Bars in Central London

Situated on Drury Lane, Cecilia's Wine House is a Covent Garden gem worth visiting. Not only does this glorious drinking den flaunt pretty interiors, including exposed brick walls and sultry corners, but it also has a range of bevvies up for grabs and a top-notch food menu.

A hidden gem amongst the often crazed and crowded bars of Central London, Soho's Arts Theatre Club serves as a romantic relaxation destination with a little extra vintage flair. With luscious seats, sips, and sounds, this member-only speakeasy will knock the socks off of any date in true Prohibition-era grandeur.

You know us - we love a quirky bar. And The Rabbit Hole? It's exactly what the (boozy) doctor ordered. Alongside the menus that double as interactive board games and the slick, intriguing interiors, there's an extensive selection of curious cocktails to get stuck into.

For haunts in Central London, head to Purgatory Bar on Cambridge Street. This gorgeous venue is whipping up a range of bespoke concoctions, from coffee-laced bevvies to a theatrical Fallen Angel made up of dragon fruit vodka, Aperol lemon and mango.

Located round the corner from St Paul's is Core; a fun-loving, fresh hangout where you can eat, drink and dance your way through to the early hours. Sup on one of their truly unique cocktails, enjoy an expertly made coffee or craft beer and survey a strong menu filled with lighter snacks and wholesome feasts alike. Available to hire at the weekends, Core is perfect for celebrating that special occasion.

From after-work drinks through to a cute date night, Bourne and Hollingsworth are the perfect pit stop for something a little different. Find them in Fitzrovia in a discreet basement bar as they pour tipples such as a Fitzgerald - rose petal vodka, fresh lime, pomegranate and topped with bubbles. 

Cocktail bars in central London don't get much better than this Japanese-inspired speakeasy in Chinatown. Head under Yatay restaurant and you'll uncover this cool spot, which is styled to resemble a recording studio, while fronting sake-laced concoctions.

For a bar in Central London with a unique twist, head to Nordic Bar which celebrates all food, drink and party vibes hailing from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. Just a stone's throw from Oxford Street, this party bar boasts ping pong tables, shot wheels and fun DJs spinning the freshest tunes until the early hours of the morning.

Escape to the slice of Latin-inspired heaven sitting right in the heart of London, Vinoteca Farringdon. This Central London bar and restaurant serves up a selection of 300 fine wines and a menu full of fresh breads, cheeses, meats perfectly reminiscent of the sunny coasts of the Spanish Mediterranean.

Situated just off Leicester Square, Joshua's Tavern is one of our Central favourites. Head inside, where you'll be met with a hand-painted mural of the gin-loving Reynolds, alongside over 57 variations on tap. Hungry? Chow down on a selection of gastro eats.

If you find yourself in Mayfair and are gagging for a top-notch drink, The White Horse should be your port of call. Home to a bevvy of delicious beverages, from premium wines through to classic lagers, this place is sure wet your whistle and then some.

Based just seconds from the water's edge, Mulberry Bush is a trusty gastropub popular with locals and visitors alike. Comfortably kitted out with inviting sofas and a selection of bookable private spaces, you can expect a lineup of stellar beers alongside a rotating guest ales list from this popular Young's pub.

Located between King's Cross, Euston and Russell Square, this unique Central London cocktail bar offers a gorgeous array of tropical tipples. From the classic mojito to a chilli mango martini, it's got a cocktail for every taste, alongside slick, neon-lit interiors and a party-ready soundtrack.

All Bar One is a classic London spot, and perfect for a stop after shopping. Head to the classic venue to try European plates such as salt and pepper calamari, and patatas bravas, along with delicious cocktails and wine.

In terms of value for money, few are in the same league as Zebrano. Stop in during their daily happy hours for some discounted drinks, or there's a menu of international treats if you're peckish, and a thriving party atmosphere a little later on.

Purl in Mayfair is a secretive gem of a cocktail bar, shaking up some of the best cocktails in Central London. The venue is small and unassuming, and booking ahead is essential, but once inside you're transported back into a world of great drinks, top bartenders and a fabulous, welcoming atmosphere.

Central London is lively, stunning and quite frankly - thirsty work. Just a stone's throw from Oxford Circus, Be At One Wimpole Street offers a fun retreat from the busiest street in London, serving up spectacular cocktails with buckets of enthusiasm. Good for a cheeky tipple after work and an ideal spot for welcoming in the good times over the weekend, Be At One Wimpole Street is one of the best bars in Central London. 

Maintaining the same quality as its sister venues Dirty Martini Covent Garden and Bitter Sweet, Dirty Martini in Oxford Circus. An elegant interior, it's ideal for much needed after-work drinks, stylish late night drinks or pre-drinking before a big night out. A generous and popular happy hour, you definitely need to swing by. 

Looking for a bar in central? You won't be disappointed with Covent Garden's Tequila Mockingbird. Head on down to this underground haunt for a watermelon and strawberry martini or for a much-loved Aperol spritz. They also offer a top-notch happy hour too.

The Listing Bar is a Central London spot where an all-day menu of food and a delish cocktail list collide. You'll be washing down the likes of Biscoff French toast brunches, poke bowls, burgers and small plates with boozy concoctions in no time.

Looking for a bar in Soho where the drinks are delicious and the energy is on high? Then it looks as though Lucky Voice could be your guide. One of the best karaoke bars in the city thanks to their unrivalled private booths, waitress service and gleaming playlist, grab the mic and belt one out at this unique London bar. 

Found just moments from Tower Bridge, Simmons is a small but perfectly formed hangout filled with quirky interiors, cheap drinks and a friendly spirit. If you're looking out for those pennies, come between 4 and 9pm on weekdays, when you can get heavily discounted drinks as part of their happy hour. The venue opens until 1am and offers a lively party atmosphere if you're coming at the weekends.

At Reverend J W Simpson, a basement bar in Fitzrovia, the venue holds much of its original decor - with retro tiles, stripped-back wallpaper and the like. Head here for adventurous and classic cocktails, many of which are made using foraged ingredients and obscure spirits.

Ready for a dreamy date night destination in London? Decked out with rustic decor, Amelie's Wine House is a fantastic spot. The venue comes complete with red, white and rose wine, alongside an array of nibbles - think sumptuous cheese boards and juicy olives.

Hit this hot spot in Soho for a bit of late night decadence. Gobble down a delicious dessert plate and taste some of the best cocktail concoctions around in a speakeasy bar with the plushest of leather armchairs, polished wooden surfaces and a Parisian lick to the interior that will have you chilled out and indulged.

Nestled in the centre of Leicester Square, Horizons Casino is a slinky late-night bar that features all of your favourite table games. Play poker, blackjack and more while you sip on classic cocktails and feast on tasty food.

From the team that brought you The Piano Works, The House of Song presents Studio 88. Two piano vocalists and accompanying musicians take to the stage to play songs that are requested by you, the audience. Enjoy usherette served California Cones that offer a fresh take on social dining along with a creative selection of cocktails including their very own Autograph collection.

Mayfair bars don't get much better than Clémence, a wine and Champagne-packed spot that oozes French flair. Think old school, Parisian-inspired interiors coupled with plenty of bottles, cocktails from France, cheese boards and more.

Swift is a new cocktail bar in North London that's forever changed the way we think of a 'quick drink'. With years of flairing under their belts, and an eye for infusing different flavours together, the master mixologists offer a stunning range of crafted cocktails. And better still, the venue's mantra of casual cocktails drinks means that each beverage is served with the usual long wait. 

Located in the ever-trendy Soho, Disrepute is a 60s-style bar that's fuelling your nights out with a touch of hedonism. Feel like one of the cool cats of the era as you sip from a carefully curated menu of cocktails and shimmy your hips to wild jazz.

A gangster's tequila paradise, the London Cocktail Club in Oxford Circus is inspired by downtown LA. The venue is covered in graffiti, depicting gun-toting clown figures and cityscapres, whilst the staff wear bandanas and lumberjack shirts buttoned to the top. If you're a little further east, their Mansion House venue is ready and waiting.

Either head to the Wild Heart Restaurant and Bar or the Roof Terrace for some great drinks in a relaxed but sophisticated environment. Perfect for everything from a private party to a late night tipple in Soho.

Be At One ticks all the boxes for a feel-good party venue. Cracking on with daily happy hours from 4.30pm, the atmosphere builds early as the crowd polish off a couple of Aperol Spritz and Bangkok Garden Party cocktails. Bartenders are impossibly friendly, the atmosphere is intimate and the dance floor soon gathers momentum, with guilty pleasure party tunes playing until 3am.

This is a real West End favourite, welcoming an eclectic bunch through the door with a charismatic and familiar approach. There's fresh food, plenty of beers and an eye-catching selection of cocktails to work your way through.

If there was a contest for "most central pub in the whole of London", it wouldn't even be close. The Admiralty lies 50 metres from the plaque that marks the city's centre point, within easy strolling distance of Big Ben, Downing Street and just a stone's throw from Nelson's Column. Head here after a long day exploring central London; The Admiralty specialises in beautifully made, melt-in-the-mouth pies and a crisp pint of Fuller's ale.

Looking for a bar in Central London that can promise, dinner, drinks and dancing to match? Primed for those that are partial to pop classics and commercial corkers, head on down for an affordable meal before knocking a few shapes out on their disco inspired dance floor. 

Holborn's The Fable is a central London bar brimming with character. With an inventive, innovative and enchanting decor running through the venue, the creative menu and cocktail list is equally as quirky. There's a selection of tasty grub and really delectable cocktails and wines to sample, and with a whole host of functions like regular cookery classes, mixology masterclasses and late night supper clubs, there's every reason to swing by no what what time of day you are in town.

BYOC City is one of the quirkiest cocktail bars in Central London, as it gives you the chance to bring you favourite spirits along to the casino-inspired space. The expert mixologists will do the rest, adding a range of other ingredients to shake up into some bespoke drinks.

One of the best cocktail bars in London, Pinch is the perfect quick spot to visit if you're looking for a few drinks with your mates. Enjoy small plates of peppers or halloumi fries, or make it an evening out with vodka-infused concoctions.

Just on the cusp of Soho is the Perception bar, designed to reflect the multiple faces of London and made to entertain. This stunning bar is perfect for great interiors, amazing cocktails, delicious food and a music programme perfect for the socialites of London.

If you're on the hunt for a bar in Central London, Brewdog Soho is set over two floors and includes 20 taps of craft beer goodness on each level. Hungry after a few pints? The venue also has a full menu with your favourite comfort eats, like their messy wings or stacked burgers.

Offering some of the best bars in Central London, The Montague hotel brings seasonal pop ups and a bricks and mortar leopard-print bar to the city, perfect for after work drinks, or weekend day sessions.

When in need of gaming bars in Central London, check out Oche at The Strand. Aside from the cool Scandinavian-inspired design and Michelin-trained chefs, you can expect state-of-the-art dartboards and signature cocktails from expert mixologists.

Discover this hidden den beneath a restaurant on Drury Lane and have your pints, your tasty tipples and your masters of comic performance all in one place. Big names including Jason Manford and Jack Whitehall have tickled funny bones in this very bar so expect top notch jokes and the greatest of gags in Covent Garden's hidden jewel.

No matter what you want from your Central London night out, The Albany can provide it. The corner spot in Fitzrovia is split between an upstairs, traditional pub which serves seasonal dishes, while downstairs a basement bar puts on DJ nights and live music.

Another corker from Simmons, the Temple outpost is bringing more of their cocktail magic to central London. Expect teapot cocktails, quirky decor and one of the best happy hours in London.

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, The Lost Alpaca is quite a heavenly haunt. Tuck into a menu of pisco sours, tequila drinks and a slew of other cocktails, alongside some light nibbles - think beef empanadas and cancha corn.

Not only does Quaglino's put on a incredible array of European inspired cuisines mixed with Middle Eastern flavours, but it's host to one of the City's most opulent bars. Stocked with all manner of potent liquors, the talented bartenders will see you through your spirit cravings with their list of crafty concoctions so all you need to do is perch at the art-deco styled bar and take in the decadent surroundings. 

Based on the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London, The Escapologist is simply a fascinating place to grab a drink in Covent Garden. It takes the form of a 'modern-day Victorian men's club / Masonic Lodge', and is based on the exploits of the infamous Baron. Beautifully designed, serving fun yet refined cocktails and cheese-drenched pizzas, The Escapologist is a cracking themed bar perfect for after-work drinks and late-night parties alike.

Simmons always promises a memorable night out in Central London. Head down to this eccentric spot and you'll be greeted by a charming space, decked out with an assortment of quirky ornamentation - it probably looks a bit like your nana's house. But unlike her gaff, Simmons boasts an awesome late night atmosphere with tasty tipples and great music. 

Whetting Londoners' whistles like no other, Soho Residence is a beaut three-floor haunt on the corner of Wardour Street. Head over to relax in the gin parlour, knock back tasty tipples in their botanical cocktail bar or party like there's no tomorrow on their festival-style floor.

Located in buzzy Covent Garden, Circus puts on all the glitz and glamour of a stellar show as they serve incredible entertainment alongside cocktails and Pan-Asian cuisine. The stylish venue has a lounge bar for sipping cocktails, or sit down in one of their themed rooms for the full dinner experience.

With walls adorned with bespoke art pieces and a cocktail list screaming for you to indulge, Eve is a luxurious hideaway off the streets of Covent Garden. Come for the theatrical cocktails, stay for the live music and atmosphere.

Canoodle down to Covent Garden for a bar in Central London that's brimming with fun-time attitudes and a gnarly happy hour. Not only boasting an extensive cocktail menu alongside fantastic 2-4-1 drinks deals, Be At One in Covent Garden's Lyceum is a treasure of DJing and rampant bar staff.

Toting gorgeous Parisian-style interiors, this pretty Soho pub is not to be missed. Pop along to The Sun & Thirteen Cantons to enjoy a glass of vino in the glamorous boozer or a refreshing ale or beer in its alfresco area. And if you get hungry? Expect vegan eats from Tendril.

Fronting vibrant Mexican-inspired decor and a crackin' menu filled to the brim with street food and bespoke concoctions, Barrio Covent Garden is a firm choice for bars in the heart of the city. And if you're on the hunt for a bargain? There's a pretty epic happy hour too.

Taking inspiration from the 1920s Havana heydays, Burlock is a cavernous rum bar with a mighty selection of over 200 bottles of the spirit to its name. Dabble in a couple of cocktails complemented by something from the authentic menus of Cuban and Caribbean food - a continuous happy hour offers great deals from open 'til close and there's even a Havana-styled barber shop that doubles as a secretive drinking den to discover.

Dip below the arches of Charing Cross to stumble across this snug wine bar with bags of charm. Filled out with all sorts of antiques and quirky knick-knacks, Champagne Charlie's also features a choice of intimate dining rooms ready for up to 45 diners. British classics are on the menu, and there's a rich range of wines to cater for all tastes.

Opium is a great Central London speakeasy style bar. Discretely hidden in Chinatown, they deliver seasonal Oriental themed cocktails - using ingredients sourced locally. This cool and quirky Central London cocktail bar is perfect for unique and interesting cocktails, in a beautifully decadent setting. 

From the futuristic blue bar through to the golden tones throughout, May Fair Bar is a smart cocktail spot moments from Green Park. The stylish space is part of the May Fair Hotel and puts twists on classic options, including the likes of a Mayfair Mojito, which comes with a smooth hint of vanilla.

For a bar in Soho, look no further than secret spot Nightjar Carnaby. It's fronting the same winning formula as its famous Shoreditch sister: secret speakeasy vibes, a unique list of sippable cocktails and a lineup of cool live jazz.

Central London pubs don't get much better than The Oxford Market, a lovely little boozer near Oxford Street. Not only is there cool, colourful interiors for a quirky yet laid-back vibe, but also a menu of burgers or the chance to catch live music on Thursday and Friday nights.

Looking for pretty watering holes in Holborn? LOCKES is a grand shout if you're on the hunt for boozers with plush interiors. In addition, the drinks are top-notch from classic pina coladas to mezcal margaritas and other killer cocktails.

Just a stone's throw from Temple Underground Station, Salsa promises cocktail masterclasses, authentic Latin party vibes and also salsa dance classes for all levels. This place is primed for birthdays, work dos, hens, stags and plenty more.

Just steps away from the National Gallery, Chinatown, and Piccadilly Circus is All Bar One Leicester Square. If you're looking for a fun bar in Central London, serving up British pub food classics, cocktails and wine, you've found the right place.

If you're looking for a beautiful bar for craft beer sipping in Central London, German Kraft Brewery in Mayfair is a firm choice. Housed within a grand old church, this quirky bar is a haven for speciality brews and international dishes with a sun-soaked roof terrace for summer.