Square. Shoreditch clubbing, dining and drinking can all be enjoyed in this bar's bold and beautiful interiors making it one of the best London late night bars without a doubt.

• Shoreditch ⋅ East London
• Restaurant Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar

Bottomless Dinner and 3 other offers

The Exhibit is Balham's all-in-one social destination. Come for a majestic cocktail or get stuck in at the dinner table, and don't forget they love a big party come Friday Night. There's comedy at the weekends, life drawing classes, art exhibitions and the chance to catch a film in London's smallest independent cinema space.

• Balham ⋅ Clapham
• Activity ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Prelude By Oriole

After a quirky pop-up bar to add to your list? Prelude By Oriole is a taste of things to come at their reopening later this year - think Nikkei-style small plates and refreshing cocktails in a sophisticated speakeasy setting. You can expect live piano music every single night here, while snacking on the likes of chickpea chips dipped in aioli or raw scallops with kiwi. As for drinks, choose from bourbon-based sips like the Acadia or fruity blends such as a Saraburi Punch.

• Covent Garden
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Speakeasy

TSQ Playhouse – Covent Garden

Injecting a little pizzazz into Theatreland's cocktail scene is TSQ Playhouse. Not only is this venue offering up throwback interiors, including plush seating and karaoke rooms, but there are also tasty bevvies up for grabs. With themes from an enchanted forest to aquaria.

• Covent Garden ⋅ Soho
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Entertainment Bar ⋅ Party Bar

NYX Hotel London Holborn

GLASSHOUSE ONLY - Buy One Bottomless Brunch Get One Half Price!

Searching for swish places for your next girl's night out? Boasting quirky interiors, plush seating and pretty lighting, NYX Eat, Drink & Play is a superb spot. Enjoy munching on charred squid and nacho platters while choosing from over 20 different mezcals.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Rooftop Bar

Megaro is charming and characterful cocktail bar, sitting below the bustling streets of King's Cross. The venue's expert mixologists have really let their creative side shine, curating a menu of signature creations and spirit infusion. If that wasn't enticing enough, the cinema-style seating and portraits add a bit of quirk. 

• Kings Cross

Roller Nation

So much more than your average bar, this quirky spot in Tottenham houses a full roller skating rink for when you're looking to get a little active on your next night out. Round up your mates and prepare for diner bites and a skating sesh at this cool North London space.

• North London
• Activity ⋅ Nightclub ⋅ Event Space

Four Quarters Peckham

Giving it some serious welly in the quirky department is hidden Peckham gem, The Four Quarters. A stand out name on the bars with games scene, not only do they provide top entertainment in the shape of retro games, consoles and arcade machines, there's American bites, cocktails and a secret speakeasy bar in the basement. 

• Restaurant Bar ⋅ Activity ⋅ Party Bar

Lost Souls Pizza

If your obsession with Buffy was pretty untethered as a teenager, you'll love what Lost Souls Pizza have in store. Celebrating metal, vampires and pizza, it's a dedication to the alternative, complete with charcoal slices and unusual cocktail creations.

• Camden ⋅ North London
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Tonight Josephine Waterloo

NHS/Blue Light Discount and 4 other offers

Inspired by party animal Josephine Bonaparte, Tonight Josephine is a kitsch and fun bar. Our top choice for a girls night out in London, this Instagrammable spot boasts a cracking cocktail menu, as well as neon signs, glittery cocktails and celebrity mugshots.

• Waterloo ⋅ Southbank
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Party Bar

Demon, Wise and Partners

There's more than a hint of West London suave about this basement bolthole. It's found beneath the Arbitrager, offering a relaxed yet refined atmosphere to the city's after-work crowd. Cross this one off your 'must-visit' list and you'll soon be enjoying a daring and innovative list of signature drinks in one of the hot-to-trot basement bars in London.

• Liverpool Street ⋅ City of London
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar

Playing host to a range of eating outlets it can be tricky deciding what to chow down on at this quirky Paddington eatery. From burgers and wings to pizza and wonton soup, you'll be spoilt for choice.

• Event Space ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Party Bar

The Absinthe Parlour At The Last Tuesday Society

Undoubtedly one of London's most quirkiest watering holes, The Last Tuesday Society pairs taxidermy and unusual decor with a menu of absinthe and classy cocktails. Head East where the Hackney haunt will show you something a little different.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Lounge Bar

Hoxley and Porter

This charismatic Angel hangout features a quirky train-carriage theme that takes you on a journey calling at great food central and innovative cocktails parkway. A plethora of shadowy foliage adds to the atmosphere and the friendly bar staff/train conductors make this a venue you won't go forgetting any time soon.

• Angel ⋅ Islington
• Restaurant Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant

Fairgame Canary Wharf

Complimentary Fizz for May Event Bookings

Fairgame Canary Wharf reimagines fairground games in the best way. This unique and immersive experience offers activities like shoot the clown and whac-a-mole, in a creative twist on the old classics. 

• Canary Wharf
• Activity ⋅ Entertainment Bar ⋅ Event Space

Apples and Pears

Christmas at Apples & Pears and 4 other offers

A hidden treasure marrying inventive cocktails with an eclectic music programme, you don't go forgetting a trip to Apples & Pears in a hurry. The venue's radiant atmosphere makes it perfect for date night or stopping by after work, and with a medley of live acoustic acts and animated DJ nights, we challenge you not to find yourself tapping those toes deep into the night.

• Brick Lane ⋅ East London
• Party Bar ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Cocktail Bar

Opium is a great London speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The bar team deliver themed cocktails, in a discrete and decadent setting. Widely considered one of London's best bars, Opium is a cool and quirky London spot hidden among the bustling streets of Chinatown.

• Soho ⋅ Leicester Square ⋅ West End
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Themed Bar

Blame Gloria Clapham Junction

Wacky interiors, pretty cocktails and party tunes are all on the menu at Blame Gloria, a cool South London bar and late-night spot. Whether you fancy some happy hour drinks or a wild night of dancing with mates, this Clapham den is ready and waiting to play ball.

• Clapham ⋅ Battersea
• Party Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar

Hand Of Glory

Draped with wicker masks, brass icons and even featuring giant maypoles (Maypole Dancing actively encouraged), Hand of Glory boasts an interior design to behold. Grab one of their rotating 'deadly ciders', sample some home-infused gin and gorge on a plate of fresh, lovingly prepared pub grub.

• Hackney ⋅ East London
• Lounge Bar ⋅ Pub ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Searching for something a little different? Then check out Supermax in King's Cross. With a vermouth-led cocktail list, a bar design that celebrates 1970s Milan with indulgent and bold touches of neon, leather and terrazzo, and live music. This spot is not one to be missed.

• King's Cross
• Basement Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar

Bobby Fitzpatrick

Spread across two floors, Bobby Fitzpatrick is a quirky 70s den of vintage wallpaper, kitsch sofas and signed photographs. There's board games and a quirky cocktail list inspired by Fitzpatrick's great loves, as well as brunch and American deep dish pizzas. 

• Hampstead ⋅ Kilburn
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Cirque brings all of the fun of the circus to Old Street. A kooky little space filled with Rubik's Cube stools, zebra taxidermy and dangling airplane models, there's a lot of charm and character. It's worth timing your visit to fit with happy hour, where cocktails are just 2 for £10.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat, how I wonder what you're at. Borrowing its name from the Mad Hatter's poem, Little Bat is a quirky neighbourhood cocktail bar featuring plenty of Wonderland-themed influences. Expect a playful and imaginative ambience complemented by superb cocktails at Callooh Callay's sister site.

• Angel ⋅ North London

Call Me Mr Lucky

Happy Hour 5-8pm - 241 Cocktails & £3 Sol

A speakeasy cocktail bar hidden away under The Breakfast Club's London Bridge venue, Call Me Mr Lucky is a cool and quirky spot fronting kitsch and eclectic interiors, alongside fun-filled drinks that include drag fruit margaritas and 'tia Mamma Mia' on the menu.

• London Bridge ⋅ East London

The Alchemist London - Old Street

The Alchemist have quickly built up a reputation for being one of the UK's most exciting bars, serving unique creations from the heart of Old Street that fizz, change colour and come to life right before your eyes. Head to East London this summer to experience the theatrics for yourself.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace

A unique London bar, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace can be found in White City, having made its way over from the hit LA location. Think skating around the rink to live music or DJs, following it up with a trip to the American diner and bar.

• West London
• Activity ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space

Electric Shuffle London Bridge

Sparkling Social

Powering up in London Bridge is one unique bar concept from the minds behind Flight Club. Electric Shuffle is a unique technological spin on the classic pastime, with cocktails and boozy brunches at the heart of their sites in London Bridge and Canary Wharf .

• London Bridge
• Activity ⋅ Event Space ⋅ Party Bar

Basement Sate

Hidden below ground level and coated in Parisian chic, this is the perfect hangout for you and your trendiest of friends. Nestle into plush leather armchairs and admire your sophisticated surroundings as you taste cocktails mixed by the gods and nosh on inventive desserts at Basement Sate.

• Soho ⋅ Central London

@ Merchant House on Various dates from Saturday 27th April 2024

Hidden within Merchant House of Bow Lane, this secret bar can be booked for a few hours, where you'll have your own music, a personal bartender and even be able to make your own drinks. Check out The Brig for a night to rememeber.

• Food & Drink ⋅ Something A Little Different ⋅ Date Night
• Tickets from £130.00 - £260.00

Showcasing speakeasy vibes, Mama Funki is hands down one of the coolest bars in South London. From ambient lighting and New York-style interiors to plush sofas and sleek decor, the venue is ideal for date nights galore.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Basement Bar

Callooh Callay

Step off the cobbled streets of East London and into this multi-award-winning cocktail bar permeated by a wonderfully eccentric vibe. Expect punchy cocktails and an eclectic crowd, as well as a hidden bar that you'll find if you venture upstairs.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Speakeasy

Signature Brew Blackhorse Road

If you're in the market for something a little different then head East to Signature Brew Blackhorse Road. The working brewery and taproom is the perfect place to try a selection of craft ales, with live music and tasty street food on offer too.

• Walthamstow ⋅ Leyton
• Pub ⋅ Taproom

Village 512

Combining neon lights, late night karaoke and a cosy and intimate setting, this arty LGBTQ+ friendly bar celebrates creativity and diversity in East London. With delicious drinks and after-party vibes, Village 512 makes for a cool regular haunt.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Entertainment Bar ⋅ Event Space

Old Street Records

The third venue of its kind, Old Street Records brings cutting-edge live music to the masses in the heart of Shoreditch. Head along on any given night and expect to see EP launches, live DJs and new bands taking the stage, with cocktails and authentic Italian pizzas also well worth checking out.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Entertainment Bar

BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL OFFER and 6 other offers

Throw it back to 1920s Havana and join the fun-loving crew at the notorious Burlock as they churn out rum cocktails in a quirky London setting for the party hardy. Located just moments from Oxford Street, this is one for a fun night out in the West End.

• Marylebone ⋅ Central London
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Speakeasy ⋅ Basement Bar

Hop Kingdom

Hop Kingdom is a unique venue in Southwark that acts as a skate park, bar and live music venue. Whether you're looking to book a birthday party, gig, exhibition bands, photo shoots, or anything else that springs to mind, the space is adaptable to any and all occasions. 

• Southwark ⋅ London Bridge
• Activity ⋅ Event Space

The Four Thieves

The Kids Table

The Four Thieves in Battersea has everything you need for a trip to the boozer. From more than 70 gins, a microbrewery on site and enough craft beer to keep you drinking the week's woes away, the fun doesn't stop there. Head upstairs for an incredible games room, filled with car racing, ping pong and virtual reality .

• Battersea ⋅ Clapham
• Pub ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Activity

The Little Orange Door

Double Down

From neon artwork to cushy green sofas, fresh flowers and marble fireplaces, every corner of The Little Orange Door oozes style. Head to the quirky Clapham Common spot for boozy brunches and late night dinner parties.

• Clapham ⋅ South London
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Event Space

Trailer Happiness

Masterclasses

Beaming with intimacy and tiki flair, it almost seems a shame to lift the lid on this secretive basement bar on Portobello Road. Head downstairs to uncover a world of exotic drinks, kooky interiors and date night vibes at Trailer Happiness. You won't want to miss the punchy Polynesian Princess.

• Notting Hill ⋅ West London
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Basement Bar ⋅ Lounge Bar

Bounce, Old Street

Ping pong bars are all the rage in London right now, and few do it better than Bounce. A buzzing underground spot made for eating, drinking and playing ping-pong late into the night, the tables here can fit up to 20, and the table service policy means you won't have to ditch your area when ordering in the delicious pizza or a few gin-based cocktails.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Party Bar

Monopoly Lifesized

Situated in Fitzrovia, Monopoly Lifesized is a grand shout if you love the board game. You'll get stuck into escape room-style challenges, figure out how to get out of jail and even build your own houses at this immersive experience. Plus, you can head to the restaurant after for post-game grub and themed drinks.

• Fitzrovia ⋅ West End
• Activity ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Bussey Rooftop Bar

Can't decide on your next drinking destination? Discover one of the best bars in London with a view. A quirky rooftop stunner in Peckham, Bussey fronts an excellent selection of cocktails, alongside sumptuous pizza – think five cheese, caprese and plant-based slices.

• Rooftop Bar ⋅ Restaurant ⋅ Party Bar

Nightjar Shoreditch

One of the world's most famous bars and winners of multiple awards, Nightjar in Shoreditch and Soho  really live up to the legendary name. Think secret speakeasy vibes, super cool jazz and all the quirky cocktails you could possibly sip.

• Shoreditch ⋅ Shoreditch
• Speakeasy ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space

London Bridge Rooftop

£6 APEROL SUNDAY

Searching for something different in the city? Head to London Bridge's rooftop for lovely views of The Shard and a cracking good time. Munch on Spanish cuisines from The Black Pig with White Pearls all while tipping back beer and listening to Latin tunes.

• Rooftop Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar

Draughts Waterloo

Everyone has a little competitive spirit in them whether they like to tell you that or not, so why not put it to the test at one of London's coolest board game bars. A quick walk from Waterloo, Draughts is celebrating both brains and drinks combined with their unique location. 

• Activity ⋅ Cafe ⋅ Entertainment Bar

Gravity Wandsworth

Gravity Wandsworth is really upping the quirky bar scene in the city. Touting an epic range of immersive games, including E-karting, AR Digital Darts and street golf, you can expect to get competitive with pals, all while quaffing tasty concoctions. 

• Activity ⋅ Lounge Bar ⋅ Sports Bar

Bourne & Hollingsworth

The Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings is a quaint bar in North London, based just a short stroll from Angel tube station. With a sleek bar serving all the signature cocktails that have made the B&H name famous over the years, the venue's idyllic greenhouse and airy cafe offer prime spots to unwind in with mates. Soak up all the vintage and carefree vibes at this quirky bar in London. 

• East London ⋅ Clerkenwell
• Restaurant ⋅ Restaurant Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar

OTHERWORLD VR | Hackney

This space-aged bar cum VR arcade is the perfect spot for a quirky date or special night out in Hackney or Victoria . Strap in and be teleported to an alternative reality, with 16 gaming options, before heading to the bar for a range of futuristic-themed drinks.

• Entertainment Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Zoku is one of the most quirky bars in Soho, fronting interiors inspired by a record studio and a live DJ with unique sounds to match. As for drinks? You'll be sipping through Japanese cocktails and sake-laced drinks in no time.

• Soho ⋅ Leicester Square

Evans & Peel Detective Agency

This quirky bar near Earl's Court is inspired by Prohibition and tucked away behind a hidden door at Evans & Peel Detective Agency. Head inside to be greeted by cocktails shaken up from bootlegged liquor and plenty of live music, including jazz, swing and blues.

• Earls Court
• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Themed Bar ⋅ Entertainment Bar

Sky Garden Bars

Looking for somewhere with some of the best views of London? Sky Garden Bars offer up just that, promising jaw-dropping scenes and plenty of tasty tipples. Better yet, their range of spaces, including sky pods and terraces, mean any group can be catered for.

• Lounge Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Event Space

Bottomless and 3 other offers

Head north where this fun tiki bar whips up some of the finest cocktails on Upper Street. Most come laced with bespoke rum and fresh ingredients, but if you're looking to kick things up a notch then head to their upstairs Rum Club and try your hand at mixing your own rum.

• Islington ⋅ Angel

Purgatory Bar

Monday Madness - ALL DAY HAPPY HOUR - 2 For 1 Cocktails and 3 other offers

For a high-end cocktail experience like no other, visit Purgatory Bar in Victoria. The award-winning haunt features Antoni Gaudi-inspired interiors and stonework, plus a pretty outdoor terrace with heaters when nights begin to cool. You'll find it hard to choose from such an extensive selection of creative tipples catching your eye, from the Fallen Angel to its signature old fashioned, served in a crustal dome and filler with cherrywood smoke.

• Victoria ⋅ Westminster

The Cocktail Club - Various Sites

Killer cocktails, a cracking bar team and a thriving locations across London. Yep , The Cocktail Club is good to go for a memorable night out in London. Come in, get comfy on the couches and work your way to the bottom of an expertly mixed drink. 

BAM Karaoke Box

Luxury Parisienne brand BAM Karaoke Box comes to London earning the title of 'largest karaoke venue in Europe', thanks to a whopping 10,000 square foot of space and 22 private rooms to hire. Not only can you hire a pretty in pink room to sing your heart out in, but also order French-inspired food to your own space. After all that fun? Grab drinks at two opulent cocktail bars, dance to DJs and check out the live music stage too. It's all going on here.

• Activity ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Entertainment Bar

Flight Club Shoreditch

Afternoon Fizz

One-hundred-and-eiiiiighty! Flight Club breaths a new lease of life into the UK's favourite pub game, welcoming you into their beautifully designed oches to play interactive games. Throw in some real-time scoring (there's not a chalk board in sight) and a dash of competitive spirit and you've got hours of unadulterated fun at one of the most unique bars in London.

• Shoreditch ⋅ City of London
• Party Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Entertainment Bar

The Escapologist

Happy Hour and 2 other offers

Based on the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is part Victorian men's club, part Masonic Lodge; a totally unique drinking den based on the shady exploits of the infamous Baron. Head this way for sharing cocktails and cheese-drenched pizzas in one of the most eye-catching basement bars in town.

• Cocktail Bar ⋅ Party Bar ⋅ Event Space

The King's Head Members Club

Hidden away beneath a derelict pub in Shoreditch is The King's Head Members Club, boasting an eclectic array of taxidermy scattered amongst the opulent interiors of its private rooms, secret basement club, lounge bar and restaurant. This quirky spot also has some of the best entertainment drop by, including Basque shows, DJ lead parties, live music and more.

• East London ⋅ Shoreditch
• Members Bar ⋅ VIP Bar/Club ⋅ Speakeasy

Albert's Schloss London

The Bavarian bier palace Albert's Schloss can be found in London's dazzling West End, bringing Alpine chic and a wunderbar drinks list to town. Inside you'll find everything from burning log fires to wooden decking reminiscent of a cosy lodge, as well as an array of mouthwatering food, like gooey fondue and bratwurst sausages. Check out this haunt's incredible entertainment lineup and enjoy some of its signature tipples, such as the Chuckleberry Forest Spritz, made with Absolut Wild Berri and apple juice.

• Entertainment Bar ⋅ Restaurant ⋅ Restaurant Bar

Ballie Ballerson London

For a quirky bar fronting a glowing ball pit, bottomless brunch and retro-inspired cocktails, Ballie Ballerson Shoreditch is one hot spot. Whether you head on over with your gal pals or on a date with a different, this is the place to cut loose.

Happy Hour 💋 and 2 other offers

Situated on Rathbone Place, Lucy Wong boasts quirky interiors and bespoke creations. Make your way into this lounge, where you'll be transported to a Hong Kong-inspired atmosphere, where you can indulge in a wide selection of Chinese cuisine. Better yet, there are also live DJs.

• Fitzrovia ⋅ Soho

The Courtesan

The Courtesan is a cool South London bar that welcomes discerning diners and drinkers to sample unusual cocktails and traditional dim sum sharing plates. Settle down with a drink in the gilded Birdcage Bar or get ready for a late night burlesque performance as you wine and dine.

• Entertainment Bar ⋅ Cocktail Bar ⋅ Restaurant

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51+ Best Pubs in London: a Visitor’s Guide (2024)

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Pub culture is one of the staples of London life, and the best London pubs are a must-visit.

Whether you meet at the pub with friends for a drink or you have a casual work meeting or you’re there to celebrate a special occasion, it’s been said that a pub is a British person’s living room, meaning that it’s here that they hang out and entertain.

You’ll find a pub on almost every corner in London, and by all means you should explore the ones local to your accommodation and try some out as part of your London bucketlist .

If you want to check out some of the most notable pubs in London, I’ve compiled a list of some of the top pubs in London and some of the most highly rated pubs in London for visitors.

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1. The Churchill Arms

This pub named after Winston Churchill is best known for its floral arrangements that adorn the outside and the fantastically quirky interior.

I recommend it to all visitors to London as a must see London pub, and they’re always glad they went.

You can get drinks here like any normal pub, but the food they serve in the restaurant section is actually Thai food (not uncommon in some pubs), and good Thai food at that!

Address : 119 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 7LN Nearest Tube Station : Notting Hill Gate.

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2. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

If you want to feel like you’re back in olden times, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is for you.

Located on Fleet Street, this pub has been standing since just after the Great Fire of London and serves up pub classics like pie and fish and chips.

Take some time to explore the interior and appreciate the history of all of the historic Londoners who would have walked through its doors.

Address: 145 Fleet St, London EC4A 2BU Nearest Tube Station : St. Paul’s Cathedral

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3. The Mayflower

It’s a bit out of the way of Central London, but this pub is a wonderful place to make an evening trip and enjoy riverside views and great food.

Named for the ship that Christopher Columbus sailed on, there is a pub downstairs and a restaurant upstairs so you can either get just drinks or food and drinks.

The views from the terrace are excellent, and it’s easily accessible from central London without too much headache.

It’s also not right in the middle of tourist central, which means you’ll get a great pub and a more local vibe.

Address: 117 Rotherhithe St, Rotherhithe, London SE16 4NF Nearest Tube Station: Canada Water.

4. Earl of Essex

The name alone is enough to draw visitors in, but the Earl of Essex is particularly known for its beer selection.

The brews offered range from local beers to those from around the world, and the daily offers are on a sign on the wall when you walk in.

Address: 25 Danbury St, Islington, London N1 8LE Nearest Tube Station : Angel

5. The Carpenters Arms

If you’re based in East London, dip into The Carpenters Arms which has a ton of London history.

It used to be owned by the mother of Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who were notorious London criminals and gang members back in the day.

But don’t worry, the pub isn’t as seedy as it’s history would suggest and today is a relaxing place to visit that has the feel of a traditional London pub.

Address: 73 Cheshire St, London E2 6EG Nearest Tube Station: Whitechapel

6. The Volunteer Baker Street

If you’re headed to the Baker Street or Regents Park area, whether for the Sherlock Holmes museum or to explore Regents Park, I would recommend The Volunteer as a nice family friendly pub that offers easy access to both of those attractions and is a great place to hang out for a bit.

Address: 245-247 Baker St, Marylebone, London NW1 6XE Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street

7. The Harp

If you want a traditional pub in the Covent Garden area, this pub has 2 floors and features beautiful interior architecture like stained glass and dark wood.

Try the real ale or get sausages and mash for an authentic London experience. The prices are good and the staff friendly!

Address: 47 Chandos Pl, Charing Cross, London WC2N 4HS

8. The BlackFriar

This pub on Queen Victoria Street has its history as a friary (hence the name) and is lauded by locals as one of the most beautiful pubs inside, as well as having tons of history and a monk statue that sits outside.

Try the cask ales, as well as the afternoon tea in this sophisticated dining location.

Address: 174 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4EG

9. The Holly Tree in Forest Gate

This refurbished pub is a favorite among locals!

The Holly Tree is best known for the beautiful garden in the back.

Since it’s heated, you can enjoy it year-round!

The garden also houses a miniature railway that you can ride around on for fun.

While kids are allowed, there are also kids-free zones for adults to enjoy a relaxing pint.

With 25 rotating craft beers, you can always find something unique and delicious to drink when you visit!

Their menu boasts a variety of unique items so you can try something exciting if you need a bite to eat.

Address: 141 Dames Road, London E7 0DZ England Nearest Tube Station: Wanstead Park Rail Station

10. The Boelyn in Upton Park

The Boelyn Tavern has recently been reopened.

It was restored to best remind us of its former Victorian glory.

When you visit, you may feel as if you stepped back in time!

It’s divided into seven bars so that each area feels cozy.

Each of these bars has something special that sets it apart from the others so you may want to return several times.

The menu at the Boelyn Tavern boasts several vegan and gluten-free options for anyone who follows those diets.

With the extensive drink menu, you’ll find that there’s something for everyone!

Address: 1 Barking Rd, London E6 1PW Nearest Tube Station: Upton Park Underground Station

11. The Punch Tavern on Fleet Street

Named in the 1840s, the Punch Tavern was named for the employees from Punch Magazine who often came here to grab a drink.

Originally a Gin Palace, this tavern has been refurbished to maintain some of its original charms.

If gin is your drink of choice, you will be pleased to know that they still have an extensive gin menu in addition to their many other drinks.

With trivia night on Tuesdays and special deals throughout the week, there are many reasons to visit the Punch Tavern! 

Address: 99 Fleet St, London EC4Y 1DE Nearest Tube Station: Bus stop, City Thameslink Rail Station

12. The Eagle in Shepherd’s Bush

The Eagle in Shepherd’s Bush has a cozy atmosphere that encourages guests to stay awhile.

The beautiful outdoor garden is heated so you can enjoy it year-round.

They also have canopies so it won’t rain on your parade!

They host many events, some weekly and some seasonally.

You can even host your own event if you book one of their huts.

They have an impressive menu but are best known for their burger shack.

If you love a good burger, you will not leave hungry.

Address: 215 Askew Rd, London W12 9AZ Nearest Tube Station : Stamford Brook Underground Station

13. Famous Three Kings in West Kensington

Voted Sports Pub of the Year five years running, Famous Three Kings is a popular pub.

This family-friendly pub is a great place to watch sports.

You can even play a game of pool while you visit.

Book a bottomless brunch on the weekend to ensure that you have the best brunch experience imaginable!

In addition to brunch foods, the menu is quite extensive.

Most of the foods are popular pub foods that would go great with your drink.

They also have a lot of drinks to choose from! If you like gin, you can experiment with a different drink by trying the “Gin Lab Experience.”

Address: 171 North End Rd, London W14 9AE Nearest Tube Station: West Kensington Underground Station

14. Porterhouse in Covent Garden

One of the biggest bars in London, the Porterhouse has a lot to offer.

If you prefer an intimate setting, just find a seat in one of the mezzanine areas!

With dozens of beers to choose from, you don’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll have something you like.

If you really don’t want beer, they also have spirits and cocktails.

You can almost always catch live music on the weekends.

They even have live music on weeknights sometimes, too.

The Porterhouse has a simple menu that boasts classic pub foods.

Address: 21-22 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NA Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross Underground Station

15. The White Horse on Parson’s Green

Sometimes called the Sloaney Pony, the White Horse is one of London’s finest pubs.

This iconic pub is located on the edge of Parson’s Green. 

The classy pub has combined both Victorian and modern decor to make the dining room appealing to visitors. 

The upscale menu boasts delicious food items that utilize high-quality ingredients.

This is a great place for a celebration!

Come on Fizz Friday to share a discounted bottle of Veuve Clicquot with your friends.

Address: 1-3 Parsons Grn, London SW6 4UL Nearest Tube Station: Parsons Green

16. The Jackalope

Originally founded in 1777, the Jackalope is a classic London mews pub.

Its most distinguishing feature is the “secret” noodle bar downstairs.

Chongqing noodles are spicy noodles made fresh at the Jackalope daily.

With 4 casks and 14 kegs, you can also choose from a variety of beers.

The Jackalope also offers outdoor seating which creates a relaxing atmosphere.

Address: 43 Weymouth Mews, London W1G 7EQ Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

17. The Windsor Castle

The Windsor Castle Pub is located within walking distance of Windsor Castle.

If you find yourself visiting Windsor Castle, this will be a great place to grab a drink and some food.

This gastropub is a traditional English pub that even the locals enjoy!

When you eat here you will feel like royalty.

This is because of the service and the impressive menu. No matter what you order, you can expect it to be delicious.

Address: 98 Kings Rd, Windsor SL4 2AP Nearest Tube Station: St. James’s Park

18. The Mitre at Lancaster Gate

While the Mitre at Lancaster Gate is a great place to catch a game, it’s also a classy joint.

You can enjoy a nice meal while watching your favorite sports team. 

The best part about this restaurant is that it’s home to Old Mary’s Cocktail Bar.

Located below the pub in the Dickensian basement is a bar named for the resident ghost.

Supposedly Mary was found murdered here and still haunts the place.

Address: 24 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gate, London W2 3QH Nearest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate

19. The Victoria in Paddington

The Victoria is a historic pub that is both family and dog friendly!

Their menu is full of hearty yet sophisticated food items.

You’ll be excited to try something new when you visit!

When you walk in, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

The gorgeous interior resembles a past time. Guests also agree that it is quite cozy.

Trivia fans will want to visit on a Tuesday night.

Every Tuesday, Victoria hosts a quiz night.

Address: 10A Strathearn Pl, Tyburnia, London W2 2NH Nearest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate

20. The John Snow

Named for John Snow, this public house commemorates history.

John Snow was a doctor who noticed a pattern in cholera outbreaks.

He found a few water pumps that had supposedly been contaminated–one was by this pub.

John Snow also noticed that pub workers weren’t dying of cholera.

He suspected that this was because they drank beer instead of contaminated water. 

If you’ve ever needed a reason to grab a pint, that sounds like a good one!

Visit this bar with a historic ambiance to enjoy a drink and learn some history.

Address: 39 Broadwick St, Carnaby, London W1F 9QJ Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus

21. The Crown & Two Chairman

The Crown and Two Chairmen is a cozy pub with a quirky vibe.

Many locals visit regularly!

They offer traditional British pub food.

They also have an extensive drinks list.

Whether you prefer beer, wine, soda, or a cocktail, you’ll find something you love.

This pub focuses on sustainability.

Only 4% of their waste goes to a landfill and all their energy sources are renewable.

They also distribute extra food to those in need!

Address: 31-32 Dean St, Greater, London W1D 3SB Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

22. The Coach & Horses in Soho

The Coach and Horses is a historic pub in Soho.

Many people frequent this pub to have meaningful conversations with other creative thinkers. 

Order a beer or a classic drink and dive into a deep conversation with an old friend or a new one! Head upstairs to grab a bite at the vegan restaurant.

One downside of this restaurant is that it’s always busy.

But that means people love it! 

Address: 29 Greek St, London W1D 5DH Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

23. The Builder’s Arms

Located in the heart of Kensington, The Builder’s Arms is an innovative British pub that you’ll love!

Their seasonal menu is always changing.

That means you can try something new and delicious every time you visit!

They pride themselves on serving authentic British food to everyone who walks through the door.

They also have an extensive drink menu.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, you can find it here.

Since the Builder’s Arms dates back to the 1800s, you’ll find period influences throughout the restaurant.

This is the perfect way to end a day in Kensington.

Address: 1 Kensington Ct Pl, Greater, London W8 5BJ Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road

24. The Anglesea Arms

Originally a garden and nursery from the early 18th century, the Anglesea Arms has a rich history. 

Their culinary excellence earned them a 1 AA Rosette.

You’ll definitely want to try one of the traditional British menu items they offer!

With special events for many holidays, a lot of guests come here for special occasions.

The classy and cozy atmosphere is perfect for celebrating with a few close friends.

Address: 15 Selwood Terrace, South Kensington, London SW7 3QG Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington

25. The Queen’s Arms in Kensington

This hidden gem is one of the prettiest mews pubs in the region.

The Queens Arms in Kensington is a great place to meet with your friends and family.

This restaurant dates to the 1800s and still features Georgian architecture from its original building. 

Serving classic pub food, the Queens Arms has many options for people with different diets.

This is another reason why it’s a great place for a group dinner!

Address: 30 Queen’s Gate Mews, Greater, South Kensington, London SW7 5QL Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road

26. Doggett’s Coat and Bridge

Named for Thomas Doggett, Doggett’s Coat and Badge is located on the River Thames. Doggett organized the London Bridge to Chelsea rowing race.

This sporting event is supposedly London’s oldest.

This leads to interesting history and gorgeous views at Dogget’s Coat and Badge.

This pub is especially known for its pies and its gin palace.

Stop here for a drink or some food while enjoying a view of the River Thames.

Address: 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1 9UD Nearest Tube Station: Blackfriars

27. The Black Dog

The Black Dog Freehouse is especially known for using fresh seasonal ingredients in its kitchen.

Their ingredients are so fresh that the menu changes daily!

You can expect to find a wide variety of traditional British foods that feature local ingredients.

The restaurant has a vibe as fresh as its food.

When you visit here, the staff and the atmosphere will help to refresh your mood.

Address: 112 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5ER Nearest Tube Station: Vauxhall

28. The White Hart on New Cross Road

In 2017, the White Hart was restored to its former glory.

It’s a great place to enjoy a local brew and some live music.

They also have options to buy food and drink online.

This is great if you want to support a local business without actually sitting in a restaurant!

They serve typical pub grub as well as popular Mexican foods.

On Sundays, you can enjoy a traditional Sunday roast meal.

Address: 184 New Cross Road, SE14 5AA Nearest Tube Station: New Cross Gate

29. The Alexandra Wimbledon

The Alexandra Wimbledon is a great place to watch sports.

However, if you don’t love the loud atmosphere of a sports bar, you can head up to the Lounge Bar.

This is a cozy area where you can grab a drink in a more relaxing environment.

They also have the Green Bar which allows you to soak in the sunshine.

Or you could sit in the Loft which allows you access to fresh air.

There’s an environment for everyone!

They serve the typical British pub food, but their menu changes as their ingredients do.

This is because they use fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Address: 33 Wimbledon Hill Rd, London SW19 7NE Nearest Tube Station: Wimbledon

30. The Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden

The Lamb and Flag was a favorite of Charles Dickens.

Both tourists and locals love to visit!

If you stop by, you can learn about some of the scandalous history that took place at this address.

You can enjoy live jazz on the last Sunday of each month.

You can also bring your family or your dog!

The menu boasts traditional British foods that will surely fill your belly and soul.

Their rotating drinks include a wide variety of options.

Address: 33 Rose St, London WC2E 9EB Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Square

31. The Hand and Shears

The Hand and Shears is located in the heart of Smithfield.

There are many things to do in the are to work up an appetite!

It has been around for over 500 years, making it one of the oldest pubs in the UK.

The current building was built in 1852 and has hardly changed since then.

As you can imagine, a pub of this age is full of interesting history.

Today, you can get an award-winning pork pie, exclusive beer, and traditional bar snacks.

Address: 1 Middle St, Barbican, London EC1A 7JA Nearest Tube Station: Barbican

32. The Lord Clyde

Rebuilt in 1913, the Lord Clyde is a gastropub with a courtyard garden.

The atmosphere draws in repeat customers.

It was named for a field marshall who won many awards during the 19th century.

You can find bits about Lord Clyde’s life here.

You can also learn some other historic trivia while visiting.

When you visit, you’ll want to try one of their pies.

Don’t forget to look at their drink list to find something new! 

This is a great place to catch the game, as well.

Address: 340-342 Essex Rd, London N1 3PB Nearest Tube Station: Canonbury

33. The George (near Borough High Street)

The George offers a wide variety of menu items.

You’ll find some classic pub food.

You’ll also find some delicious options that aren’t at many other pubs.

They also have a great wine list.

Wine lovers will love trying some of the options here.

This pub dates back to the 17th century and has been mentioned by Charles Dickens.

It has a charm that has been present for over 300 years!

The George has DJs come fairly regularly.

It’s a great place to listen to fun music with your friends!

Address: 75 Borough High St, London SE1 1NH Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

34. Cittie of Yorke

Often voted as one of the best ‘ye old pubs’ in London, the Citte of York is a charming pub from the 1920s with a noticeable old world feel.

Walking in, you’ll notice a quiet brooding vibe thanks to the lack of music, but you’ll soon find that it adds to the atmosphere of this stately venue.

With its arched cavernous roof and traditional Tudor English decor, you’ll half expect a knight to waltz through the door and join you for a pale ale.

If you like your beers with a side of history, this is a pub worth adding to your London itinerary.

35. The Holy Tavern

Set in a 1720s building, this pub has been serving up ales and fruit beers to locals and eager travelers since the mid-1990s.

With its intimate booths and cozy seating arrangements, this pub is much loved for a quiet place to enjoy a refreshing beverage or light meal.

During your visit, keep an eye out for the blue and white painted tiles, the artwork of the changing seasons and delightfully warm fireplace.

If you happen to visit on a Tuesday, you’ll enjoy a candlelit experience with a bottle of wine and cheese and charcuterie board for a very reasonable price.

36. The Old Bank of England

Housed in the old Bank of England Law Courts, this ornate pub is set in one of the most stunning and architecturally splendid buildings in London.

Due to its historical significance, this is a popular place for locals to bring visitors.

Stop in for a beer or fish and chips and you’ll see why.

Before heading out, take a quick detour to the back of the building where you’ll find a whole double decker bus, complete with additional seating, making for a classic London experience.

37. The Cross Keys in Chelsea

For a gastropub experience where the focus is shared equally between the food and beer, you’ll want to consider The Cross Keys in Chelsea.

Serving up a unique take on European and British cuisine, the menu includes fresh and delicious fare, an impressive range of beers and cider, all served up amongst elegant historic surroundings.

If you’re feeling full after the meal, you’re only a hop away from the Thames riverside.

A stroll along the river can be an ideal way to top off the afternoon.

38. The Ship & Shovell

Centrally located but still tucked away, just a few minutes away from Trafalgar Square is where you’ll find this traditional London pub.

With a full pub menu, including steak, burgers and fish and chips, the Ship & Shovell makes for a wholesome stop before the theatre or after a busy day exploring the streets of central London.

There are also a number of vegetarian options available.

A fun fact about this pub is that it spans both sides of the street and is joined by an underground passage, which houses both the kitchen and cellar.

39. The Clarence

If you’ve spent the morning walking around Westminster or trying to get a glimpse of 10 Downing Street, you’ve definitely earnt a stop at the classic London pub, the Clarence.

This light and airy pub is a testament to all things British, with its London themed wallpaper, tartan decor and traditional British menu.

The Ploughman’s Lunch is a hearty meal that makes for a great way to sample several of the house specialties and the fish and chips are highly rated amongst visitors.

It’s also a dog friendly pub, so keep an eye out for a thirsty pooch.

40. The Grenadier

Tucked away behind the glamourous high end designer stores of Knightsbridge is a compact former officers’ mess with grenadier-themed décor and delicious pub meals.

This pub might be small in space but it makes up for its cosy size with its abundantly warm and friendly service.

A common stomping ground for locals and students thanks to its laid back atmosphere, this is a great way to sample London’s iconic cozy pub scene.

As you tuck into your meal, flick an eye up to the paper money covered ceiling and to the military themed artwork peppered around the walls.

41. Spread Eagle

A classic British pub so close to Oxford Circus?

Oxford Street may have its own charm, but it’s not the locale most people would expect to find a traditional Victorian pub that is genuinely homely and comforting.

Spread Eagle also shows a number of sporting matches, so if you’re looking for a central spot to grab a pint whilst watching the football, there’s likely to be no better place for a lively atmosphere in the heart of London’s busiest shopping district.

42. The Three Tuns

Tucked away in the quiet yet centrally located Portman Mews is where you’ll find a splendid local favourite, the Three Tuns.

Serving up all the traditional hits from fish and chips, to bangers and mash, this is the place to come when you’re looking for a genuine British pub experience.

The dimly lit interiors and cozy seating all add to an intimate atmosphere and it’s the perfect place to while away a few hours with a friend or even by yourself, before stumbling back out onto the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.

43. The Iron Duke

The Iron Duke may be located in swish Mayfair, but it’s still got a charming and family-friendly atmosphere that gives it a place on this list of best pubs in London.

The pub can get busy, especially when a game is showing, so it’s best suited to smaller groups.

The walls are also decorated with boots and other memorabilia related to the duke, making for interesting and quirky décor.

Just a note that the pub doesn’t serve food, so best to get a dinner nearby and pop in to The Iron Duke for a drink afterwards.

44. The Guinea Grill

Alternatively, if you’re looking for another Mayfair pub that is known for serving up excellent and hearty meals, you’ll want to consider The Guinea Grill.

Whilst the venue might technically be considered a pub, it’s well known amongst locals for specializing in premium grass-fed Scotch beef steaks and top quality service.

The sides also come highly rated, so be sure to save some space for them. The Guinness is also worth a try at this classy establishment.

It might be a pub but it does serve some well-heeled locals, so consider this as an option when you feel like dressing up a little.

45. The Footman

Another Mayfair institution is the spacious and elegant pub known as The Footman.

Spread over three floors, with the ground floor being the most laid back whilst the two dining rooms upstairs offer a more formal dining atmosphere.

The building itself is built in a traditional style of bare brick and is located down a quiet alley, all adding to its quiet elegance.

With leather coated booths and top quality service, this is a pub you’ll want to visit when you’re in a celebratory mood or for an intimate dinner.

From the menu, the Sunday roast is highly rated by visitors and the Guinness is a popular choice of beverage.

46. The Sussex Arms

For a buzzy and vibrant pub experience that feels a world away from the classic wood paneling and pale ales, you’ll want to check out The Sussex Arms.

Recently renovated to don an aviation theme, this is a great pub to try in the heart of Paddington for a fun night out.

Don’t be scared off by the neon lights, the splashings of colour or modern art, this pub is still known for serving up classic pub food, with fish and chips and burgers featuring prominently on the menu.

The Sussex Arms also shows a number of live matches, so check the schedule if you’re hoping to catch a game in the midst of a buzzing atmosphere.

47. Duke of York Gastro Pub

Somewhat hidden away behind mysterious Marylebone lies the relaxed yet charming Duke of York Gastro Pub.

This pub is known for its traditional style of food and drinks and the easy outdoor sitting area, which makes it perfect for a sunny afternoon lunch or tipple.

The menu has bar snacks along with burgers and a traditional Sunday roast.

The drinks menu also has a full cocktail list, along with soft drinks and mocktails.

If you’re visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds or The Regent’s Park, you’ll find the Duke of York to be just a short (and worthwhile) stroll away.

48. Duke of Kendal

The Duke of Kendal is a more modern style of pub compared to many of the others on this list, with dark wood furnishings and a more minimal layout.

But despite the modern setting, the menu is traditional and delicious, with a classic roast plus gourmet bar snacks such as baked camembert.

Despite its proximity to Marble Arch and Hyde Park, the pub is still a bit of a hidden gem, meaning you can likely get a table upon walking in.

The pub does show live sports on its large screen, so if your visit happens to coincide with a popular game, you might have to wait a few minutes for a seat and service. 

49. Devonshire Arms

The Devonshire Arms is a quaint pub, just a few blocks away from the buzz of Oxford Street.

The pub prides itself on having an independent wine list, so it can be a great way to sample some drops from top independent winemakers.

There are also four cask ales, cold beer and a lunchtime pie menu.

There are also options available for vegetarians and vegans.

For a compact pub not too far from the chaos of London’s busiest shopping street, this small but mighty pub packs a punch.

50. The Grazing Goat Marylebone

The Grazing Goat is a boutique hotel with a pub that has an excellent, sharing style feasting menu.

Whether you’re staying in one of the cozy hotel rooms upstairs or simply stopping in for a dinner, the restaurant serves up delicious, homely cuisine including fish and chips, steak and roast.

For dessert, there’s a delectable menu of hot chocolate pudding, baked cheesecake or a cheese platter of British cheese and quince.

If you are staying at the hotel, it’s also reputed to serve an excellent full English breakfast.

51. Marlborough Arms

This traditional pub is located a short distance from the British Museum, straddling the trendy suburb of Fitzrovia with classically cool Bloomsbury.

This central location makes this pub a popular place for visitors, giving it a year-round buzzing atmosphere.

The busy atmosphere can mean service takes a few minutes longer than you’d expect, but there are also board games, cards and books that can be borrowed, meaning you’ll hardly notice the time spent waiting.

The pub has a full menu, with some of the most popular menu items being the sharing platter of nachos and chicken wings.

For drinks, there is also a wide selection of craft beer and the pub hosts the occasional gin tasting.

52. Allsop Arms

Just a few minutes away from Madame Tussauds museum in Marylebone is where you’ll find a local favourite, the Allsop Arms.

This is a traditional style pub with dark paneling, exposed brick walls and Victorian era décor.

The pub has an extensive food menu, so it makes for a great dinner spot on a casual evening, feasting on some of the most popular items, including burgers, pies and mash.

Dessert changes seasonally, but you’ll likely see traditional favorites including apple pie and chocolate fudge cake.

The service is speedy and there’s a friendly pub dog and cat, so keep an eye out for the local residents.

53. King’s Head Theatre Pub

The King’s Head Theatre Pub is an intimate venue that sits below an actual working theatre.

With its old world décor and traditional service, walking in here feels like you’ve stepped back in time.

The vintage gold furnishings combined with the classic artwork on the sage green walls will truly make you feel like you’re in a traditional British pub.

There’s a roaring fireplace and a generous wine list, so grabbing a toastie from the kitchen menu, a glass of delicious red wine and cozying up by the fireplace makes for a wonderful way to spend an evening in London.

54. Lord Wargrave

The Lord Wargrave is a Victorian style pub with a fully stocked bar and a first rate malt whisky list.

Priding itself on its top class barbeque, beers and whiskey, this pub is a great option if you’re in the mood for a hearty meal and strong liquor. 

The food menu is varied and extensive, although the specialties include barbeque ribs and dirty chips, which come topped with pulled pork and pickles.

If you’re not sure what to order, ask for the Chef’s Platter which includes a variety of the house favorites.

Plan to finish the meal with a glass of whiskey and you’ll have a thoroughly enjoyable evening out in Marylebone.

55. The Old Bell Pub

The Old Bell Tavern is a truly historical pub, built by Christopher Wren (the architect best known for designing St Paul’s Cathedral) for housing his masons in the 17th century.

The stained glass windows, leather booths and rich colors add to the classic vibe and are all complemented by an excellent traditional food and drinks menu.

From lighter bar snacks to a full and hearty meal of burgers, pies and fish and chips, you’ll find a range of menu items to nibble on.

If you have limited time in London but want to experience a traditional English pub with history, a classic British menu and warm and friendly hospitality, the Old Bell is an ideal place to visit.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

• 45 Things to Do in London at Night
• 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
• 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
• 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
• 23 Best London Tours
• 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
• 21 Best Castles Near London
• 15 Best London Hotels
• 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
• 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
• 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
• 25 Best London Museums
• 33 Free Things to Do in London
• 21 Best London Markets
• 21 Best London Apps
• 35 Best Restaurants in London
• 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
• 25 Best Art Museums in London
• 17 Famous London Filming Locations
• 25 Best Places to Shop in London
• 35 Best Day Trips from London
• 31 Best Parks in London
• 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
• 27 Best Views in London
• 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
• 29 Best London Cinemas
• 29 Best Things to Buy in London
• 41 Things to Do in London Alone
• 16 Best London AirBnbs

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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• United Kingdom
• The 20 Best Pubs In...

The Best Must-Visit Pubs in London

The pub is a Great British institution – and London is a testament to that. Some 3,500 pubs line the capital’s streets, from centuries-old watering holes to modern Michelin-starred gastropubs. Planning to visit London and have a pub tour? Here’s our pick of the best from around the city.

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The Auld Shillelagh

London’s most authentic Irish pub – in trendy Stoke Newington, one of north London’s liveliest hubs – prides itself on pouring the best Guinness in the capital. Run by an Irish landlord, the Auld Shillelagh hosts live music every Friday from its resident trad band, who’ve been performing here for more than 15 years. Enjoy sports on multiple big screens, or head out to the suntrap of a beer garden in summer.

Ye Olde Mitre

Ye Olde Mitre , hidden down a tiny alleyway off Hatton Garden, might be a challenge to find – but it’s worth the hunt. This slice of London history dates back to 1546 when it marked the boundary of the Bishop of Ely’s land; note the cherry tree in the small courtyard that Queen Elizabeth I once danced around. Sip on an award-winning beer or a pint of London Pride, accompanied by a pork pie, while soaking up the pub’s old-worldly feel, with oak panelling and stained-glass windows.

Bradley’s Spanish Bar

There’s nothing pretentious about Bradley’s Spanish Bar , despite its prime location on a cut-through between Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. Expect a bold red-and-yellow exterior, shabby-chic decor and loyal regulars drinking pints of San Miguel and Estrella Damm. Head down to the basement level for ’70s and ’80s tunes on the retro jukebox, and don’t forget to try Bradley’s signature tequila sangrita – a shot of tequila chased with a shot of spicy tomato juice.

Cask Pub & Kitchen

Craft-beer aficionado? You’ll love Cask Pub & Kitchen , which stocks more than 25 drafts and 300 bottled beers from all over the world. Billed as “London’s permanent beer festival”, the pub and its owners are committed to keeping the cask-ale tradition alive in the UK and are constantly rotating their beer selection. On Sundays, the Pimlico pub is crammed with beer fans who come for the hearty roast dinners and live folk music, featuring acoustic bluegrass and Irish musicians.

The Coach & Horses

This skinny Tudor-style pub, on Mayfair’s prestigious Bruton Street, dates back to the 1770s when horses and carriages ruled the streets of London. The pub is thought to be the area’s oldest surviving tavern. Now run by the Greene King brand, the Grade II-listed Coach and Horses retains its ancient charm with stained-glass windows, original cellars and wooden furnishings. Try one of the rotational cask ales with some proper pub food, be it a pie or bangers and mash.

Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Themed after the fictional Victorian explorer Phileas Fogg, this traditional tavern offers bags of charm. In the heart of Covent Garden, the pub is stuffed with 19th-century artefacts supposedly gathered from Fogg’s 80-day journey around the world. The off-beat decor is complemented by rare gins, tankards of ale and Phileas’s fruity alcoholic punches, which are perfect for summer afternoons in the outdoor seating area. Dishes include sausage rolls or burgers with chips, with vegan alternatives available.

The Churchill Arms

This Kensington institution, named after the famous former prime minister, dates back to 1750; it was even a regular haunt of Winston Churchill’s grandparents in the 1800s. Inside, you’ll find open fires, a selection of ales, Churchill memorabilia and strangely, superb Thai food served in the butterfly-themed conservatory. The historic pub is known for its rowdy annual celebrations that commemorate Churchill’s birthday and its incredible flower displays covering the pub’s exterior, which have won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The French House

The French House, a Soho bastion, is as sophisticated as it sounds, offering fine dining in its wood-panelled upstairs restaurant. Its Michelin-recommended menu is ever-changing, boasting a range of gourmet seafood and meat dishes and an extensive wine list and champagne. It also has a no music, TV or phone policy. It has been a staple for bohemians and creatives over the years, including Dylan Thomas, Francis Bacon and Charles de Gaulle.

The Grenadier

If you like a good ghost story, get yourself down to the Grenadier in swanky Belgravia. Once an officers’ mess, the pub is supposedly haunted by a soldier called Cedric, who was beaten to death after cheating at cards. Today, money from visitors seeking to pay off Cedric’s debt covers the cellar’s ceiling. Aside from its spooky history, the Grenadier is famous for its traditional English pub grub, which includes beef wellington and toffee pudding, along with its wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.

The Pineapple

Built in 1868, the Pineapple is a typical London boozer, complete with Victorian brass decor, fireplaces and a compact-yet-sunny beer garden. The pub is cherished by Kentish Town residents, who successfully campaigned to save the Grade II-listed building from demolition in 2002. There’s a distinct community vibe at the Pineapple, with regular quiz nights, cheese Thursdays and excellent Thai street food. Try a range of organic ciders and beers, real ales and wines.

The Spaniards Inn

A stop-off at the historic Spaniards Inn, mentioned in Dickens’s The Pickwick Papers (1836), is the best way to round-off a walk around Hampstead Heath. While this pub has the feeling of a country inn (and is especially cosy in winter), it’s very much a part of the city. Its selection of cask ales rotates regularly, and you’ll have plenty of options to pair with its gastropub food offerings.

In East London, the Marksman was the first pub in the city to earn the title of Michelin Pub of the Year in 2017. As you might imagine, it’s big on quality food and alcohol, serving classic British fare and knockout Sunday roasts. It boasts a traditional wood-panelled bar area and an upstairs dining room.

Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

Sitting inside a Grade II-listed public house, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is no less than a Fleet Street institution, having stood on its plot since being rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in the 1600s. It’s best known for hosting literary folk such as Dickens. Explore the many nooks and crannies of this historic pub before enjoying a pint or two of Sam Smiths.

Harwood Arms

The Harwood Arms , co-owned by Brett Graham of the Ledbury, holds a Michelin star for its top-notch menu and wines. The pub is known for using the best ingredients from top suppliers, including game when it’s in season, while its wine list is nothing short of extensive.

Lamb and Flag

Given its prime location in Covent Garden, the Lamb and Flag can get very busy – but it’s worth putting up with the crowds because it’s a real gem of a pub. It has a rich history, including a reputation for bare-knuckle brawling in the 19th century. As well as plenty of ales and beers behind the bar, it has a strong whisky collection.

The Mayflower

The Mayflower , the oldest pub on the Thames, is a quintessential English pub. Expect old church pews and a charming interior, complete with a terrace overlooking the river. Meanwhile, you can see where the Mayflower was moored in 1620 before sailing towards the south coast and eventually to America.

Earl of Essex

Head to Islington’s Earl of Essex if you’re serious about beer. This Georgian pub is well stocked with craft beers – whether in bottles, casks or kegs. The day’s brews are listed on the wall, including local and international varieties.

While the Harp may look small from the outside, it has a lot of beer and cider behind its stained-glass windows. In addition to its 10 handpumps, the pub also serves guest brews, ciders and perries from around the country. It does have bar snacks, but the alcohol comes first at this drinker’s pub.

Blythe Hill Tavern

Blythe Hill Tavern , between Forest Hill and Catford, is a traditional Victorian pub loved for its relaxed atmosphere, garden and streaming of sports. With open fires and live traditional Irish music, anticipate a very friendly welcome and a vast cider selection.

The Carpenters Arms

The Carpenters Arms has quite the history – it’s affiliated with notorious East London gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who bought it for their mother in 1967. Today, it boasts a much more relaxing vibe, but it gets busy on the weekends. The beer selection is wonderfully varied, with lots of bottles joining those on tap.

The Holy Tavern

Looking at the interior design, which features centuries-old furnishings, you’d think Clerkenwell’s Holy Tavern has been around for a similar amount of time. However, it’s only been a pub since the 1990s. It’s run by the folks behind St Peter’s Brewery in Suffolk, so you’ll find its range of beers behind the bar, including fruity brews.

Crown & Anchor

Brixton’s Crown & Anchor , sister to the Jolly Butchers in Stoke Newington, prides itself on its beer selection. It features many brewers from across the country, while new beers pop up regularly. Its beers, ciders and ales are also used in the kitchen, cropping up across the classic pub grub food menu.

The Southampton Arms

Come to the Southampton Arms in Highgate if you like old-fashioned pubs. It doesn’t like taking phone calls, reservations or card payments, so you’ll need to bring cash. The beers and ciders come from independent breweries across the UK, including Burning Sky, Howling Hops and Five Points; it also serves delicious charcuterie boards.

People’s Park Tavern

Not only does the People’s Park Tavern look out onto Victoria Park, but it also has a massive beer garden of its own, which is the main pull of the pub. It’s often full on the weekends, and there is always something going on – think crazy golf outside, barbecues, quiz nights and live music.

The Scarsdale Tavern

In a beautiful part of Kensington, the Scarsdale Tavern offers respite from the busy surrounding shopping streets. There’s a brilliant selection of real ales, while fans of modern British fare will enjoy the braised hunks of meat, pies, pickled eggs and scotch eggs.

Cat & Mutton

Cat & Mutton , at the top of Broadway Market, always has a steady flow of people coming in and out, thanks to its great atmosphere. Luckily, there is plenty of space, both upstairs and downstairs, along with benches out on the street. It often has local brews on tap at the copper-topped bar, along with a great cocktail list.

The Sun of Camberwell

The Sun of Camberwell is a real hit with the area’s residents. It boasts drinking areas outside in the front and back, along with a spacious and eclectically designed interior bar. Expect modern British gastropub fare and strong drinks.

The George Inn

The 17th-century George Inn , protected by the National Trust, is the capital’s last surviving galleried coaching inn. It’s possible that Shakespeare drank here – although it has been rebuilt since his time. Take your drinks and sit out in the courtyard during summer evenings.

The Faltering Fullback

The Faltering Fullback , an Irish pub in Stroud Green, is loved for its beer garden, Thai food menu and TVs that broadcast sports. It’s also well known for its eclectic design inspiration, with lots of knick-knacks hanging from the ceiling and adorning the walls.

The Dove , smack bang on the River Thames, has a pretty unbeatable location along with a rich history. Charles II used to frequent the pub with his mistress Nell Gwyn, and James Thompson composed Rule Britannia on the premises. As it’s owned by Fuller’s, you can find many of its cask ales on tap, alongside guest beers and an extensive wine list.

Amy Blyth contributed additional reporting to this article.

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The Bar Hit List: The Best New Bars In London

photo credit: Bennie Curnow

Heidi Lauth Beasley, Daisy Meager & Sinéad Cranna

March 30, 2023

There are a lot of good places to drink in London. Candlelit taverns, slick hotel bars, your mate’s tiny garden where the local tabbies like to hang out while you sip the world’s strongest margarita. But sometimes you want somewhere better than good. Sometimes you want somewhere great that has the added shiny bonus of being brand spanking new. Introducing our bar hit list, a one-stop list of the new London drinking spots that we’ve tried and can’t shut up about. Bottoms up.

photo credit: James Wise

Equal Parts

Equal Parts exudes easygoing charm, even just from a peek through the pretty, green-tiled exterior’s windows. Candlelight flickering behind the steamy windows draws you in like a moth to a cocktail-fuelled flame. The bar on a corner of Hackney Road strikes the same cosy-classy balance as Sager + Wilde , its sibling wine spot down the road. Incredibly flattering lighting is your best friend, and the lively atmosphere is crafted from a mix of vinyl playing and glasses clinking. The drinks are something special too—olive oil vodka, fino sherry, and tomato combine to make a savoury, light cocktail that we can’t stop thinking about. And it turns out salt really does make everything taste better when it comes to their negroni. Special shoutout to the excellent glassware—we stan a high-quality highball.

Chic but comfortable, and cool but not trying too hard, Henny’s is a wine bar in Balham that we want to drink in but also be. The walls are deliberately, artfully slap-dash plaster—not like yours where you’ve swatched five different variations of custard—and the bar is the kind of sea green that demands relaxation. Pull up a stool, opposite the art-deco mirror, for a civilised post-work catch-up fuelled by one of the wines of the week. Towards the back is a mustard booth that curves round the corner, where larger groups order Yard Sale pizzas and tucked-away dates try bottles of something orange and hand-harvested. If you prefer a buzzy atmosphere come after 8pm, although we rate Henny’s for quiet solo drinks too.

Covent Garden

We usually avoid walking through Covent Garden’s piazza, let alone meeting there for a drink. But Stereo, a bar, live music venue, and restaurant, is worth dodging tourists, street performers, and swarms of pigeons. Descend to the moody basement and slink into one of the low leather sofas for interesting house cocktails like a bourbon, fino sherry, and amaretto number, and well-made classics. The action happens around the warmly lit, circular bar in the middle, which is ideal for a solo post-work margarita and a chat with the bartenders. Alternatively retreat to the corner for a cosy tête-à-tête, or get a spot by the stage for the nightly live music. It’s worth booking a table later in the week as people get more dressed up, the volume increases, and there’s a high chance of dancing.

photo credit: Bruno's

Bruno's

Prepare to be wooed, charmed, and seduced by Bruno’s before you even sit down. It’s from the folks behind bistro restaurant Caravel (a.k.a “London’s most alluring floating fire hazard”) and located inside the adjacent barge on the Regent’s Canal in Islington. Sink into a plush, pink velvet armchair, made for hushed tête-à-têtes over sweet rum and pineapple cocktails, or snag a high stool for a pre-dinner grapefruit-spiked negroni. The soft lighting, steamy windows, and chilled-out playlist set the mood to cosy-luxe—ideal third date territory when you want to whip out the “I know this little place” line. Equally, if there are a few of you who want a beer somewhere nicer than your local, there’s squirrelled-away, corner sofa seating under the stairs. Whoever you bring will be utterly charmed.

Common Decency

"It’s impossible to feel anything less than fabulous at Common Decency, the art deco-inspired bar underneath Covent Garden’s NoMad hotel. The soft, low lighting gave me the kind of glow that looked like I’d spent an hour at the MAC store around the corner. Throw in gold detailing, plush fringed chairs, and moody booths, and I didn’t want to leave this glamorous underground drinking den for the crowded streets above. Especially when a few cocktails down. You could request classics, but house specials hit the mark—like the kicking Szechuan Gibson or refreshing Green Muse, laced with herbal Pernod absinthe and Lillet blanc. Just know that at Common Decency, fabulous doesn’t come cheap and drinks are pricey, so save it for a special occasion when you want to get dressed up, or come for a brief bask in that fancy lighting." - Daisy Meager, Senior Editor

This spot is Permanently Closed .

“My general approach to decorating is holding an item—trinket dish, cushion, 18th-century apothecary vial—to my face and asking whether a ‘70s mystic and/or Stevie Nicks would own it. It’s for this reason that my instant and total infatuation with this Shoreditch hip hop bar makes total sense. Between the distressed walls and coming of age novels stacked above the fireplace, it screams artiste’s shag pad with the added benefit of quite silly, really quite fun cocktails. Roxanne is from the team behind Dirty Bones and you can expect rum-loaded highballs, a manzanilla house martini, and my personal favourite, the homemade boozy Vimto. It’s a great place for a cocktail before partaking in the sacred art of going out out, or just for letting off some steam in front of the DJ booth.” - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Staff Writer    

The Painter's Room

“Sometimes I like to masquerade as a socialite. Whether this narcissistic trait is borne of too much quality time with the Sidebar Of Shame or an intensely misguided reading of The Simple Life , who can say, but it is this urge for glam that saw me rocking up to Claridge’s on a Friday night. The famed hotel’s latest bar is a tiny pink hideaway that has the kind of overwhelming golden age beauty that made me check whether I had lipstick on my teeth no fewer than eight times. It’s a place for sophisticated sipping or a dressed-up birthday toast over an exceptional plum take on a Joan Collins. The coconut rum and mint wonder ‘Sapphire’ is also worth an order, but be warned that the cocktails all fall around the—checks overdraft—£20 mark so come here for a tender moment rather than a whole evening.” - HLB 

photo credit: Greg Funnell

London Bridge

“If, like me, the anxiety of ‘winter is coming’ is already setting in, get yourself to Bar Daskal. The wine and cocktail bar in Borough Yards, from the folks behind Barrafina , has Big Spanish Holiday Energy. The whitewashed walls, warm lighting, and bold artworks, combined with artfully placed knick-knacks and colour-coordinated books, give off a luxe Mediterranean B&B feel, in the best possible way. Slink into the banquette seating for date night fuelled by negronis or perch around high tables for a perfectly poured after-work Estrella. Just know that snacks like gildas and chorizo are essential and after a couple of strong spritzes, you’ll be muttering phrases like ‘costa del London Bridge’ and wondering if you too need a vintage vase stuffed with paintbrushes to bring the holiday atmosphere home." - DM

photo credit: Liam Bundy

The Umbrella Workshop

“Tucked away in a quiet mews around the corner from the chaos of Shoreditch High Street, this bar, all exposed brick and moody lighting, is tiny. But the fact it can only fit around 10 people, huddled on stools or on the coveted bench by the window, creates its intimate, in-on-a-secret charm. There’s a short, weekly-changing cocktail menu, but here’s the twist. This spot is from the folks behind The Discount Suit Company and The Sun Tavern, and serves as their spirit-soaked testing ground. So that sweet-sour pink creation topped with whipped cream or that gin-based, refreshingly herby sharpener won’t be here next week, but might appear again on one of the sister menus at a later date. You can request all the classics too but the fun really lies in chatting with the friendly bartenders to decide what creative drink to try. The walls are lined with bottles available to buy so you can keep the good times (and cocktail experiments) going back at yours after closing time.” - DM

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

“Soma is not just one of the best new bars in London, it’s one of the best bars in London. I have already been to this sultry—yes, sultry—little basement spot in Soho so many times since it opened that I now receive a warm welcome from the manager. Let’s not linger on what that says about my lifestyle and instead focus on the fact that the cocktails here are outstanding. I’m talking alcohol alchemy via the medium of curry leaf vermouth, coconut milk, and a cardamom-loaded negroni that is now my favourite cocktail in London. From the people behind Indian mini-chain Kricket, the short cocktail list remixes—nay, improves—the classics and serves them on a slick oval bar. Plus, it’s open until the early hours from Tuesday to Saturday and the service is faultless.” - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Staff Writer

photo credit: Charlie's

Charlie's

“Crisps are the key to my heart. But I was already head over heels for Charlie’s, a small, sultry basement bar off Columbia Road, before the eponymous owner placed a huge bowl of ridged ready salted next to my negroni. Located below a leather goods and furniture restoration shop (also owned by Charlie), the only sign of the bar’s existence (which is only open on Thursday nights) is a small chalkboard in the window with its name and the words: Ring Door Bell Hard. Already charmed. Descending the steps will whisk you to a different world—think moody speakeasy, dark wood-panelling (carved by Charlie), flickering candles, a handful of low stools, and a couple of seats at the bar. The menu is just as small and charming with a few St. John wines, bottles of beer, and five classic cocktails. The espresso martini and spicy mezcal margarita came out on top but honestly anything you drink will taste ten times better than usual because you’re drinking it at Charlie’s. And not just because they come with a side of crisps.” - DM    

Nightjar Carnaby

“Sometimes a cocktail can change your mind. Suddenly your date looks 40% more kissable, your dedication to going to bed before midnight dissipates, or maybe it causes you to have an epiphany about candy floss in bevs. Now, I usually do not condone this kind of silliness and tend to like my cocktails simple and bitter, like my men. But there is something about the impenetrable glamour and class of this basement speakeasy that allows you to accept that maybe you do like your boulevardier with a white chocolate sceptre. Why the hell not? Just like the original Nightjar in Shoreditch, the new Carnaby location has live music almost every night of the week but if you really want to experience the full swinging attitude, come here at the weekend. Candy floss cocktail encouraged.” - HLB  

photo credit: Below Stone Nest

Below Stone Nest

“The first time I went to Below Stone Nest on Shaftesbury Avenue, my feet hurt and I was dragging around the consequences of my urgent retail therapy. My mood would be best described as aggy with a touch of blister-sponsored hysteria. By the time I finished my negroni, I was having the time of my young hot mess life. There was a live band playing upbeat swing tunes on the stage, people seducing each other over tea light candles, and I stayed until 2am even though it was a weeknight—everyone be cool, don’t tell my boss. From the distressed tall walls to the general air that people are going to get up to all kinds of naughty things once they leave, there is something distinctly Left Bank Paris about this moody basement bar. You can’t book but every time I’ve rocked up since, I’ve walked straight in, blisters and all.”  - HLB 

photo credit: Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace

“I was raised a good Christian girl—I know, given most of the things I’ve written for this website, we’re all surprised—and it’s for that reason that I can say I know a good church when I see one. Amazing Grace in London Bridge is a converted church hosting live music and is a great shout for anyone who spent the entirety of our many lockdowns posting ‘I miss gigs :(‘ on Twitter. The drinks are pretty standard but it’s the space and commitment to Good Tunes that really sets it apart from your average drinking den. There’s plenty of standing space in front of the stage but if you’re here for a carefully orchestrated display of your personality—some call this practice a ‘first date’—then sit up on the mezzanine. Just be sure to check out the calendar of live performances so you don’t rock up to a ‘90s tribute night when you were expecting a live jazz saxophone session.” - HLB  

Suggested Reading

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From low-key wine bars to big-deal cocktail spots, these are the new great places to have a drink that you should know about.

Where To Go For Drinks With A Big Group

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The 11 Best Rooftop Bars In London

Because sometimes you just need to drink a negroni in the sky.

20+ Historical & Unique Pubs in London that Visitors Can’t Miss!

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

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With over 3500 pubs to choose from, London is a city where you could literally visit a different pub every day for 9 years… and still have options.

While great for Londoners, this startling statistic presents a major 1st world problem for visitors who only have one, two, or three days to spend in town. So… which London pubs should tourists visit?

As the city’s most enthusiastic serial tourist, I sought out to answer this question.

Many, many pints later, my liver’s loss is your gain, and I’m here today with a list of unique London pubs with quirk, charm, history & that indescribable “can you believe I’m in London?!” feeling.

Needless to say, every pub on this list is one I’ve been to personally, and I’m sadly not getting paid by any of them. What’s that about?

Anyway, below you’ll find my master list of unique pubs in London for visitors (presented based on location, not ranking). If you only have a short time in London, I can recommend DIYing your own pub crawl so you can see as many as possible, but um… don’t forget to hydrate.

Keep scrolling for the full list of London’s most unique pubs, or skip to the area you’re looking for…

• Unique & Historical Pubs in Central London
• Unique & Historical Pubs in West London
• Unique & Historical Pubs in East London
• Unique & Historical Pubs in South London
• Unique & Historical Pubs in North London

Save this list of London’s Most Unique Pubs for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. The Old Bank of England, Fleet Street

Let’s start with a stunner. Housed in an old bank building in the heart of historic Fleet Street, the Old Bank of England is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful pubs in London.

This Italianate-style wonder is crammed with eye-candy, from its dramatic chandeliers and ornate ceiling to dark wooden detailing and lush pops of greenery.

Aesthetically, this is a gorgeous pub. The downside? When it’s packed, it’s tough to appreciate the architecture. So, my best tip is to go at an off peak time so you can admire the beauty of the pub instead of simply trying to sneak glances through the crowd.

For warm days, there’s also a little beer garden to enjoy, complete with its own double decker bus, converted to accommodate further seating. So, if it has ever been your dream to demolish an Aperol Spritz on an iconic London bus, then this is your chance.

NOTE: I have tried the food here and it was just alright. To me, this is definitely a better place for drinks than for a full-on meal.

2. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street

If you’re into old, creaky pubs that look like they’re seconds away from imminent collapse, I can highly recommend Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. And I mean that in the best possible way.

This maze-like pub is one of the oldest in London, and its “hidden in plain sight” location down a narrow alley off Fleet Street makes it feel all the more like a step back in time.

A pub on this location has existed since the 1500s, but today’s present structure dates back to 1667… 16 sovereigns ago, during the reign of King Charles II.

It is said that when the Great Fire of London engulfed the area in 1666, this very pub was one of the first buildings to be rebuilt, so… there you go, clearly they had their priorities straight.

Today, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is dark, cavernous and confusing pub spread out across several crooked rooms and floors. Granted, it’s a popular spot among tourists, which makes it a no-go zone for many locals, but it’s a must-see at least once. 

… And be sure to explore! This unique London pub is deceptively large once you get inside.

3. The Hoop and Grapes, Aldgate

But speaking of historic pubs in London, there’s actually one that managed to escape the fiery blaze of the Great Fire altogether, and that is the charmingly crooked Hoop and Grapes.

We’ll give their slanted facade a pass though, because this pub was constructed in 1593. 1593!!! That’s the year of Shakespeare’s (supposed) first publication.

So, as you slurp up your beverage of choice, be sure to also drink in the pub’s centuries of history too… and take a moment to imagine what it must have been like here almost 400 years ago, when the Great Fire of London, an event that destroyed a third of the city, came to an abrupt end just 50 yards away.

4. The Old Bell Tavern, Fleet Street

Licensed as a tavern for over 300 years, the Old Bell Tavern is another Fleet Street boozer that ranks among London’s oldest pubs.

There’s one thing that sets this one apart though: like large swaths of the City post-Great Fire, this pub was designed by Sir Christopher Wren…. perhaps better known as the mastermind behind nearby St Paul’s Cathedral.

Don’t go in expecting the architectural majesty of St Paul’s though – this is still a pub after all, but one with enough historical street cred to earn its spot in my roundup of unique London pubs… plus with its stained glass window and dark wooden panelling, it’s pretty cozy too.

That said, if you’re limited by time, I would definitely prioritize the other pubs I mentioned above.

5. The Last Judgment, Holborn

And if you’re looking for a classier, more upscale London pub to visit, then head over to the majestic Last Judgment, tucked away on Chancery Lane.

Not too long ago, this pub was a budget-friendly Wetherspoon’s known as the Knights Templar.

These days, it’s a much swankier, much pricier destination, but still in the same venue as its economical predecessor. With high ceilings propped up by elegant cast iron columns, dark wooden detailing, and atmospheric chandeliers, the building’s history as a Union Bank branch certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.

Today, after extensive renos, the last Judgment is one of the more refined pubs in the area to grab a pint or a bite to eat – definitely one to visit if you’re looking for a unique and beautiful pub in London, minus the centuries’ worth of questionable stains and smells.

PS: The lounge area leading to the ladies’ room is shockingly nice.

6. The Lamb and Flag, Covent Garden

There’s no shortage of pubs to be found in Covent Garden, long considered to be one of London’s premiere hubs for shopping and entertainment.

… although entertainment centuries ago would have looked a little different to ‘Lion King’ matinées, especially at the Lamb and Flag, a historic pub dating back to 1638, and also (casually) Covent Garden’s oldest tavern.

Back in the day, the upstairs of this must-visit London pub was used for so many bare knuckled prize fights, it earned the not-at-all-ominous nickname “the Bucket of Blood”.

Luckily for us, today the only buckets here are filled with ice for your wine. By virtue of its Covent Garden location, it gets absolutely packed here on evenings and weekends, so plan accordingly… lest you want to restore the place’s reputation for fist fights. 

PS: Like many pubs in London, it claims a particular connection to Charles Dickens, who supposedly enjoyed a good pint or ten here once upon a time. 

7. The Coach and Horses (Wellington St), Covent Garden

Often hailed as one of the best places in London for Guinness, this bright-red pub in the heart of buzzy Covent Garden is a great spot for drinks before or after a show.

The downside? It’s compact and can get incredibly busy, plus nearby signs warning of pickpockets can dampen the mood a little. (Although if you internalize my guide on how to avoid pickpockets , you’ll be fine).

Those bits aside, this pub does pour a very fine Guinness indeed, and I’d definitely recommend it as a pub to visit if you’re a Guinness fan, or simply looking for a nice drinking spot while filling time between activities.

NOTE: The Coach and Horses appears to be a shockingly popular name for pubs, so there are quite a few. The one I’m talking about is the one on Wellington St in Covent Garden.

8. The Sherlock Holmes, St James 

Located minutes away from some of London’s top sights, the Sherlock Holmes may well be one of the most photographed pubs in London, with a red brick facade decked in charming flower baskets and a red postbox so perfectly placed, it looks Photoshopped.

But while it’s a popular spot for photography, it seems (based on my research at least) that far fewer people actually go in for a drink/meal…. which is a real shame if you ask me, because this place is hands down one of London’s quirkiest pubs, and a must-visit for anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes (AKA most of you, if you’re nerdy enough to be reading my blog right now).

Yes, this pub doesn’t just take its name from Sherlock Holmes, it has built its entire experience around him too.

Step inside and there’s a TV showing black and white Sherlock Holmes classics, there’s a Sherlock Holmes Ale on tap, the walls are filled with assorted Sherlock Holmes memorabilia…

And, in a true show of commitment, upstairs you’ll even find a reconstructed Sherlock Holmes’ sitting room & study.

So yes, book a table to dine upstairs if you want to scope that out. The attention to detail is impeccable

9. Waxy O’ Connor’s, Soho

Alright, so far I’ve showcased a lot of London’s most historic pubs, but if you’re looking for one of London’s quirkiest pubs, then look no further than Waxy O’ Connor’s, the largest Irish pub in the city.

It’s hard to explain what it’s like in here. It’s warm, cozy, earthy, and much larger than it appears from the outside.

Made up of six levels, stepping into this unique London pub is like entering a magical fantasy world, with an aesthetic that’s part-church, part-treehouse, and part- Hogwarts.

Truly, this place feels worlds away from the chaos of Soho, and makes for a cozy retreat from the crowds with a pint of Guinness. Or three.

PS: If the hunger pangs dare interrupt your London pub adventures, I can vouch for the grilled cheese here! It’s a little overpriced, but such is the way in Central London… plus it’s fairly tasty, and well portioned.

10. The George, Southwark

Search up historical pubs in London, and one name inevitably always comes up: the George in Southwark, just steps away from Borough Market.

As the oldest galleried inn still standing in the city, the George is definitely a London pub to visit for history and literature lovers, with mentions in not one, but two Dickens novels, and a location right next to the inn where Chaucer set the Canterbury Tales.

Its location in a courtyard just off of Borough High Street lends to its appeal as well, with its charmingly crooked structure (dating back to 1667) a welcome contrast to the Tesco Expresses and Costa Coffees just steps away.

And while the George’s creaky, dark wooden interiors lend themselves best to time travel daydreams, I can definitely recommend this historical London pub on a hot day as well.

Their beer garden is huge, and a great place for a pint with the Shard lurking in the distance. 

11. The Star Tavern, Belgravia

If you find yourself roaming around the idyllic neighbourhood of Belgravia, you may catch yourself dreaming of living there one day, soon descending into a rabbit hole of property searches, “just out of curiosity”.

If that’s the case, you may soon need a place to drown your sorrows.

And while you may not (yet) be able to afford a pastel mews house in Belgravia, there’s an affordable consolation prize for you to enjoy in the neighbourhood: a pint at the cozy Star Tavern, known for decades as a beloved waterhole for the rich, the famous, and…. criminals. Smart ones, at that.

Yup – the cozy upstairs Library is said to have been the very place where plans were laid for the Great Train Robbery of 1963, AKA the biggest heist of the 20th century, where a band of clever thieves hijacked a train and absconded with the equivalent of £40 million today.

So yes, this is definitely a must-visit pub in London for avid fans of history and heists alike. Grab a seat upstairs and scheme away.

12. The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea 

If we’re talking about aesthetics, the Cadogan Arms is probably one of the most beautiful pubs in West London, especially after its costly 2021 refurbishment.

I wasn’t able to get any good photos before (I kid you not) a literal mob of Newcastle football fans descended upon the pub and started putting up their flags, but let me try to paint you a mental image: embossed wallpaper, elaborate plasterwork, suspended chandeliers, mosaic tile floors, and elegant wrought iron details all throughout.

The Cadogan Arms has all the coziness of a luxurious hunting lodge, yet enough light coming through that it doesn’t feel dark or stuffy. Plus, their impressive selection of beers on tap (and knowledgable bar staff) make them a firm favourite in my books.

If you’re looking for a beautiful pub with historic flair, yet a refined and modern feel, this is a unique London pub I can highly recommend.

13. The Fox & Pheasant, Chelsea

This Chelsea pub, steps away from Stamford Bridge (home of Chelsea’s famous football club) is a surprising little find for many reasons.

First off – it’s owned by British singer-songwriter James Blunt, although there are no cheesy references to his ownership status (like, not even a “You’re Beautiful” sign in the bathroom? Come on.)

But more surprisingly, what looks like any average boozer from the outside is actually one of the finer gastropubs the area has to offer.

Upon entry, the Fox and Pheasant might appear to be any old country pub (it dates back to 1846), with dark wooden panelling, leather loungers and a few cozy fireplaces… but its main draw card is actually hidden a level below, in a beautiful conservatory dining space churning out refined fare and, possibly one of the best Sunday roasts I’ve ever had in my life.

Needless to say however, you’ll need to book weeks in advance for Sundays, as Mr. Blunt and his magical chefs have developed quite the reputation for their roast prowess. It’s well worth it though! 

14. The Churchill Arms, Kensington

Best known for its elaborate exterior, the Churchill Arms in Kensington is hands down one of my favourite pubs in London.

It is said that Winston Churchill’s grandparents were once regulars, which surely played a factor in the pub’s renaming after WWII.

Even today, the pub pays homage to its namesake, with various bits of Winston Churchill memorabilia adorning the cozy pub interiors.

As for the outside, I think it’s safe to say few pubs in London can compete.

In the warmer months, the facade is decked with 100+ flower pots, and dozens more hanging baskets and window baskets… then come Christmas time, the flowers are replaced with 90+ trees and over 20,000 twinkling lights.

I wouldn’t often accuse an inanimate pub for being a show off, but I think it’s well deserved in this case.

The fact that it contains a tasty Thai restaurant in the back is just the annoyingly perfect cherry on top. 

15. The Zetland Arms, Kensington

Looking for more pubs to visit in Kensington? Well, the Zetland Arms makes a fine choice. Built in 1846, this is a pub that (like many others in London) milks a famous connection for clout, and if its weekend crowds are anything to go by, it’s a strategy that works.

The connection in question? Charlie Chaplin, who owners claim once purchased the pub for members of his family.

Famous former owners aside, the Zetland Arms is a classic corner pub with all the pretty trimmings – floral baskets in the summer and festive decor in the winter.

Besides its cozy atmosphere though, it has one major draw card that earned it this spot on my list of London’s must-visit pubs for visitors: its proximity to South Kensington’s amazing museums.

If you’re looking for a nice place to unwind after your visit to the V&A or Natural History Museum, this is a great bet, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to specifically drink here.

16. The Grapes, Limehouse

For almost 500 years, the Grapes has stood in its present location on Narrow Street, making it one of the oldest pubs in London, with a varied client list from world explorers and famous writers to A-list actors, aaaaand me! And hopefully you! Soon, at least.

Besides its centuries of history, this pub is a London legend thanks to its owner, none other than Sir Ian McKellen, AKA Gandalf.

In fact, behind the bar, you’ll even find Gandalf’s staff on display, like a glowing beacon of nerdy enthusiasm that attracts LOTR fans near and far.

In spite of the geeky memorabilia, the Grapes still feels like a thoroughly local place.

During our visit, regulars flitted in and out, shouting (lovingly) to the bar staff and each other. A Gandalf-owned pub that has escaped the clutches of shameless tourism? What wizardry indeed. 

17. The Gun, Docklands

Looking for a unique London pub with a view? Head on over to the Gun.

This quirky riverside pub offers staunch commitment to its theme, from the big cannon hole in its sign to the various taxidermed animal heads displayed proudly on the walls.

Its starring attraction however is its location – right along the river with a rare view directly overlooking the O2 Arena, so close you can see the brave souls climbing the roof!

Whether you opt for the outdoor beer garden or a seat in its heated solarium, this view is a showstopper, and a great spot for a sundown pint as the sky slowly turns pink.

With the wind being as vicious as it is though, perhaps the solarium is a safer choice:

18. Trafalgar Tavern, Greenwich 

Built in 1837, another one of London’s must visit pubs is the iconic Trafalgar Tavern in Greenwich.

This pub is Victorian splendour at its finest. Period decor and obscene amounts of bunting lay the stage for one of my personal favourite pub interiors in the city.

Sure it’s a little extravagant and over the top, but something about it feels perfectly London to me…. And the stalker-like devotion to Admiral Nelson (who is honoured through an entire cabinet of memorabilia on the upper floor) is really most admirable indeed.

The service here can (admittedly) leave some to be desired, but the beautiful view, beautiful decor, and beautiful Sunday Roast more than make up for it.

19. The Prince of Greenwich, Greenwich 

Greenwich has no shortage of great pubs, but if you’re looking for a true hidden gem, one of my favourite quirky London pubs is the Prince of Greenwich, a pub so packed with curiosities that it also bills itself as a museum.

This pub (hidden away on a quiet side street) is cozy in the best possible way, with candle lit tables crammed with comfort food, board games stacked into a corner shelf, and so much eclectic decor on the walls, you won’t know where to look. 

Best of all, this is the kind of place where the owner will welcome you like a long lost friend and hug every regular goodbye. 

It helps of course that the food is such good value too, with comically lengthy pizzas that make for a perfect main to share. If you’re looking for a delightful London pub near the sights of Greenwich, I can highly recommend this one for not just a drink, but a delicious meal too.

20. The Mayflower Pub, Rotherhithe

Billing itself as the oldest pub on the Thames, the Mayflower is no doubt one of the most historic pubs to visit in London, and ideal for those seeking a spot with river views.

The pub gets its name from the legendary Mayflower ship which set sail from Rotherhithe to Portsmouth in 1620, two months before its famous journey to America. Today, eagle eyed patrons can even look out to the supposed spot where the Mayflower was moored in advance of its journey.

And while its compact riverside beer garden is the pub’s most famous selling point, to me the charm of this historic boozer lays in its interiors, which are fully decked with exposed wooden beams, hanging metal tankards, and an eclectic mix of nautical art and knick knacks. Snag a table and you’ll even get to dine by candlelight! 

This is one of the coziest and most atmospheric pubs in London, and while it’s a bit tucked away from the city’s main sights, it’s a worthy little trip of its own.

21. The Cutty Sark, Greenwich

If I had to pick the best pubs in London for sunset, this beloved Greenwich institution would certainly make the cut.

Built in 1795, the Cutty Sark has been a locals’ favourite for over two centuries.

Though a 10 minute walk from THE Cutty Sark tea clipper in the heart of Greenwich’s tourist core, the additional walk is more than worth it for a relaxing pint along the river, which is particularly magical as the sun comes down, with the loveliest views over Canary Wharf and the O2 Arena.

NOTE: The pub has a beautiful dining area up on the 1st floor as well, so book a table if you want to enjoy a nice sunset meal!

22. The Enderby Arms, Greenwich

To be honest, the Enderby Arms wasn’t initially going to make my list of London’s best pubs for visitors, but I decided to keep it in the end for one reason: its delightful sun terrace.

This would be my pick if you’re trying to escape the crowds elsewhere in Greenwich and are craving a beautiful terrace overlooking the Thames.

The pub interior is quite beautiful as well, with elegant and modern finishings, but I’d advise getting here early, because the post-work crowds on a sunny day are fierce, and as are the queues for sunset spritzes.

23. The Black Prince, Kennington

Okay – truthfully, on its own, this pub isn’t THAT special. But it is to me – for one simple reason.

It’s (the exterior) of Eggsy’s neighbourhood pub in the Kingsman movies .

Yes! The setting of many an iconic scene. Although sadly, the interiors were not filmed here, that hasn’t stopped them from shamelessly putting a Kingsman poster up inside for decoration.

So, overall, it’s a great London pub for fans of the Kingsman movies, but not worth going out of your way for otherwise.

24. The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

Now let’s move onto the best unique pubs to visit in North London.

We’ll start with a classic – the Spaniards Inn, known as one of the oldest pubs in the city.

Originally built in 1585 as a toll gate, this historic inn has enjoyed a storied past, steeped in centuries of legend. Its clientele list is as eclectic as it is extensive – from romantic poets to notorious robbers… and their ghosts .

This is a cozy dark wood, roaring fire kind of pub, with the weird bonus that the walled beer garden has a view of Harry Styles’ house. Whether you opt for a seat inside or outside, this is one of the most atmospheric pubs that North London has to offer.

25. The Holly Bush, Hampstead

One of the most photographed sights in Hampstead is the Holly Bush, which (as it turns out) is also one of the most beautiful pubs to visit in North London.

Perched on a small hill along a narrow lane, this pub is a photogenic dream, both inside and out. 

Before it became a pub, it enjoyed a stint as Assembly Rooms, and even today, the commitment to tradition is preserved through the pub’s dark wooden panelling, leather buttoned seats and (in the right season) a cozy roaring fire.

If you want a cozy North London pub oozing with charm, I can think of no better place. 

Did I Miss Any of Your Favourite Pubs in London?

Let me know in the comments because I’m (of course) always looking to add more historical and quirky London boozers to my list.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

14 unique London bars and restaurants that aren’t the usual tourist traps

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Want something more interesting than an open-top bus tour to add to your London itinerary? Or perhaps you live here but worry you haven’t explored everything the city has to offer?

It’s worth looking beyond the usual tourist traps if you can, both to beat the crowds and claim bragging rights when your mates ask for a hidden gem recommendation.

Thankfully, the capital is still home to a number of weird and wonderful spots that haven’t yet been franchised, sanitised and packed with stag and hen party bookings all weekend long.

Unique doesn’t just mean adult ball pits, 90s themed brunches and neon-hued bingo halls (which may have their place in London’s ‘going out’ ecosystem but won’t win you many cool points) either.

So for quirky without the clichés, and food and drink that’s as impressive as the setting it’s served up in, give these non-touristy restaurants and bars a try instead.

Café Diana, Kensington

Up the road from Notting Hill Gate station, Café Diana has been paying tribute to the People’s Princess since 1989. Before her passing, she was actually a regular, popping over from Kensington Palace for a cappuccino.

The food here is what you’d expect from a local caff – full English breakfasts by morning and staples such as fish and chips come lunchtime – with a few Levantine dishes like kofta and kubba thrown in for good measure.

What makes it especially distinctive, though, is the decor. Pictures of Diana line the walls, along with memorabilia and letters from the late royal herself.

The Absinthe Parlour at The Last Tuesday Society, Hackney

Head to Mare Street in Hackney for taxidermy, shrunken heads and dodo bones – with a bevvy or two to wash it all down.

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The Absinthe Parlour is downstairs from the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History, and the drinks selection here is just as unusual as its collection.

As the name suggests, it specialises in absinthe, but classic cocktails are available upon request and there’s a selection of beers and wines to choose from. Booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want to get in on the many events (such as tarot reading and horror movie nights) hosted here.

Little Nan’s, Deptford

Little Nan’s is a haven of leopard print, Pat Butcher, and all things kitsch and cosy – just like you’d find in your grandma’s house.

After travelling around as a pop-up, it set up permanently in Deptford Market Yard in 2016, and has been a local institution ever since, with much of the decor purchased from the market itself.

Afternoon tea here is great, with fish finger sarnies and disco fries to soak up signature cocktails served in teapots. Make ours a Lady Lewisham.

The Zetter, Clerkenwell

What looks like a regular Clerkenwell townhouse opens on to an intimate parlour famed for its cocktails that’s sure to impress any date.

Each drink is inspired by a different destination, using ingredients like sweet potato for Japan, curry leaf gin for India and beetroot distillate for Hungary. Don’t let the weirdness factor put you off – just sit back among the decadent interiors and let the flavours do the talking.

Attendant, Fitzrovia

If this cafe off Oxford Street reminds you of a toilet, it’s because it once was. The Doulton porcelain urinals from the former Victorian gents loo were revamped with green seating, creating a strangely familiar (yet chic) feel.

The coffee at the Attendant is second to none, and you can get brunch classics like bagels and avocado toast every day until 3pm.

BYOC, St Paul’s

BYOC stands for Bring Your Own Cocktail , and that’s exactly what you do here. Book ahead for £35 a head and bring your favourite spirit with you (a 350ml bottle is recommended per person). Then, the mixologists will do the rest, incorporating mixers, bitters, syrups and more to create five rounds of drinks.

There’s something special about having bespoke cocktails made just for you, and the prohibition-themed bar is a suitably fancy location to enjoy them.

Caravel, Islington

There are plenty of restaurants on boats throughout London, yet Caravel is among the coolest and least touristy.

Expect modern English cuisine with dishes like potato rosti, sour cream and caviar and guinea fowl, chanterelle and leek pie with mash that’s simple yet delicious. The view of the Regent’s Canal from the barge’s Old Street location isn’t bad either.

Hop Kingdom, Southwark

The more adventurous among you may want to try Hop Kingdom , a bar-cum-skatepark located five minutes from London Bridge station.

It’s free for anyone just drinking, or £5 for anyone skating – although you do get a free pint or soft drink with your entry fee. Visitors can learn to skate every Monday at the venue’s inclusive beginners nights for adults, and you can rent boards and safety gear too.

The Clink, Brixton

This isn’t some gimmicky, prison-themed restaurant. All the meals at The Clink are cooked and served by inmates at HMP Brixton training for qualifications in cookery and food service.

Even the furniture here is made by people in prison at HMP Frankland, and poetry on the walls has been written by Clink graduates.

You do need to book at least a week ahead of time, and must follow certain guidelines including bringing photo ID and locking personal belongings away before sitting down. Alcohol isn’t served either, but there are a range of mocktails to go with your food, which includes cured duck breast with baby beets, blood orange and sourdough, and roasted cauliflower with pommes aligot, black garlic and hazelnut.

Govinda’s, Soho

Govinda’s is London’s oldest vegetarian and vegan restaurant, located in the heart of Soho beside the Hare Krishna Temple – you may even have spotted its orange-clad followers singing and dancing up Oxford street.

Chanting and drums aside, though, it’s worth a visit for its renowned thali feasts, priced from just £7.95 and including rice, soup, curries, bread and salad. Don’t forget to try a lassi or masala chai too.

Sarastro, Covent Garden

The decor at this Drury Lane institution (open since 1996) is something to behold, all opulent gold details and red velvet maximalism. Food-wise, expect mezze favourites like lamb chops and chicken shish, with a pre-theatre menu priced at £25.50 for two courses.

The entertainment is what makes Sarastro so special, however, with opera performers every Sunday and Monday, Motown each Thursday, and ’70s and ’80s acts on Saturday.

Persepolis, Peckham

The Persian grocery selection at Persepolis is a real treasure trove, but head to the back of this unassuming store and you’ll really strike gold. The all-vegetarian restaurant is fairly informal, and actually opened by accident when the owner wanted to try out a few recipes. It obviously worked, and although they now have space for 100 covers, it’s always packed out.

The feasting menu at £30 a head is the best way to experience Middle Eastern hospitality at its finest, but you’ll be just as bowled over by the care taken with light bites like pakora and salad. The menu varies, and there are over 26 types of humous available, so arrive hungry and ready to explore.

Auld Hag, Angel

Calling itself a ‘purveyors of Scottish scran’, Auld Hag is the place to go for proper Glasgow morning rolls, Dundee cake, haggis, and anything else you’re craving from north of the border.

It’s a new addition to Angel’s St Joghn Street, only opened in February 2024, but has already proven itself as a champion for comforting Scottish food made well,

Stop by for a square sausage and tattie scone roll in the morning, then have a can of Tennents and a homemade scotch pie for lunch and get an empire biscuit for the way home. Delish.

Supperclub.tube, Walthamstow

Gimmicky? Maybe. But the fact this immersive dining experience, held on an old Victoria Line carriage in Walthamstow, has been running for almost a decade proves supperclub.tube is far more than that.

Three nights a week, you can book a seat on the refurbished underground train, where you’ll be served a six-course tasting menu inspired by Latin America.

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Priced from £67 a head and with dishes including Yucatán style pulled pork gorditas and Ceviche Ecuatoriano, it’s a tube journey you won’t forget in a hurry.

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Long Bar and Terrace at the Sanderson

• Great for creative cocktails
• Good for special occasions

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Dining areas.

• Courtyard Garden Bar

Additional information

• Dining style Casual Dining
• Price £25 and under
• Cuisines British
• Hours of operation Mon–Wed 12:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 12:00 pm–1:00 am Sun 12:00 pm–10:30 pm
• Phone number 020 7300 5588
• Website http://www.sandersonlondon.com/
• Payment options AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress code Smart Casual
• Location 50 Berners Street, London, Greater London W1T 3NG
• Neighborhood Fitzrovia
• Parking details Street Parking only.
• Public transit Oxford Circus
• Additional Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 32 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews.

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

• 3.3 Service
• 3.5 Ambience

Noise • Energetic

Dined on February 24, 2024

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Dined on December 9, 2023

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How is Long Bar and Terrace at the Sanderson restaurant rated?

Long Bar and Terrace at the Sanderson is rated 3.3 stars by 32 OpenTable diners.

Is Long Bar and Terrace at the Sanderson currently accepting reservations?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

50 Berners Street, London, Greater London W1T 3NG

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12 NYC bars are named among North America’s ’50 Best Bars’ for 2024

These bars represent 24% of the list—a sign that NYC is a top spot for cocktails.

We know that New York City has the best bars in the world, but when the world recognizes our faves, it feels pretty good.

The 50 Best Brand , which also names the 50 Best Restaurants in the world, has unveiled its list of the 50 Best Bars in North America for 2024.

RECOMMENDED: Here are all of the NYC finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards

While the title of No. 1 went to a spot in Mexico City, Handshake Speakeasy, New York City was the most prominent city with a whopping 12 bars making the list: Superbueno  (No. 2), Overstory  (No. 3), Martiny’s  (No. 4), Double Chicken Please  (No. 7), Katana Kitten  (No. 12), Employees Only (No. 15), Dante  (No. 20), Attaboy  (No. 31), The Dead Rabbit  (No. 33), Maison Premiere  (No. 41), Angel’s Share  (No. 43) and Milady’s  (No. 44).

Most of them have been spotlighted by ’50 Best’ before, but two  took home specific honors this time. Martiny’s is the “Nikka Highest Climber Award” because it jumped 25 spots between 2023 and 2024, and Superbueno earned the “Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.”

“ Each year, New York continues to excel in delivering the world’s most amazing craft cocktails. In 2024, New York holds 12 of the 26 U.S. listees, including the continent’s highest achievers,” the organization said in its press release.

Apparently, Mexico City is where it’s at right now for the best cocktails ! The ’50 Best’ awards ceremony was held there again this year. The city “continues to platform the country’s place as a leader of the global cocktail scene.”

Below are the top 50 Best Bars in North America:

• Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
• Superbueno, New York
• Overstory, New York
• Martiny’s, New York
• Rayo, Mexico City
• Jewel of the South, New Orleans
• Double Chicken Please, New York
• Thunderbolt, Los Angeles
• Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
• Tlecān, Mexico City
• Zapote Bar, Playa del Carmen
• Katana Kitten, New York
• Café La Trova, Miami
• El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
• Employees Only, New York
• Aruba Day Drink, Tijuana
• Café de Nadie, Mexico City
• La Factoría, San Juan
• Kumiko, Chicago
• Dante, New York
• Civil Liberties, Toronto
• Service Bar, Washington DC
• Allegory, Washington DC
• Botanist Bar, Vancouver
• Herbs & Rye, Las Vegas
• Baltra Bar, Mexico City
• Bekeb, San Miguel de Allende
• Kaito del Valle, Mexico City
• Bar Pompette, Toronto
• True Laurel, San Francisco
• Attaboy, New York
• Meadowlark, Chicago
• The Dead Rabbit, New York
• Selva, Oaxaca
• Library by the Sea, Grand Cayman
• Century Grand, Phoenix
• Arca, Tulum
• Pacific Cocktail Heaven, San Francisco
• Cloakroom, Montreal
• Bar Mordecai, Toronto
• Maison Premiere, New York
• Hanky Panky, Mexico City
• Angel’s Share, New York
• Milady’s, New York
• Brujas, Mexico City
• Mírate, Los Angeles
• Cure, New Orleans
• Best Intentions, Chicago
• The Keefer Bar, Vancouver
• Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal

If you want more top-notch bars to drink at, don’t miss our very own list of the 50 Best Bars in NYC , which include other spots like the Long Island Bar, Bemelmans Bar, Sunken Harbor Club, and Dutch Kills.

• Shaye Weaver Editor, Time Out New York

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The Essentials With Tracy Anderson

Tracy anderson's must-haves include biologique recherche, gomacro bars and the new taylor swift album. .

For Tracy Anderson , movement is both a career and a way of life. Anderson is best known as the founder of the Tracy Anderson Method , a fitness program beloved by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lopez , but staying active is simply in her ethos. “It’s part of my character to move my body,” Anderson tells Observer. “It’s built in and it’s a belief system. I believe that to honor our health and our life and to optimize our mood, we have to move. I’m a naturalist person and I always look at the natural thing first.”

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The latest addition to Anderson’s ever-growing fitness empire is her new London studio , part of the members-only Surrenne Spa & Health Club that recently opened in Knightsbridge. It’s the first time Anderson’s studio has been franchised, an opportunity that has been a long time in the making. 

“We know that there are so many people who really want the in-person experience and this is our first one that we’ve done in that model,” Anderson says. “It was very surreal, surreal to walk in. We have these incredible people that believe in our experience and who wanted to do the big lift to make it happen. To me, the most exciting part of it was that they care as much as we do. It’s my dream studio.” 

The London studio may be Anderson’s first opening in the British capital, but she has a long-time love for the city . She has previously lived in London and spent a lot of time working there with private training clients, including Paltrow. 

“We always knew we had an audience there,” Anderson says. “This was one of those magical things where everybody stepped in and exceeded expectations. The space is very beautiful and very thoughtful and the members will definitely improve their lives there.” 

Aside from in-person studios in New York, Los Angeles, the Hamptons , Madrid and now London, Anderson also helms an online studio, where devotees can take advantage of regularly-scheduled classes. Earlier this year, she debuted a set of rose quartz-embedded weighted energy trainers called HeartStone to use with her HeartStone app, home to bespoke workouts that fuse movement and meditation and emphasize Anderson’s interest in “healing powers and heart-opening energy.” It’s already a busy year for the fitness founder, who wants to share her love for wellness and health with her followers. 

Observer caught up with Anderson on her current essentials, from skincare to wellness to the new Taylor Swift album. 

Favorite places in London:

I’m excited to go back this summer. I’m taking my daughter to see Taylor Swift in London for her second Eras Tour show. When I lived there, I really loved Selfridges . I was more of a Selfridges shopper than a Harrods shopper. They have more of an edge.

The park, are so beautiful—I love Hampstead Heath. There’s a bakery called Hummingbird Bakery, and I love their cupcakes. I really love the theater scene. I also used to go to the Soho Houses there a bit. 

Favorite vacation spot:

We have a ranch in Montana. I love going there because it reminds me we’re part of something so much bigger than us. The nature there is like the Taylor Swift song “Bigger Than the Whole Sky.” It really is bigger than the whole sky, and the mountains are beautiful. I also love a place in the Maldives called Soneva Fushi . It’s spectacular. It has organic gardens and you don’t wear shoes and there’s no cars on the island. 

What she’s traveling with:

I won’t eat airport or airplane food. I would rather go hungry. So I bring a ton of snacks. I always bring an apple, a banana and these little GoMacro MacroBars . And then I bring a bag of Cocomels . I don’t like processed food, but some are much less toxic than others, so I’ll take the ones where I can pronounce all of the ingredients. 

I also like to take a mini fan, especially if it’s a long flight, because the air can feel stuffy. I always take a good moisturizing mask. I love this Biologique Recherche mask called Masque Biofixine . I always take my Got Physical Balm to rub on my neck and back—it has transdermal magnesium in it, and helps me to relax. I always have something cashmere, because nothing warms me up like cashmere, and nothing keeps me so cozy. I take more books than I could ever possibly read. I don’t love situations where you’re trapped and not in control, so I like to be in my own world with books and earphones and music. 

Her beauty routine:

I take my skincare routine very seriously. We have a clean beauty store on our website now, and I lean into that so much. I’m obsessed with this new hair brand called Crown Affair . I use a cleanser by Veracity . I use Biologique Recherche P50 toner. I love this brand called Eighth Day, and I use their Regenerative Serum . I don’t have any injectables in my face, but their serum is so hydrating and it keeps my lines in check. I’ll use my Eighth Day and then I’ll do the Goop Youth-Boost Peptide Serum . 

I actually use a mask as my moisturizer, [Biologique Recherche] Crème Masque Vernix . Most people wouldn’t do this; it’s sticky and it doesn’t smell good, but after I put my serums on I put it on my forehead and around my face, and my skin looks tighter. I also like David Mallet Hair Serum #DM027 and The Beauty Sandwich Snatching Sauce . 

Favorite fitness gear:

My favorite thing is the Power Mesh Shrug ; it’s part of the Tracy Anderson collection. There’s something I love about layers when I’m exercising. I’m really into a onesie that doesn’t have any bands anywhere. You can just feel like you’re in your own body and your own skin. I’ll layer shorts and a mesh shrug over that. I’m also really into this Hermès tennis shoe right now. It’s not practical, but it looks good and it performs well. 

Her on-the-go fitness routine: 

I absolutely have to move. I’m lucky that I know what to do. But that’s why the online studio that I create for and perform for every single week is so important for people to lean into. You can take it anywhere. You can put a towel on the ground. It doesn’t matter if you have the small ankle weights or small hand weights. Just moving your own body and using your own body weight through the sequences will dramatically change your life. Sometimes I do my own online studio if I don’t feel like creating something for myself off the top of my head. 

Her wellness routine: 

It’s food, exercise and sleep, and it’s learning how to manage your stress. But food is huge. I have dated vegetables and a vegan diet for the last year, and now I’ve fallen in love with it. I grew up on meat and potatoes; on cheeseburgers and fries and milkshakes. I know what all of that feels like, and I know what all of it tastes like, and I know what it’s like to crave it and feel so satisfied by it emotionally, and not think that it can hurt you physically. I also know what it’s like to struggle with my weight, as I did in my very early twenties. And I know what it’s like to be able to get the body that I desired while not changing my diet. But where I sit today is that I wish for everybody to date vegetables and to fall in love with understanding ingredients, and having integrity with what you put in your body. I have wine and I have sugar, but 90 percent of the time it’s getting vegetables. I couldn’t be happier—I don’t feel deprived at all, and I’m never hungry.

What she’s listening to:

I’m a huge music lover. I create to music. I am instantaneously in love with The Tortured Poets Department . It’s so deeply poetic. I can’t create to things that don’t feel smart, and Taylor Swift amazes me. She’s so smart. I also think Beyoncé made such a beautifully-crafted musical experience on Cowboy Carter . Those two albums, for me, are so inspiring. I’ll also go back to play the same things over and over, like Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam. But I feel like I was given such a gift with The Tortured Poets Department . I can’t wait to create to it. I’m a huge Swiftie. 

What she’s watching: 

Jennifer Lopez’s This Is Me… Now: A Love Story . I think it’s incredible when artists are brave and vulnerable enough to show how art can be so healing for all of us. I think it’s such a beautiful thing. She’s such a talented performer and a talented dancer, as well as a talented musician, so to watch her use all of those different elements and storytelling and bring it so vividly to life. I watched that with my daughter Penny, and we were both equally moved and amazed. I love all these powerful women creating amazing pieces.

• SEE ALSO : Jeff Bridges On His Life In Front of the Camera, From The Dude to The Old Man and Beyond

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What it’s like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by Taylor Swift

I t’s a midweek lunchtime on an unassuming residential street in Vauxhall, south London. There aren’t many people about – the occasional dog walker, a few runners, a couple of delivery drivers. It’s pretty much what you’d expect on a drizzly work day.

But turning the corner, it’s a different story. A redbrick Victorian pub, draped in hanging flower baskets and mosaic tiling, is an unexpected hive of activity.

Despite the drizzle, people are sitting outside, nursing pints of beer and cups of coffee. Circling them are a handful of journalists – holding microphones, cameras, notepads. Passersby stop, point and pose for photos. Every few minutes, excited customers pour out of black cabs and head inside, where every table is taken.

Welcome to The Black Dog . A local London pub that’s been thrust into an unexpected spotlight and onto the tourist map, thanks to musician Taylor Swift.

Unexpected fame

Last Friday, Swift released her latest album, “ The Tortured Poets Department ,” along with a surprise additional 15 songs that make up “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.”

On Instagram, Swift described the music as chronicling a “fleeting and fatalistic moment in time - one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure.” The record appears to be inspired by the aftermath of Swift’s break-up with her long term partner, British actor Joe Alwyn, which saw her dive into a short lived but intense relationship with another Londoner – 1975 singer Matty Healy.

Amid the 31 tracks – which range from upbeat synth pop masking heartbreak, to slower, folk-inspired songs that lean into the sadness – is a reflective, moody track called “The Black Dog,” in which Swift sings about an ex who left his cell phone location settings on after the break-up:

“And so I watch as you walk

Into some bar called The Black Dog

And pierce new holes in my heart”

As soon as these lyrics hit the internet, Swifties started sleuthing. Was The Black Dog a real London spot, or just a fictional name chosen for its symbolic significance?

Maddie Essig, an American college student studying abroad in London, was among the fans who immediately started Googling.

“Joe and Taylor spent a lot of time in London,” says Essig. “I figured it would be around here somewhere.”

Essig is sitting inside The Black Dog at a table by the window, opposite her friend – fellow American abroad and Swift fan – Jenna Spackey. When the two start chatting with CNN Travel, they’ve just finished up their pub lunch (Spackey had a cesar salad, Essig had British pub classic fish and chips).

The two friends had never been to Vauxhall before. But once they realized The Black Dog was real, they hopped on a tube train – partly as a Swiftie pilgrimage and partly to celebrate finishing up their college semester. The two only have a couple of weeks left in the UK before they return to the US – Essig to Baltimore, Maryland and Spackey to Houston, Texas. They’re calling this period their “So Long, London” era, an homage to another song on “The Tortured Poets Department” which references the UK capital.

This new record isn’t the first time Swift’s namechecked London locations in her music. In her 2019 track “London Boy” – believed to be about Alwyn – Swift describes enjoying “nights out in Brixton” and “Shoreditch in the afternoon,” as well as “walking Camden Market” and heading to Highgate, the West End and even finding joy in “gray sky, a rainy cab ride.”

“People will go to all the places that she lists in the song,” says Spackey of “London Boy.” “I feel like The Black Dog will definitely be added to the hit list.”

Pub perspective

While no one – least of all Swift – has actually confirmed the Vauxhall Black Dog is the inspiration for her song (there is another London-based Black Dog, for one, a beerhouse further out of the city in suburban Brentford – while some fans have pointed to a bar in Cork, Ireland with the same name ) the south London Black Dog has leaned into its unexpected fame.

There’s now a sign in the window quoting the lyrics. On Instagram, the pub’s added “home to tortured poets” into its bio. Inside The Black Dog, the cocktail list on the blackboard has the addendum “Taylor’s Version” – a reference to the way Swift delineates her recent rerecorded tracks from the originals.

Lily Bottomley, events and social media manager for SC Soho, the small hospitality group that owns The Black Dog, tells CNN Travel she first heard about the song through her own personal social media channels.

“I saw ‘Black Dog,’ and I was like, ‘Oh…’ And then it just spiraled. And within half a day – even before the album release, we had people showing up,” Bottomley says.

Over the weekend, the pub hired extra security – “just a precaution, nothing crazy happened.”

Then followed “a really busy Monday” and a slew of bookings for the end of June and mid-August, when Swift will play eight sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium. The Black Dog plans to open early and close later on those days. When Bottomley chats to CNN Travel, she gestures at the already-packed pub: “We’re expecting a busy Tuesday too.”

There’s been press coverage across the world, and as Bottomley speaks to CNN Travel, other news outlets are setting up lives and filming TikToks outside the pub.

The Black Dog was already active on Instagram pre-Swift-fame but Bottomley and her team set up a TikTok account over the weekend.

“Our TikTok, within 72 hours, got over 200,000 likes and a million views after its creation,” says Bottomley. “It’s immense.”

Meanwhile, the pub’s Instagram following has “tripled, nearly quadrupled now,” says Bottomley. People are following and commenting from all over the world.

The Black Dog is “a local pub,” says Bottomley – it’s generally known for its “quiet, cozy kind of atmosphere most of the time.”

Its interior is inviting, chic – and more gastropub than loud bar.

But the influx of enthusiastic Swift fans has been a joy, says Bottomley.

“We’ve had singalongs,” she says, adding the team are “working on” the idea of a Swift-themed karaoke night.

So far, the fans who’ve come by have all brought a positive, infectious good vibe.

“Last night we had loads of Swifties come in who didn’t know each other, and they were pulling chairs together, pulling their tables together, such a great atmosphere,” says Bottmley. “It’s predominantly women and it’s really positive to have that community come together in a pub.”

While many fans – like Essig and Spackey – believe “The Black Dog” is about Joe Alwyn, others think Matty Healy could be the subject (the references to smoking and the ex’s penchant for an “esoteric joke” seem more Healy-coded).

Bottomley won’t confirm or deny anything, but she does hint that the pub has “a certain blond regular,” seemingly a reference to Alwyn’s fair hair color.

As for Swift herself, Bottomley says she’s “never seen her” in the The Black Dog (which, again, fits with the lyrics of the song, which suggest Swift’s narrator is unfamiliar with the bar).

“You never know though,” says Bottomley. “We’d love to have her.”

Scene-setting song writing

When CNN Travel visits, there’s no time to sample The Black Dog’s inviting looking food menu , but this writer opts for a Swift-approved glass of Sauvignon Blanc (in another new track, “The Alchemy,” Swift compares the rush of a new love affair to a glass of wine: “This happens once every few lifetimes/These chemicals hit me like white wine,” she sings).

Meanwhile my companion tries The Black Dog’s signature stout and gives it the seal of approval. The two drinks come to £14.65 (around $18) which is about what you’d expect for London in 2024.

The stout is served up in a pint glass printed with the pub’s name, and accompanying black dog logo. Bottomley says no one’s stolen any of these glasses yet – much to her relief – but the pub is in the process of making merchandise, so visitors may be able to take a glass home before too long.

“If The Black Dog sold merch, I would buy something from their store,” says Swift fan Avangeline Strasburg. “Having something from a place I got to visit, that is also mentioned in a song of my favorite artist, would be a really neat souvenir.”

Florida-based Strasburg and her friend and fellow Floridian Katie Hageman are currently in London on vacation, in celebration of Strasburg’s 29th birthday.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Taylor’s releasing an album, right for my birthday, right for our trip!’” says Strasburg.

When the two friends realized The Black Dog was a real pub, they knew they had to squeeze in a visit into their London itinerary.

“We wanted to see it for ourselves,” says Hageman.

The two friends describe the pub as “quaint” – adding it’s not really what they were expecting based on the song lyrics.

“Hearing those lyrics I think we assumed that it would be more of a dive bar with loud music,” says Hageman.

As they pore over The Black Dog’s food menu, deciding what to have for lunch, Hageman and Strasburg chat with CNN Travel about whether or not Swift’s “The Black Dog” song is really about this pub – and whether the song is about Matty Healy or Joe Alwyn, or both.

It’s fun to speculate, they agree, but “maybe it’s not even about a certain person.”

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter, the two friends decide. What excites Strasburg and Hageman most of all is “The Black Dog”’s evocative, scene-setting lyrics, which are a staple of Swift’s song-writing.

This kind of writing is key to Swift’s success. The specificity of the imagery – such as the scarf in “All Too Well” which her ex still has in a “drawer even now” – allows listeners to put themselves in Swift’s shoes. Sure, she’s a Grammy-winning billionaire leading a life worlds away from what most of us view as ordinary, but Swift has a knack for drawing emotion from everyday, relatable details.

And when Swift describes locations – whether the rented apartment on “Cornelia Street” or the “saltbox house on the coast” in “The Last Great American Dynasty” she does so with a particularity and fervor that allows listeners to draw an image in their minds’ eyes.

“She always includes little details, sometimes they’re vague, sometimes they’re specific – but they’re always parts of her life,” says Strasburg.

Hageman compares “The Black Dog” song to a “fable” – it’s probably not based entirely in reality. It may not be a real place. It may not be about a real person.

“This made the song even more relatable to us,” she says. “And I think to all who have created stories based on the glittering filtered details we perceive of each others’ lives from the outside.”

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