London
The Best Cocktail Bars in London
The best cocktail bars in London, according to local chefs and food writers.
London has a diverse set of cocktail bars from classic and historic establishments to trendier venues and to hidden bars and speakeasies. We've compiled a list of the best cocktail bars in London; now the decision is yours to make, tailored to your preferences. All selections are based on recommendations from World of Mouth culinary experts like sommelier Jean-Trésor Vets, chef Santiago Lastra, and chef Fia Gulliksson.
Try the cocktail bar at Mexican restaurant KOL, the classic beverages at Church Road's bar, or cocktails from Wild by Tart's seasonal cocktail menu. Whether you're looking for a Martini or the best Manhattan in town, read on to discover London's best cocktail bars.
KOL Restaurant
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9 Seymour St
9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA, UK
KOL, helmed by Chef Santiago Lastra, offers a fusion of Mexican cuisine and British ingredients. The restaurant is known for its fine dining experience, featuring a menu that balances traditional Mexican dishes with creative twists, all made with high-quality ingredients. From the Mezcal bar downstairs offering a variety of sophisticated cocktails to the open kitchen with a charcoal grill, KOL is always a fun and engaging dining experience.
Recommended by
First time experiencing Mexican flavours in a fine dining setting and hopefully not the last one. Everything was top notch from beginning to end. From starting with an amazing Mezcal margarita to the exquisite menu (the mole!), in depth wine & mezcal pairing and the knowledgeable staff. Make sure to also visit the Mezcaleria with a broad selection of sophisticated cocktails for aperito or an after dinner drink!
Brunswick House Restaurant
30 Wandsworth Rd
30 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 2LG, UK
Brunswick House Restaurant, located in Vauxhall, offers a relaxed dining experience in a Grade ll* Georgian mansion packed with antiques. The menu is highly seasonal, focusing on showcasing the best of British ingredients in simple yet clever combinations. Whether you're after a laid-back lunch, a dinner with a difference, or a cocktail crafted by their expert bar staff, Brunswick House is a destination worth considering.
Recommended by
Vauxhall is not an area of London known for it’s notable eateries but Jackson Boxer has created an oasis in this ever growing high-rise residential desert. The venue is adjoined to an antique salvage emporium and the high ceiling and vast wall space of Brunswick House allow for some fantastic decor from their neighbours troves.The food is highly seasonal and showcases great British ingredients in an unfussy manner that allows the flavours and clever combinations to shine through. Weekday lunch menus provide super value whilst dinners show off a wider expression of the classy cooking available here.A relaxed bar staff mix up some great cocktails for the after work crew in the know!
Church Road
94 Church Rd
94 Church Rd, London SW13 9HR, UK
Church Road is a modern British restaurant that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both casual and special occasions. The kitchen, led by Sam Astley-Dean, takes pride in using familiar, seasonal ingredients from respected farmers across the British Isles and presenting them in new, satisfying ways. The restaurant also features a glamorous bar, perfect for pre and post-cinema goers, serving classic cocktails and offering a small bites menu.
Recommended by
”A modern British restaurant, Church Road is on the site of old neighbourhood gem, Sonny’s Kitchen. The kitchen brigade is headed by Sam Astley-Dean while Alan Parry leads the front of house team. Sam was most recently Sous Chef at Elystan Street, where Alan was Assistant General Manager. The glamorous bar at the front of the restaurant, decorated with mirrors and a marble top bar, plays host to pre and post cinema goers, as well as lunch and dinner drinkers” Fantastic service, ambvience and don’t miss out on the doubble baked cave aged cheddar soufflé with crisp shallots, leeks and mushrooms - addictive as hell!
Tayēr + Elementary
152 Old St
152 Old St, London EC1V 9BW, UK
Tayēr + Elementary is a bar split into two distinct parts, offering a casual setting for simple drinks and a more sophisticated area for refined, creative cocktails. They serve classic cocktails on tap, combined with seasonal and contemporary ingredients, as well as highballs, wine, beer, coffee, and snacks. The establishment is also pet-friendly and offers bottled cocktails online for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks at home.
Recommended by
Alex Kratena and Monica Berg has opened a bar consisting of two different parts. One more casual bar for the ones that just want to drink and one that has as much craftmanship as you can find in a international modern bar today. Refined, creative and balanced cocktails. They also serve nice snacks and food
Kricket White City
101 Wood Ln
101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FR, UK
Kricket White City is a spacious restaurant featuring an open kitchen, booth and banquet seating, and a tropical terrace with views of the Television studios. The menu, served all day, includes a variety of breads and larger dishes, reflecting the capabilities of their large kitchen. Known for its delicious Indian fusion food, cocktails, and decent portion sizes, it's a recommended spot for catching up with friends over shared plates.
Recommended by
Delicious food and cocktails Indian fusionNice atmosphereGood place for a catch-up with friendsSharing plates Decent portions
Carousel
19-23 Charlotte St.
19-23 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RW, UK
Carousel is a residency restaurant and natural wine bar located in the heart of London, known for its rotation of renowned chefs and innovative set menus. The establishment, now based in Fritzovia, offers a unique experience as it constantly changes its culinary offerings, making each visit a new gastronomic adventure. Whether you're booking a pop-up chef or just dropping by for a glass of wine and snacks, Carousel promises a memorable dining experience.
Recommended by
Residencies and natural wine bar in the heart of London. Unique in its type, probably one of the best pop-up restaurants in the world, now in its new home in Fritzovia. Ollie and his team are making spectacular stuff in a stunning location; I recommend you to book the pop-up chefs on their website and to pop for a glass of wine and snacks to the wine bar anytime.
Wild by Tart
3-4, Eccleston Yards
3-4, Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ, UK
Wild by Tart is a versatile neighborhood restaurant located in a refurbished power station and coal store, offering a dynamic space that combines dining, a bar, retail, events, and a photography studio. The restaurant is known for its ever-changing menu and sharing plates concept, ensuring a fresh culinary experience with every visit. Additionally, Wild by Tart is appreciated for its cocktails and is a suitable choice for both lunch and dinner.
Recommended by
Sharing plates conceptMenu always changing and delicious Also does good cocktails Good for lunch or dinner Great location!
Chiltern Firehouse
1 Chiltern St
1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, UK
Chiltern Firehouse is a high-end brasserie located in a Victorian fire station that stays open all day. The eatery is known for its atmospheric setting with cosy corner seatings, and a varied menu that includes standout dishes like oysters, raw scallops, and Iberian pork. With an easy and friendly service, it also boasts an impressive bar with a wide range of cocktails and a well-received seafood raw bar.
Recommended by
Bistro extravaganzaVisited in 2018! Amazing food quality, everything to share. Easy and nice service. Super boheme location with cosy corner seatings and illustrious guests. Bar staff great…..amazing cocktails and also a super nice seafood raw bar. It's loud and I love it!
BiBi
42 N Audley St
42 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZP, UK
BiBi is a modern Indian restaurant that stands out in London's bustling culinary scene. The establishment uses local produce, complemented by a carefully selected assortment of spices and products from India, to offer a sophisticated yet authentic Indian dining experience. The menu features a range of smaller-sized portions, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes, with popular choices including the lamb belly galouti, raw beef, and oysters.
Recommended by
Modern Indian we have been waiting forLondon has no shortage of amazing Indian Restaurants. It takes something special for a new Indian Restaurant to be noticed, let alone to be showered with acclaim. And this is exactly what Bibi has done.It’s everything you want in a modern Indian dining experience. Using local produce with a curated selection of spices and products from India. It’s the right level of sophistication without losing its Indian soul. And absolutely love the way they used a small space to create a beautifully balanced menu, banging cocktails and an ambience to boot. This is special!
Los Mochis Restaurant
2-4 Farmer St
2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN, UK
Los Mochis Restaurant is a fusion of Mexican vibrancy and Japanese elegance, offering a unique blend of cuisines. The menu features a range of dishes including steak asado, chicken and duck tacos, shrimp makis, and guacamole, all recommended by patrons. The restaurant also takes pride in its tequila-based cocktails and its commitment to sustainability, offering a menu that is largely gluten, nut, and celery free, with many vegan options.
Recommended by
Japanese Mexican fusion with great cocktails, tacos and atmosphereRecommend the steak asado, chicken taco, duck taco and shrimp makis. The guacamole is also great to start with and any tequila based cocktails!
Mr Ji Soho
63-65 Parkway
63-65 Parkway, London NW1 7PP, UK
Mr Ji Soho is a Taiwanese restaurant located in the heart of Soho, known for its affordable cocktails and tapas-style plates filled with modern Asian cuisine. The menu is designed for sharing, providing an Izakaya-style dining experience. With dishes that are flavorful and enjoyable, it's an excellent choice for a quick stop in Soho.
Recommended by
Super cool Taiwanese small plate fun in the heart of SohoBehind a small shop front in Old Compton Street the team are serving up great value cocktails and tapas style plates of modern Asian cuisine. A menu designed for sharing has an Izakaya feel. Dishes smack of flavour and fun. A perfect Soho pit stop!
Happiness Forgets
8-9 Hoxton Square
8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU, UK
Happiness Forgets is a small, intimate basement cocktail bar located at Hoxton Square. Known for its perfect cocktails and cosy atmosphere, it's a destination spot that consistently impresses visitors. Open every day from 5.00pm, it's the perfect place for an evening drink and also offers private hire for small gatherings of up to 25 people.
Recommended by
A cocktail bar that never fails to impress. The small cocktail bar Happiness Forgets in the basement at Hoxton Square is a place that never fails to impress, so much care and always a cosy atmosphere.
Apricity Restaurant
68 Duke St
68 Duke St, London W1K 6JU, UK
Apricity Restaurant is a sustainable, low-waste dining establishment that focuses on serving vegetarian and plant-based dishes, particularly through its tasting menu. It is known for its commitment to a circular economy, using sustainable produce at the height of the season, and championing British growers and farmers. The restaurant also features an extensive list of low-intervention wines and innovative low-waste cocktails, with a particular emphasis on natural Riesling blends and Lombardy Nebbiolos.
Recommended by
A sustainable Green star restaurant that excels when you eat the vegetarian and plant based offerings especially on the tasting menu. A nicely curated wine list of natural Riesling blends and Lombardy Nebbiolos. The decor is homely but in a work-in-progress kind of way. The crispy oyster mushroom dish stood out.
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline
196A Piccadilly, St. James's
196A Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EY, UK
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline
196A Piccadilly, St. James's
196A Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EY, UK
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline is a stylish café and bar nestled among a vast collection of coffee table books on travel, arts, and design in Mayfair. Customers can enjoy a variety of snacks, drinks, and coffee while being immersed in a world of art and travel. It's a great spot for a casual visit, but it's highly recommended to try their coffee and sandwiches.
Recommended by
Snacks, drinks and coffee among beautiful coffee table books on arts and travel in MayfairA thousand coffee table books on travel, arts and design surround this stylish café / bar in Mayfair. Worth just dropping by but I recommend a drink, coffee and sandwich.
Hoppers Soho
49 Frith St
49 Frith St, London W1D 4SG, UK
Hoppers Soho is a Sri Lankan restaurant known for its bone marrow curry and egg hoppers, a fermented rice flour pancake with a sunny side up egg in the middle. The food is prepared by Chef Karan Gokani, who infuses his love of culture and understanding of hospitality into every dish. Even picky eaters can find something to enjoy here, making it a great spot for families.
Recommended by
KOL Restaurant
9 Seymour St
9 Seymour St, London W1H 7BA, UK
KOL, helmed by Chef Santiago Lastra, offers a fusion of Mexican cuisine and British ingredients. The restaurant is known for its fine dining experience, featuring a menu that balances traditional Mexican dishes with creative twists, all made with high-quality ingredients. From the Mezcal bar downstairs offering a variety of sophisticated cocktails to the open kitchen with a charcoal grill, KOL is always a fun and engaging dining experience.
Recommended by
First time experiencing Mexican flavours in a fine dining setting and hopefully not the last one. Everything was top notch from beginning to end. From starting with an amazing Mezcal margarita to the exquisite menu (the mole!), in depth wine & mezcal pairing and the knowledgeable staff. Make sure to also visit the Mezcaleria with a broad selection of sophisticated cocktails for aperito or an after dinner drink!
Brunswick House Restaurant
30 Wandsworth Rd
30 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 2LG, UK
Brunswick House Restaurant, located in Vauxhall, offers a relaxed dining experience in a Grade ll* Georgian mansion packed with antiques. The menu is highly seasonal, focusing on showcasing the best of British ingredients in simple yet clever combinations. Whether you're after a laid-back lunch, a dinner with a difference, or a cocktail crafted by their expert bar staff, Brunswick House is a destination worth considering.
Recommended by
Vauxhall is not an area of London known for it’s notable eateries but Jackson Boxer has created an oasis in this ever growing high-rise residential desert. The venue is adjoined to an antique salvage emporium and the high ceiling and vast wall space of Brunswick House allow for some fantastic decor from their neighbours troves.The food is highly seasonal and showcases great British ingredients in an unfussy manner that allows the flavours and clever combinations to shine through. Weekday lunch menus provide super value whilst dinners show off a wider expression of the classy cooking available here.A relaxed bar staff mix up some great cocktails for the after work crew in the know!
Church Road
94 Church Rd
94 Church Rd, London SW13 9HR, UK
Church Road is a modern British restaurant that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for both casual and special occasions. The kitchen, led by Sam Astley-Dean, takes pride in using familiar, seasonal ingredients from respected farmers across the British Isles and presenting them in new, satisfying ways. The restaurant also features a glamorous bar, perfect for pre and post-cinema goers, serving classic cocktails and offering a small bites menu.
Recommended by
”A modern British restaurant, Church Road is on the site of old neighbourhood gem, Sonny’s Kitchen. The kitchen brigade is headed by Sam Astley-Dean while Alan Parry leads the front of house team. Sam was most recently Sous Chef at Elystan Street, where Alan was Assistant General Manager. The glamorous bar at the front of the restaurant, decorated with mirrors and a marble top bar, plays host to pre and post cinema goers, as well as lunch and dinner drinkers” Fantastic service, ambvience and don’t miss out on the doubble baked cave aged cheddar soufflé with crisp shallots, leeks and mushrooms - addictive as hell!
Tayēr + Elementary
152 Old St
152 Old St, London EC1V 9BW, UK
Tayēr + Elementary is a bar split into two distinct parts, offering a casual setting for simple drinks and a more sophisticated area for refined, creative cocktails. They serve classic cocktails on tap, combined with seasonal and contemporary ingredients, as well as highballs, wine, beer, coffee, and snacks. The establishment is also pet-friendly and offers bottled cocktails online for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks at home.
Recommended by
Alex Kratena and Monica Berg has opened a bar consisting of two different parts. One more casual bar for the ones that just want to drink and one that has as much craftmanship as you can find in a international modern bar today. Refined, creative and balanced cocktails. They also serve nice snacks and food
Kricket White City
101 Wood Ln
101 Wood Ln, London W12 7FR, UK
Kricket White City is a spacious restaurant featuring an open kitchen, booth and banquet seating, and a tropical terrace with views of the Television studios. The menu, served all day, includes a variety of breads and larger dishes, reflecting the capabilities of their large kitchen. Known for its delicious Indian fusion food, cocktails, and decent portion sizes, it's a recommended spot for catching up with friends over shared plates.
Recommended by
Delicious food and cocktails Indian fusionNice atmosphereGood place for a catch-up with friendsSharing plates Decent portions
Carousel
19-23 Charlotte St.
19-23 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RW, UK
Carousel is a residency restaurant and natural wine bar located in the heart of London, known for its rotation of renowned chefs and innovative set menus. The establishment, now based in Fritzovia, offers a unique experience as it constantly changes its culinary offerings, making each visit a new gastronomic adventure. Whether you're booking a pop-up chef or just dropping by for a glass of wine and snacks, Carousel promises a memorable dining experience.
Recommended by
Residencies and natural wine bar in the heart of London. Unique in its type, probably one of the best pop-up restaurants in the world, now in its new home in Fritzovia. Ollie and his team are making spectacular stuff in a stunning location; I recommend you to book the pop-up chefs on their website and to pop for a glass of wine and snacks to the wine bar anytime.
Wild by Tart
3-4, Eccleston Yards
3-4, Eccleston Yards, London SW1W 9AZ, UK
Wild by Tart is a versatile neighborhood restaurant located in a refurbished power station and coal store, offering a dynamic space that combines dining, a bar, retail, events, and a photography studio. The restaurant is known for its ever-changing menu and sharing plates concept, ensuring a fresh culinary experience with every visit. Additionally, Wild by Tart is appreciated for its cocktails and is a suitable choice for both lunch and dinner.
Recommended by
Sharing plates conceptMenu always changing and delicious Also does good cocktails Good for lunch or dinner Great location!
Chiltern Firehouse
1 Chiltern St
1 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PA, UK
Chiltern Firehouse is a high-end brasserie located in a Victorian fire station that stays open all day. The eatery is known for its atmospheric setting with cosy corner seatings, and a varied menu that includes standout dishes like oysters, raw scallops, and Iberian pork. With an easy and friendly service, it also boasts an impressive bar with a wide range of cocktails and a well-received seafood raw bar.
Recommended by
Bistro extravaganzaVisited in 2018! Amazing food quality, everything to share. Easy and nice service. Super boheme location with cosy corner seatings and illustrious guests. Bar staff great…..amazing cocktails and also a super nice seafood raw bar. It's loud and I love it!
BiBi
42 N Audley St
42 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZP, UK
BiBi is a modern Indian restaurant that stands out in London's bustling culinary scene. The establishment uses local produce, complemented by a carefully selected assortment of spices and products from India, to offer a sophisticated yet authentic Indian dining experience. The menu features a range of smaller-sized portions, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes, with popular choices including the lamb belly galouti, raw beef, and oysters.
Recommended by
Modern Indian we have been waiting forLondon has no shortage of amazing Indian Restaurants. It takes something special for a new Indian Restaurant to be noticed, let alone to be showered with acclaim. And this is exactly what Bibi has done.It’s everything you want in a modern Indian dining experience. Using local produce with a curated selection of spices and products from India. It’s the right level of sophistication without losing its Indian soul. And absolutely love the way they used a small space to create a beautifully balanced menu, banging cocktails and an ambience to boot. This is special!
Los Mochis Restaurant
2-4 Farmer St
2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN, UK
Los Mochis Restaurant is a fusion of Mexican vibrancy and Japanese elegance, offering a unique blend of cuisines. The menu features a range of dishes including steak asado, chicken and duck tacos, shrimp makis, and guacamole, all recommended by patrons. The restaurant also takes pride in its tequila-based cocktails and its commitment to sustainability, offering a menu that is largely gluten, nut, and celery free, with many vegan options.
Recommended by
Japanese Mexican fusion with great cocktails, tacos and atmosphereRecommend the steak asado, chicken taco, duck taco and shrimp makis. The guacamole is also great to start with and any tequila based cocktails!
Host of Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil
Mr Ji Soho
63-65 Parkway
63-65 Parkway, London NW1 7PP, UK
Mr Ji Soho is a Taiwanese restaurant located in the heart of Soho, known for its affordable cocktails and tapas-style plates filled with modern Asian cuisine. The menu is designed for sharing, providing an Izakaya-style dining experience. With dishes that are flavorful and enjoyable, it's an excellent choice for a quick stop in Soho.
Recommended by
Super cool Taiwanese small plate fun in the heart of SohoBehind a small shop front in Old Compton Street the team are serving up great value cocktails and tapas style plates of modern Asian cuisine. A menu designed for sharing has an Izakaya feel. Dishes smack of flavour and fun. A perfect Soho pit stop!
Happiness Forgets
8-9 Hoxton Square
8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU, UK
Happiness Forgets is a small, intimate basement cocktail bar located at Hoxton Square. Known for its perfect cocktails and cosy atmosphere, it's a destination spot that consistently impresses visitors. Open every day from 5.00pm, it's the perfect place for an evening drink and also offers private hire for small gatherings of up to 25 people.
Recommended by
A cocktail bar that never fails to impress. The small cocktail bar Happiness Forgets in the basement at Hoxton Square is a place that never fails to impress, so much care and always a cosy atmosphere.
Apricity Restaurant
68 Duke St
68 Duke St, London W1K 6JU, UK
Apricity Restaurant is a sustainable, low-waste dining establishment that focuses on serving vegetarian and plant-based dishes, particularly through its tasting menu. It is known for its commitment to a circular economy, using sustainable produce at the height of the season, and championing British growers and farmers. The restaurant also features an extensive list of low-intervention wines and innovative low-waste cocktails, with a particular emphasis on natural Riesling blends and Lombardy Nebbiolos.
Recommended by
A sustainable Green star restaurant that excels when you eat the vegetarian and plant based offerings especially on the tasting menu. A nicely curated wine list of natural Riesling blends and Lombardy Nebbiolos. The decor is homely but in a work-in-progress kind of way. The crispy oyster mushroom dish stood out.
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline
196A Piccadilly, St. James's
196A Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EY, UK
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline is a stylish café and bar nestled among a vast collection of coffee table books on travel, arts, and design in Mayfair. Customers can enjoy a variety of snacks, drinks, and coffee while being immersed in a world of art and travel. It's a great spot for a casual visit, but it's highly recommended to try their coffee and sandwiches.
Recommended by
Snacks, drinks and coffee among beautiful coffee table books on arts and travel in MayfairA thousand coffee table books on travel, arts and design surround this stylish café / bar in Mayfair. Worth just dropping by but I recommend a drink, coffee and sandwich.
Swans Bar at Maison Assouline
196A Piccadilly, St. James's
196A Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9EY, UK
Hoppers Soho
49 Frith St
49 Frith St, London W1D 4SG, UK
Hoppers Soho is a Sri Lankan restaurant known for its bone marrow curry and egg hoppers, a fermented rice flour pancake with a sunny side up egg in the middle. The food is prepared by Chef Karan Gokani, who infuses his love of culture and understanding of hospitality into every dish. Even picky eaters can find something to enjoy here, making it a great spot for families.
Recommended by
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