Hoxton Bars
Saturated with some of the coolest and quirkiest bars in the whole of London, Hoxton really has got it going on in the boozing deparment. This small area in Shoreditch draws crowds from all over the capital and beyond, intrigued by the prospect of trendy, independent boozers with a focus on exceptional drinks and easy going vibes. Here’s just a few of the best bars in Hoxton to consider on your night out in East London.
Last updated on 16th September 2016
Named after Frances Nelson, the wife of Lord Nelson, Fanny Nelson is a cosy neighbourhood bar in Hoxton. With it's origins deeply enshrined in the 1830s, this pub serves locally sourced craft beers, natural wines, an array of different Bloody Marys and all-day brunch on the weekends. Grab a ice-cold drink and unwind in this characterful, history drenched spot in East London.
You'll find this cool and cosy gem within a stone's throw of Hoxton Square. Translate offers a welcoming atmosphere all week long, with live music nights and DJs at the weekend, a cracking spread of food and daily happy hours until 9pm to help you settle into your groove. Signature house cocktails are just £7.50 a go, falling to £4.75 throughout happy hour.
A discerning drinking spot rightly plonked at the top of many people's 'must visit' shortlists, Nightjar is an elusive bar close to Old Street. It's been showered with praise from all quarters down the years, acclaimed for serving masterful drinks against a soothing live jazz music backdrop.
Step through the giant opulent 'looking glass' and into a world of decadent debauchery, with mesmeric cocktails and eccentric entertainment in a lavish, cosy setting. This Hoxton bar has a sumptuous interior with moody subtle lighting, Louis XVI inspired furniture, brocade fabrics and other lovingly sourced vintage pieces.
Winner of the Best Cocktail Menu of 2014, Callooh Callay is there for those who fancy discovering something different. Wander away from Hoxton Square a little and find a kitsch venue known for its comic book cocktail menus, secretive rooms hidden behind a wardrobe and its lively feel-good vibes at the weekend.
A thriving spot owned by none other than Gerry Calabrese, The Hoxton Pony combines unique cocktails with a striking interior design and a programme of DJs from across the globe. The seasonal thirty-strong cocktail card is truly a treat for all the senses, and with over 300 hand picked spirits jostling for position at the bar, top quality is a safe bet.
Seeking out a Hoxton hotspot with a dash of exotic flair? There's no better place for it than Floripa, a tropical Brazilian beach bar with cracking cocktails and generous happy hour deals. Come straight for a couple of chilled ones, and with live bands and DJs soon taking the stage there's every reason to hang around a little later.
Looking for a casual bar in Hoxton that's charming, traditional and has beer on its side? Then you best be headed to The Prince Arthur. A name face for locals and pints alike, head on down for a relaxed drink post office and enjoy the spoils of one of the most laid-back boozers in the city.
Another Hoxton Square headliner comes in the form of Zigfrid; a DJ bar, music venue and restaurant with creativity coursing through its veins. A fantastic place to hang with your pals, there's a wonderfully non-sensical mish-mash of interiors that we'd argue are worth checking out alone.
A leading light on the Hoxton scene, White Lyan sure is creating quite a stir with its pioneering approach to cocktail curation. There’s no hint of ice, fruits or brands here, they prefer instead to use their very own Mr Lyan spirits and fresh ingredients and it’s a formula that has won acclaim from visitors from all over London and beyond. Don’t miss out!
5cc at Electricity Showrooms is another fan-favourite that you'll find hidden in a Hoxton Square basement. Conjuring up a cocktail storm here and at their venues across the city, come for a handmade, top of the range mixed drink in a setting rife with copper bar tops, cushtie booths and teetering bar stools.
Situated right in amongst the lively hubbub that is Hoxton Square, this bar, kitchen and outdoor terrace is a hit with both the trendy Shoreditch crowd and lovers of live music. The bar serves up a good list of beers and cocktails, you can enjoy some food on the outdoor terrace and there’s an endless flow of great live music from the most exciting emerging bands.
Conveniently located close to Brick Lane, Hoxton Square and Shoreditch High Street, Be At One is the perfect space to kick-start a night on the tiles. Head on down for happy hour and take full advantage; there's an absolute library of exquisite mixes to get you started and a buzzing atmosphere to match.
DJ bar, live music venue, diner and alfesco terrace at one strike, Roadtrip is a popular party destination with its finger in many pies. Request your fave tunes on the jukebox, hit the dance floor as DJs stir up a wild mix of party tunes and dig your heels in for the long run; the venue shuts at 5am at the weekends.
Garnering rave reviews left, right and centre, it's no secret that Happiness Forgets is one of the best cocktail bars in London. You'll find this little beauty in a Hoxton Square basement; where high end cocktails come mixed up by incredibly talented mixologists who let the quality of their libations do the talking.
Far Rockaway is an American restaurant and bar, serving bespoke cocktails and fine diner cuisine. You can enjoy all of this in truly unique and quirky surroundings; filled with vintage posters, skateboard ceilings, mismatched furniture and a 4000-strong comic book collection.
