From underground caves to fine-dining spots, the West End boasts some of the swishest drinking holes in the capital. For those wanting a quick pre-theatre tipple, a chilled after-work sip or something to get the party started on a Friday night, this buzzing hub of drinking, dining and dancing never disappoints. Check out our guide to the best cocktail bars in Covent Garden and get better acquainted with some of the city's lushest libations.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 28th March 2025
Serving craft cocktails without a wait, Swift is completely changing the way we think of 'a quick drink'. Committed to a fast turnaround for each mix, the team here use exotic ingredients and innovative techniques to serve their guests a bevy of top-notch tipples.
When it comes to cocktail bars, Barrio Covent Garden is sure to impress. This top-notch venue boasts a fabulous array of Mexican-inspired sips, alongside a chic space adorned with vibrant decor. To top it off? It also has a happy hour Thursday and Friday for 2 for 1 drinks.
Nestled within the bustling Covent Garden market, VyTA is a stunning spot for cocktails. The sleek bar and restaurant is inspired by 1960s Italy, featuring marble-topped bars, golden decor and lots of bright colours, and there's a sunny outdoor seating area to boot.
Sip classic cocktails like an espresso martini or a negroni, starting from £13 each. Feeling peckish? You'll find everything from fresh burrata with parma ham to mushroom arancini or homemade deer ragu gnocchi on the menu.
Known globally as one of the godfathers of the cocktail world, this glamorous Covent Garden hideaway is second to none when it comes to mixing you a decadent drink. The basement bar is a perfect spot for sipping a tipple on a romantic date.
Fronting forest-inspired decor and plush seating, The Wild Monkey is a gorgeous haunt. Fab for slinky date nights, after work tipples and nights out with pals, this hidden gem promises over 47 botanical cocktails, with a focus on Monkey 47 gin.
Be At One is a casual cocktail bar located just a stone's throw away from the Strand. Head to this contemporary bar between 4pm and 7pm to take advantage of the epic happy hour, which includes deals on fruity tipples, bottles of fizz and more.
If you're after one of the best cocktail bars in Covent Garden, Cellar Door should be at the top of your list. Nestled just outside the Lyceum Theatre, this hidden gem offers craft cocktails made with premium spirits in an intimate, retro-chic setting.
Not only can you sip on sublime cocktails, but you can also enjoy live cabaret, drag shows, and even magicians in one of London's most unique and immersive venues. Whether you're catching a show or simply in the mood for world-class cocktails and exciting entertainment, Cellar Door offers the perfect mix.
Oriole is a brilliant bar slinging out international cocktails and delicious plates of food. Enjoy dishes like Italian beef tartare, smoked cauliflower, and chicken with soft arepa and mushrooms while listening to live music and sipping on cool concoctions - we recommend the Roku gin and absinthe blend Chincha Alta.
Showcasing live music every single night, Mrs Riot is the place to go for high-octane entertainment. While you enjoy jazz, salsa or fabulous funk, get stuck into the mega menu of Mediterranean-inspired grub, paired with banging signature sips.
Monmouth Kitchen is a stylish restaurant bar serving some of the best cocktails in Covent Garden. Head here to sip on signature concoctions while grazing on a fusion of Italian and Peruvian small plates in a chic yet welcoming setting.
Be sure to check out one of the city's coolest underground haunts for a few bevvies. Not only is Tequila Mockingbird serving some flavour-packed concoctions from their fantastic menu, but they also offer an epic 2 for 1 happy hour every day of the week. Need we say more?
Bored of all the usual cocktails? Then try out the inventive concoctions on offer at Dovetail Bar, from a piña colada with Dulce de leche and sweet sherry to the crystal clear rum and coke. This intimate venue can be found above a restaurant, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the streets below. Sip on sophisticated drinks with a chilled playlist here, from the cosy leather sofas or plush velvet stools.
Blame Gloria offers tasty handcrafted cocktails in funky basement bar surroundings. Shimmy on down through their glitzy tunnel (decked out with loads of old-school TV screens) before grabbing a seat in one of the cosy alcoves. And on the weekend? This place comes alive with a disco-themed bottomless brunch.
A stunning secret cocktail bar in Covent Garden, The Escapologist is styled like an elegant Victorian men's club. A hidden underground lair of creative concoctions, it's the perfect spot if you're looking for something that little bit special.
Heralded for their plush interiors and mega happy hour deals, Dirty Martini is a spot worth checking out in Covent Garden. We'd recommend swinging by on the weekend to treat yourself to a birdcage sharer - which come decked out with tasty sliders, arancini balls and spicy samosas.
Nestled in St Giles Piazza, Cabana Brasil brings a slice of Rio to Covent Garden. Chow down on Brazilian-inspired street food, including its famed Malagueta chicken, washed down with vibrant cocktails - it's perfect for long, relaxed lunchs and pre or post-theatre nibbles.
Slap bang in the heart of the West End, this gorgeous cocktail bar and restaurant offers some of the most innovative cocktails in the area. Mixing chemistry and a little bit of theatre into their drinks, you'll find concoctions that fizz, smoke and pop.
Tequila Mockingbird is the new Covent Garden cocktail bar that's bringing you expertly whipped up drinks, groovy tunes and daily 2 for 1 specials. Plus, you can dance the night away to DJs come the weekend too.
Visit Americana to experience authentic Southern charm right in the centre of Haymarket. They've concocted some delicious signature cocktails that pay homage to the cocktail culture in the Deep South but with a splash of West End flair for an extra kick. Their ever-evolving wine list is a treasure trove of rare finds, featuring elusive small-batch wines from esteemed producers like Orin Swift in Napa and Nathan Kendall in upstate New York.
Fronting mezcal margaritas, espresso martinis and pina coladas, LOCKES is a top-notch cocktail bar spread across two floors. In addition, the heavenly haunt promises a slew of pizza choices, as well as bar snacks and small plates.
All Bar One Covent Garden is a top choice of cocktail bars, mainly because the huge list of concoctions means there really is something for everyone. Whether you're after classics or roasted pineapple and tequila signatures, these guys are shaking it up for you.
Whipping up some wacky concoctions in the heart of London's Theatreland is TSQ Playhouse. Grab a table with your pals in this quirky funfair-themed drinking den, where you'll be able to quaff tongue-in-cheek pours, all before heading to one of the karaoke rooms or seating areas.
Located atop the Strand's ME hotel, Radio Rooftop is easily one of the best cocktail bars in Covent Garden. Offering eclectic and exciting concoctions, as well as some of the finest views of London's twinkling skyline, it's the perfect spot to impress a date or enjoy a special night out with friends.
Let yourself be taken away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden to a dark and seductive basement bar, where drinkers can enjoy an array of creative cocktails. Combining the essence of temptation, indulgence, and hedonism through innovative blends, Eve is sure to make you swoon.
