City Bars London

Whilst city has a reputation for being full of slightly overly swanky places to drink, Tank and Paddle comes in with all the stylish and contemporary finishes but not the pretentious price tag. Head on down for some of the finest in craft pints and pizza in the city.

Looking for a bar in the city where you can really treat yourself? Located at the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel, the Catch Champagne 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.

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. 

Riverside views of the Shard and Tower of London are worth the trip to the Oyster Shed alone. Once inside there’s a fine glass of wine with your name on it, and a corker of a menu brimming with fresh British fare if you’re looking to chow down. It’s a quirky space with an airy ambience, and it’s available to hire for up to 400 guests.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With a Cuban cigar terrace, private vaults and a swish Grade-II listed setting, Voltaire is an intimate City bar moments from Blackfriars. Head to the spot for cocktails, Champagne or afternoon tea as well as a delicious selection of bites and nibbles.

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.

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. 

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.

Located in the heart of the business district, not far from Bank or Monument stations, this city bar in London 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 a relaxing atmosphere, Jamies Minories is the perfect place for a social catch up or a quiet drink.

Much like its Bishopsgate and Monument siblings, Dirty Martini St Paul's is the perfect escape from the trials and tribulations of the office. Come at quitting time and fill your boots with delicious martinis and signature cocktails, or drop in later for a little boogie to the sounds of some of the city's top DJs.

London's financial sector is in for a treat, with the Humble Grape opening a sleek, opulent venue in the heart of the City. Serving over 30 different types of wine, guests can unwind after a stressful day in the office with a carafe or two of their favourite international wines. The private room is always available for hire, and with a capacity of over 200 people, it's perfect for a night out in London with all your fellow wine enthusiasts. 

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.

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.

Just around the corner from St. Paul’s lies Jamies Fleet Place; an informal restaurant and relaxed bar with an impressive outside terrace come the summertime. There’s a thorough choice of quality wine, plenty of other boozy options and, in Jamies Too, there’s a cracking private bar and function room next door.

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.

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. 

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.

Part party, part dining, party casual drinking, Amber is a bar in the City that just about has all of your nightlife avenues covered. Whether you're busting on out on their disco inspired dance floor or heading up for an affordable meal and bevvies, Amber is a neat little try-out in one of London's most buzzing after work areas.

Trade Union brands itself more as a ‘lifestyle’ than a venue, offering all day comfort and all night drinks. Throughout the day they offer a variety of tasty Vagabond Coffee, encourage workers to wile away the day before night time descends and they serve up delicious sourdough pizzas and a drinks. And with its industrial chic coolness, it’s definitely a place you want to spend all your time in.

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.

Copa De Cava offers a dream team combination of authentic cava and tapas on Blackfriars Lane. Warm, relaxed and oozing with Catalonian charm, this neat wine bar suits after work drinks and romantic date nights in equal measure. Food is fresh and innovative, the cava is top notch and there’s a prominent list of Spanish craft beer to boot.

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. 

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 and groups of mates heading for a few cocktails in the cool basement lounge.

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. 

Unwind and sip some classy cocktails at this hidden City gem. Moments from Monument, MBER has a comprehensive cocktail list that takes inspiration from Asia. Divided into two, the drinks range from dark to light. The decor of the bar is sleek and stylish, with leather booths, deep armchairs and low lighting creating an intimate atmosphere. If you're peckish, order some of the Pan-Asian cuisine.

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.

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.

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! 

Located in the very heart of the city, Jamie’s on Creechurch Lane is a popular joint of choice for workers looking to kick back and unwind after a long day at work. Swing by and you’ll find friends relaxing with a glass of wine in the bar space, groups enjoying a few games of pool and colleagues nibbling away at sharing platters.

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. Take a seat at the bar and select between an imaginative cocktail list, some superb wines and a neat range of beers.

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.

The Saint is a top shout if you’re looking to go al fresco in the City. Head outside to their spacious terrace, where you’ll overlook the bustle of Paternoster Square and the majesty of St. Paul’s at the same time. It’s a lovely little after-work spot to re-charge those batteries; with a huge choice of wines and British comfort food to see you through.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

Fancy some classic cocktails with a playful twist? Head straight for Silk & Grain on Cornhill, where there’s an experimental approach to age-old drinks that you need to see. They’ve taken a selection of their favourite cocktails and barrel-aged them in oak, metal, leather and glass - and the results promise a fresh new take on drinks you’ve been ordering all your life.

Sitting in an elegant Victorian townhouse, the masterminds behind the Four Sisters in Islington now open a bar in the shadow of St Pauls. Framed by wood-panelled floors and an elevated seating area called The Study, the main show is the cocktail menu, which changes each week and showcases a selection of homemade bitters and syrups. 

Spain is a country known for it's passionate and vibrant culture, both of which are translated into its incredible cuisine. Camino is the embodiment of this amorous country, serving up authentic small plates of regionally inspired tapas dishes using the freshest locally sourced produce to culture the best flavours. Sup on fresh fruit Sangria and tuck into fine home made cuisine at Caminos. 

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 served with some kind of quirky twist, and the venue takes great pride in the strength of its expertly crafted coffees and beers. There's plenty to eat - from lighter bites to eat to wholesome feasts - and everything is enjoyed in a relaxed setting.

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.

This East London hub is the perfect London bar to venture to for a quirky mix of cool and kitsch decor. The service is top class and the sea food specials on the menu are well paired with the delicious wine selection on offer. Going above and beyond the cool factor of a typical London bar, The Gable has a Nintendo Wii, great for working off the food, or working up a thirst for some more wine!

Searcys 1847 is located in London's Cheapside in the heart of the City. Ideally located between St Paul's and Bank Station, Searcys is the perfect venue for bringing some fizz to any occasion. Serving an extensive list of champagnes, as well as wines, beers and cocktails, there is sure to be something for everyone.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Babble City is the new bar on the block in the City of London; the sister bar to the ever-popular Babble Mayfair. The venue, spread over three floors, boasts three very individual rooms which share the same ethos; unrivaled cocktails, individual service, great food and the perfect place to party late into the night. This new fabulous space will be perfect for after-work drinks that probably end up as a late night party!

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. 

Dirty Martini is partying hard again, this time in the City. Head down to venue, which has just undergone a £1.2m refurbishment, to drink in Martinis amongst seriously stylish decor as DJs play some of the best beats.

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.