Best Bars In London 2023

It's true - the term 'legend' is banded around way too much, but not in the case of Nightjar. Perfecting an irresistible set-up of innovative and beautiful cocktails tied in with a dazzling programme of live music, this wonderful cocktail bar in Shoreditch and Soho continues to win awards on the world stage. A must feature on any discerning drinker's bucket list.

After live music, food and cocktails in Shoreditch? Old Street Records throws its hat into the ring with a cutting-edge approach to live music across its two floors. Take in EP launches, new bands and established acts alike in a record-store setting, or make for the intimate basement below where jazz nights and DJ sessions are usually held.

It's all things leisure and pleasure at this Central London favourite (found in the iconic Bloomsbury Hotel). When you're not taking in the sparkling lights, the plush velvet armchairs and the premium date night vibes, you'll be head first in a menu of global spirits and premium cocktails that deserve your attention.

Located in Covent Garden, The Wild Monkey is a pretty fabulous haunt for after work drinks and date nights aplenty. Head inside the slinky interiors for forest-themed decor, gin cocktails using Monkey 47 and gorgeous plush seating.

This late-night cocktail bar in King's Cross and Holborn whips up unbeatable cocktails served in mismatched teacups. With old-styled decor mixed with a glittery skull head disco ball, this place has fun-house vibes aplenty and is the perfect venue for a feel-good fun night out.

One for all you rum aficionados, Laki Kane is the Upper Street spot transporting you to warmer climes. Along with a stunning interior and energetic bartenders, you can expect pan-Asian bites, a buzzing atmosphere and all things rum.

London has no shortage of cool cocktail venues and eccentric mixologists, but perhaps none more so than those at Purl who take experimental cocktails to a whole new level. This quirky, underground hotspot, complete with cosy alcoves and even a piano, transports you back to a time gone by, into a world filled with different tastes and fragrances, to give you a cocktail experience like no other.

The second Bounce site in London brings more of the same playful ping-pong antics to a buzzing location close to Old Street. With 17 tables (including one used for the World Championships Final in Tokyo), there's no better place to get down to some serious competitive socialising with your mates, with cocktails and delicious Italian food to keep you on top form.

Aviary is yet another hit from the ETM group, only this time they've gone sky high. Expect all the deliciousness of their previous venues, with sumptuous cocktails and British seasonal plates, only this time they come with a healthy dose of City views and chilled-out-terrace vibes as their rooftop overlooks one and all.

If you're in the mood for a premium wine bar experience in the city, none do it quite like Diogenes The Dog. With a dynamic wine list and options from global winemakers, they not only have a far reaching menu, their pretty interiors, cheese plates and service are high-end with a comfortable feel.

It's cool, it's cute and it serves damn delicious cocktails; Bourne and Hollingsworth in Fitzrovia is one of our favourite basement bars in London. Head to the central venue to flop in an armchair, soak up chilled-out vibes and work your way through an inventive cocktail list.

The rum-obsessed can find safe haven at Burlock. Hidden just off Oxford Street with one of the biggest rum selections in the city, their constant 5-star reviews, sell-out tables and party atmosphere make them one of the most exciting stops for a drink in the city.

If you haven't tried Silverleaf's incredible concoctions out for yourself, you are really missing a trick. Discover the collaboration between whisky emporium Milroy's and slick City hotel Pan Pacific; where Tom Dixon-designed interiors meet slick service and award-winning drinks.

Situated on Kingsland Road, Map Maison is a great choice for signature sips in East London. Head inside, where you'll be met with dark furnishings, chic booths and a plethora of spirits. Thirsty? Opt for a Wild Fashioned made up of Havana Anejo, Angostura bitters and brown sugar molasses.

Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, Callooh Callay is a quirky, cocktail favourite, where talented bartenders mix up some of the most imaginative cocktails in London. Filled with plush furnitures, decadent colourways and moody lighting this bar packs a punchy atmosphere with plenty of bar areas to mooch around and even some secrets to discover... shh. 

There's quite simply nothing else like Aeronaut in London. Backed up by a consistent stream of 5* reviews (seriously, there's loads of 'em), as well as the DMN public's 'Best All In One Venue' of 2015, this Acton venue turns your standard pub experience upside down. Go for wholesome pub grub and beers brewed on site, with scintillating circus shows that break out into DJ and dancing sessions at the weekend.

Our list wouldn't be complete without Bussey Rooftop Bar. This gorgeous boozer fronts sky-high views, botanical décor and beautiful cocktails. Plus, their pizzas range from five cheese jalapeno to vegan caprese and Margherita slices.

Arguably one of the best kept secrets in Shoreditch, The Gibson has a lot to say for itself when it comes to cocktails in the city. From creative mixes in tankards you've never seen before, to speakeasy interiors perfect for a late night date, it's a must-see.

Seek out this hidden gem in the East End and you'll immediately reap your rewards. Apples & Pears serves up fantastic and innovative cocktails in an energetic setting, evoking an infectious atmosphere that rivals some of London's top Prohibition plots. The eclectic music programme ensures there's always something to keep your toes tapping. 

So bear with us a little here; darts is actually really, really fun. Flight Club have breathed a completely fresh lease of life into this age-old classic of a pub game, welcoming you to their super-stylish oches to play interactive games with live-scoring and lots of impressive technology. You game? Good, bring your squad along to Shoreditch or Bloomsbury for lots of competitive socialising, pizzas and drinks!

The Cocktail Club venues are powerhouses of quirky drinks and rowdy nights across London. One of the best bars if you're looking for unadulterated, cocktail-fuelled mayhem, check out this dive bar for off-kilter concoctions and a playlist of nothin' but feel-good, sing-along classics. More suited to lively all-nighters than cosy date nights, don't be surprised to find yourself up on the bartop dancing the night away.

Not only does Adam Handling cook up a mean dish, but he's got the drinks to match. Nestled below his eponymous Covent Garden restaurant, Eve is the subterranean spot serving up impressive drinks and mouthwatering small plates in the most intimate of settings.

The Piano Works is a warehouse space of jazz inspired jubilance where the piano takes centre stage and the entertainment comes from requests made by yours truly. Set in a Victorian listed building, this place is a fusion of industrial underground and classic music. Sit down, stand up, sing, dance and drink at this place. 

For the best bars in London with beautiful views, look no further than the iconic Sky Garden. Fronting sky pods, gardens and terraces all catering to large groups, this is the perfect place to head to with a lot of mates or for a work night out.

From Roll-A-Ball Derby to Shoot the Clown and Whac-A-Mole, Fairgame in Canary Wharf is a funfair-themed bar worth getting stuck into. You'll get to play innovative games while munching on street food and sipping on creative concoctions.

This hidden gem is a chic cocktail bar and dim sum parlour in the heart of Chinatown. If you're lucky enough to find the inconspicuous green door and get in then you'll be able to experience three floors of delicious Asian cocktails and food. With a cool, trendy following this bar is sure to impress and make for a big night out with their late night opening hours.

There's 25 years of experience in the cocktail industry at this South London joint. Shrub and Shutter is the work of Salts of the Earth cocktail consultancy and creates inspired and unique drinks, using little-known ingredients. 

Brought to you by the same minds that own Callooh Callay, Little Bar are all about bringing premium drinks to Highbury and Islington. A staple with cocktails in the front and a dining room at the back, their master mixologists are putting together high-end blends, with wine and beer to boot, all made for a casual date night in the city.

With a vermouth-led menu, SUPERMAX is something or a rarity in the city. Hidden below Happy Face Pizza, cocktails celebrate all things Italian culture, not only in its love of vermouth, but interiors that sing of 1970s Milan, with a playlist dedicated to Italo pop.

Found in the heart of Hackney, The Last Tuesday Society is a cocktail bar for lovers of all things weird and wonderful. Quirky interiors are dotted with Instagrammable decor (think plush seating and taxidermy) while absinthe and curious concoctions keep you watered.

Iconic and renowned for its dossier of awards, Swift Soho is the perfect example of what makes London's cocktail scene so impressive. Tucked away in Soho, and now with a second site in Shoreditch, experience ground breaking flavours here.

A bar for celebrities, stars, politicians: and now you. Disrepute has a cheeky history, but it delivers on everything you want right now, from their fabulous cocktails, sophisticated interior and perfect atmosphere. Head down for classy drinks, deluxe velvet interiors and a vibe like no other.

One of the most highly rated bars in London, Heads + Tails is a sultry drinking destination of two different faces: a light and airy space upstairs, with a sexy den below. Topping it off? There's a bespoke cocktail list at each.

When it comes to the colliding worlds of experience and bar in London, few do it quite like Alcotraz. A locked-up, libation-led immersive night where wardens and smuggled booze are both as important as the other, these guys have excelled at creating an unforgettable night of drinks in the city. 

Dripping in glamour and luxury, Fitz's is a bar taking things up a notch. Found at Grade II listed hotel, Kimpton Fitzroy London, you can expect a trip in time with stained glass, decadent cocktail mixes and Victorian curiosities strewn about the place.

Can't decide where to head to this evening? NYX Eat, Drink & Play is always a winner in our books. Hungry? They've got delicious sharing platters and small plates. Thirsty? Quench it with over 20 different mezcals to choose from. Plus, their interiors alone make it an unmissable bar.

A real north London gem, Homeboy is the Upper Street bar bringing a slice of Ireland to the city. Whether you're a lover of all things whiskey, can't resist a decent pink of Guinness or fancy trying out some traditional bites, this is the place for it.

If you're all for award-winning drinks, Coupette are serving them. A humble and romantic spot in Bethnal Green, this is a cocktail bar not only made for date nights, but made for those looking to try cocktails with real flair in the city. 

Fronting New York-style loft interiors and an Andy Warhol-themed vault, The Little Scarlet Door is a totally unique offering in Soho. Think unique cocktails and plenty of DJs, all enjoyed in this cool space.

If you're looking for something a little different from your London bar, Prohibition-style speakeasy Evans & Peel Detective Agency has your back. Head behind the hidden door to find this secret spot, where you'll be rewarded with American bar snacks and plenty of cocktails that were first whipped up from bootlegged liquor.