Best Bars In South London

Boasting one of the most thriving nightlife ecosystems in the city, South London is home to a stellar range of bars, pubs and clubs ready to show you a great time. From the adult playgrounds of Clapham to the hidden gems of Camberwell and Peckham and Brixton's boisterous club scene, we've chalked up our top reasons for why you should head south of the river with our guide to the best bars in South London. 

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 26th January 2026




The Ministry

Sister venue to Ministry of Sound, The Ministry is a cool Borough location found inside a former Victorian printworks, boasting original features like the floors and exposed brick for an industrial feel. The members' club and event space also has a bar that continues the old meets new vibe, with a menu along the same vein.

Think unique takes on classic cocktails, from Espresso Martinis filled with brandy and Guinness to a Champagne-laced version of Sex On The Beach. Not your thing? Check out the beers from Signature Brewery or the extensive list of spirits and wine.

Tequila Mockingbird - Various Sites

Whether you're looking for libations in Clapham, Wimbledon, Tooting or Putney, Tequila Mockingbird has got you covered. Swing by these sultry drinking dens for intimate interiors and a lush lineup of expertly prepared cocktails, not to mention weekend DJ sets and tasty pizzas.

Corner Corner

Make your way to Bermondsey to discover Corner Corner, a multi-use space that looks out over the water. There's both indoor and outdoor space to relax in, and they hot a regular lineup of events and live music as well.

Their food hall features multiple different vendors, selling everything from rice bowls to crispy fried chicken ad mezze plates. Plus, there's a bar whipping up fresh coffee, local beers and cracking cocktails.

Banana Island Lounge

Situated in Norwood, Banana Island Lounge is a cool bar and nightlife destination that's open until 3am on Saturdays. The stylish venue is filled with quirky neon signs, hanging plants and plush green velvet booths, also boasting a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.

Sip cocktails, Champagne or spirits while boogieing to international DJ sets. Feeling peckish? They also serve West African bar snacks, such as jollof rice, plantain, lamb chops and grilled wings.

London Bridge Rooftop

LBRT HAPPY HOUR

Just South of the river, promising amazing views of some of the city's best landmarks, London Bridge Rooftop is a top spot for food and drink. They've got a huge outdoor terrace with wooden tables and DJ sets, as well as a private room upstairs.

Soak up the scenery with an Aperol spritz in hand, or attend one of their bottomless brunches instead. Hungry? They're cooking up gourmet burgers, chicken tenders and much more.

Pop Brixton

With all kinds of independent businesses to be found among their repurposed shipping containers, Pop Brixton is so much more than just a bar. Whether you're lounging on their sunny outdoor space or looking out over the bustling tables from the first floor, you can sip cocktails or pints while tucking into everything from katsu curry to jollof rice. Even better? They host regular live music on the stage as well, alongside cultural festivals.

AND THEN TOOTING

A rooftop, DJs, and cocktails under £8? Yep, AND THEN TOOTING is bringing big energy to South London's nightlife scene. Whether you're grabbing after-work drinks, catching up with mates, or planning a full-blown night out, this buzzy bar delivers every time.

Located opposite Tooting Broadway station, it boasts a spacious main bar, two outdoor rooftop sections, and a menu featuring Honest Burgers. Open 'til late, with DJs keeping the party going, it's the kind of place where plans start with 'just one drink' and end with an unforgettable night.

Brixton Jamm

Brixton Jamm has been bringing party people to this part of South London for over a decade. From club nights and DJ sets to all kinds of live music, its massive dancefloor is regularly packed and pumping.

Outside, the courtyard is perfect for alfresco street food, cocktail pitchers and dancing the day away. Whether you're here for an event, gig or just a few drinks, expect mega music, great company and immaculate vibes.

Peckham Arches

Flaunting an outdoor terrace that's heated and covered all year round, Peckham Arches is a buzzing South London cocktail bar that promises alfresco sips. This vibrant space fits up to 200 people at a time, promising DJ sets, live sports and much more.

They serve a cracking range of cocktails, alongside fresh tank beer from Bird House Brewery. You can also get your hands on mouthwatering LA-style tacos, with fillings like birria beef, Baja cod and oyster mushrooms to choose from.

Molly Mc's

Located under the railway arches at Waterloo station, Jacks' Bar is the place to be for live music, lively nights out or just a quieter afternoon pint with friends. Their industrial-style interiors feature long wooden tables and exposed brick walls, with an outdoor terrace for the summer months.

Sample some of their refreshing beers and cocktails when you visit, or if you're hungry then why not try out kitchen residents Johnny Rice? These guys serve mouthwatering Thai street food like drunken noodles, pad Thai and sesame chicken.

Cocktail Akademia

Home to one of the best drinks menus in Bromley, Cocktail Akademia is a go-to for weekend sipping sessions. The four-floor hangout boasts a seductive lounge area with vintage furnishings and dim lighting – the perfect setting for enjoying Prohibition-style serves. The expert mixologists will be whipping up everything from smoked grapefruit negronis to green chilli margaritas, along with crowd-pleasing classics. 

MULTI STORY

Located in Peckham, MULTI STORY is a former car park that has been converted into a cool bar and event space. Expect quirky concrete interiors and plenty of seating space, where you can sip cocktails and tuck into everything from chorizo croquettes to double smash burgers and goat's cheese pizzas.

This place transitions from day to night, serving coffee and lunch in the day, followed by natural wines and craft beers by night. You can also expect pool tables, a photobooth and even a karaoke room, with events often taking place here too.

Gipsy Hill Taproom

One of the best South London bars for beer, Gipsy Hill Taproom is home to Gipsy Hill Brewing and just five minutes from the station, so you know you're in easy reach of the freshest pints. They've got their own beer on draft, as well as the latest release stocked canned in the fridges. 

Expect plenty of guest beers too, as well as wine, spirits, and low and no alcohol options.

Supercute

Supercute might be pint-sized, but it packs a punch with its vibrant energy and creative flair. This spot is all about fun and Afro-Latino vibes, featuring DJ sets and mouthwatering fruity cocktails crafted from fresh produce sourced from Brixton Market.

Swing by on Thursdays to dive into Latino culture with live music, percussion, and sensational dancers. And when Friday rolls around? Get ready to strut your stuff in your flares at a sleazy disco. Enjoy honest-to-goodness burgers while sipping on fantastic drinks starting at just £5 (a total bargain). Think mango margaritas, raspberry vanilla daiquiris, and refreshing watermelon martinis.

Vagabond Urban Winery

Located within a  6,000 sq ft Dock Shed space at Canada Water, Vagabond Urban Winery is a truly striking destination for drinks. It features unique elements like a concrete-egg fermenter and a pioneering solera system, giving you a view of the fermentation process first hand.

They've got self-pour wine machines where you can instantly get your favourite tipple, with a huge selection of English and global wines to choose from. There are scrumptious small plates on offer too, from aubergine parmigiana to patatas bravas and truffle arancini.

Simul Place

Make your way to Earlsfield to discover Simul Place, a independent members' lounge that offers something for everyone. There's a chic cocktail bar on-site, as well as a cool clubhouse and co-working space, or you can even hire the venue for private events.

Expect a relaxed, comfortable setting, filled with cosy booth seating. They host a regular lineup of events too, from DJ sets to creative workshops and talks.

Swift Borough

Found just south of the river, Swift Borough really is a lovely place to indulge in a wee drink or two. While the upstairs is bright and elegant, offering a relaxing atmosphere for catch-ups with mates, downstairs you'll find a sexy speakeasy that screams date night vibes.

Afters

When it comes to bars in South London, Afters in Clapham stands out as your ultimate late-night hangout. This is no ordinary bar - it's a dive with personality. Expect a night filled with good music, a cheeky round of pool, and plenty of drinks, from your go-to pints to something stronger.

Whether you're heading out for a casual drink or a night of debauchery, Afters is your go-to spot for staying up late and having fun with friends. With a laid-back vibe and zero pretensions, this is South London's best-kept secret.

Peckham Riviera

2-4-1 cocktails and 2 other offers

Nestled under the railway arches of Peckham Rye station, Peckham Riviera is a buzzing party bar that's filled with gorgeous greenery and twinkling fairy lights. The greenhouse-inspired space features both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a dancefloor decorated with glittering disco balls.

Whether you're sipping cocktails in the sun, or boogieing to resident DJs on the weekend, there's something for everyone here. Plus, they serve tasty New York-style pizza, topped with everything from barbecue chicken and chorizo to spicy vegetables.

Lucky Voice Waterloo

Happy Hour and 7 other offers

Found underneath platforms 20 to 24 in Waterloo station, Lucky Voice is one of the quirkiest bars around. Not only is it full of colourful neon signs, but there are also eight private karaoke booths available to hire. Book one out to sing along to more than 12,000 different songs from various genres, while sipping themed cocktails like the Purple Rain and munching on tasty pizzas. What's more, you can enjoy bottomless brunches here every Saturday as well.

The Distillery Bankside

Ranked among the best bars in South London, The Distillery is where heritage meets innovation. With a vast selection of gins, house-made syrups, and signature cocktails, this Bankside venue brings London's botanical spirit to life. Whether you're visiting for a casual G&T or exploring the menu during happy hour, The Distillery offers an elevated yet approachable vibe for locals and visitors alike.

Supercute Brewhouse

Uncover the magic of Supercute Brewhouse, tucked away in Coldharbour Works - a dream destination for beer aficionados. This unique microbrewery goes beyond a typical taproom by brewing its own delicious beers for you to taste.

Throughout the week, immerse yourself in fun activities like quiz nights and discover local talent while sipping on our signature brews, available from Tuesday to Sunday. Make your way over and experience the best in craft beer.

The Elm Tree Surbiton

Cocktail Happy Hour and 6 other offers

A lively pub that's great for all occasions, The Elm Tree is a local favourite in Surbiton. This is a friendly, welcoming spot, filled with rustic decor like exposed brick work and wooden walls, alongside comfy red leather booths and pretty greenery.

There are also several large screens that show live sports, and they host musical performances on a regular basis too. Sip Guinness from their original Irish taps, paired with scrumptious plates like smoked pumpkin chilli or gammon, egg and chips.

Graveney Gin

Graveney Gin isn't just about crafting its own delightful bottles - think rosemary and thyme or a smooth Old Tom Gin with hints of fig - but it also boasts a charming bar in Tooting serving up some of the best gin and tonics around.

Swing by Tooting Market, where the stylish, dimly lit bar whips up innovative cocktails that make the most of their award-winning spirits. Plus, don't miss the weekly gin-tasting experiences, perfect for groups looking to indulge in a little botanical fun.

Hausu

With a vintage sound system and low and inviting lighting, Hausu delivers laid back vibes with subtle sophistication. As the painstakingly curated playlists soundtrack your night, you can get to grips with a show-stopper of a drinks list. 

Expect out there wines, from bold reds and crisp whites to natural and skin contact bottles. Then there's the cocktail list. A total tour de force, it packs in sour apple mezcal margaritas, whiskey Syrah sours and tequila tonics.

Jazu Bar

If your idea of a great night out involves killer tunes, top-tier drinks and dancing under a disco ball, take a wander down Deptford High Street. Jazu serves up laidback local bar vibes with the flair of master mixologists.

Expect DJs in the booth, vinyl on the shelves and signature serves never far from your lips. We're talking mezcal mules, agave martinis and burnt espresso martinis.