Pinnacle Guide Bars In London - 2026 Reappraisals

Having been voted 'World's Best Bar' consecutively, Artesian at The Langham is a breathtaking spot to enjoy a signature sip; it's no wonder it's made the Pinnacle Guide too. Inside, you'll find elegant interiors by David Collins Studio: think rich, purple leather sofas and high ceilings. If you're hungry, you'll find curated menus by Michelin star chefs to enjoy with your cocktails. From whiskey sours garnished with insects, to a herbal margarita-style Moringa, there's something for everyone. 

If you don't book at this one Pin bar, then you may miss out on walking through its unsuspecting door, just off Old Street, and entering a world full of 1920s allure. Nightjar Shoreditch offers an escape from the bustle of the city, fronting exposed brick walls, a dark wooden bar and a piano which features in its sort after jazz nights, where swing bands soundtrack your evening. The menu changes on a regular basis with featured spirits, with past inclusions having been the innovative Forrest Floor, made with Brugal 1888 Rum and Scarpa sweet vermouth. 

Sexy Fish is a celebrity magnet and it's not hard to see why: sporting stunning fish sculptures hanging above a golden, glowing bar, it's truly a beautiful sight to behold. It's the brainchild of Richard Caring and Caprice, the group behind The Ivy, J Sheekey's and Rivington Grill, and has Ben Orpwood in the kitchen whipping up East Asian-inspired eats. Drinks-wise, you can expect to be charmed by Trinity, a cocktail list offering three dimensions of flavour, aroma and texture. Look forward to the Coconut & Lemongrass Delicate, the Marshmallow & Raspberry Unctuous and more. 

Kwānt is a gorgeous concept bar located within the heart of Mayfair, from the marvellous mind of Erik Lorincz and Momo's Mourad Mazouz. It's a swish spot at its core, featuring elements of 1940s classic Casablanca with tropical trees and notes of tiki, thanks to its bamboo-styled ceilings. The drinks list combines classic flavours with modern twists, such as the signature bloody mary, made with Marmite Grey Goose Vodka and mustard air, and there's an indulgent seven-course tasting menu (£120) ready for you to indulge in, too.

Swift Soho is an award-winning bar serving gorgeous cocktails and over 300 types of whisky. It features intimately lit interiors, spotlights fixed to silver beams and glossy walls across two floors. The downstairs bar offers a more seductive environment, operating on a reservations-only basis, and serving more complex tipples. Here you can look forward to getting your lips around an Irish Coffee, made with Jameson Stout Edition Irish Whiskey and a nutty Praline Flip. 

• Where: 28 Bow Street, WC2E 7AW
• Best for: Latin American flavours and pours
• What to order: Tōmasu Collins

Side Hustle is a renegade rendezvous where Latin American soul meets London swagger, tucked inside the storied walls of what was once Bow Street Magistrates' Court. Now part of the globally acclaimed NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden, this late-night haunt shakes up the scene with tequila-forward cocktails, spicy attitude, and a setting steeped in cheeky rebellion. Think tropical heat, neon dreams, and a drinks menu as bold as the bartenders slinging it.

Whether you're vibing with a smoky Oaxacan Old Fashioned, chasing heat with the Sergeant Pepper, or cooling off with a zesty Tomatoes R' Us, Side Hustle's got your mood bottled and beautifully served. 

• Where: 109-113, Queen's Gate, SW7 5LR
• Best for: a sophisticated hotel bar
• What to order: Parca

The K Bar at The Kensington is where timeless elegance meets modern mixology, wrapped in the warm glow of polished brass and oak-panelled charm. Nestled in the refined heart of South Kensington, this intimate hideaway feels like a secret whispered between velvet sofas and leather wingbacks. It's a bar built for both whispered tête-à-têtes and sharp-suited business chats, where every drink feels like an invitation to slow down and indulge.

Sip and discover the smoky intrigue of the Parca or the floral finesse of Pluvio; every cocktail here is a masterclass in craftsmanship and creativity. With impeccable service and a soundtrack of soft lounge beats and clinking glasses, it's a space that hums with quiet sophistication.

• Where: 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ
• Best for: agave spirits
• What to order: spicy margarita (you can choose your chilli)

Venture down into this subterranean den next to Notting Hill Gate and you'll find that Viajante87 is where the spirit of Latin America thrives. This West From the first sip of an Açai Ramos - with its smoky mezcal and banana-laced magic - to the fiery kick of the Blood Moon, every drink is delightful. You'll also find that its menu is split into various categories, ranging from 'be courageous' to 'be curious', as well as featuring some of its signature sips.

Whether you're raising a glass for a birthday, vibing with friends, or dancing 'til late under the glow of weekend DJs spinning the best in global beats, Viajante87 brings the heat.

• Where: 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX
• Best for: James Bond enthusiasts
• What to order: Vesper Martini

Tucked deep within the historic Old War Office - the very building where MI5 and MI6 were born and where Ian Fleming first dreamed up James Bond - The Spy Bar at Raffles is 100% unforgettable. Slip down a hidden corridor, push through an unmarked wall, and you'll be greeted by atmospheric music and the jaw-dropping sight of a real Aston Martin embedded in the wall - yes, that Aston Martin, straight from the Bond films.

Inside, it's all moody lighting, exposed brick, and industrial-chic details that nod to its espionage roots. The drinks menu reads like a dossier of liquid legends, inspired by spies, double agents, and covert missions. Their signature Vesper Martini - finished with a house-made London honey distillate and bespoke vermouth - is equal parts elegant and daring, just like its namesake. With lab-crafted elements, vintage spirits, and a strict no-phone policy (polaroids only), The Spy Bar turns a night out into a mission worth accepting.

• Where: 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
• Best for: cocktail officiandos 
• What to order: Hitchhiker's Negroni

Lyaness at Sea Containers London is a flavour lab wrapped in velvet and duck-egg blue. The brainchild of the legendary Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan), this award-winning cocktail haven flips the script on traditional mixology. Each cocktail is born from six months of deep research and wild experimentation, using techniques you're more likely to find in a Michelin kitchen than behind a bar. Think electrolysis, cryogenic vinegar, even mushroom-fermented milk. 

Inside, it's bright, chic, and beautifully surreal - like someone gave Wes Anderson a distillery. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Thames and St Paul's, golden shelves gleam with rare spirits, and the vibe shifts from elegant day lounge to glittering nighttime sanctuary. The menu is ever changing and features the likes of a Cosmo Salad or a No Spoon Old Fashioned, made up of Del Maguey mezcal, walnut honey and purple bitters.

• Where: 34-35 Southampton Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7HG
• Best for: seductive sips after a Michelin-starred meal
• What to order: coffee (but not as you know it)

Step away from the bustle of Covent Garden and descend into Eve, a dark, seductive den where every detail has been curated for discerning drinkers. Helmed by chef Adam Handling of The Frog and The Frog E1, Eve is a celebration of indulgence, temptation, and hedonism; a bar where the precision of a Michelin-style kitchen meets the artistry of mixology. Each cocktail is a theatrical creation, boasting bold flavours, inventive garnishes, and techniques borrowed straight from the culinary world.

Eve's subterranean interior is lined with bespoke artwork from JJ Adams, creating a striking backdrop to a varied program of live music and DJ sets from some of London's best local talent. The bar also champions sustainability and creativity in every sip: ingredients that don't make it onto the main Frog menu are transformed into snacks and the foundations for Eve's imaginative cocktails. 

• Where: Canopy by Hilton London City, 11-15 Minories, EC3N 1AX
• Best for: rooftop views 
• What to order: Zen

Perched eleven stories above London, Florattica offers a serene rooftop escape in the heart of The City. This modern, upscale terrace combines premium food and drinks with sweeping views of the skyline, stretching from the Thames to Canary Wharf, offering a fresh perspective on the capital's iconic landmarks. 

The bar is as inventive as the vistas, with a cocktail menu that reads like a journey in flavour. From the floral elegance of the Flora Spritz to the bold complexity of Echoes of Smyrna or the refreshing zest of El Mojicano, each drink is carefully crafted to complement the terrace's chic atmosphere. 

• Location: 14 Denman Street, Soho, W1D 7HJ
• Best for: date night 
• What to order: Chaat

Tucked away from the buzz of Piccadilly Circus, SOMA offers a modern, minimalistic take on the classic basement speakeasy. From the team behind Kricket, it serves Indian-inspired cocktails into the small hours, blending elegance, innovation, and a hint of the unexpected. The interiors are simple yet striking: a nine-metre hand-finished stainless steel bar seats up to 25 guests, while an adjacent lounge with low tables and burnt orange sofas can be curtained off for intimate gatherings or exclusive events.

The cocktail menu is a celebration of flavour and craftsmanship, with inventive creations like the Leaf (Opihr Gin, Makrut Lime, Curry Leaf, Pink Peppercorn), the smoky Hibiscus Margarita, and the spiced, whisky-led Gondhoraj Lassi. For those who love this Soho hideaway, SOMA's Canary Wharf venue also holds a Pinnacle Guide pin, bringing the same exquisite cocktails and intimate atmosphere to the east of the city.

• Location: 50-52 Long Lane, Farringdon, EC1A 9EJ
• Best for: affordable sips in the City
• What to order: Sports! Manhattan

Beneath the bustling streets of Smithfield Market, The Cocktail Trading Co brings its inventive, playful approach to cocktails in a cosy 50-capacity basement space below Ask For Janice. From the team behind the West End original, bartenders Olly Brading, Andy Mil and Elliot Ball have crafted a bar where curiosity and creativity take centre stage, like kooky flavours, theatrical presentations, and a nod to the area's marketplace heritage.

The interior blends fine fabrics with rustic features, creating a quirky yet comfortable setting perfect for sipping both experimental concoctions and classic favourites. Every drink is priced equally at £13.50, whether it's a brand-new inventive cocktail or a timeless classic.

• Location: 118 Piccadilly, St James's, W1J 7NW
• Best for: groups looking for a subterranean den 
• What to order: Kusi Highball

Head to the spirited world of The Pisco Bar at COYA Mayfair, where the sophistication of refined mixology meets the vibrant energy of Latin America. Inspired by the historic bars of Lima, this Mayfair hotspot offers a carefully curated cocktail experience, from Peruvian classics and signature COYA creations to seasonal specials, all crafted with the finest ingredients by expert mixologists.

As night falls, the bar comes alive with resident DJs setting the tone for an atmospheric, lively enclave perfect for stylish celebrations or casual drinks. Signature highlights include the bold Pisco Negroni, the tropical and creamy Arroz de Colada, and the fragrant, delicate Kusi Highball, alongside COYA's very own bottled passion fruit infusion, Macerado del Perú. 

• Location: 36 Hanway Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1UP
• Best for: mob movie fans 
• What to order: Balls To The Walnut

Embrace the seedy glamour of 1940s America at Murder Inc, where gangster vibes meet inventive cocktails in the heart of Fitzrovia. From the team behind The Cocktail Trading Company, this bar channels New York City's underworld with neon signage, industrial accents, and exposed brick walls, creating a stylishly gritty setting that's as atmospheric as it is immersive.

The drinks menu is as bold as the décor, featuring cocktails on tap alongside signature creations like the hibiscus vermouth-infused Adonis and the decadent Frozen Banana Ramos, blending Jägermeister with banana milk, coconut cream, egg white, citrus, and stout. 

• Location: 43 Charlotte Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1RS
• Best for: inventive drinks
• What to order: Bench 75

Situated in Fitzrovia, Bar Kinky is a sultry basement bar found underneath Georgian-inspired restaurant Kinkally. It's led by head bartender Andrew Pruts, who has worked on a number of world-class cocktail teams.

They're known for featuring all kinds of unique ingredients in their cocktails, from goat's cheese to Greek yoghurt and charred oak.

Having won multiple awards over the years, Vesper Bart is found within The Dorchester in Mayfair. It's been designed by Martin Brudnizki, featuring glamourous, 1930s-style decor and lots of stylish artwork along the walls.

Their unique cocktail menu promises an array of unique ingredients, from feta to peach yoghurt and botanical vinegar. There are tasty bar bites available too, including oysters, truffle ravioli and tempura prawns.

• Location: The OWO, Ground Floor, 2 Whitehall Place, Westminster, SW1A 2BD
  
• Best for: world-class sake and inventive cocktails 
• What to order: Kinoko Old Fashioned
  

Nestled neatly away in the iconic Old War Office building, Kioku Sake Bar brings a heavy helping of Japanese elegance to Central London. Think low lights, sleek wood finishes and an attention-grabbing soundtrack. 

Whether you pick the tracks yourself or go with the flow, you can sip on one of the city's largest bespoke sake collections while you do it. Prefer something a little fruitier? Take your pick of inventive Japanese cocktails, from the Shiso Gimlet to the Kinoko Old Fashioned infused with mushroom distillate and Hibiki Harmony whisky.

• Location: Raffles London, The OWO, 57 Whitehall, Westminster, SW1A 2BX
  
• Best for: show-stopping cocktails
• What to order: Singapore Sling

If you're looking for a huge side of glamour with your next tipple, get on over to The Guards Bar & Lounge. On the ground floor of Raffles London at The OWO, it sits at the entrance to Horse Guards - the official gateway to Buckingham Palace.

Inside, the plush interiors are fit for a king, with modern finishes and a nod to traditional British pomp and ceremony. The drinks list is just as grand, packing in curated tasting selections, a Checkmate whiskey and chess experience and its iconic Signature Slings.

• Location: The Bar Below, HIDE, 85 Piccadilly, Mayfair, W1J 7NB
  
• Best for: rare whiskies and innovative cocktails
• What to order: Titania's Fairy Feast

Beneath the HIDE Piccadilly, The Bar Below is all warm woods, gleaming metal and backlit displays. With reclaimed whisky casks separating the space, it feels cosy and intimate wherever you settle in. 

Its drinks list is just as stylish, with bespoke whisky flights, thousands of wines and all kinds of rare spirits. Over on the cocktail menu, there's flavour and innovation in equal measure, with concoctions created through clarifications, infusions, centrifuge and sous‑vide.

• Location: Equal Parts, 45 Hackney Rd, Hackney, E2 8NA
  
• Best for: low intervention wines and show-stopping signature serves
• What to order: Raw Chilli Paloma

In a Grade II-listed building on the Hackney Road, Equal Parts blends the charming neighbourhood bar with precision-crafted cocktails. With a menu split in two, it serves up experimental signatures and strong, classics combining "equal parts" of spirits and mixers. 

It's easy to see why this place ranks among the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars. Pull up a pew here and you can sip your way through everything from whisky sours and palomas to the mezcal-packed Mariposa and booze-laden Preserved Lemon Drop.

• Location: 20 Berkeley Street, Mayfair, W1J 8EE
  
• Best for: precision pairing of hyper-local produce and Japanese spirits 
• What to order: Grilled Leeks & Truffles (yes, it's really a cocktail)

With low lighting, warm wood finishes and curated shelves of books and vinyl, Nipperkin is snug and super cool all at one. With the vibe of a 1950s Osaka listening bar, it's perfect for a casual night over cocktails, unwinding after work or impressing a date. 

Its menu is a pairing work of art. Legendary bartender Angelos Bafas brings together hyper-local produce with Japanese spirits to create masterpiece signature serves like Grilled Leeks & Truffles, Heritage Radishes & Koji and Foraged Mushrooms & Ginger.