Best Gin Bars in London

Kiera Chapman's profile picture
By Kiera Chapman Editor Food, drink and nightlife specialist with 8+ years in journalism, including bylines at The Sunday Times and Marie Claire. Last updated on 30th July 2026

Looking for the best places to drink gin in London? We’re hardly surprised - long gone are the days when gin was thought of as the reserve of silver-haired ladies sipping at a G&T in one hand and handling their pearls in another. There’s an excellent range of pubs and bars specialising in gin these days, from venues brewing their own bottles on site to trendy hangouts featuring 180 varieties and counting. Check out our picks for the best gin bars in London!




The Distillery Bankside

Tucked away in the historic heart of Bankside, The Distillery London is one of the best gin bars in London. Housed in the former Stevenson & Howell's essence factory, this hidden gem celebrates over a century of flavour and craft.

With more than 100 gins to explore and expertly crafted signature cocktails made with house infusions and bitters, The Distillery blends heritage with innovation in every glass. Ideal for gin lovers looking for depth, history, and exceptional drinks.

Merchant House

Boasting a collection of more than 250 bottles of gin, Merchant House is a top spot for any lovers of this particular spirit. These are sorted into 'premium', 'super-premium' and 'fine and rare' categories, and can be enjoyed as part of a bespoke cocktail.

This unique spot pays homage to the merchant history of London, featuring dark, moody interiors and a striking central bar. Head down to the Bow Lane venue for after work drinks, date night and more.

The Cocktail Club - Various Sites

You can't really take any cocktail guide seriously until it's found room for the legendary The Cocktail Club. A hedonistic place where the tunes are big and the drinks are bold, there's a lovely little selection of contemporary and classic mixed drinks to savour at their venues. The perfect fit if you're looking to dabble in gin as well as some other luscious concoctions.

Coppa Club Marylebone

Gin lovers heading through W1 take note: Coppa Club Marylebone has a few tricks up its sleeve. Alongside its stunning golden-and-blue interiors and sunny outdoor terrace, the drinks list highlights thoughtful, gin-forward mixology. Take the Rhubarb & Plymouth Bramble - a beautifully balanced concoction of Plymouth gin and fresh lemon - or the delicate Lychee & Rose Martini, both crafted to showcase botanical flavours at their best.

Pair your cocktail with small plates or a stone-baked pizza for an ideal evening on Marylebone High Street, or at one of their other locations such as London Bridge or Putney

The Elgin

As the name suggests, The Elgin is rather into its junipers! Where better to savour that unique refreshment of the first G&T of the night than this most beautiful and weird of pubs? Lounge in a two tone velvet chair (yes, they exist and they are fabulous!) and sip in contentment. When the gin starts going to your head a little bit, peruse the excellent menu of small plates, boards and larger plates. 

Green Bar at Hotel Café Royal

If gin is your thing, the Green Bar at Café Royal makes a strong case as one of London's more considered spots. Its Botanicals and Tonics concept centres around the G&T, with a choice of 18 gins paired with seven different tonics, allowing for a more tailored drinking experience than most bars offer.

Alongside that, there are standout serves like the Seventy One Gold Martini and creative twists on classics, all underpinned by a focus on independent distillers and premium spirits.