Top Bars in London

Sure, we might be bias, but we get the feeling that London has some of the best nightlife in the world, so how do you navigate that? Putting in the work for you, we've come up with a list of some of London's top bars, from hidden speakeasies down back alleys to sky-high spots for sweeping views of the city.

Last edited by Lauren Cole

Last updated on 30th October 2023




Barrio - Bars In London

Barrio blends a Latin American feel-good factor with the vibrant spirit of the local community. It's an exotic and colourful place for a night out, with Peruvian anticuchos to nibble at and a cocktail menu that isn't exactly shy when it comes to tequila, mezcal, pisco and rum. Soak in the lively tropical atmosphere and hang around for a dance; DJs drop a Latin American party playlist until 2am at the weekends.

The Studio @ London Cocktail Club Oxford Circus

Keep it under your hat, but there's actually an extra top secret bar to be explored at LCC Oxford Circus. Meet The Studio; a truly unique concept where patrons lap away at top quality vodka cocktails and play their own DJ sets. Kitted out with seductive black booths, hanging microphone lights and a showpiece recording studio room it's hella stylish too, and the venue offers among the best cocktail masterclasses in town.

Be At One Covent Garden Lyceum

Fancy Extra Long Happy Hour? (Requires an app Download) and 1 other offer

London is brimming with great bars, but how to decide on the very best? That's easy, we recommend you try them all, especially this roaring Covent Garden cocktail bar.Not only boasting one of the best happy hours in the city, those looking for a bar with a fun-time attitude really won't be let down. 

Humble Grape - Wine Bars in London

From Battersea over to Islington, Humble Grape is making sure Londoners are watered at all times. Dedicated to all things wine, the bars are both laidback and stylish - perfect for everything from date nights through to a catch up - along with serving some seriously tasty British bites.

Camden London

For beautifully crafted cocktails, scrumptious small plates and lively party bar vibes, Camden London should be your next port of call. This seriously swish spot is dressed up to the nines, boasting an opulent, scallop-tiled bar and golden accents.

Archer Street Soho

This fantastic bar was last years DesignMyNight's 2012 'Best Bar' winner. Why? Because it is. This Soho bar  has an exclusive, stylish feel to it and serve deliciously well crafted cocktails you won't be able to resist. Archer Street hots up at the weekends down here where the DJs starts pumping some classics, but the most notable thing about this bar is that all of the staff are not just bar tenders but singers and dancers too, be prepared to mind your wine glass as they'll be jumping on the table (and beckoning you to join them) before you've had time to say singing in the rain..

 

Be At One Covent Garden Russell Street

Fancy Extra Long Happy Hour? (Requires an app Download) and 1 other offer

Be At One is your failsafe choice for a feel-good evening out in Covent Garden. Tucked away in an intimate basement just off the piazza, head downstairs where a promise land of flamboyant cocktails, guilty pleasure dance tracks and infectiously charming bartenders await. Happy Hours run from 4.30pm every day and the venue boasts a 3am licence for all your late-night dance floor needs.

Apples and Pears

Christmas at Apples & Pears and 2 other offers

Few offer a more complete package in the Brick Lane area than Apples & Pears. A colourful and vibrant cocktail bar on Osborn Street, these guys offer innovative cocktails and a playlist of motown, soul, funk and old school hip-hop music. It's a cracking private hire jaunt, and there's a heated cocktail garden for a few alfresco antics.

The Piano Works Farringdon

2-4-1 Cocktails and 3 other offers

As one of the city's only sleek piano bar based in an old, airy Victorian Warehouse, this Farringdon joint is bursting full of life and character. Unwind with an ice-cold cocktail as their talented musicians roll back the years to a time when couples danced the night away to the latest soulful, swinging band. This is a real treat for any jazz and blues fan.

Northcote Records

Six Nations Special - £5 Pints, £8 Pizzas & £9 Tommy's Margaritas and 1 other offer

Looking for somewhere fun and alternative just moments away from Clapham Junction? Welcome to the party, Northcote Records, a fun-time bar where raucous house party vibes are enjoyed with a hearty side of rock 'n' roll attitude. There's live music six nights of the week, a solid choice of cocktails and great value pizza, which starts at just £6 a go.

The Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town

Winner of Designmynight's 'best user rated' 2012 awards, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is an unforgettable experience. This London basement bar is hidden behind a fridge (yes a fridge) in an East End breakfast club. This is definitely one of the best nights out in Shoreditch, and even London as a whole. There is a reason this is one of the best-loved London bars, because it is sure to be the best night ever. Don't miss out! 

The Breakfast Club Canary Wharf

Happy Hour - £4.50 Pints | £6 Wines | £6 Cocktails and 3 other offers

Catering for your every need and with a distinct devil-may-care approach to things, the Breakfast Club in Canary Wharf is always abuzz with energy and life. The bar labels itself as a retro working man's venue, and is signposted by a range of quirky antiques, brightly coloured furniture and, most obviously, a gigantic disco ball that delicately hangs over the entire venue. With a line-up of craft beers, locally sourced ales and carefully curated cocktails, it's perfect for anyone looking to unwind after a day at work. 

The Escapologist

Happy Hour and 2 other offers

Part modern-day Victorian men's club, part Masonic Lodge, The Escapologist is an unmissable themed bar based at the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London. Brought to town by the team behind Adventure Bar and Dub Jam, this is a beautiful basement venue with a fun yet refined cocktails, cheese-drenched pizzas and bottle service with guests having access to their own secret lockers.