Best Bars Near Chinatown

Century is a member's club that's found not far from Chinatown, one which is hidden behind a modest front door on Shaftesbury Avenue. Here, you'll find Soho's largest rooftop terrace, private dinner and more across the suave setting.

In the heart of the West End, U9 packs in nine space-age karaoke rooms and a showstopping cocktail bar into its cosmic playground. With rooms channelling the dwarf planet Pluto through to the gas giant Jupiter, there's somewhere for an intimate serenade or an epic performance for all your pals.

As you leaf through the epic 450,000-strong song library, there's all kinds of precision engineered cocktails to relax the vocal chords. Post-show refreshments are waiting in the form of Japanese small plates, skewers and sharing platters.

Nestled elegantly in The Hippodrome Casino, Permission Lounge is something of a throwback. With polished stone surfaces, velvet-draped thresholds and low and inviting lighting, it's like stepping back to the roaring 20s.

The many drinks on offer are just as chic and sophisticated. Expect rare spirits, seasonal house infusions, worldly wines and a spectacular champagne list.

When it comes to lively pubs in the West End, Waxy O'Connors stands in good stead. Not only one of the best Irish pub names in the city with Guinness practically coming out of their ears, Waxy's is also home to creative interiors; from intricate woodwork to towering trees and nooks aplenty. Otherwise, head to their little sister pub.

Popular with London's young and fun, Bar Rumba shows no signs of stopping. From some of the cheapest drinks deals in the biz through to a playlist of commercial and pop hits and a bustling vibe, it's looking like a very late and deliciously boozy one here.

Touting a whole load of character is The Cocktail Club Shaftesbury Avenue, which is adorned with British Navy-style pin-ups and skulls and crossbones. As for drinks? They have a crackin' selection of lip-smacking cocktails.

A secret bar in Chinatown that can be found directly in the heart of the action, Opium stands in good stead as one of the best places to drink. From a roster of Asian-inspired cocktails down to a mouthwatering selection of dumplings and dim, this is a hidden gem not to be missed. 

The Rialto Backstage Bar is one for all you entertainment lovers, bringing a whole host of casino tables, sports screenings and more to the swish space. Not only that, but this glamorous West End destination has the fancy cocktails and Champagne to match.

Head to Gerrard Street, find the elusive door, make your way up the secret stairs and prepare to make your way through the menu at this inconspicuous hideaway. With a sister site in Paris and a reputation for providing some of the best libations in the world, you're in for a good night at ECC.

Located over on Soho's famous Greek Street, Simmons is the kitschy-cool bar that slings out a mega selection of boozy beverages. Even better? It boasts a mega happy hour every day from 3pm to 8pm, so you can save on the pennies while you sip. Thanks to its location, it's perf for a post-Chinatown tipple.

Right in among it all, this Chinatown bar in London is fronting plenty of Japanese speakeasy vibes across the cool, dimly-lit space. Enjoy carefully crafted cocktails, sake, Japanese spirits and well-known classics while listening to DJs at this cool bolthole.