City Bars in London

Take your City shenanigans to the next level, literally at Aviary, the latest opening from the ETM group. Located on the tenth floor of the new Montcalm hotel in Finsbury Square, Aviary is a cool and quirky spot for cocktails, beers and drinks. Head to the enviable terrace to watch the world go bar, or sit inside for a more formal feel.

Prepare to be transported to a bygone era as this Fenchurch Street bar brings you speakeasy cocktails and underground vibes. Located just minutes from Monument station, this is the perfect place for everything from after-work drinks to date night.

Looking out onto New Street Square with all its greenery, Corney and Barrow is a charming bar with one of the best outdoor spaces in the city. Plonk yourself down at a table for some outdoor sessioning. Work your way through the extensive (and affordable) selection of cocktails and beers with your boozing buddies, or for something a little more subtle, spend the day with bae soaking up nature's beauty over a bottle wine from the quality selection.

Bags of old world charm and the style of a gentleman's smoking room fuse at Balls Brothers Minster Court. This bar in City is a timeless capsule of contemporary and vintage swag all at the same time where you can kick back for some ambient drinks or tuck into the taste of traditional English dining. 

Sleek and stylish Burdock do more than serve delicious and seasonal sharing plates. The City Bar has its own micro-brewery on site as well as a shuffleboard, making it the perfect option for an after-work pint, or three.

Pop around the corner from Monument to unearth a chic basement bar serving some pretty spectacular martinis. There's an array of newbies and age-old classics to choose between, which are half price if you come during their extensive happy hours. With a cool vibe and DJs playing something funky, it's good for after work boozing and a late-night disco alike.

Based in the heart of the City of London, the Refinery is an all-day restaurant and bar that promises to cater to whatever need you might have. In true Drake and Morgan style, the venue boasts an all-day menu of comfort food treats and offers a cocktail and drinks list that's capable of competing with any in London.

The Botanist is a trendy and suave space on Broadgate Circle. Offering a premium drinking and dining experience, it's difficult not to be charmed by the funky tables, marbled pillars and cosy boothed seating that makes up the bones of this one. The venue serves British and European cuisine and there's a refined cocktail lounge - the Soda Room - that you'll find in the basement.

Sitting pretty close to Canon Street station, Jamie's Suffolk Lane is a favourite among city folk looking for a charming place to enjoy some after work drinks in London. This city bar restaurant is set underground and made up of brickwork arches to add some atmosphere to your experience. Whether you're down for dinner or just a few drinks, Jamie's will suit. 

Get down and dirty at Dirty Martini, a cool city bar in London with a sleek, sexy interior and happy hour drinks deals to match. Open until 3am six nights of the week, this is the perfect place to grab a drink with friends after work, or even to start a big night out in the city. Can't make Bishopsgate? No fear, they've got kick-ass outposts in St Paul's and Monument too.

Ditch your usual watering hole and venture to parts unknown, where The Leaf and Cane is serving up a sumptuous selection of tasty plates and gorgeous cocktails in the heart of the City. With an emphasis on rum and cigars, this is your ultimate after-work drinks destination.

If you're looking for a fun place to grab a drink in the City, Bierschenke is a top choice. You'll get to sit at long tables while downing authentic German bier and munching on an ample menu of classic eats, perfect for group dining and after-work adventures. 

Coin Laundry is covered with old-school ambiance and retro style, the restaurant has yellow hues and exposed wood throughout the entire venue. This City bar in Exmouth Market has a heavy menu of original craft cocktails with funky names like "Grasshopper" and "Snowball". Get comfortable, trying them all may take some time but you won't want to leave.

Shaws Booksellers is a quirky City bar that comes complete with a delicious lunch and dinner menu, and famous Bloody Marys. They pride themselves on their great selection of real ales, classic cocktails and great food! Perfect for that much deserved after work drink, pub lunch or a spot of dinner. 

Broadleaf is the latest venue from the renowned ETM group and they're sticking to a winning formula. Beer is served from huge tankers to ensure the freshest quality, food is British inspired and there's shuffleboard games to play.

This gorgeous historic boozer is a great place for an after-work drink or a pub lunch while exploring the city. It's history can be seen around the space, with large wooden beams, vintage decor and a bar named after John Keats who was born in a stable where the pub now stands. 

Think a relaxed set up, an all-day menu spanning breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a bolshie list of bespoke cocktails at The Allegory; a spot on Worship Street that's perfect for all kinds of night (or day) out. This hangout near to Liverpool Street also makes for a great private hire venue.

Looking for a bar in the city where you can really treat yourself? Located at the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel, Rake's Café Bar and Lounge promises over 70 different types of sparkling libations, sharing charcuterie boards and a completely unique, stylish interior. Expect a classic-cum-original ambience at this hidden gem.

Beduin is a bar with a zesty Moroccan twist - check out the exotic lanterns, the intense red hues, the sprawled cushions and the intricately patterned silver table tops with their long wax candles. With tasty cocktails and a thriving dance floor to boot, this is a great bar to hit for a great night out in the city.

When it comes to a unique City of London bar, we surely can't think of anywhere better than Simmons. Not only a quirky and kitsch wonderland of trinkets, textures and games consoles should the evening so take you, their cocktails are infamous and their happy hours are even better.

With happy hours, food offers and a stylish young professional clientele, Patch St. Paul's is one of London's top City bars. With DJs, singles nights and so much more on offer, you'd be mad to miss out. 

Break free from that office and head straight to Forge, where the City comes to let its hair down. Loosen that belt because there's a feast to be had, with cider belly pork, racks of ribs and grilled steaks cooked to perfection. Treat yourself to a few cocktails – there's 100 to choose between – then wind up for an assault on the dance floor; the venue is open until 3am later in the week.

This City bar is laid back and friendly and has everything you need to relax anytime of the day. With a large area for outdoor seating it is a popular spot when the sun is out. While the large after work following keeps it busy in the evenings, it is a bit quieter in the afternoon making it perfect for business meetings and catch ups.

The London Cocktail Club in legendary in the capital and has created a huge reputation for itself when it comes to delivering stunning concoctions and lively nights out. Their Monument bar is inspired by Britain's most prestigious tailors from the 1970s. With quirky props, pinstripe designs and subtle references to the likes of Vivien Westwood and Paul Smith, this bar in the city of London has plenty of charm.

One of the city's most illustrious drinking dens has opened its doors to invite you in for an exclusive experience doused in some Victorian decadence. Set in Bishopsgate the Victorian Bath House is a step into true luxury where rich interiors and indulgent food and drink will give an experience like no other. 

Head to Bank where cosy cafe and bar Notes is bringing you elegant interiors, an stunning list of wines and live jazz music, not to mention some seriously swish coffee options too.

A stylish all-day bar, The Anthologist is a great city bar for social after work drinks and dinner in chic surroundings. For a private lunch with friends or dinner parties, groups can book an area or table before joining the crowd there to enjoy Soul Saturdays, when DJs hit the decks and the bar gets lively. 

Located in the iconic Barbican building, Osteria is an Italian eatery and bar, serving the best, rustic delights of Italy in a swanky and sophisticated setting. Try one of their refreshing cocktails which focus on the negroni, martini and bellini, or try a bottle of their Italian wines, hand-picked by experts.

Adding a little extra vibrancy to The City's bar scene, Dabbers offers a truly unique experience for its guests. From action-packed cabaret to high-stakes games and musical bingo, this bingo hall is reinventing the Great British pastime. 

A London bar perfect for enjoying the after work sunshine over a glass of wine or something tasty from the wide range on their menu. Balls Brothers Shoe Lane is vibrant and friendly, offering cosy booths for drinking and snuggling, or party with the best of them every Thursday and Friday when resident DJs take over the party bar in Holborn.

Sitting pretty under one of London's biggest landmarks, The Sterling is a cool city bar in the shadow of the Gherkin. Head here for your after work local where you can enjoy their outdoor terrace as well as a spread of cocktails, wine and beer. Clad with stylish interiors and serving up some top British nosh, The Sterling is a top pick for city drinking. 

The Hydrant is another Fullers favourite for big beer drinking, cocktail supping and freshly made foods. Satisfying a traditional pubbing physique, this boozer mashes together contemporary design with oodles of English character so you can pull up a stool and have a pint slapped in your hand and be in total comfort. 

This bar is a great shout for all kinds of get-togethers, from sophisticated dining with the girls, to corporate meetings in the private hire event rooms, to after work drinks with your mates. A comprehensive selection of wines will keep you buzzing and the modern, trendy interior will welcome you in from the busy City streets.

One of the city's best new bars, the reopened Gun offers some stunning interiors alongside a great selection of eats and extensive list of craft beers, wines and excellent cocktails.

There's plenty of reason to visit M if you're in the city centre. Their restaurant are experts in steak, serving up cuts of meat from six different countries and complimented by wine and food from those countries too, and they also serve up a great selection of mixed drinks in their cocktail bar.

The Tokenhouse is a modern City bar in Moorgate and offers a flexible, unpretentious space, perfect for lunch or drinks. Ideal for intimate gatherings or large parties, the downstairs Cellar Bar is available for private hire. With a speakeasy bar vibe this part of the venue offers an exciting change from other City bars.

Tucked away beneath one of the city's leading restaurants, The Soda Room is a cocktail lounge and nightclub that brings stylish hedonism to Broadgate Circle. An inviting space featuring exotic taxidermy, dark golds and copper-decorated walls, this place offers a programme of live music and DJ sets throughout the week. Head downstairs for a post-dinner tipple or make a night of it with an evening of drinking and dancing.

Kanaloa Bar and Grill brings a touch of the exotic to London's City bar scene. This Polynesian paradise is the perfect place to unwind after work. Sip Tequilla filled coconuts, relax in the tiki-style lounge or hit the dance floor for a night dedicated to fun. Open until late, Kanaloa ensure your night only finishes when you want it to and with a great Happy Hour all you need to do is make a booking, loosen your tie and head on down! 

Demon, Wise & Partners brings a touch of west London swagger to the city. Found beneath the Arbitrager in the heart of the financial district, seek out this classic basement bar to enjoy your drinks in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. Don't leave without trying the house specials; the Demon and the Wise, which summarise the daring and slightly mischievous nature of this place.

Head down to The Folly for a City bar like no other. From the decor to the delicious cocktails, everything at The Folly is unique and well designed. There is a great food menu, lovely brunch, an impressively varied drinks menu and the lengthy open hours prevents you from ever missing out on the tasty treats. 

Relaxed by day, yet a haven for revelry by night - Abbey offers a little bit of everything in the centre of the city. There's all kinds of classic gastro fare up for grabs if you're after something to eat, a good range of beer, wine, champagne and spirits for after work drinks and a lively vibe featuring bands and DJs for the evenings.

This classy venue, with smart formal dining arrangements upstairs and the odd upholstered armchair on the basement level, is a bright and inviting venue with a lot of spark. Fresh and modern, the food here matches the interior and comes in all shapes and forms, from rump steaks to fish and chips. Escape those busy City commutes and kick back for a few hours with your favourite people.

Open throughout the week and later on Thursdays and Fridays, Black Sheep Coffee and Cocktails is a great spot for a short and sweet cocktail, grab and go coffee, and tasty sharing board.

Set over two floors, Kitty Hawk fuses New York style with the coolness of London. With wooden furnishings setting a homely tone, which are juxtaposed against industrial flourishes, it creates one of the coolest places to drink in the city. Their wine list is extensive and even features selections from the Rothschild Estate, and there's a wonderful list of craft beers and cocktails as well.  

Jamies Ludgate is a modern City bar made for stylish drinking and dining. Whether you're looking for lunch in the afternoon or a drink in the evening, Jamies Ludgate caters for any time of the day. The modern British food and extensive wine list will keep you satisfied and coming back for more. The convenient location and after work happy hours also make it a popular spot every night of the week. 

The Drift can be found close to Aldgate tube station, on the ground floor of the Heron Tower. Great for business drinks, dinner dates and tasty cocktails, The Drift blends fine dining in the City with exquisite drinks and quirky surroundings.

One of our favourite city bars in London, Camino Monument is the place to go if you're on the hunt for a taste of Spain. Serving up a delectable Tapas selection alongside some of the finest Sangria you'll find this side of the English channel, with DJs spinning some of the coolest tracks.

With splashes of NYC coming through via the exposed brickwork and cage-framed bar, Be at One in Guildhall is a great bar in London for drinks in the City! With areas or even the chance to hire the own bar, its cool, quirky and serves up delicious cocktails.