Renowned as the cocktail capital of the world, London boasts a vibrant and storied history in mixology. With a rich tapestry of cocktail bars, each uniquely different, London is, without a quiver of doubt, home to some of the best cocktail bars in the world.
From the clandestine speakeasies of the Prohibition era to the opulent bars frequented by royalty, the history of cocktail bars in London is as diverse and intriguing as the city itself. Today, London’s cocktail bars continue to push the boundaries of mixology, blending tradition with innovation to create unforgettable experiences.
So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable cocktail experience, look no further than our curated list of the best cocktail bars in London.
Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum | West End
An astonishingly theatrical and outrageously creative 1920s Shanghai theme cocktail bar located in Chinatown, Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour is by all means one of the best bars in Central London.
Conveyed over two floors, with three fully immersive and intimate bars to suit every occasion. The Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour is expertly designed to appeal to cocktail connoisseurs. Serving an array of delicious and awe-inspiring oriental cocktails, specifically designed to tickle your sense and evoke curiosity, the Opium Cocktail & Dim Sum Parlour is the perfect spot for evening drinks or if you seek to impress a date.
What is more, the cocktail and the dim-sum menus are seasonal. Meaning you can always expect something new as the seasons’ pass.
Nightjar | Shoreditch
Step into the world of 1920s glamour at Nightjar, a hidden gem located in Shoreditch. Renowned for its inventive cocktails and speakeasy ambience, this award-winning bar offers a journey back in time with its vintage decor and live jazz music.Indulge in expertly crafted cocktails served in unique glassware while soaking in the intimate atmosphere.
At Nightjar, every sip is a journey through time, offering an intimate and unforgettable experience amidst the rhythmic melodies of live music.
Lyaness | South Bank
Previously named Dandelyan, Lyaness is the brainchild of esteemed bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, renowned as Mr. Lyan in the cocktail world. Nestled within the chic Mondrian Hotel along the South Bank, this avant-garde establishment redefines mixology with its imaginative libations and captivating design.
The cocktail menu at Lyaness is one of a kind, featuring an array of meticulously crafted cocktails that showcase innovative flavour profiles and utilise locally sourced ingredients to tantalize the taste buds.
But what truly sets Lyaness apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. From implementing eco-friendly practices behind the bar to forging partnerships with local suppliers, Lyaness goes above and beyond to minimise its environmental footprint.
So, when you step into Lyaness, prepare to be dazzled not only by the imaginative cocktails but also by the bar’s dedication to sustainability, making it a truly exceptional destination for discerning drinkers.
Oriole | Farringdon
Hidden below historic Smithfield Market sits a divine cocktails bar, serving only the best and most enthralling refreshments.
Recreating exotic flavours and tastes from distant and remote lands, Oriole’s cocktail bar is a majestic beast! With cocktails meticulously designed to enchant, delight and trigger your senses. The Oriole cocktail bar is without a quiver to doubt one of the best bars in London.
A contemporary cocktail den with live Jazz music every night and an extensive menu that fuses old world and new world delights. Oriole’s cocktail bar puts the ‘Q’ in quirky.
Cahoots | West End
Step into the post-war 1940s era of London at Cahoots, a delightfully quirky underground bar nestled within a former air raid shelter in the heart of Soho. Here, amid the vintage decor and flickering candlelight, guests are transported back in time to an era of resilience and camaraderie.
One of the best cocktail bars in London, Cahoots pays homage to the indomitable spirit of the Blitz, offering an immersive experience unlike any other. From the moment you descend into its clandestine confines, you’re enveloped in the sights and sounds of wartime London, with retro cocktails and live swing music setting the scene for an unforgettable evening.
Mr Foggs | Multiple Locations
Mr Fogg’s Covent is by far one of the best bars in London. Highly whimsical and inspired by Jules Verne’s novel “Around the World in Eighty Days,” Mr Fogg’s cocktail bars are artfully designed to transport guests to the Victorian era.
Step inside and find yourself amidst a quirky collection of artefacts, vintage furniture, and curious trinkets, all evoking the spirit of Phileas Fogg’s globe-trotting adventures.
The cocktail menu at Mr Fogg’s Covent Garden is as diverse and imaginative as its setting. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted with a blend of premium spirits, exotic ingredients, and creative flair, ensuring a delightful journey for the taste buds. Whether you’re sipping on a classic or indulging in one of their signature cocktails, Mr Fogg’s never fails to impress.
Burlock Rum Room | West End
Burlock Rum Room is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Mayfair. It offers a tantalising journey into the world of rum. The ambience is warm and inviting, with dim lighting, rustic wooden furnishings, and vintage decor reminiscent of a traditional rum shack.
At Burlock Rum Room, rum takes centre stage, and the extensive selection of premium rums sourced from around the globe is sure to impress even the most discerning connoisseurs. From aged and rare varieties to artisanal blends and flavoured infusions, there’s a rum to suit every palate and preference.
Whether you’re craving a refreshing daiquiri, a bold and spicy rum punch, or a meticulously crafted old-fashioned rum, each drink is crafted with precision and passion, highlighting the unique flavours and characteristics of the featured rums.
Evans & Peel Detective Agency | Earl’s Court
An unrecognisable and truly impressive immersive cocktail bar, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is wholly theatrical and undeniably one of the best bars in London.
One of the things we admire about Evans & Peel Detective Agency is that from the get-go, you are immersed in the world of an underground detective agency. It is incredible, truly amazing, and an experience you will not forget. From secret doors to hidden dens, Evans & Peel Detective Agency really makes you feel a part of an alternative world.
With dimmed lights, bare brick walls and cracked tiles, the aesthetics and antiquity of the bar are just mind-blowing! Though what really amazed us was the cocktail menu. Inspired by notorious criminals, the cocktail menu is absolutely fantastic. Evans & Peel Detective Agency is the perfect spot if you seek a relaxed though entertaining cocktail experience.
Recommended Cocktail: Frank Costello (deliciously fruity and addictive)
Best Cocktail Bars in London
London boasts a thriving cocktail culture with an abundance of bars to suit every occasion. That said, our list features only the crème de la crème of cocktail bars in London. Whether you are seeking classic elegance, innovative creations, or a touch of whimsy, our curated list of cocktail bars in London delivers on every front, each uniquely different and guaranteed to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
So, if you find yourself in London and in search of the perfect cocktail, look no further than these establishments, where excellence is not just a goal but a way of life.