City Bars in London

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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 and a game, or three.

Head into The City where this unique pub if offering one of the best places to drink in the area. Alongside an excellent offering of craft pints and fine wines, you'll find a slap-up menu of pub grub and a large heated beer garden.

Just a few minutes walk from Bank station, The Anthologist is keeping you watered and fed at its sleek City bar and restaurant. Alongside an extensive wine list and some very pretty - and potent - cocktails, you'll also find snacks and bigger plates if you get peckish.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

The Listing is ne of the best bars in the City of London, found moments away from Monument station. Head to the botanical beauty for after work drinks, client meetings or date nights where European-inspired fare can be enjoyed indoors or on the outdoor terrace space.

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 with some of the city's top DJs.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

London's financial sector is in for a treat, with the Humble Grape offering a sleek, opulent venue for drinking wine in the heart of the City. Serving over 30 different types, guests can unwind after a stressful day with a carafe or two of their favourite international bottles. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

A fun bar in the City, Be At One is a great place to let off some steam whilst drinking tasty cocktails. Swing by the Spitalfields watering hole after work and sip on happy hour cocktails whilst bopping to fun tunes.

With happy hours, food offers and a stylish young professional clientele, Patch St. Paul's is one of London's top City bars. Set over two floors and located by the iconic St Paul's Cathedral, the bar even has large doors opening to a cobbled lane that allows for dreamy alfresco drinking. 

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 five-star lifestyle hotel Andaz London Liverpool Street, Rake's Café Bar promises different types of cocktails and wines, sharing platters and a completely quirky and stylish interior that creates an eccentric ambience.

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.

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 within the bar's relaxingly airy ambiance. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Beduin is a bar with a modern twist - check out relaxing booths, the intense colourful hues, and sprawled-out bar areas to be explored. 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.

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.

Pitch is a unique golf venue in the City where seasoned pros and absolute beginners can both enjoy an evening of interactive golfing. From a full Pitch and Putt 18 hole course to golf darts, there's plenty to explore as you hang out after a busy day.

Situated just a stone's throw away from Liverpool Street Station, Off The Wall is the ultra-contemporary bar and restaurant inside the Apex Hotel. Offering skillfully crafted cocktails and an impressive list of aged spirits, it's the perfect spot for after-work drinks or a stylish date night.