{"id":13955,"date":"2026-02-16T15:46:04","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T15:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.luxurygold.com\/lg\/?p=13955"},"modified":"2026-02-16T15:46:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T15:46:37","slug":"best-bars-in-london","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.luxurygold.com\/lg\/best-bars-in-london\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Best Bars in London in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best bars in London are the cozy, sparkling ones, the ones that act as an expression of a moodily magnificent city. If you\u2019re going for just a drink, you really want something more \u2013\u00a0you want a taste of what this place stands for. That\u2019s why many of our favorites below are classics.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re traveling to London on our Castles & Kingdoms<\/a> journey, it\u2019s 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\u2019ll also find chic, European-style wine bars here, alongside innovative cocktail bars, rooftops, Aladdin’s caves and of course \u2013 in a league and category all of their own \u2013 London pubs (though there\u2019s one in our list below, because it was irresistible). But first, some all-important FAQs.<\/p>\n

What are the best rooftop bars in London?<\/h2>\n

In the summer, the best bars in London are its marvelous green spaces \u2013 a bottle of Chapel Down Brut NV in Regent\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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).<\/p>\n

\"People

Credit: @12th_knot<\/a> via Instagram<\/p><\/div>\n

What region is best for bars in London?<\/h2>\n

It depends what you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

What is the best cocktail bar in London?<\/h2>\n

If you only have time for one cocktail while you\u2019re in town, head to The Connaught (below), which does effortless glamor like nowhere else on earth.<\/p>\n

1. Connaught Bar<\/h2>\n

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<\/a> and the World\u2019s 50 Best<\/a> says it \u201chasn’t fallen short since\u201d. It gives the impression it\u2019s been here forever \u2013\u00a0with its 1920s cubist aesthetic, textured walls in platinum silver leaf, dark green leather and dreamy Martini trolley. Mayfair wouldn\u2019t be Mayfair without it.<\/p>\n

\"Bartender

Credit: @theconnaught<\/a> via Instagram<\/p><\/div>\n

2. Bar Termini<\/h2>\n

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 \u2013\u00a0it\u2019s the central London address you must keep in your back pocket for any time of day.<\/p>\n

3. Flute<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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 \u2013 embrace the maximalism.<\/p>\n

\"Entrance

Credit: @broadwicksoho<\/a> via Instagram<\/p><\/div>\n

4. Upstairs at Rules<\/h2>\n

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 (Cr\u00e9mant, yellow chartreuse, violet liqueur and rose powder) or a Black Velvet (Champagne and Guinness).<\/p>\n

5. The 10 Cases<\/h2>\n

Naturally you need a Bistrot \u00e0 Vin in Covent Garden up your sleeve \u2013 all Parisian monochrome chic, with wine bottles as decor. The bar\u2019s name refers to the maximum quantity the bar buys in at any one time, keeping the line-up fresh and seasonal. It\u2019s one of the best bars in London for trying a new (to you) wine that you may never get to drink again.<\/p>\n

\"Steak

Credit: @10cases<\/a> via Instagram<\/p><\/div>\n

6. The Draper’s Arms<\/h2>\n

Why is this neighborhood pub in Islington on a list of the best bars in London? Because it\u2019s got it all. Not only is the food good and the atmosphere exemplary, the wine list is six full A4 pages long. It\u2019s an impeccable place to drink a glass of Chablis. And besides, you can\u2019t plan a drink in London and not go to the pub.<\/p>\n

7. Satan’s Whiskers<\/h2>\n

Bethnal Green\u2019s quintessential neighborhood cocktail bar is one of the best bars in London according to everyone. From the bar\u2019s beginning in 2013, co-founder (and London bar scene stalwart) Kevin Armstrong has remained steadfast \u2013 he cares about excellent drinks and relaxed vibes. It\u2019s paid off \u2013 Satan\u2019s Whiskers is currently number 21 in the World\u2019s 50 Best list. Sip Armstrong\u2019s own East 8 Hold-Up (vodka, Aperol, pineapple, lime juice) if you know what\u2019s good for you.<\/p>\n

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