Central Line Bars

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By Scarlett Welch Editor, DesignMyNight Scarlett has covered the UK's best restaurants, bars and events for DesignMyNight since 2023. She holds an MA in Media & Journalism, with bylines in The Crack magazine and South London News, among others. Last updated on 18th August 2026

Covering some of the best venues from West to East London, the Central Line benefits from passing through some truly amazing spots in the capital. From Shepherd's Bush through Bond Street, Bank and ending up in Bethnal Green, read our reviews of the recommended Central Line Bars within Zones 1-2.




Dirty Martini Bishopsgate

Dirty Martini is well known for its cool cocktail bars throughout London, but their Bishopsgate venue has to be one of the best. A fun party bar just opposite Liverpool Street station, it's a lively venue that always gets you in the mood for a big night out. With great happy hours and a late night license, it's a definite stop off. Looking for more DM potential? Try their St Paul's and Monument offerings. 

26 Furnival Street

Burger & pint for £20 and 1 other offer

Just shy of Chancery Lane and Holborn, 26 Furnival Street is giving the classic neighbourhood pub a fresh City makeover. The menu is built for grazing, feasting and everything in between, pairing popular pizzas with small plates such as lamb kofta, fried halloumi and crispy carbonara morsels.

Traditional mains have not been forgotten either. Expect Camden Town pale ale-battered haddock, burgers with serious height and satisfying steak frites, all underpinned by carefully chosen ingredients from independent London businesses.

 

1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

Step aside, regular bar crawls - 1864 Rooftop Bar takes your night to new heights, literally. Nestled on the rooftop of a Central London gem, this spot combines modern vibes with classic city views.

The atmosphere is laid-back chic, the drinks are Instagram-worthy (and taste great), and the food? Totally moreish - particualy toe chorizo croquetas. Whether you're celebrating or just unwinding after work, this rooftop is your new happy place.

All Star Lanes Stratford

Check in at Stratford and make for Westfield shopping centre (bear with us here), where there's a cracking bowling alley, American restaurant and cocktail bar you need to discover. There's 14 lanes for you to showcase your ten-pin skills, a hefty menu packed with all-American treats and a 1950s spirit to the cocktail bar, which serves up mixed drinks, craft beers and hard shakes galore.

The Star of Bethnal Green

2 for £14 Cocktails Thursday and 5 other offers

Just a short walk from the Circle Line, you'll find The Star of Bethnal Green, a friendly local pub known for its retro look and range of entertainment. There's DJ sets, drinks tastings and even karaoke at this super fun spot.

Food-wise, the award-winning Peck Peck are running the kitchen. Get stuck into juicy wings or tenders with all kinds of sauces, alongside hearty burgers, wraps and cauliflower wings.

Oval Space

Oval Space is a multi-use arts, events space and nightclub located in Bethnal Green, and one of the finest venues in the area. Always offering a great night out, it boats 6000 square feet of free space, regular renowned DJ acts and an atmosphere befitting of just completing an epic journey across the Central Line. 

The Escapologist

No tour of the Central Line is really complete without dropping in to say hello to The Escapologist. Based at the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London, this themed bar is part Victorian men's club and part Masonic Lodge, serving up delicious food and refined cocktails in a beautifully designed basement space. Come for cocktails, cheese-drenched pizzas and bottle service with your own secret lockers.

Lucky Voice Holborn

Happy Hour and 7 other offers

Lucky Voice Holborn is your go-to spot for a rockin' night out in central London. With 10 private karaoke rooms, speedy drink deliveries, and an epic selection of over 9000 tunes, this place is where the party's at. Whether you're in the mood for after-work drinks or a private karaoke brunch on Saturdays, they've got you covered. Not in the area? Check out their Liverpool Street venue instead.

Lonsdale

A versatile venue that serves as a lounge, DJ bar and restaurant, Lonsdale in Notting Hill has it all. A luxurious spot without the price tag, enjoy some of their critically acclaimed drinks, from a selection known as “The Bible”, which features over 200 individual cocktail recipes. A nice step up in pace, it's sure to prepare you for much bigger things.

The Castle

A great pub just a small walk from Holland Park station, The Castle has a great vintage charm with plush red velvet, over-sized chandeliers as well as reclaimed wooden furniture. Only offering the finest drinks possible, the beer and spirits list is especially noteworthy in this very cool establishment.