London cocktail bars are among the finest in the world.
Speakeasy bar? Not a problem. Rooftop bar? Just above you, sir. Whatever your drinking desires, London will have a cocktail bar near you. The issue you have is finding the right one.
That's where we come in. We've rounded up the best cocktail bars in London. From Mayfair to Shoreditch, London Bridge to Soho – our guide covers every cocktail bar imaginable.
Every cocktail bar is linked to its own Bar Necessities review to ensure you know exactly what to drink and eat once you arrive. The guide will be regularly updated so make sure to keep tabs on it.
And speaking of tabs – ours is a martini. We'll see you at the bar.
(More of a pub fan? Check out the best pubs in London Bridge.)
Best cocktail bars near Soho
Murder Inc
A cocktail bar that feels a little like drinking in Hell's Waiting Room, Murder Inc is one cool joint. The walls are covered with an assortment of boxing memorabilia and bric-a-brac; an army of bottles glisten behind the bar. Sinful, sexy and simply divine.
Read the full review of Murder Inc
36 Hanway St, W1T 1UP; Murder Inc
Bandra Bhai
Hidden beneath Pali Hill restaurant, Bandra Bhai is a cocktail bar that brings Indian smuggling dens and delicious drinks to Soho with decor as cool as the drinks. It may be small but Bandra Bhai is an easy place to lose yourself – assuming you can find the place first.
Read the full review of Bandra Bhai
79-81 Mortimer St, W1W 7SJ; Bandra Bhai
Paradise Soho
Paradise Soho is more of a Sri Lankan restaurant which happens to have a dazzling cocktail list. But it looks like a bar and that cocktail list really is dazzling so Paradise makes the cut. Just make sure you don't skimp on the food.
Read the full review of Paradise Soho
61 Rupert St, W1D 7PW; Paradise Soho
Louche
Louche already boasts an all-time great name for a cocktail bar. Throw in fantastic drinks, live music and burlesque dancers and you have the latest Soho destination. It stays open late, too, so you'll be able to make a night of it.
Read the full review of Louche
5 Greek St, London W1D 4DD; Louche Soho
Dram Bar
Whiskey bar, work space, mixology laboratory, bachelor pad: Dram Bar is all things to all punters – it even has a pool table. London bar veterans Chris Tanner, Martyn Simpson and Jack Wallis bring hand-crafted mastery to this multi-faceted Denmark Street den.
Read the full review of Dram Bar
7 Denmark St, London, WC2H 8LZ; Dram Bar
Swift
This elegant cocktail bar has something for everyone, as it’s made up two parts. Downstairs is a firm favourite among Londoners, where you can expect a slower evening and a large list of whisky – live music included. Or swing by the upstairs for a quicker drink on your way to the West End. There's also a Bar Swift in Shoreditch but the Soho Swift is the original.
12 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TQ; Swift
The Little Scarlet Door
The newest addition to Little Door & Co, The Little Scarlet Door brings house party vibes to Greek Street. There's also The Little Orange Door in Clapham, The Little Blue Door in Fulham and The Little Yellow Door in Notting Hill should you not be near Soho or simply like to mix up the colour scheme.
Read the full review of The Little Scarlet Door
12-13 Greek St, London W1D 4DL; The Little Scarlet Door
Sotto Bar
Drink in la dolce vita and take a sip of Sicilian luxury at Sotto Bar. Sat underneath Soho's Bocconcino restaurant, the master mixologists are ready to welcome you to this subterranean speakeasy.
Read the full review of Sotto Bar
59 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JY; Sotto Bar
Bantof
Bantof offers delicious sharing plates, as you'd expect with Michelin-star chef Asimakis Chaniotis in charge of the menu. However the cocktails are the highlight, offerin immaculate presentation and originality. They taste pretty damn good, too.
Read the full review of Bantof
31 Great Windmill St, London W1D 7LW; Bantof
Cahoots
A speakeasy with a 1940’s post-war London theme, this is one of the best concept bars based right in the heart of Soho. They have three spaces to explore: the underground, the ticket hall, and the control room. They have events regularly so keep an eye out: swing dancing, live music and game nights. All in all, it’s an eccentric experience for anyone looking to make memories and then cheers them away! Just kidding, drink responsibly.
13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW; Cahoots
Best cocktail bars near Mayfair
Hide, Below
Descend twisted oak staircase of Mayfair super-restaurant Hide and enter Below: a stylish cocktail bar, serving one of the most interesting drinks menus in London. Think boujee drinking den meets swanky ski chalet.
Read the full review of Hide Below
5 Piccadilly, W1J 7NB; Below
Mr Fogg's Residence
Johhny Stephens
Widely recognised as one of the world’s finest cocktail empires – with seven iterations of Mr Fogg’s and counting, spread across London – Mr Fogg’s Residence is the original and best outpost of the lot. The cocktail menu is naturally global, drawing from spirits all around the planet.
Read the full review of Mr Fogg's Residence
15 Bruton Ln, London W1J 6JD; Mr Fogg's Residence
42 at Gymkhana
This private cocktail bar is the newest jewel in the Michelin-starred crown of Gymkhana, one of London's finest Indian restaurants. Settle in for a taste of Delhi decadence before you saunter on down to dinner.
Read the full review of 42 at Gymkhana
42 Albemarle St, London, W1S 4JH; 42 at Gymkhana
The Glade at Sketch
If Alice emerged from Wonderland and decided to open a cocktail bar, the results would likely resemble The Glade at Sketch. The place is a trip, all neon lights and brightly coloured chairs and foliage hanging from the ceiling. A very silly place, but rather wonderful nonetheless.
9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG; sketch
Red Room at The Connaught
The Red Room is a truly gorgeous space that holds its inhabitants like a cocoon – once you emerge, even Mayfair looks a little shabby in comparison. Our advice? Don’t emerge. The Connaught’s wine cellar contains some of the finest bottles in the world. Get stuck into that instead.
Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL; The Connaught
The Connaught Bar
The second bar within the Connaught Hotel. (Not to be confused with The Red Room) This award winning, Mayfair based bar has been a top contender for “best bar in the world” for the past five years. Including a number one spot in 2020. The hype is real. Just make sure you go early if you want to secure the chance to sip at London’s finest. Don’t leave without getting the Martini service. The classic cocktail will roll over to you, trolley and all. It’s so good it needs wheels. Or do the whiskey tasting with bespoke chocolate pairings. There’s no wrong choice.
The Connaught, Carlos Place Mayfair London W1K 2AL; The Connaught
Bar 45 at 45 Park Lane
Located inside 45 Park Lane, a Dorchester collection hotel just off of Hyde park - this is upscale service at its finest. The bar is just above the hotel’s restaurant CUT, a Wolfgang Puck original. If you don’t have time to eat, at least make it to the bar to try their original Golden Negroni. It’s quiet, comfortable and the perfect escape from crowds. Plus, they feature new art every few months on the wall. So it’s not just a bar, it’s an art gallery. The perfect place to sip and ponder the finer things in life.
45 Park Lane Mayfair London W1K 1PN; Bar 45
Kol Mezcaleria
Trip to Mexico anyone? You can find this bar below the Michelin star hot spot Kol in Marylebone. Mezcalaria is a shrine to Mexican spirits, with Mezcal at its core, of course. It’s more of a vacation than a night out. To accompany the fresh cocktails is the antojitos, or “little cravings’ that showcase traditional Mexican street food using seasonal ingredients sourced from the British Isles. The perfect summer night cap.
9 Seymour Street, Marylebone, London W1H 7BA; Kol Mezcaleria
Best cocktail bars near Kensington
Amaro
Amaro is one of those great things – a proper cocktail bar in a part of town not known for them. A decorated team led by Elon Soddu, formerly of the Savoy, makes interesting and elegant mixed drinks, while there's charcuterie and small plates if you're hungry.
15 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP; Amaro
Viajante87
Viajante means traveller in Spanish, and this high-energy cocktail bar will transport you from West London to the sunset horizons of Latin America. If you're fancying something traditional, they're experts in agave. The more experimental among you might want to try the six-legged snacks on offer, too.
Read the full review of Viajante87
87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ; Viajante87
Publiq
For somewhere with a down-to-earth feel but that's still capable of making exquisite twists on classic cocktails, Publiq is a no-brainer. A gastropub feel and a top-level drinks list combine for a great date spot in this neck of the woods.
1 Palace Gate, W8 5LS; Publiq
Best cocktail bars near Covent Garden
Louie London
Louie Restaurant and The Alligator Bar is the brainchild of Guillaume Glipa, celebrated hospitality icon, and is the first London-based destination of Laurent de Gourcuff’s ultra-premium hospitality group Paris Society. Louie brings the art of French hospitality with a touch of soul to the heart of London, between Soho and Covent Garden. Deriving from its neighbourhood’s renowned vibrancy, Louie has entertainment at its core, offering guests live music experiences throughout the week. With fantastic food on the first-floor restaurant The Alligator Bar & Terrace and a top-floor Cabana for chilling in, Louie can't be missed.
Read the full review of Louie London
3-15 West St, London WC2H 9NE; Louie London
Beaufort Bar at the Savoy
Fancy an evening of pure luxury? Beaufort Bar at the Savoy is one of the finest in the world – a gorgeous cocktail bar situated within London's most famous hotel. Do not turn up here in a tracksuit.
Read the full review of Beaufort Bar
The Savoy, the Strand, WC2R 0EZ; Beaufort Bar
The American Bar at the Savoy
View on Instagram
A true legend – many say this is the best hotel bar in the world (don't tell Beaufort). Another Savoy stalwart this art deco venue is straight out of a scene in The Great Gatsby. The epitome of old-school glamour, come to the American Bar if you’ve got someone you want to impress.
The Savoy, the Strand, WC2R 0EZ; The American Bar
Knight's Bar at Simpson's in the Strand
Simpson's in the Stand is a true London institution, nearing its 200th birthday. The Knight's Bar offers a more relaxed environment than downstairs restaurant The Grand Divan, while never allowing you to forget where exactly it is you are drinking.
Read the full review of Knight's Bar
100 Strand, WC2R 0EW; Simpson's in the Strand
Eve Bar
Eve Bar is the first cocktail bar from celebrated chef Adam Handling – you'll find it hidden beneath his restaurant Frog in Covent Garden. With five expert bartenders and great bar snacks, come get your cocktail on.
Read the full review of Eve Bar
34 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HF; Eve Bar
Best cocktail bars near Charing Cross / Trafalgar Square
Velvet at the Corinthia
Now here's a cocktail bar straight out of your dreams: Velvet at the Corinthia Hotel has serious credentials, with a cocktail menu curated by the legendary Salvatore Calabrese, live music and a vibe to die for
Read the full review of Velvet
Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall Pl, SW1A 2BD; Velvet
St James Bar at the Hotel Sofitel
Intimate yet unapologetically swanky, you’ll discover the St James Bar by the foyer of the five-star Hotel Sofitel. It's the kind of place James Bond might visit on his night off. Needless to say, ours is shaken not stirred.
Read the full review of St James Bar
6 Waterloo Pl, St. James's, SW1Y 4AN; St James Bar
Bisushima
Overlooking Trafalgar Square, rooftop bar Bisushima sits atop of the new Page8 hotel in Charing Cross. Its views over London can only be described as panoramic – and if you think the cocktails are impressive, wait until you try the food.
Read the full review of Bisushima
8 St. Martin's Pl, WC2N 4JH; Bisushima
Rockwell at Trafalgar St James
Housed within the St James Hotel, overlooking Trafalgar Square, cocktail bar Rockwell offers the perfect setting for those late-night drinks. Fabulous and photogenic.
Read the full review of Rockwell
Trafalgar Square, 2 Spring Gardens, London SW1A 2TS; Rockwell
Farzi Cafe
A perfect pre or post theatre experience, Farzi Cafe serves up experimental twists on familiar Indian and British dishes alongside an incredibly inventive cocktail list. The current menu is inspired by the Zodiac and certainly deserves the star treatment.
Read the full review of Farzi Cafe
Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP; Farzi Café
Best bars near London Bridge / Borough
Oblix East
Situated on the 32nd floor of the Shard, Oblix East offers panoramic views of London, along with delicious small plates and frankly fantastic cocktails. Plus you'll totally feel like James Bond.
Read the full review of Oblix East
The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY; oblixrestaurant.com
GŎNG
The 32nd floor of the Shard is high – the 52nd floor of the Shard is even higher. Indeed Gong is the highest cocktail bar in Western Europe. The prices are equally steep but that's the price you pay for going up in the world.
Discover the best cocktail bars in London Bridge
The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, SE1 9RY; gong-shangri-la.com
Nine Lives
A very beautiful underground cocktail bar, Nine Lives brings a touch of Brooklyn to Bermondsey Street (OK, just off Bermondsey Street). The playlist the only thing cooler than the drinks. Food is supplied by the Tigre Tacos truck outside.
Read the full review of Nine Lives
8 Holyrood St, SE1 2EL; ninelivesbar.com
Tavolino
Fancy some culture with your cocktails? Tavolino brings Milanese coffee houses and the Trattorias of Florence to London Bridge. If there's a London Mafia they probably eat here. They certainly would if they had any taste.
Read the full review of Tavolino
London Riverside, SE1 2DB; tavolino.co.uk
Brix LDN
Another bar suffused with a New York state of mind – specially the trendy parts of New York. Brix offers easy access to the sights of the Southbank and plenty of fantastic food and cocktails.
Read the full review of Brix LDN
16 Great Guildford St, London SE1 0HS; Brix LDN
Best bars near Waterloo
Lyaness
The latest venture from “The World’s Most Awarded Bartender” Ryan Chetiyawardana, AKA Mr Lyan, Lyaness serves up a cocktail list you won't find anywhere else in London. Pig's blood, anyone? A must-visit for any cocktail connoisseur.
Read the full review of Lyaness
Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD; Lyaness
Bar Elba
View on Instagram
A perfect summertime drinking spot, Bar Elba offers a range of brilliant cocktails – try the zombies – and glorious views over Waterloo. There's also frequent film screenings and some very competitive drink packages.
Rooftop Mercury House, 109-117 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL; Bar Elba
Best bars near Bank
The Ned
Since its opening in 2017, the Ned has established itself as one of London's most popular venues in the City – with a private members' club, multiple restaurants and bars, and even a nightclub in the basement. The Nickel Bar in the vast foyer is perhaps the pick of the bunch.
Read the full review of The Ned
27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ; thened.com
Madison London
Sat atop One New Change, rooftop bar Madison London is the closest you'll get to Ibiza without having to leave the City. Expect live music, flowing cocktails and great food. One for the Gram.
Read the full review of Madison London
One New Change, EC4M 9AF; madisonlondon.net
Tappit Hen
One for the oenophiles: Tappit Hen is a wine bar built on the site of a famous port merchant so, yes, the place has a fair bit of a pedigree when it comes to the plonk. There's also a Wednesday steak night – and yes, you better go rare.
Read the full review of Tappit Hen
21-23 St Swithin's Ln, EC4N 8AD; davy.co.uk/wine-bar/tappit-hen/
Oeno House
Oeno House is a new fine wine boutique from wine investment firm Oeno. Take home a bottle from an extensive stock list of more than 700 labels, or enjoy your chosen wine in the charming surrounds of The Royal Exchange. It's a wine bar but not as you know it.
Read the full review of Oeno House
Royal Exchange, EC3V 3LR; Oeno House
Hithe + Seek
Hotel bars can often by a treat and Hithe + Seek continues that trend. Located in the five-star Westin London City, Hithe + Seek offers inventive cocktails and delicious sharing plates with some delightful riverfront views.
Read the full review of Hithe + Seek
60 Upper Thames St., London EC4V 3AD; Hithe + Seek
Best bars near Old Street
Nightjar
A proper speakeasy – and one that needs little introduction. Nightjar will take you straight back to the prohibition for one of the coolest evenings of your life. Sway to live jazz and blues while you enjoy classic and experimental cocktails in this sophisticated venue. There's a reason why Nightjar is considered one of the best cocktail bars in the world, let alone London.
129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB; Nightjar
Tayēr + Elementary
Another double-bar venue, come to Tayēr + Elementary for experimental flavours made with seasonal ingredients. The front bar, Elementary is simple and industrial. Perch on the stool in the window and watch Shoreditch go by. The back bar, Tayēr, is where the magic happens. Centred around an open kitchen island, enjoy the famous katsu sando as you sip the concoctions of London’s best mixologists.
152 Old St, London EC1V 9BW; Tayēr + Elementary
The Gibson
This one's a must-visit on any cocktail lover's bucket list. The Gibson creates extraordinary concoctions that date back to Edwardian London, wind through the 1920s and take you into the future. You'll be spoilt for choice: but do order the bar's namesake (it's a Martini garnished with a picked onion.
44 Old St, London EC1V 9AQ; The Gibson
The Alchemist
Happy days: The Alchemist has finally brought its unique range of cocktail bars to the City. Expect creative mixes with a touch of the dramatic and plenty of oomph. The drinks menu has to be seen to be believed (and ordered from).
Read the full review of The Alchemist
6 Bevis Marks, EC3A 7BA; thealchemist.uk.com
Best Bars near Shoreditch
Callooh Callay
Fun, quirky and not a hipster in sight. Drinks are high in quality but low in pretention. Take delight in the brazenly named cocktails, like Flipping The Bird, and enjoy a night of revelry in Shoreditch’s most fun bar. Wannabe mixologists can even take a cocktail masterclass. There's also a Callooh Callay in Chelsea should you venture West.
65 Rivington St, London EC2A 3AY; Calooh Callay
The Green Room at The Curtain
The Green Room is the cocktail bar at the ultra-cool The Curtain – the hotel-cum-members' club that's become one of the area's go-to destinations since it opened in 2017. You needn't be a member of The Curtain to drink at The Green Room but that doesn't mean you shouldn't become one.
Read the full review of The Green Room
45 Curtain Rd, Hackney, EC2A 3PT; thecurtain.com
Luigi's Bar
A lovely, relaxed place of calm amid the madness of Shoreditch. Luigi's is Spelzini Cafe by day before transforming into a bar at night – so you can guiltlessly spend a day there. The Italian bar food is delicious and fantastic value.
Read the full review of Luigi's
154-158 Shoreditch High St, Hackney, E1 6HU; spelzini.co.uk
Found
Found is a Shoreditch cocktail bar that you really should track down. Opened by celebrated mixologist Oskar Klimaszewski, Found is an intimate space with a focus on great cocktails and a great time. A wonderful place to lose yourself.
5 Ravey St, London EC2A 4QW; Found
The Rooftop at One Hundred Shoreditch
A rooftop bar at one of London's most buzzy hotels? Don't mind if we do. The Rooftop takes inspiration from Palm Springs, with the décor and fauna infusing the bar with a Californian (free) spirit. Panoramic views across East London are the perfect backdrop for an evening cocktails and carousing.
Read the full review of The Rooftop
100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ; The Rooftop
Best bars near Liverpool Street
Black Rock Whisky Bar
Since opening in 2016, Black Rock has established itself as one of the finest whisky bars in London. The centrepiece is the hollow tree trunk that carries two rivers of whisky across the room. There are also numerous blends to choose from, all ordered by taste and price, and even cocktails too!
Read the full review of Black Rock
9 Christopher St, EC2A 2BS; blackrock.bar
Discount Suit Company
Discount Suit Company has established itself as a London institution since opening in January 2016. The tiny underground bar is the true definition of timeless in that it could be any hour and any era once you've descended into its depths.
Read the full review of Discount Suit Company
29A Wentworth St, E1 7TB; discountsuitcompany.co.uk
Nest
Nice and close to Liverpool Street Station, Nest is a perfect cocktail bar for either a post-work drink or a proper night out. You won't want to fly it anytime soon.
155 Bishopsgate, EC2M 3YD; Nest
Samba Room
SambaRoom is the stylish new cocktail bar by SushiSamba. Situated above the restaurant on the 39th floor of the Heron Tower, the views are spectacular – and the journey to dinner will take about 30 seconds.
Read the full review of Sushisamba
Heron Tower, Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY; Sushisamba
Best Bars near Spitalfields
The Gun
The Gun is a bar masquerading as a pub but don't be fooled – a bar it most certainly is. It's also something of a City institution, with some version of the Gun existing in Spitalfields for nearly 500 years. The latest incarnation opened in 2019, and probably has more amenities than the Tudor one.
Read the full review of The Gun
54 Brushfield St, Spitalfields, E1 6AG; thegunlondon.com
The Buxton
Part Parisian bistro, part English Gastropub, part rooftop cocktail bar, The Buxton manages to be master of all trades. You can even stay there overnight if you fancy making a proper evening of it – and why wouldn't you?
Read the full review of The Buxton
42 Osborn St, London E1 6TD; thebuxton.co.uk
Bottles
Wine bar Bottles has outlets in both Spitalfields and Chelsea. Expect Mediterranean food and fine wine, obviously. There's a pleasing rock 'n' roll vibe to Bottles – this is wine but cool. And considerably cheaper than a trip to Italy.
Read the full review of Bottles
67 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA; Bottles
PocketSquare
Located on the rooftop of Hyatt Place London City East, PocketSquare offers bespoke signature cocktails paired with delicious sharing plates. The view isn't bad, either – and if you've booked a room in the hotel, neither is the commute.
Read the full review of PocketSquare
45 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1DU; PocketSquare
Best bars near Battersea
No.29 Power Station West
Battersea Power Station has been booming since it opened in October of 2022, and this gem came along with it. Overlooking the river thames, it’s the neighborhood drop spot. The interior is like a decadent hotel work space. Great for groups, and built to host happy hours. Don't miss their outdoor terrace; this place was built for a summer day. Stop by for drinks, then walk them off along the water.
Battersea Power Station, 29 Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EG; No.29 Power Station West
Best Bars near Farringdon
Oriole
Launched by the team behind the celebrated Nightjar, Oriole has already made the 50 Best Bars in the World list, and won Best New Bar at Tales of the Cocktail festival. The menu is split into three sections – Old World, New World, and The Orient – and every one of the 30-odd cocktails is a work of art. Be sure to book in advance.
Read the full review of Oriole
E Poultry Ave, Farringdon, EC1A 9LH; oriolebar.com
The Gunmakers
Clerkenwell stalwart The Gunmakers is technically a pub but the residency of street-food specialists Tigre Tacos ensures fantastic Mexican food and a cocktail list created by Victor Barascu, the head bartender of Nine Lives. That's enough to qualify The Gunmakers for this list.
Read the full review of The Gunmakers
13 Eyre St Hill, EC1R 5ET; thegunmakers.co.uk
Best Bars near Hoxton
Colours Hoxton
Formerly Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, Colours Hoxton is the sparkling result of an extensive revamp. With a kitchen run by The Orange Buffalo, and a aim to champion queer art and culture, you can be sure of a fun – and, yes, colourful – night whenever you stop by.
Read the full review of Colours Hoxton
2-4 Hoxton Square, Hackney, N1 6NU; colourshoxton.com
Gold Step
Slap bang between Shoreditch and Hoxton but we'll give it to the latter. Gold Step is a tequila and mezcal bar situated in the basement of the ultra-trendy Jaguar Shoes Collective. Taking a date there will bring massive cool points (and a tequila-inspired hangover).
Read the full review of Gold Step
32-36 Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA; jaguarshoes.com
Ever After
Situated above the equally brilliant Happiness Forgets – both bars are from the same team – Ever After is a winning combination of inventive drinks and delicious food from head chef Joni Ketonen. Head downstairs afterwards for a proper evening out.
Read the full review of Ever After
8-9 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU; Ever After
Best Bars near King's Cross / St Pancras
Double Standard
Double Standard comes courtesy of America’s coolest hotel group The Standard. In keeping with the hotel, the cocktail bar is a colourful throwback to the 1970s. Book a room and then you don't have far to travel home.
Read our full review of Double Standard
10 Argyle St, WC1H 8EG; Standard London
Arabica
Arabica Bar + Kitchen isn't only about the drinks: it also serves up some of the finest Middle Eastern cuisine in London. There's another site in London Bridge, if that's more convenient for you.
Read the full review of Arabica
7 Lewis Cubitt Walk, London N1C 4DT; arabicalondon.com
GNH Bar
Train delayed? Drop by this Kings Cross staple before you board your Eurostar. GNH Bar is classic in every way. It’s elegant and oaky, with big red curtains and chandeliers. You can pop on a polished wooden stool and have a chat with the friendly bartenders, or opt for a table and pull your laptop out for a work session. Plus, there’s food. This place serves all travelling needs, and makes the whole process far more enjoyable.
Great Northern Hotel, King’s Cross St Pancras Station, Pancras Road, London N1C 4TB; GNH Bar
Best Bars near Tower Hill
Savage Garden
Savage Garden is a fun, funky bar with a rooftop that looks over the City – this is definitely one for the summer months. Expect creative cocktails, delicious sharing plates and a buzzy ambience. Do not, however, expect savagery. Or a garden.
Read the full review of Savage Garden
Floor 12, 7 Pepys St, EC3N 4AF; savagegarden.co.uk
Eastcheap Records
Offering reasonably priced cocktails, great pizza and live music every evening, Eastcheap Records is a great cocktail bar to go get your groove on. With 20 cocktails available, you'll soon be cutting shapes on the dancefloor.
Read the full review of Eastcheap Records
20 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1EB; Eastcheap Records
Best Bars near Canary Wharf
No 35 Mackenzie Walk
Situated on the waterfront, No 35 Mackenzie Walk is a big, bustling bar and restaurant equally suited for summer tipples or Christmas shindigs. There's a private dining room should you want to escape the Muggles, and a non-meat Sunday roast should you want to save the planet.
Read the full review of No 35 Mackenzie Walk
29-35 Mackenzie Walk, Canary Wharf, E14 4PH; no35mackenziewalk.co.uk
Humble Grape
A wine bar with real credentials, Humble Grape has five locations across London: Blackfriars, Liverpool Street, Islington, Battersea and Canary Wharf. Can't venture out? Humble Grape delivers more than 400 sustainable wines anywhere in mainland Britain.
Various locations; Humble Grape
Best bars near Bethnal Green
Coupette
Coupette is a bar that feels more suited to regulars in its locale than international tourists, but it's widely considered one of the best cocktail bars in the world. Under the stewardship of bar manager Andrei Marcu, it's back with a new menu. Believe the hype.
Read the full review of Coupette
423 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN; coupette.co.uk
The Sun Tavern
A cocktail bar with a laidback pub vibe, The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green is a perfect place for a relaxing tipple or two. Be warned: these are not cocktails for the fainthearted. You don't want to be the designated driver.
Read the full review of The Sun Tavern
441 Bethnal Green Rd, E2 0AN; The Sun Tavern
