Best Cocktail Bars in Shoreditch

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By Jasmine Lee Kennedy Lead Editor, DesignMyNight Jasmine is our Lead Editor, specialising in restaurants, bars and culture, with 10 years' experience in the industry. Last updated on 8th May 2026

Shoreditch - arguably London's trendiest, most progressive area. Featuring some of the most interesting creations and venues in city's cocktail scene, it's unquestionably where you need to go if you want to try the latest whacky concoction.

Naturally, you'll find array of bars to choose from in this neighbourhood, including quirky, immersive venues and award-winning haunts. To help you whittle through them all, here's our guide to the best cocktail bars in Shoreditch.

 




Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison

@ Hexmoor: London on Various dates from Tuesday 23rd June 2026

Descend into the shadows and step into a world where sorcery meets sentencing - Hexmoor: Wizarding Prison is London's first immersive wizarding prison bar, and it's unlike anything you've ever experienced. From the minds behind Alcotraz, Avora, and Moonshine Saloon, this dark fantasy cocktail experience blends film-level set design, immersive theatre, and mystical mixology into one mind-bending, spell-casting night out.

Wearing an official Hexmoor prison jumpsuit, you'll join a cast of shady spellcasters behind enchanted bars as you help uncover a prophecy and break free - all while sipping on three (or more) handcrafted magical cocktails that bubble, shimmer, and transform before your eyes. Expect magical special effects, a deep and interactive storyline, and some of the most Instagrammable cocktails in the city. Choose your ticket tier - from Apprentice to Sorcerer - and prepare to serve your sentence... in style.

Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: London on Various dates from Monday 22nd June 2026

This isn't your average cocktail bar in Shoreditch, this is Alcotraz. And here, you'll need to smuggle your contraband booze past the prison guards and into the hands of one of the inmates. Once inside? Your bartenders will shake up something great, as long as you don't get caught.

Cottons Bar

Escape to a little piece of paradise at the Sip N Tell Bar in Old Street, Shoreditch. Whisking you away to a tropical paradise, with lush decorations and an atmosphere that's bursting with warmth and fun, this exotic haunt is packed with exciting concoctions that go beyond the usual, featuring drinks like the Velvet Punch and the Exotic Clear Colada.

The Cocktail Club Old Street

The Cocktail Club can be found nestled in the heart of Old Street, offering a cool drinking den to enjoy some quirky cocktails. Famed for its bottomless brunches and epic parties, it features a cool games room and even a snug bedroom for you to chill out in. Grab your mates and head down to delight in the likes of a Solero Sundae, made using Bacardi coconut rum, or a Jam Jar Daiquiri until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Without Papers

50% Off Mondays and 5 other offers

A unique cocktail bar that takes its inspiration from both British and Italian cultures, Without Papers can be found on Kingsland Road. They promise warm hospitality in an intimate setting, alongside a seriously quirky drinks menu.

Their unusual concoctions range from a tiramisu-themed drink to a Mar-Tea-Ni and even a blend of melon and parma ham. There are small plates to enjoy on the side, from a traditional cheese board to nduja with sourdough.

Mad Cats

For cocktail lovers seeking a twist on the expected, Mad Cats on Redchurch Street is a Shoreditch gem. This vinyl-focused hi-fi bar pairs meticulously crafted drinks with a music-first ethos: think tequila martinis infused with za'atar, mezcal Midnight Pounces, and peach-gin cocktails that hit every note.

The sleek back bar and intimate lounge spaces, bathed in low light and vintage brass accents, make it the perfect spot to sip slowly, soak in the warm atmosphere, and let the 22-speaker vinyl soundtrack elevate every mouthful.

Chiave

A certified hidden gem, Chiave brings Italian elegance and East London listening bar energy to Redchurch Street. All warm wood, exposed brick and low lighting, it's cosy, charming and sophisticated all in one.

The cocktails are crafted with military mixologist precision. Think smoky tequila-meets-mezcal margaritas, delicate espresso martinis with Turkish coffee and herb-infused signatures like cherry-thyme vodka blends.

Mitsu

If you're looking for cool places to drink in Shoreditch, you'll want to check out Mitsu on Willow Street. Ideal for slick after-work drinks or date nights, this Japanese bar is inspired by East Tokyo's izakayas, offering a dimly lit setting complete with an impressive central bar and vintage vinyl lining the walls.

Head over to explore their creative cocktail list, featuring house favourites such as the Ota Market, made with Akashi Tai Yuzushu, Bombay Sapphire Gin, ginger, satusma and passionfruit, not to mention their unique menu of Japanese highballs. They also have plenty of smooth sake available, including some made in Bermondsey, alongside wines from across the globe. Even better, these guys serve excellent food that pairs with the drinks oh-so-well. Think wagyu sandos, turbot off the robata grill, sushi and more.