The best bars in London are the cozy, sparkling ones, the ones that act as an expression of a moodily magnificent city. If you’re going for just a drink, you really want something more – you want a taste of what this place stands for. That’s why many of our favorites below are classics.
And if you’re traveling to London on our Castles & Kingdoms journey, it’s fair to say a bit of timeless grandeur might be your cup of (English breakfast) tea. Having said that, there are few cities as multifaceted as London, which is why you’ll also find chic, European-style wine bars here, alongside innovative cocktail bars, rooftops, Aladdin’s caves and of course – in a league and category all of their own – London pubs (though there’s one in our list below, because it was irresistible). But first, some all-important FAQs.
What are the best rooftop bars in London?
In the summer, the best bars in London are its marvelous green spaces – a bottle of Chapel Down Brut NV in Regent’s Park, perhaps. But because Londoners do love to get out there as soon as the sun comes out, there has been a proliferation of rooftop bars in recent years. Some of the best include: The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, 12th Knot at Sea Containers, which floats over the River Thames, and Flute in Soho (in the list below).
Credit: @12th_knot via Instagram
What region is best for bars in London?
It depends what you’re looking for, but you could have a cracking time hopping between bars in Mayfair (opulent) and Soho (classic), or in Shoreditch, where experimental cocktail bars and natural wine bars flourish.
What is the best cocktail bar in London?
If you only have time for one cocktail while you’re in town, head to The Connaught (below), which does effortless glamor like nowhere else on earth.
1. Connaught Bar
The Connaught Hotel opened in 1897 and was an instant icon, shimmering with refined elegance. But the bar has only been with us since 2008 and the World’s 50 Best says it “hasn’t fallen short since”. It gives the impression it’s been here forever – with its 1920s cubist aesthetic, textured walls in platinum silver leaf, dark green leather and dreamy Martini trolley. Mayfair wouldn’t be Mayfair without it.
Credit: @theconnaught via Instagram
2. Bar Termini
This tiny fifties-inspired Italianate spot, with its Harlequin-tiled floor, pistachio leather and little curved bar with space for three drinkers, tops, is the spot to sip a Negroni or a spritz in Soho. You can also pop in for a coffee and a pastry, or a wine with a plate of Italian cheeses – it’s the central London address you must keep in your back pocket for any time of day.
3. Flute
At the Broadwick Hotel, an independently owned dream address in Soho, Flute is the lavish rooftop cocktail bar that brings the hotel to life. Outside, there is a balcony all the way round, with views over Soho’s streets and the London skyline beyond. Indoors, there is pink velvet, zebra print, leopard print, scallop-shaped details, mirrored surfaces, tasselled drapes, the works. Order champagne and caviar – embrace the maximalism.
Credit: @broadwicksoho via Instagram
4. Upstairs at Rules
Rules is the oldest restaurant in London, established by Thomas Rule in 1798. It serves traditional British food, specialising in game. Upstairs, the dark wood cocktail bar is equally decadent, festooned with plant life, plush crimson fabrics and rattan furniture. If you have theatre plans, pop in for a Rules Royale (Crémant, yellow chartreuse, violet liqueur and rose powder) or a Black Velvet (Champagne and Guinness).
5. The 10 Cases
Naturally you need a Bistrot à Vin in Covent Garden up your sleeve – all Parisian monochrome chic, with wine bottles as decor. The bar’s name refers to the maximum quantity the bar buys in at any one time, keeping the line-up fresh and seasonal. It’s one of the best bars in London for trying a new (to you) wine that you may never get to drink again.
Credit: @10cases via Instagram
6. The Draper’s Arms
Why is this neighborhood pub in Islington on a list of the best bars in London? Because it’s got it all. Not only is the food good and the atmosphere exemplary, the wine list is six full A4 pages long. It’s an impeccable place to drink a glass of Chablis. And besides, you can’t plan a drink in London and not go to the pub.
7. Satan’s Whiskers
Bethnal Green’s quintessential neighborhood cocktail bar is one of the best bars in London according to everyone. From the bar’s beginning in 2013, co-founder (and London bar scene stalwart) Kevin Armstrong has remained steadfast – he cares about excellent drinks and relaxed vibes. It’s paid off – Satan’s Whiskers is currently number 21 in the World’s 50 Best list. Sip Armstrong’s own East 8 Hold-Up (vodka, Aperol, pineapple, lime juice) if you know what’s good for you.
