London may be home to the traditional English pub, but nowadays there is a plethora of opportunities for those looking for something extra on their night out. Lounge bars aren't just found in hotels or airports any more and they've become hugely popular thanks their late closing times and the unique experiences they offer. Whether it's luxury you desire, cool ambience or formidable cocktails London is home to some of the World's most revered lounge bars. With that in mind prepare to be astounded as you go through this list of the best recommended lounge bars in London.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 23rd September 2025
The Distillery is Bankside's destination bar, where London Hilton guests and young professionals come together for great bites and expertly made cocktails. There's a classy feel to The Distillery - with its leather Chesterfields and art deco finishes - as mixologists use homemade aromatics, infusions and bitters to put together a top quality drinks list.
A lavish lounge bar in the heart of the West End, The Rialto is taking your post-theatre drinks up a notch. Open 24 hours a day, the Coventry Street casino promises cocktails and entertainment in the form of blackjack, roulette and baccarat.
Fitted out with leather sofas, warm lighting and eccentric artwork, The Den is one relaxed yet seriously stylish lounge bar. You'll find it in the heart of Covent Garden, providing a relaxed break from the maddening streets outside with it's all-day menus of refined savoury bites and a bespoke G&T menu inspired by the art that lines the walls.
For a fabulous lounge bar in London, check out the White Post. They bring a lovely ambiance, along with delicious drinks. Whether you want to have a cheeky cider or beer after work or book for a private event, the venue has everything you'll need.
Slick, sexy and fantastically cool, Disrepute is the 60s bar in Soho that's not to be missed. Head over to relax with a cocktail in one of their many stunning spaces decked out with Art Deco-style furnishings and feel like one of the social elite of the era.
Boasting a relaxed, speakeasy feel, with Chinese-influenced decor and luxurious additions, Lucy Wong is the place to go for a drink in Fitzrovia. Head to the underground bar for classic and signature cocktails (our favourite is the Kowloon Krush) alongside traditional Cantonese eats.
At a whopping 80 feet this striking London lounge bar is called the Long Bar for a reason. Tucked into the prestigious Sanderson Hotel in Soho, the Long Bar is as luxurious as it is awe inspiring to look at. You can admire the incredible Warhol-esque décor while enjoying the world's finest wines, beers and spirits in perfect tranquility. You don't have to be a guest at the hotel to rub shoulders with A-listers making this London lounge bar great for first dates so book a table now.
Nordic is a Scandinavian lounge bar in London's Fitzrovia district. The Scandinavian people may be renowned for their beauty and grace but nobody looks graceful playing fussball or ping pong after a few fruity ciders. On weekends you can expect the freshest music from live DJs and enough vodka cocktails to sink a ship or at least its captain. Head down and experience one of London's best fun-time lounge bars.
A relaxed and creative bar and restaurant in Soho, the Old Compton Brasserie is bringing stylish interiors, delicious new British cuisine and an impressive cocktail menu to the streets of Central London.
Head on over to one of the best watering holes inside the Mercure London Bridge Hotel. Showcasing sleek decor and modern seating, the venue has a wide range of gin cocktails, alongside a bar snack menu toting truffle fries, calamari and more.
The stylish Alice lounge bar in London is close to Liverpool Street station. It's cool and quirky design looks like something from the set of Mad Men. Another alluring element too is the drinks prices on anything from cask ales to cocktails. For a drink and a chat or a cheap bite to eat The Alice lounge bar in London offers the perfect balance of luxury and affordability to check out any time of the week.
May Fair Bar and Kitchen can be found close to Green Park station, featuring a striking central bar and modern silver interiors. Known for it's enticing cocktails and bustling atmosphere, this is the perfect place to relax with a lychee and elderflower martini or grapefruit and pomegranate blend The Socialite. There are also tasty bar snacks like wagyu sliders and paprika-dusted calamari up for grabs, with a cracking brunch menu to boot.
A cool bar in Norwood that's know for its vibrant nightlife, Banana Island Lounge is perfect for all occasions. They serve delicious West African eats like jollof rice, grilled prawns and plantain, alongside killer cocktails and Champagne.
If you're coming down a little later, expect sets from local and international DJs. As for the decor, expect plush green velvet booths, pretty foliage and quirky neon signs, as well as a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
For those seeking an evening of expertly mixed cocktails in a chic setting, BÓHA London is the place to be. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or celebrate with friends, the 1920s-style speakeasy downstairs bar's innovative drink menu has something for everyone.
Sip on one of their signature cocktails or enjoy a classic with a modern twist, all while soaking in the sleek, stylish atmosphere. It's the ideal venue for a night out in West London, where great drinks and great company come together seamlessly.
The Book Club might be known for its nightlife, but it also doubles as one of the more unique lounge bars in London. Its newly renovated ground floor has all the laid-back charm of a Brooklyn loft - think exposed brick, rotating art on the walls, and soft lighting - making it a welcoming spot for casual drinks, chats, and catching up in comfort.
Beyond the drinks and aesthetics, it offers an ever-evolving cultural edge with exhibitions, games, and low-key early-evening events. Whether you're there for a £5 G&T on a Thursday or a pizza supper club with friends, it has that elusive 'second home' feeling.
The Vineyard at Angel is a great example of a charismatic lounge bar in London. It's uber cool retro décor throughout extends into the beer garden perfect for summer parties. You'll get a mixed bag of after-work drinkers and fun-seekers here so ensure that you're part of the action at this funky London lounge by booking your table in advance.
Joining the city's sky-high drinking scene comes 8 at The Londoner, a swanky Japanese restaurant offering a contemporary twist on traditional izakaya dining. Alongside their tasty menu, you'll find an ample selection of sake and cocktails.
One of the best lounge bars in London, The Coral Room is a stunning space in the heart of Bloomsbury. Head over for 20's-inspired interiors and sensational sips, ideal for enjoying in their pretty alfresco garden when the weather is warm.
Nirvana Lounge in Harrow is a stylish lounge bar that perfectly balances modern elegance with rich South Asian heritage. The space features warm mood lighting, bespoke upholstery, and an inviting atmosphere designed to help you unwind.
Alongside an extensive cocktail list and infused mocktails, the bar serves up a range of Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes, making it ideal for both casual drinks and dinner plans.
Beautifully decorated with cosy furniture and vibrant paintings splashed across the colourful walls, the Rich Mix is a multi-function venue in East London that can cater for your every need. With three large cinema screens and a handful of stages spread throughout the venue, this quaint entertainment bar in London frequently hosts film screenings, live music performances and dazzling theatrical showcases. Dedicated to hosting only the best entertainment, Rich Mix is perfect for group nights out and private hire.
A stunning spot just shy of Liverpool Street, this sleek and quirky lounge bar offers an amazing mix of food and drink for you to get stuck into. While their eats boast international influence, it's their drinks that really take the cake through a mix of innovative mixology and expert execution.
Salvatore has to be one of the coolest lounge bars in London. Situated just off of Hyde Park this amazing location is just the beginning of Salvatore's charm. The iconic Playboy bunnies provide pleasant scenery as well as service especially when you're having equally breath-taking cocktails made right at your table. You can just walk into Salvatore unlike its exclusive neighbour Baroque, so there's nothing stopping you heading down and feeling like The Heff in front of your mates.
