The cocktail capital of the world, London has a rich and ecstatic cocktail history. And although cocktails have long been considered to be an American invention. Its roots, in fact, stem far back to 18th century London!
As history becomes the past and modern times gallop forward. It’s fair to say that London has birthed and is still home to some of the world’s greatest mixologists. And as a capital, London does not lack, and quite rightly so, in incredible cocktail bars.
Go to any bar or restaurant, and you will be sure to find a cocktail or two on the menu. But for those who are cocktail enthusiasts, we do not just seek any cocktail. We seek an epicurean experience, whereby our taste buds explode and our senses enhance. Whether it’s a Martini, Gin Gimlet or Mai Tai, everyone has a favourite cocktail!
So, without further ado, here’s a complete list of some of London’s best and wackiest cocktail bars!
The Alchemist | Covent Garden
An unconventional, though well established and highly respected cocktail bar, The Alchemist is undoubtedly masters in the dark arts of molecular mixology.
Famous for serving spectacularly extravagant and deliciously theatrical cocktails, The Alchemist provides guests with a truly immersive and unique cocktail experience. What is more, The Alchemist also makes a fun day out with friends. Discover the many wonders of their cocktails by taking part in a cocktail masterclass.
Recommended Cocktails: Colour Changing One and Dead Red Zombie.
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.
The Escapologist| Covent Garden
Inspired by the escapades of Baron Von Took and based in the riotous Headquarters of the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is a fantastically unusual cocktail bar.
A hugely intimate bar with dimmed lights and interiorly designed to reflect ‘modern-day Victorian men’s club’ and serving a range of tasty classic cocktails, The Escapologist provides a memorial cocktail experience. What is more, a visit to The Escapologist is easy on the pocket. So if you are set on visiting The Escapologist, be sure to make the most out of their Happy Hour and sign up to their newsletter to receive a free cocktail.
Recommended Cocktail: Strawberry & Watermelon Martini. I have never tasted such a refreshingly delicious and tastebud enthusing cocktail in my life! And if nothing else, this cocktail will make you return again and again to The Escapologist.
Chelsea Funhouse | Chelsea
The Chelsea Funhouse is an incredibly wondrous and iconic multi-storey 19th century Renaissance Revival building that takes you on a journey through time. And quite literally a house of fun and massively Instagramable, it goes without saying that the Chelsea Funhouse is a favourite amongst London’s socialites.
With a restaurant and two bars, there’s much to keep you entertained. However, if you’re eager to kick off your adventure, we recommend heading straight to the Chelsea Black, located on the first floor. Its beguiling décor and glowing hospitality create the perfect space and ambience to enjoy this immersive experience. Experience crazy twists on cocktail classics and whilst you enjoy food by Jolie. Honestly, it would be a mistake not to order some nibbles.
Recommended Cocktails: Honfleur (very fruity), Saint Tropez (similar to a Gin Gimlet), Cognac (for Cognac lovers, very strong and packs a punch!)
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.
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)
Looking Glass Cocktail Club | Shoreditch
An Alice in Wonderland themed cocktail bar located in the heart of Shoreditch; the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a sensational cocktail bar.
In keeping with the theme, here you will be delighted by not only its formidable cocktail menu but also with the theatricals that surround the bars.
With secret spaces along with scattered antiques, the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is an acquired taste. It’s different. It is a bit out there. It’s bizarre!
The Last Tuesday Society | Hackney
Inspired by the prohibition era and wholly one of the most eccentric and bizarre bars in London. The Last Tuesday Society is an exceptional cocktail bar.
With oddities, bones, mummified cats on full display, along with two ferocious menus, one dedicated to serving wacky cocktails and the other devoted to absinthe. The Last Tuesday Society is truly an exceptionally wacky and bizarre cocktail bar.
Alcotraz | Shoreditch
A prison-themed cocktail bar and inspired by Americas most infamous prison, Alcotraz is one of London’s wackiest cocktail bars!
From the orange jumpsuits to the real metallic cells, Alcotraz offers nothing less than a bespoke cocktail drinking experience. Whilst you wait in your cell and wreak havoc with your fellow inmates and crooked guards, experienced mixologists will serve you a range of tailored cocktails.
That said, based on the liquor that you smuggle into Alcotraz, mixologists will make cocktails to match your tastes. So if you’re a gin lover, make sure you bring a bottle of gin. And be sure to hide it from the Warden!
BYOC Camden | Camden
Hidden in plain sight behind a mysterious black door in Camden, you will find an incredibly wondrous and hugely nostalgic cocktail bar. Unlicensed to sell alcohol but permitted to mix alcoholic drinks, Bring Your Own Cocktail (BYOC) Camden offers one of London’s most unique prohibition-style cocktail experiences.
The concept behind BYOC is simple, bring a bottle of the spirit of your choice and a team of experienced mixologists will design you five unique cocktails perfectly crafted to suit your tastes. Though you must be warned, unlike other bars in the capital, you will be required to pay an entrance fee of £30. And to save you any disappointment and equally so, any embarrassment it is essential that you make a booking in advance.
Trailer Happiness | Notting Hill
An incredibly intimate and fantastically quirky cocktail bar located in Notting Hill, the Trailer Happiness is hands down one of the best bars in West London.
Serving deliciously wonderful rum-infused tiki cocktails, along with a team of dedicated and enthusiastic mixologists. The Trailer Happiness is a fabulous spot for those seeking an exotic cocktail experience. It is also a great spot for dates, particularly; first dates, as the vibe is super chilled.
Recommended cocktail: Painkiller (juicy, fruity and packs a punch)
Bizarre and quirky cocktail bars in London
It goes without saying that London is heaving with loads of bars and equally restaurants. So if you seek an experience; or something a bit different from the norm, you must visit one or perhaps all of our recommendations.
On the other hand, if you are not too fussed about cocktails and perhaps you are more of a foodie, take a look at the best restaurants in London.
Did you find this article useful? Have you decided on where you will visit? Comment below to share where you will be visiting or recommend a bar?