Best Cocktail Bars In London

Not your normal negroni - no, sir - these venues take things to the next level when it comes to mastering flavour. From billows of dry ice through to specially sourced liquor, these spots make drinking an art form, celebrated across everything from the interiors down to the menu. Including award-winning venues on the world's Top 50 lists, and great bars where the serves are elite, check out our recommendations for the best cocktail bars London has to offer in 2024.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 14th March 2024




Opium

Discretely hidden in the heart of China Town and run by bar moguls Dre Masso and Eric Yu, Opium delivers seasonal Asian-style cocktails using locally sourced ingredients, along side dim sum bites. Widely considered one of the best cocktail bars in London's Soho, this venue is the perfect place for unique and stunning concoctions like the Cherry On Top or an elderflower-infused Twinkle Star, all in a beautiful setting.

Callooh Callay

A favourite on the Shoreditch drinking scene, Callooh Callay has been churning out award-winning drinks for more than 10 years - including their nostalgic Pokemon-themed menu. Split into two, the venue has chilled 70s-style seating downstairs, while upstairs the secret JubJub room awaits. Named in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars three times and the International's World's Best Bars four times, this spot has received some pretty high praise.

Burlock

Ready to Rum-bowl - £60 and 5 other offers

Taking its inspiration from the 1920s Havana heydays, Burlock features a selection of more than 200 different types of rum at its cosy set-up in the heart of Mayfair. The rum blends are matched by a selection of Cuban and Caribbean food to complete the experience, and you can get 50% off cocktails when you book on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Homeboy Islington

Saturday Spud Brunch; Dish & A Drink

Fronting laid-back interiors alongside Irish-inspired grub and bevvies, Homeboy Islington is sure to impress. This spot has been awarded fourth best new international cocktail bar in the Spirited Awards 2019 and number 11 in the Top 50 cocktail bars for the same year. Make your way inside, where you'll be met with exposed brick walls and cosy corners to catch up with pals over traditional whiskey-laced concoctions.

Lyaness

Stunning Southbank venue Lyaness was created by the multi-award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana, found in the Sea Containers London hotel. Their cocktail menu displays a passion for the weird and wonderful, using innovative ingredients for a focus on flavour. You'll drink the likes of the Chestnut Rubble, made with beeswax and the (Im)perfect Martini, featuring Grass Amazake among a range of bespoke tipples. Sip these kooky concoctions in a plush blue velvet booth, or at the opulent green marble bar.

Fitz’s

Fitz's is a truly unique drinking den that boasts an old school glamour unmatched by any other bar in the city, thanks to scalloped velvet seating, dark panelled walls, ostrich feathers and a traditional fireplace. From its lavish furnishings to the expertly-curated menu of high-end cocktails, including the immersive Theory of Colour menu that features never-seen before concoctions to match your personality, it's a perfect date night or celebratory location.

The Luggage Room

After classic London cocktail bars? Step back to the 1920s with this secretive spot inside the London Marriott Hotel on Grosvenor Square, hidden behind a plain black door. Once you've slammed the knocker, head in for a decadent watering hole filled with impressive features such as a giant block of ice from which cocktails are created, and red leather furnishings. You can also expect to hear jazz and swing music as you sip.

Map Maison

Cocktails & Tapas

Styled as a cosy cafe during the day and a bustling cocktail bar at night, Map Maison is a characterful, colourful spot that's always adapting and changing itself to suit the demands of East London's revellers. What this spot really excels at, however, is Japanese whisky - of which they have London's largest collection. What's more, you can join in with drinks tastings, masterclasses, afternoon teas and bottomless brunches here.

The Wild Monkey

One of the best cocktail bars in London's Covent Garden, found inside the Waldorf, The Wild Monkey is a top-notch shout for date nights and group outings alike. This pretty pop-up bar from Monkey 47 slings out the most divine drinks - think botanical gin tipples and premium Champagne served in a stunning aesthetic.

SOMA Soho

Prepare to be seduced by brooding basement bar SOMA – bringing Indian-inspired drinks and speakeasy vibes to Soho. From private sofa nooks to a 25-seater stainless steel bar, this intimate spot has an air of exclusivity and romance. Make your way through the reimagined classics on the cocktail menu, featuring a rum blend with blueberry yoghurt and a green mango whisky number. 

The Little Scarlet Door

£5 Picantes

You can always rely on The Little Scarlet Door for fun vibes and bespoke concoctions. Head inside for metropolitan vibes, inspired by New York's iconic loft apartments, alongside a drinks list to die for. Think movie-themed bevvies or killer sharing cocktails in funky mixing bowls, here or at their sister venues The Little Blue Door, The Little Orange Door and The Little Yellow Door.

The Ten Bells

The Ten Bells is a pillar of Spitalfields boozing, but have you discovered their secret cocktail bar upstairs yet? Under the trusted guidance of renowned head bartender Jerome Slesinski, a talented bar team whip up signature shorty drinks made with home-infused spirits and a flourish of class. Vintage Chesterfields, mis-matched tables and iconic artworks contribute to the chic ambience.

Swift Soho

Created by the successful group behind Nightjar, Swift is a cocktail bar that's forever changed the way we think of a 'quick drink' between events. You can often find live piano music here, and alongside their creative concoctions there's a whisky library with a great choice of both premium and affordable drams. This spot was awarded 30th place in the World's 50 Best Bars 2022, thanks to an expert team of mixologists serving classic and inventive cocktails to its guests in Soho, Shoreditch and Borough.

Basement Sate

Heralded for their sweet treats, not only is Basement Sate the front runner for desserts in the city, their cocktails are a smash hit too. From their bespoke, speakeasy inspired setting to their hand-made concoctions like the tequila-based El Diablo or a Twinkle with vodka and elderflower, this Soho venue is not to be missed. Fancy having a go yourself? You can take part in cocktail masterclasses here too.

Common Late

Looking for a unique cocktail experience? Check out Common Late, a vintage apothecary bar concocting bespoke craft and classic cocktails that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds. The perfect spot for a night out with friends, head over to indulge in quality cocktails like the French 75 and a Toast 2 Tiramisu and enjoy the view.

Prelude By Oriole

A speakeasy-style pop-up serving us a taste of things to come at their permanent reopening later this year, Prelude By Oriole is a top choice for cocktails and Nikkei-inspired small plates, located in Covent Garden. Expect tasty dishes like roasted pumpkin, raw scallops with kiwi or mouthwatering beef tartare, while listening to live piano music and sipping on beautifully-presented drinks like the grapefruit-flavoured Acadia.

Moonshine Saloon: Western Cocktail Experience

@ Moonshine Saloon on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

The illusive Moonshine Saloon is popping up for a few days a week to bring you a rootin' tootin' good time. This immersive experience is found in Houndsditch, where you will be part of the theatrical fun as you smuggle in booze and try to avoid the Sheriff. Discover their secret bar for a night of cowboys, cocktails and Sheriffs breathing down your neck - starting from just £36.50 per person.

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Tuesday 19th March 2024

Cocktail bars don't get quirkier than this. Hidden behind shutters is a secret prison, where bribery and contraband rule, Alcotraz is one hell of a drinking experience. You'll have to smuggle your favourite liquor past the guards and get into the hands of one of the other inmates, who can mix you up something grand. But don't, under any circumstances, get caught.

Silverleaf

Potentially the best cocktail bar in the City of London, Silverleaf is slinging out deluxe drinks until 2am seven nights a week. Think sultry black interiors, hidden bar areas and a cracking selection of spirits, with concoctions like watermelon sake and Roku gin with olive oil on the menu. This spot is also home to Alba, a hidden bar and tasting room with an intimate feel, offering whisky and cocktail tastings.

The Cocktail Club - Various Sites

Come to The Cocktail Club, formerly known as London Cocktail Club, to soak up the ambience and prepare to make some big decisions at the bar. Concoctions like the vanilla flavoured Beverly Hills and the Bramley Apple Smash are every shade of delicious, each mixed with the style and substance that makes these bars such a fan favourite.

Connaught Bar

Though it's a little pricier, the iconic Connaught Bar in Mayfair is well worth a visit. Found in the famous hotel, this Cubist-inspired drinking den screams decadence, from its shimmering silver walls to the Champagne cocktails. Having recently won best hotel bar in the Tatler Travel Guide, amongst many other achievements, this sophisticated venue has it all.

Satan's Whiskers

Bethnal Green's original neighbourhood cocktail bar Satan's Whiskers offers a unique drinking experience, complete with taxidermy decor, hip hop tracks and an ever-changing drinks menu championing top-quality ingredients. Past favourites have included the luminous Midori Sour, the banana-flavoured German Whip and the multi-coloured American Beauty. 

Scarfes Bar

This luxury Holborn spot boasts marble walls, cosy velvet armchairs and a roaring fireplaces, as well as shelves filled with countless antique books. As the name suggests, this spot is inspired by artist Gerald Scarfe, whose artwork decorates the walls. The carefully curated cocktails range from the campari, rhubarb and hibiscus blend Higher Power to the mezcal-focused El Bandito.

Nine Lives

With sustainability at the forefront, Nine Lives is dedicated to providing a space for ethical drinking that's also super stylish and unique. From second-hand furniture to an on-site herb garden and compost system, this bar is doing its bit for the planet while whipping up some incredible drinks. Expect cocktails of the tropical variety, such as margaritas, a Russian spring punch and the Crossfire Hurricane – paired with Mexican grub straight from the taco truck. 

Little Mercies

From the brains behind the award-winning cocktail bar Three Sheets, Little Mercies has a lot to live up to. Keeping the interiors simple so the drinks get to shine, their impressive menu features a wide range of concoctions below £12. Expect classics like the margarita and an espresso martini, alongside bold blends like the kiwi gimlet and a Snickers old fashioned. They also have some incredible sharing plates from crab toast to a cheese burger crumpet. 

Three Sheets

Award-winning neighbourhood bar Three Sheets is ready to transport you to cocktail heaven with a mind-blowing menu of crafted sips – to be enjoyed in their stripped-back, intimate Dalston drinker's den. Highlights include the American Coffee, made from maple butter whisky, and the dirty martini containing olive oil and sea salt.  

Bar Termini

Serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, this gem is bringing some Italian flair to Soho one drink at a time. Fronting four house negronis and a collection of expertly crafted cocktails, all priced at £14, there's plenty sips to keep you busy. Whether you're in the mood for a marsala martini, peach bellini or a bloody Mary made from horseradish vodka, it's only right to pair it with authentic Italian cheese and ham.