Situated a hop, skip and a jump away from Monument, Dirty Martini is a subterranean cocktail bar oozing style. Come after work when there's some great happy hour deals to snap up, pop in a little later for a couple of cocktails to get the night started or stay all night long - there's DJs until 3am at the weekend after all!
Best Bars in East London
East London bars have always been the place where trends are set; an area of London where you can find almost any type of bar from cool and quirky, underground speakeasy, restaurant bars, music bars and many more. If you're looking for one of the best bars in the area, from Dalston and Shoreditch to Spitalfields and Hoxton, read our recommendations below.
Last updated on 13th July 2018
The Hoxton Seven is a great little bar with a buzzing atmosphere and some funky cocktails to boot. Head downstairs to the basement where DJs set the vibe with some classic dance tunes to get the party started. There are awesome happy hour deals to be taken advantage of as well, so reserve your spot and head down and check it out.
The Ten Bells haven't been completely truthful with you. They've been keeping their progressive upstairs cocktail bars a secret, but we're here to lift the lid and help you discover a stunning new drinking den in one of London's oldest pubs. Retire to a Chesterfield sofa and admire iconic artworks, as renowned bartender Jerome Slesinki sets you up with a few shorty cocktails.
Fresh from a summer residency atop Oval Space's terrace bar, Behind This Wall is a secret little cocktail den that's setting up permanent shop in Hackney. Serving vibrant cocktails that showcase the finest produce of Britain's small batch distilleries, the venue's simple decor clashes nicely with the explosive taste of every drink. Trust us, this bar has plenty of surprises up its sleeve.
Casa Blue London is a cool and quirky North African East London party bar in the heart of Shoreditch just a short walk from Brick Lane. A fun little bar in East London, Casa Blue is ideal for groups of friends catching up, or on a fun night out; and with funky soul and Afrobeat on the speakers mashed with indie and party classics, it will definitely put you in the mood for fun.
As sleek and as sexy as its clientele, this is one of our recommended bars in East London. With a late license keeping the place open until 3am six nights a week, and a selection of happy hour drinks deals, this is one of the best bars in East London for after work drinks or fun time partying until the early hours. They've got something pretty special going on in Monument and St Paul's, too!
The elegant Indian-inspired decor of Anise make it the perfect antidote for other more indie bars in East London. Candle-lit booths and a purple glow encasing the venue create a chilled vibe, which is heated up by the Indian bar snacks and spice-infused cocktails. Very popular with the Square Mile after work drinking set, expect a discerning and sophisticated clientele to share the venue with you.
Located smack bang in the middle of east London's social hub, LCC Shoreditch are your go-to guys for an impeccable cocktail fix. Choose between quirky creations like the 'Confessions of a Cucumber Salesman' and the 'Brixton Riot', and don't you go striding out without having sampled our favourite; the 'Smoking Barrel'.
Made your way round to this charming boozer off Hackney Downs yet? Why not! It quickly becomes a firm favourite, charming punters with an interior that features giant maypoles, wicker masks and brass icons galore. Plonk yourself at a table and prepare for a feast; there's a rotating menu of culinary delights and plenty of 'deadly ciders', craft beers and home-infused gins at the same time.
Not only a great addition to the Shoreditch nightlife scene but also to East London, Trapeze is undoubtedly where it's at. On the ground floor you'll find a creative cocktail list, incredible food and an awesome party, while downstairs you'll encounter the underground sound of some deep house every weekend.
The Victoria sets out to create a “relaxed, familiar and playful” atmosphere; which is everything you might expect from your local. Famed for a live music programme that stretches back three decades, this Dalston boozer also features a stunning 50s bar island which serves classic cocktails, local craft beer and new world wines. The kitchen hosts rotating pop-up chefs, so there's always something fresh and exciting to keep hunger at bay.
The Shoreditch bar and club, located on Shoreditch High Street, is on the front line of East London's bustling entertainment and cultural scene. It's a chic DJ bar across two floors which has a pleasant lounge bar vibe early on, that transforms into a full-frontal dance party, most days of the week. The popular Happy Hour offers you two cocktails or four beers for a tenner, 2pm-10pm daily (9pm Saturdays). And the Shoreditch is open til late, 7 days a week.
Zigfrid Von Underbelly is a popular East London Bar that sits on the corner of Shoreditch's famous Hoxton Square. Copious amounts of Shoreditch clubbing, eating and boozing can all be had at Zigfrid in a wonderful, quirky and completely sensical non-sensical mish mash of interiors. One of the best London late night DJ bars without a doubt! So if you're looking for a great East London Bar for a bite, booze or a boogie, Zigfrid has it all.
This classy venue is a restaurant bar by day and a sophisticated drinking spot in the later hours. With a stunning interior and two beautiful outdoor spaces it is one of the best places to enjoy a nice drink or a meal. The wine menu is the main attraction with a huge selection to choose from. The chic decor will make any night or day feel exclusive.
Barrio Shoreditch is one of East London's Best and most fun-filled cocktail bars. This fun time party bar is a great East London Bar for letting your hair down and enjoying delicious cocktails. Barrio Shoreditch is a cool and quirky cocktail bar that raises the bar of South American themed cocktail bars in London.
Located on the quieter side of the infamous Brick Lane, Apples and Pears is an East London Bar that merges a chilled and relaxed early evening vibe with a party pumping nightclub later at night. There are great happy hours that run throughout the week and famous East London themed cocktails such as 'Beets by Dre' and 'Petal to the Netal'. Head downstairs of this great East London bar for a late night club with resident DJs and great party tunes. Apples and Pears take venue, area and table bookings so book online and head out East.
A classy cocktail bar at the crux of the city scene, Dirty Martini St Paul's suits all manner of nights out. Guests come at quitting time for some much-needed liquid refreshment, kick off a wild night on the town or stay for a sing and a dance late into the night. Don't forget to check out their equally sleek Bishopsgate and Monument outposts.
Ruby's, in Dalston, is a real gem in the East London bar scene. Though not particularly easy to find or get in to, those that do are in for a treat. The bar is set beneath Ruby House on Stoke Newington Road. Ruby bar slows down the pace of the heavy-hitting bars and clubs Dalston is known for. Here you will find specially and expertly crafted unique cocktails in a calm and intimate setting.
Floripa in Shoreditch (formerly Favela Chic) is a cocktail of Brazilian and Latin-American Culture. Throughout the day, you can enjoy all that is great about our Hispanic amigos. Guests can head down for some tasty tapas or more substantial meals before the party starts. There really is no other East London Bar that competes with Floripa when it comes to throwing down a carnival style shindig. Make sure you're on the guest list, when you are, head on down. Aye Carumba!!.
This East London bar is a Brick Lane favourite, sitting pretty in the heart of the Truman Brewery and boasting a terrace space so you can fill your boots on some alfresco boozing in Summer. With a cold hard appreciation for music of all ages, you'll hear top DJ talent and a soundtrack of Indie, Hip Hop or even retro classics.
From its elusive exterior almost like two ragtag neighbouring New York liquor stores, Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes has a recurrently changing interior. Going from retro, 1950s American theme to kids playrooms, here it always promises to deliver ultimate uniqueness. Its quirky, old-school kitchen home design, for example, accompanied by detergent/medicine-inspired liquid concoctions, such as "Gin & Shampoo" really does make for an unforgettable bar experience.
Located in the heart of Shoreditch, at the top of Hackney Road, the Looking Glass Cocktail club is a hidden gem boasting vintage decor, Victorian opulence and expertly mixed bespoke cocktail concoctions. Step behind the 'looking glass' for a completely unique night out in London, you won't be disappointed...
Split across two floors, Scout is a unique and innovative cocktail that bar that changes the way cocktails are made. Head towards Old Street to find a cute and intimate cocktail joint that serves drinks made from seasonal produce, while a downstairs laboratory will show you how to muddle up concoctions.
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