City Bars in London

Set over two floors, Kitty Hawk fuses New York style with the coolness of London. With wooden furnishings setting a homely tone, it creates one of the coolest places to drink in the city, made even better when exploring the Rothschild Estate wine selection.

Looking out onto New Street Square with all its greenery, The Refinery is a charming bar with one of the best outdoor spaces in the city. Plonk yourself down at a table  by the window or outside, and work your way through the extensive (and affordable) selection of cocktails and beers. 

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.

This East London hub is the perfect bar for a quirky mix of cool and kitsch decor. Pair a sea food specials with the delicious wine selection on offer, before heading downstairs to the basement bar where you'll find plush leather furnishings, disco balls and live music with a DJ to follow. 

The Tokenhouse is a modern City bar in Moorgate and offers a flexible, unpretentious space that's perfect for lunch or drinks. With its speakeasy bar vibe, the downstairs Cellar Bar offers an exciting change for those looking for a private hire space.

This classy venue, with smart dining arrangements  and the odd upholstered armchair, 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. 

One of the city's most illustrious drinking dens offers an exclusive experience doused in old school 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. 

A London bar perfect for enjoying the after work sun or something tasty from the menu. Balls Brothers Shoe Lane is vibrant and friendly haunt, offering cosy booths for drinking or party vibes when resident DJs take over in the later hours.

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 DJs hit the decks and the bar gets lively. 

Moments from Bank and St Paul's, Core brings a laid-back and infectious approach to eating, drinking and partying in the City. A strong cocktail list offers up all sorts of punchy and refreshing concoctions which can be paired perfectly with a choice of light bites or larger plates. 

Located just seconds from Mansion House station, Juno Rooms is bringing you cracking cocktails, tasty lunches and stunning interiors in the heart of the City. Whether you're looking for after-work drinks or a date night spot, this is it.

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.

Located just a hop and skip away from Mansion House station, Do Not Disturb is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the basement of Vintry & Mercer. Serving a selection of hand-crafted vintage-style sips, this place is the perfect setting for an aperitif before heading out to hit the tiles.

Jamies Ludgate is a modern City bar made for stylish drinking and dining. The modern British fare and extensive wine list will keep you satisfied, while the convenient location and after work happy hours also make it a popular spot for after-work antics every night of the week. 

In the mood for a boogie? For those seeking the perfect City party bar, this one could be it. Nestled under Cannon Street station's historic railway arches, this late night spot is filled with music lovers looking for some good tunes and any excuse to celebrate.

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

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, this stylish restaurant bar blends fine dining in the City with exquisite drinks and quirky surroundings.

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. It's an excellent choice for City revellers grabbing drinks or meeting clients.

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, where you can kick back for some ambient drinks or tuck into traditional English dining. 

Balls Brothers Austin Friars brings a touch of relaxed elegance to the city's bar and restaurant scene. Serving up seasonal dishes from an open kitchen it's one beautiful space to eat, but there's a strong lineup of drinks if you're just here for a tipple or two. 

There's plenty of reason to visit M if you're craving something extra. The restaurant specialises in steak, serving up cuts of meat from six different countries, which is complimented by wine and sides of the same country, alongside a top selection of mixed drinks in their cocktail bar.

Get down and dirty at Dirty Martini, a cool city bar in London with a sexy interior and happy hour drinks deals to match. Open until late six nights of the week, this is the perfect place to grab a drink in Bishopsgate or in one of the kick-ass outposts in St Paul's and Monument.

Located in the heart of the business district, this City bar is a popular after work retreat for those looking to wind down with a couple of glasses of vino. Thanks to an extensive collection of wines and its relaxing vibe, Jamies Minories is the perfect place for a social catch up or a quiet drink.

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. 

Open throughout the week and later on certain days, Black Sheep Coffee and Cocktails is a great spot for cocktails, coffee (it's in the name) and tasty sharing boards. Whether you're meeting mates, grabbing a drink with a client or going for a first date, this is a winner.

One of the City's best bars, the Gun offers some stunning interiors alongside a great selection of eats and extensive list of craft beers, wines and excellent cocktails. If you like a little history, swing by and see the site of King Henry VIII's weapons practice ground with its 17th Century decor. 

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. 

Located in the iconic Barbican building, Osteria is an Italian eatery and bar serving rustic delights of Italy in a swanky and sophisticated setting. Head here to try one of their refreshing negronis, martinis or bellinis, as well as admiring their extensive handpicked wine collection.

Slip into Proud Cabaret City for a night of vintage-inspired fine dining, Prohibition cocktails, fire breathers, belly dancers and, of course, beautiful burlesque performers. Make sure to book yourself a table and you'll be able to tuck into premier dining while watching the show. 

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 that'll keep you wanting to try more. 

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.

Well established as one of the Square Mile's standout wine bars, Willy's offers traditional charm as well as a fine array of global wines. There's over 20 available by the glass and the staff are passionate about their craft; they'll help you pick out your perfect bottle with no fuss.

Head up to the 14th floor for this amazing bar in Aldgate which comes alive in the evenings and summer when guests take to the terrace. Open until 1am, Jin Bo Law has rooftop views and a bright interior, perfect for everything from after-work drinks through to date night.

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.

Head down to The Folly for a City bar that champions sophisticated design and a homely atmosphere. There is an impressive food menu, with brunch taking centre stage, alongside a varied drinks menu that'll encourage you to sink hours into this place. 

This City bar is laid back and friendly and has everything you need to relax anytime of the day (especially 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.

An easy walk from any of Monument, Cannon Street and Bank stations, The Vintry is a friendly city pub with excellent seasonal food and more than 170 wines from across the globe. Come by after work and find a buzzing scene, with workers letting off steam with a tipple or two.

Like to feel as though you're always in the know? One of Brick Lane's best cocktail bars, this subterranean watering hole hidden underneath Blixen offers a carefully curated and undeniably curious selection of cocktails, with a cosy and stylish setting in which to enjoy them.

A new bar and music venue from the team behind Old Street, Northcote and Venn Street Records, Eastcheap Records has set up shop on the corner of Lovat Lane to offer great tunes and performances every night of the week, as well as fun cocktails and delicious pizzas.

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 along with some top British nosh.  

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, that can all be washed down with an ample drinks selection. 

Take your City shenanigans to the next level at Aviary. Located on the tenth floor of the Montcalm hotel in Finsbury Square, this sleek cocktail bar is a cool for chilling out after work, with an enviable terrace to watch the sun go down, and stylish interiors for a more formal feel.

Shaws Booksellers is a quirky City bar that comes complete with a delicious lunch and dinner menu, as well as their famous Bloody Marys. They pride themselves on their great selection of real ales, classic cocktails and great food, perfect for after work drinking sessions. 

Broadleaf is the latest venue from the renowned ETM group and they're sticking to a winning formula with this top sports bar in the City. 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. 

Situated within the renowned Cheesegrater building, this Vietnamese restaurant isn't just a great choice for its location but it also serves up a range of beer, quirky cocktails and wine. And if you get peckish? Snack on dumplings, rice bowls and hot banh mis. 

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 whole bar for a private event, its cool, welcoming and serves some delicious cocktails.

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. 

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 a menu of comfort food alongside a cocktail and drinks list that's sure to impress.

The Botanist is a trendy and suave space on Broadgate Circle. It's difficult not to be charmed by the funky tables, marbled pillars and cosy boothed seating that makes up the bones, along with the refined cocktail lounge - the Soda Room - that you'll find in the basement.

Relaxed by day, yet a haven for revelry by night - The Slug and Lettuce offer a little bit of everything in the centre of the city. There's all kinds of British fare up for grabs if you're after something to eat, with a good range of beer, wine, champagne and spirits for after work drinks. 

The London Cocktail Club has created a reputation for its tasty cocktails and lively nights out. Their Monument bar is a must-see, inspired by Britain's most prestigious tailors from the 1970s with quirky props, pinstripe designs and subtle references to Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith.