Best Leicester Square Bars

Found just a short walk from Leicester Square and nestled in the heart of Chinatown is Zoku, an underground haunt with recording studio-inspired interiors and Japanese cocktails. Better yet, there's a live DJ and unique sounds to boot.

A short walk from Leicester Square station will lead you to the Bavarian bier haven that is Albert's Schloss Soho. Named after Prince Albert and celebrating his heritage as well as his love for music and art, this venue hosts live performances every night of the week. There's never a dull moment at this modern, Alpine-decorated spot, kitted out with wooden log fires and twinkling lights, nor is there a shortage of delicious bier. Imported from the likes of Germany and Berlin, you can expect to sip an array of delights, as well as much on some authentic fare, such as juicy bratwurst. 

Looking for drinks in Leicester Square? If you've got a sweet spot for decent hops, then head to BrewDog Seven Dials where you'll find 3 floors of chilled out space, 20 different beers on tap and a function room for private events.

Hidden under the National Portrait Gallery - within its historical vaults, no less - Larry's can only be accessed via a discrete entrance off Charing Cross Road. The hidden bar is filled with striking, exposed brick and art deco furnishings for a quirky vibe that's perfect for date night.

Expect to sip on classic cocktails, enjoy brunch classics like blueberry buttermilk pancakes, and tuck into set lunch menus that includes the likes of house-cured, yuzu gin salmon, miso-roasted aubergine and beef short rib. All experiences here are set to the backdrop of of over 100 portraits showcasing the iconic figures of London's West End - an ode to the venue's Central London location.

Looking for hidden gems in Leicester Square? Horizons Casino is a top-quality gaming floor that boasts late-night poker, blackjack, roulette and slot machines. If you're in for the long haul, there's also a fantastic selection of cocktails and food.

Serving up some of the most innovative cocktails in the West End, this bar and restaurant just shy of Leicester Square boasts a stunning array of signature sips, perfect for a few pre-theatre beverages. Adding their own splash of theatricality to the mix, Alchemist drinks are a little outside the norm, with items that fizz, pop and light up.

Boasting amazing views of Leicester Square from its rooftop destination, Dovetail Bar At Empire Casino is a top choice for bars in the heart of the West End. Whether you fancy a summer spritz cocktail on their outdoor terrace or late-night DJ sets until 2 or 3am, there's something for everyone here.

The interiors feature tiled walls, dark furnishings and comfy leather booths, and their talented bartenders even offer cocktail masterclasses if you fancy getting involved yourself.

With low and inviting lighting, polished stone finishes and plush velvet drapes, Permission Lounge gives you an elegant escape from the busy city streets. It's perfect for a break mid-shopping spree, decompressing after work or kicking off your night on the town with a cocktail or two.

Along with its long list of seasonal signature serves, there's all kinds of rare and small batch spirits, fine wine and even finer champagne to tickle your fancy. There's more in the way of entertainment too, be it a laidback acoustic performance or expertly curated DJ set.

Doused in pink hues, neon lights and glittering disco balls, Simmons Leicester Square has a lot to say of itself. And if your purse strings are feeling a little tight, they've got an unbeatable happy hour, with two cocktails for £10, a glass of wine for £3 and more. Plus, there's dancing 'til late every night.

One of our favourites when it comes to bars in the area, Leicester Square Kitchen is a popular spot worth visiting. Make your way inside, where you'll be met with minimalistic decor, including neutral colours and brick adornments. Hungry? Enjoy Mexican and Peruvian small plates.

Clubhouse 5 is undoubtedly one of the best sports bars in Leicester Square. Not only does it boast an impressive number of screens all around the venue offering a prime view of every match, but it also has cocktails, beers and wine, not to mention some of the juiciest burgers around.

Opium is a Leicester Square bar that merges New York speakeasy with a taste of the Orient. They deliver seasonal Oriental themed cocktails exploring and mixing a large variety of authentic Chinese ingredients in an inspired Asian luxe setting. This cocktail parlour cum Dim Sum den is a lair of mixology mastery and unique tastes paired with sumptuous Asian cuisine. 

Craving some top-notch cocktails? We thought as much. But what if we told you that Tequila Mockingbird in Covent Garden is offering 2 for 1 every day of the week? Head along to this quirky joint for some budget-friendly concoctions in their cool space.

Just a stone's throw from Charing Cross Road, The Cambridge is a historic boozer worth visiting. Established in 1887, this cosy joint is the ideal stop-off for British plates, including hearty pies and Sunday roasts, before washing it all down with an ice-cold pint.

Located just off Leicester Square, Joshua's Tavern is one of our top picks for bars flaunting tasty bevvies and light eats. Head inside, where you'll be met with a mural of 18th-century portrait artist and local Sir Reynold, who loved his gins. So, expect around 57 on tap.

This boutique bar is a West End hit for those looking for a place to bust some shapes on the dance floor. Every night welcomes a weird and wonderful theme, with anything from Cowboys and Cowgirls to Where's Wally making an appearance. Bar Rumba is a Leicester Square hot spot for a a good party and some hella long happy hours 

The epitome of a fun time London bar, Zoo is the perfect place to get your mates together for a lively night of drinking and dancing until the early hours. In the heart of Leicester Square, this bar attracts a young party crowd with an opulent bar area and large clubbing spec where music to the beats of commercial, house, hip hop and R'n'B is played out every weekend.

Nestled at the heart of the West End's famous social setup, you'll find The Long Acre in pole position on Upper St. Martin's Lane. Come for a relaxing brunch, enjoy a wallet-friendly lunch deal or dinner and cocktails, with the party vibes continuing until 3am, six days a week.

Whether you're there for their legendary bottomless brunches or just a cracking night out, Lucky Voice Soho is the place to be. Having been serving the city's karaoke needs since 2007, with over 12,000 songs to choose from, you can expect colourful lighting, high-tech sound systems and disco balls galore here. Even better, you can order cocktails and delicious pizzas straight to your booth, so you don't have to miss a single second of the action.

Just moments from The National Gallery sits All Bar One, your new favourite bar in Leicester Square. Whether you're catching up with friends over a bottle of wine, a glass of cocktails, or sitting down to feast on one of their British pub classics dishes after work, then settle in here.

Known for its lip-smacking Champagne cocktails and luxury interiors, The Stage is a firm Leicester Square haunt for all occasions. Boasting plush seating, cosy corners for date nights and an epic lineup of live music performances, this venue is sure to impress.

This iconic spot is sure to go down a storm with music lovers, with a plethora of memorabilia including the telephone box from One Direction's 'Take Me Home' album cover. After taking in the A-list decor, sit back in one of their banquets and enjoy some American classics.

After restaurant bars near Leicester Square? Farzi is the sophisticated spot with modern takes on biriyani, tandoori paneer, lamb shank and more, all washed down by signature cocktails. Book 7 or more days in advance here.