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.

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.

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.

One of the best cocktail bars in London Bridge, Two One Four is a secret speakeasy found beneath the iconic pasta restaurant Flour & Grape. Expect low lighting, urban decor and leather stools at the bar, where you'll find a collection of over 100 gins, alongside Italian bar snacks from the kitchen upstairs.

In need of a cocktail bar in Central London? Long Bar is within the iconic Sanderson Hotel, bringing you a range of ingredient-focussed cocktails that make for a luxury experience. The likes of apple pie syrup, pineapple and almond soda or rhubarb bitters are whipped up into the delish drinks here.

Not only is Lucy Wong a total beaut, inspired by 1950s Hong Kong with a little added luxury, but it also whips a fabulous selection of intriguing cocktails. When you're not knocking back tipples such as the Eastern Sour, get to know the lip-smacking menu of Cantonese fare.

When it comes to theatrical drinks, Purgatory Bar is at the top of our list. From the award-winning company, No Escape London, this lovely spot touts glorious Antoni Gaudi-inspired decor, alongside a gorgeous outdoor space for alfresco antics. Thirsty? Try out the beautifully presented cocktails.

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.

Don't be fooled by the name; Disrepute is one of the best luxury cocktail bars in London. The Soho basement has lived one hell of a life, including as the setting for the Profumo Scandal in the 60s. Now, it's just as slinky, with short, sharp concoctions served to punters on long leather sofas.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.