So you're out enjoying a couple of drinks or perhaps a quick sip after work and your stomach starts to rumble... we've all been there. Then you begin to notice every plate that passes you bringing with it an invigorating scent (usually deep-fried) that travels directly from your nose to your stomach until the rumbling hits a 7 on the Richter scale. It's not just nuts and crisps these days; here's our favourite places for serious bar snacks in London.
Named in honour of the world's first celebrated bartender, Cato's 14-drink cocktail list is the stuff of legend. But it's not the only menu worth checking out while you're here.
There's plenty to nibble on as you work through signature serves like Jalapeño + Shiso, Sweet Woodruff + Cream, and Wildflower Honey + Turmeric. We're talking oysters, popcorn fried chicken, mushroom tostadas and cured meats.
The Opium Dim Sum & Cocktail parlour in Leicester Square is an elaborately chic London bar with a penchant for things to pick on, in this case delicious bar snacks in London. Escape the bustle of ground level Chinatown and escape to this hidden location for refreshing cocktails with a punch of pedigree behind them and you can probably guess what kind of bar snacks to expect, what you probably won't guess is just how tasty they are!
Nestled by a lively street market, The Clerkenwell Tavern has been a Farringdon mainstay since 1876 — and it's no wonder, thanks to its top-notch sandwiches served alongside a selection of natural & organic wines and craft beers. The Reuben is a real winner, boasting house-brined salt beef, Swiss cheese, pickles, zesty slaw, and Russian dressing.
Italian bar snacks, anyone? If you're after a light bite to wash down your vino, then yapix Coffee And Wine House in Canning Town is the place to head. Think bruschetta, sharing boards and Italian toasted sandwiches, finished off by tiramisu.
A great choice for cocktails, Ottie's Salon also provides the goods when you get a little peckish at the bar. Located in Bloomsbury, this speakeasy-style destination is filled with quirky decor, red walls and golden chandeliers, as well as comfy seating to relax in.
Tuck into bar snacks like mini wagyu beef sliders, whiskey cured salmon and charred baby aubergine, paired with all kinds of concoctions. Their happy hour runs from 5 to 7pm every day, and they even host live jazz nights twice a week.
Want to wash your bar snacks down with tropical cocktails? The Palm House is just the place for that, thanks to a gorgeous menu and even more stunning surrounds. Think tacos, nachos, beef brisket quesadillas and sweetcorn fritters, swoon.
The beautiful and eccentric Callooh Callay is one of London's hottest cocktail bars. With seriously scrumptious cocktails designed to tantalise the taste buds, you'll probably need something to soak up that alcohol. Cue the snack menu, which may be small but offers some of the best bites around.
Franklin's Wine in Notting Hill really knows a thing or two when it comes to complementing their epic booze selection. Sip on wine and cocktails with their fabulous range of flavour-packed cheese and charcuterie boards.
Blue Bar At The Berklery is not only a sophisticated drinking haunt tucked away in the heart of Knightsbridge, but also a fantastic spot to enjoy decadent small plates with a cocktail in hand. Take a seat in one of the moody, modern rooms designed by David Collins and tuck into churros with shaved Manchego cheese and truffle, Carlingford oysters plus yellowfin tuna tartare cones.
You'll find some of the tastiest bar snacks around at BAM Karaoke Box. Spanning 10,000 square feet, it's Europe's largest venue of its kind, boasting 22 individually designed rooms and two cocktail bars. Its decor is eclectic, with leopard print seats, chandeliers and oil paintings brushed with bright pink lettering. Enjoy tasty bites to eat delivered straight, courtesy of consultant culinary director and renowned chef Sabrina Gidda, to your room. Think European cuisine and classic French dishes with a twist.
The King of Ladies Man is a sister venue to The Breakfast Club in Shoreditch, however, this secret hideaway is set in the style of a 70's bachelor pad. Enter the secret entrance (through a laundrette) and tuck into retro bar snacks like pulled pork sliders and mac & cheese pots.
From arancini stuffed with rich beef ragu to tempura prawns and baked camembert, 1 Leicester Square Rooftop is taking your bar snacks in London to a whole new level. Chow down on the tasty stuff while sipping on the beautiful bar's signature cocktails, all as you gaze out over the city's skyline.
Situated near Bank Station, The Libertine is a great shout for sumptuous bar snacks. Tuck into everything from aubergine crisps to curried cauliflower bites and fresh market oysters. Pair your nibbles with a few cocktails or a glass of wine.
Everything on The London Cocktail Exchange's drinks menu is a surprise – and the snack menu is no different. Showcasing the bartenders' creativity, the themed cocktail list features everything from a Key Lime Cobbler to the Grasshopper containing salted caramel and chocolate cream.
As for the food, their focus is Italian small(er) plates – spotlighting the lesser-known arancinetti and pinsa – essentially mini arancini and vegan-friendly pizza. The gooey rice balls come stuffed with pork ragu or spinach and mozzarella, while the pinsa comes with a zesty house-made dipping sauce.
Stanley's elevates bar snacks to a genuine part of the experience. From Scottish salmon rillette and chicken satay skewers to halloumi salad with raspberry vinaigrette, everything is made for sharing and sipping. Sweet options like matcha cheesecake round out the menu, making grazing over cocktails as satisfying as a full dinner.
Pair these with a signature cocktail or sparkling wine for a relaxed evening that's as much about the food as the drinks.
Looking for somewhere to grab a drink and a bite to eat after work? City dwellers, this charming pub is the place for you. As well as serving a curated selection of drinks from the bar, The Lamb & Trotter offers lip-smacking snacks like honey mustard sausage bites and hand-raised pork pie.
Serving American bar snacks, including Chicago meatballs, Kentucky chicken tenders and a trio of tacos, Evans & Peel Detective agency is a cool Prohibition-style speakeasy in Earl's Court. Head behind a hidden door and descend into a drinking den of live jazz, with cocktails whipped up from bootlegged liquor.
Perched 18 floors above Greenwich, Eighteen Sky Bar is a pretty gorgeous spot for drinks and snacks. Soak up the stunning city views, either from their open-air terrace or the stylish interior.
Their bar snacks range from crispy fried sushi rice to British charcuterie plates and cheese boards. Plus, their selection of cocktails is second-to-none.
To go with your cocktails, quirky G&Ts or craft beers from Jim & Tonic at The Print House? A range of mouthwatering Italian nibbles. Not only can you delve into scrumptious pizzas, but also a load of small plates, from burrata with spring tomatoes to sweet potato fritters.
Slinging out smoked almonds, croquettes, and yummy charcuterie spreads, 28°-50° have some of the finest bar snacks around. With locations dotted all throughout London, stop inside for a few bites and a few glasses of vino.
If you're on the hunt for fabulous watering holes in Southwark, look no further than The Lounge Bar. The venue also knows a thing or two about scrumptious snacks - think everything from nachos to truffle fries and calamari.
Silk Stockings channels the best of the New York lounge bar. Think low lighting, art deco finishes, neon signs and a full size pool table.
Like many of the Big Apple's finest, it serves up a stellar selection of bar snacks too. We're talking rosemary fries, chilli rice cakes and olives, plus small plates of fried chicken, beef tartare, calamari and more.
Searching for a quick little spot for a few drinks? Aspen & Meursault is a must for wine lovers with their extensive list. Not only do they have pretty plants and seating, but they bring delicious bar snacks such as boozy cheeses, baked Camembert and spicy chorizo bites.
When it comes to bar snacks in Covent Garden, Cecilia's Wine House is pulling out all the stops. Venture inside, where you'll be able to grab a cosy table (or, perhaps admire the epic booze offering), all while delving into top-notch quaffs, caviar and charcuterie platters.
If you're feeling like chowing down on some of the best European-inspired grazing boards, Maltby Street Wine House is the venue for you. Located in the heart of London Bridge, this suave watering hole has a boatload of bites, from charcuterie boards to bruschetta and olives.
Joining forces with Tā Tā Eatery, famed bartenders Alex Kratena and Monica Berg have forged quite the foodie-come-cocktail emporium. There's the infamous frozen coffee and Nordic old fashioneds, but we all know what you really want... that naughty katsu sando.
While Hacha may be famed for its tasty and translucent Mirror Margarita, the Dalston bar serves up a food menu that's just as good. With Conga London currently occupying the kitchen, expect a punchy spread of ceviche, tacos and tequila.
Nestled in the heart of Crouch End, Little Mercies is a real north London gem. Whether you're chowing down on beef crumpets and ox cheek pastrami, make sure you wash it all down with a Delicious Sour or an updated take on the pornstar martini.
