The West End is one of the busiest and most vibrant districts in the world. The variety of shopping, eating, drinking and clubbing options (along with its world famous theatres) have been amongst the best and most diverse in the world for decades and new exciting sites continue to open throughout the year. So, amongst all of the possibilities, where are the best places for tipple? Here are a few West End bars we think deserve a visit.
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Bringing the vibes every night over in the West End, Bar Rumba is not to be missed. Pop along to one of its raucous club nights (where hip hop and RnB rule the roost), salsa classes and open mic nights, or even just head in for a delicious cocktail with your mates.
Looking out onto New Street Square with all its gracious greenery, The Refinery New Street Square boasts one of the best outdoor spaces of any bar in the West End. Plonk yourself down at a table and get ready for some outdoor sessioning! Work your way through the extensive (yet affordable) selection of cocktails and beers with your boozing buddies.
Perched in St James', Quaglino's is a space of truly decadent drinking and dining dressed in opulent interiors, sweeping staircases and bartenders with showmanship. This restaurant bar knows no boundaries when it comes to indulgent and luxuriant partying at its best. Think theatrical, think exquisite mixology and think late licence come the weekends.
Sister venue to one of London's most famous speakeasies, Nightjar Carnaby also lives up to the legendary name. Think quirky cocktails, 1920s vibes and plenty of uber cool jazz at this secret spot.
Top off your trip to the West End with a quirky bar that serves up unique cocktails and DJs in its cool space. The Little Scarlet Door's entrance is marked only by the smattering of red along Greek Street, with New York loft-style interiors and an Andy Warhol-themed vault waiting inside.
Get familiar with the sights and sounds of Latin America at one of the coolest bars in the West End. Not only a wonderland of happy hours and South American fare, Barrio Soho promise a plethora of liquor strong cocktails that will keep you going until the early hours of the morning.
Inspired by the golden age of travel, Aviator bar at Hush is bringing fancy '60s vibes to drinking in the West End. The spot is full of velvet furniture, neon signs and a talented array of bartenders to knock you up one of their award-winning drinks.
Flaunting some gorgeous interiors inspired by Valencia, alongside an epic cocktail selection touting plenty of flair, Albufera Bar is a real Fizrovia gem. And when you're taking in the gorgeous scenes? You can also try out a bar snacks menu inspired by Quique Dacosta.
The Long Acre serves a delicious menu of classics and sharing boards, with a broad range of classic, Champagne and signature cocktails to wash it all down with. It's open until 3am so there's every reason to stay and let the night escalate.
The West End isn't short of brilliant bars showcasing all manner of tipples. But if you want a place that exudes a slick ambience, shakes up killer cocktails and even has live jazz and soul music on throughout the week? The Dilly should be your go-to.
Located in the heart of Leicester Square, The Empire Casino has plenty to get stuck into. Head to one of its bars, whether it be the VIP terrace bar Icon or the renowned Carlsberg sports bar, there's sure to be something for whatever your needs.
Searching for gorgeous boozers in Holborn? Great for first dates and catch-ups with pals, LOCKES is a grand shout. You'll get to enjoy everything from espresso martinis to pina coladas and mezcal margaritas, alongside slices of pizza.
When it comes to quirky bars in the West End, Swingers is a location with that lil' something something extra. Notorious for its unique crazy golf course, head on over for cocktails and competitive antics in the heart of the city.
When it comes down to bars in the West End, O'Neill's Wardour Street is a real winner. This fabulous venue offers up crackin' quiz nights, sports screenings across the HD TVs and live music sets, making it a great stop-off for some fun in the city.
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For those wanting a friendly cocktail bar to relax in after a long day spent admiring the West End sights or the shops, then head to Be At On Covent Garden. With delicious cocktails and a cool bar to discuss the days events in, you'll be up for staying longer than you expected (probably all night) with the buzzing atmosphere egging you on. For those pre-Theatre drinks, nothing beats a classic mojito to get your juices flowing for the show.
If you're looking for bars in the West End to kickstart the party, The Cocktail Club Shaftesbury Avenue is just the place. They're serving up killer vibes, the quirkiest concoctions and bespoke tattoo artwork.
Despite the plethora of West End Bars to chose from, Blame Gloria stands out as one of the best. If you are in the Covent Garden / West End Area, want a lively drinking vibe all week long, want to be served by attentive and always unpretentious bartenders, love a blend of exciting music and expertly made cocktails, Blame Gloria may just be the place for you.
A top choice of Charing Cross West End bars, All Bar One is your go-to for cocktails, bottomless brunches and small plates alike. Choose between signature rum punch sharers, banana peel rum-based concoctions and classics across a huge list of drinks. Otherwise, check out the Picton Place location at the other end of theatreland.
Opium is Soho's secret cocktail bar and dim sum parlour. Located in the heart of China town and hidden behind a nondescript green door, this place is decked out with oriental-style decor and mismatched antique furnishings. Both the drinks and food menu reflects seasonally changing ingredients, with an eclectic dim sum selection including lobster and mushroom with truffle.
West End hotel bars don't get much better than Long Bar at the Sanderson. Here, you can expect to find a range of ingredient-led cocktails, which feature the likes of cardamom bitters, pineapple and almond soda or apple pie syrup. Yup, it's a unique bunch.
Ping Pong isn't just a West End restaurant to feast on on the very best in dim sum and premium Chinese plates. They also boast a wonderful array of drinks, including some truly great cocktails – making it the perfect place to dine and drink.
Thirst Bar, modestly tucked away in the less hectic Tottenham Court Road side of the West End, is a fun and independently owned cocktail bar in the heart of Soho. In its 10th year, the late night cocktail bar is split over two floors with a cocktail bar on each. Al fresco drinking on the ground floor and a snug VIP booth area provides the drinker with a number of varying environments to choose from.
One of the best bars in the West End, The Rialto is a must-visit if you're looking for late night drinks near Leicester Square. The watering hole and casino offers 24-hour opening and an array of games, cocktails and snacks to enjoy.
Not only is Cabana the place to go for a delicious array of Brazil's most famous cocktails (including Frozen Caipirinhas), they also serve up a variety of delicious Brazilian street food dishes, such as their delicious marinated skewers cooked on their custom-made grill.
International food, killer drinks and a welcoming atmosphere makes Zebrano's a great shout for those heading out for cocktails in the West End. Happy hour deals and food that comes from all corners of the globe are sweet perks, and there's some singing and dancing to be had in the club area later.
