Holborn is that great little part of London that connects Soho, East London and The City. The location means you get all of the benefits of the surrounding areas, without the hoard of wandering tourists, perfect for tucked away drinks and slow chats. We've put together a list of the best Holborn bars from cocktail spots and bowling alleys (for a bit of fun) to quirky pubs.
With 10 private karaoke rooms, swift drinks deliveries and over 9000 tunes to choose from, Lucky Voice is the go-to for fun nights out in central London. Not only is the Holborn location in prime position for after-work drinks, but it makes for a memorable night.
Bespoke bevvies? Yes, please. Head on over to Baranis on Chancery Lane, to experience the glamour and opulence of Southern France. Think chic interiors, alongside a fabulous cocktail menu, including plenty of well-loved classics and a few sultry concoctions.
You thought you knew darts, thought it was the preserve of beer-bellied men, then The Flight Club rocked up in Holborn and you discovered you were oh so wrong. This brilliant games bar is perfect for a social night out in Holborn, with electronic scoring systems, craft beer and pizza, this is the darts revolution.
Holborn cocktail bars don't get much better than The Cocktail Club, which is perched on Shaftesbury Avenue. Whether you're heading in for a post-theatre tipple or to kickstart a night out, this cool tailor shop-inspired spot is sure to impress with its signature concoctions.
You'll find Ottie's Salon inside Bertrand's Townhouse, promising a chilled vibe by day and a cool speakeasy-style atmopshere in the evening. The interior is filled with a bold red and blue colour scheme, flaunting quirky decorations and comfy seating, and there's even a private outdoor terrace - complete with a discreet cigar garden experience.
They specialise in cocktails, and if you come between 5 and 7pm you'll enjoy happy hour prices on these. You can also nibble on plates like mini wagyu beef sliders, whiskey cured salmon or British cheese boards, and be sure to check out their twice-weekly jazz nights too.
Like your drinks with a side of style? NYX Hotel London Holborn & Sabine Holborn is definitely offering that. Whether you're heading in for a few light bites over some cocktails at their ground floor restaurant, or popping by at the weekend for their live DJ sets, this haunt won't fail to disappoint.
It takes a lot to stand out on the bustling streets of Holborn, but The Fable has no problem doing just that. This enchanting, magical restaurant and bar goes the whole hog in setting up a mystical ambience but there's way more to it than just a quirky decor. The food and drink is equally as compelling, and there's frequent masterclasses and fun functions to be enjoyed too.
When it comes to cheap cocktail bars in Holborn, household name All Bar One has to be right up there. Not only can you choose between an extensive menu of signature serves and classics, but also grab brunches, wine or beer too.
This central London spot is the perfect place to wine and dine. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and tuck in to classic British dishes and renowned wines from the cellar.
When it comes to bars in Holborn, Simmons knows a thing or two about having a good ol' time in the city. Venture inside, where you'll be met with two floors of glitzy features and plenty of space to throw some shapes to live DJ sets. Feeling thirsty? There's a happy hour for that.
You'll find The Spirited within the basement of The Hoxton Hotel - an intimate space that promises tropical vibes and a killer cocktail menu inspired by the Caribbean. On the food front, expect a tasty tapas selection that showcases cuisines from the 12 sovereign nations of South America.
Take a seat on one of their plush velvet sofas or a bar stool to sip creative concoctions, surrounded by luscious greenery and rustic wooden furnishings. Hungry? Get stuck into the likes of sea bass ceviche, smoky mushroom skewers and seasonal empanadas.
The London Cabaret Club is a standout venue in Holborn's nightlife scene. It offers an awesome fusion of British fine dining with a unique, interactive cabaret performance. Tuck into a menu of delectable British dishes while the biggest West End stars put on an excellently choreographed show that celebrates the rich heritage of British culture, both new and old.
Escape the hustle and bustle of central London by heading to Apex Temple Court. This swanky hotel boasts an all-day dining spot serving up hearty dishes in contemporary interiors, and a stunning wine bar boasting one of the city's most impressive selections of exotic sips.
Located in Holborn, LOCKES is a grand spot to visit for date nights aplenty and catch-ups with friends. You'll get to sling back mezcal margaritas, pina coladas and espresso martinis in a sleek and stylish setting. Plus, there's delish pizzas if you get peckish.
Tucked just on the border of Bloomsbury and Holborn, The Beach Bar at The Montague on the Gardens is arguably the neighbourhood's best-kept summer secret. This award-winning seasonal pop-up completely replaces the traditional city pavement scene with a tropical oasis, making it a spectacular choice for a local after-work drink or group experience.
With real golden sand, towering palm trees, and a laid-back holiday vibe, it offers an escape to the coast right in Central London. Gather your friends or colleagues beneath the palms to sip signature summer cocktails and enjoy a fully loaded BBQ dining menu. Because of its massive popularity and limited seasonal availability, booking ahead for a spot on the sand is highly recommended before the summer slips away.
Bounce in London is a ping pong restaurant and bar concept based at the site where Ping Pong was first invented in Holborn. This fantastically fun restaurant bar intends to marry table tennis with fun cocktails and delicious wood fired pizzas, burgers and small bites.
The Holborn All Star Lanes has a private room with 2 bowling lanes, cocktail bar, karaoke facilities and exclusive canape menu. Perfect for groups of 30-80 people. Larger groups of up to 270 guests can exclusively hire the whole venue complete with 6 lanes, 2 cocktail bars and an 80 cover restaurant.
One of Holborn's swankiest spots, The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas boasts interiors as impressive as its name. Surrounded by marble, gold and renaissance-style artwork you'll be able to sip of a variety of exotic wines and munch on a huge selection of charcuterie small plates.
Inspired by a drawing room and a gentleman's club, Scarfes Bar in Holborn boasts a roaring fire, velvet armchairs, and over 1,000 antique books hand-picked by a Portobello vintage dealer. The bar is named after artist Gerald Scarfe, and they've got a bunch of his distinctive drawings and paintings on display, telling the colourful history of the UK in a witty and satirical way. The bartenders are true connoisseurs of their craft, and they've got an extensive lineup of cocktails and craft beers, like the Rosa Paloma made with Komos Rosa, lychee and fig leaf, palo cortado and LE Pink Grapefruit, as well as the chocolate wine-infused Golden Touch.
Just a stone's throw from Russell Square, Leopard Bar at The Montague on the Gardens is a fabulous venue for some lip-smacking bevvies. Expect a glorious space adorned with chic animal print, a relaxed bar, and a cocktail menu that's bound to get tastebuds tingling.
Inspired by Parisian wine bars, Nobel Rot on Lamb's Conduit Street is a glamorous den decked out in dark wood and flickering candles. It serves delicious Franglais-inspired cuisine that's both British and French, made with the finest seasonal produce and plenty of daily specials. And, of course, they've got a killer wine selection from all over the world, featuring mature bottles from internationally renowned wine makers.
