Address: 129 City Road, Shoreditch,London, EC1V 1JB

It would be impossible to create this list without mentioning the award-winning Nightjar in Shoreditch and Carnaby. Candle-lit tables, experimental (and extremely creative) drinks and a genuine speakeasy feel come as standard here, once again hidden behind a subtle wooden door just shy of Old Street roundabout. Not only are serves a form of entertainment here, with each drink in its own special glass or decanter, hey also host live music from 9pm every night, with a heavy focus on jazz, perfect for some romance.

Address: 4 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1F 9RS

Disrepute has an iconic cocktail reputation in the city, and makes this list for its drinks, interiors and history combined. Hidden away in Kingly Court, the Soho basement has lived one hell of a life, including as the setting for the Profumo Scandal in the 60s. Known for its elite service, this is a space where the sixties and modernity combine, with each space a new experience, with a soundtrack of jazz to boost the setting.

Address: 12, Old Compton Street, W1D 4TQ

Created by the successful group behind Nightjar, Swift is a cocktail bar that's forever changed the way we think of a 'quick drink' between events. You can often find live piano music here, and alongside their creative concoctions there's a whisky library with a great choice of both premium and affordable drams. This spot was awarded 30th place in the World's 50 Best Bars 2022, thanks to an expert team of mixologists serving classic and inventive cocktails to its guests in Soho, Shoreditch and Borough.

Address: 11 Mare St, London E8 4RP

Favouring the intense and the opulent; The Absinthe Parlour At The Last Tuesday Society are all about celebrating the strange. In terms of cocktails, this means heady flavours like bitters, chocolate and orange peel. Head downstairs, as the basement bar is a fabulously shadowy hang out in which to enjoy some hedonistic treasures.

Address: 15-16 Gerrard Street, London, W1D 6JE

Discretely hidden behind a door in the heart of China Town and run by bar moguls Dre Masso and Eric Yu, Opium delivers seasonal Asian-style cocktails using locally sourced ingredients, along side dim sum bites. If you can find Opium tucked between the local restaurants and cafes, this venue is the perfect place for unique and stunning concoctions like the Cherry On Top or an elderflower-infused Twinkle Star, all in a beautiful, rich-red setting.

Address: 108 Essex Rd, London, N1 8LX

Awarded fourth best new international cocktail bar in the Spirited Awards 2019 and number 11 in the Top 50 cocktail bars for the same year, Homeboy has made its mark on North London's cocktail scene, providing the patrons of Islington with Irish hospitality (and food) with cocktails set across three core pillars. Set across Irish whiskey, contemporary drinks and modern classics, Homeboy give all guests a taste not only of the Emerald Isle, but of their skill set. We recommending the Grasshopper with creme de menthe, a showstopper every time.

Address: 14-18 Handyside St, London N1C 4DN

Hidden underneath Happy Face Pizza, Supermax is an intimate bar specialising in vermouth-based cocktails. The venue design reflects 1970s Milan, featuring leather seating, neon lights and old-school speakers, with regular live sessions from the DJs at sister bar Spiritland.

Address: 27a, Throgmorton Street, London, EC2N 2AN

Demon, Wise & Partners have been setting the standard for cocktails in the City of London for quite some time now. A seating-only cocktail bar hidden beneath The Arbitrager, close to Bank, their menu is thoughtful and bespoke, with two of their signature cocktails regularly changed once 100 serves of each have been made. When you're not exploring the extravagant cocktail menu (with time for the classics) there's absinthe on the menu, served 19th century style.

Address: 65, Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3AY

A favourite on the East London drinking scene, Callooh Callay has been churning out award-winning drinks for more than 10 years - including their nostalgic Pokemon-themed menu. Split into two, the venue has chilled 70s-style seating downstairs, while upstairs the secret JubJub room awaits. Named in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars three times and the International's World's Best Bars four times, this spot has received some pretty high praise and continues to keep the back streets of Shoreditch on the map. 

Address: 54 Islington Park St, London N1 1QL

Offering bold and imaginative cocktails, cosy date night vibes and some of the friendliest service in town, Little Bat is an absolute must if you're looking for something special around Angel's Upper Street. A venture brought to London from the same team at Callooh Callay, expect Alice in Wonderland themed quirks and chilled out vibes from this welcoming neighbourhood haunt.

Address: 31 Duke St, London W1U 1LG

Taking its inspiration from the 1920s Havana heydays, Burlock features a selection of more than 200 different types of rum at its cosy set-up in the heart of Mayfair. The rum blends are matched by a selection of Cuban and Caribbean food to complete the experience, and you can get 50% off cocktails when you book on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings.

Address: 8 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HN

Heralded for their sweet treats, not only is Basement Sate the front runner for desserts in the city, their cocktails are a smash hit too. From their bespoke, speakeasy inspired setting to their hand-made concoctions like the tequila-based El Diablo or a Twinkle with vodka and elderflower, this Soho venue is not to be missed. Fancy having a go yourself? You can take part in cocktail masterclasses here too.

Address: Grosvenor Sq, London W1K 6JP

Step back in to the 1920s with this secretive spot inside the London Marriott Hotel on Grosvenor Square. Inspired by the Bentley Boys (a wealthy handful of young men known for racing their luxury cars and living nearby), The Luggage Room is a homage to each racer, celebrating the famous group throughout the bar. The cocktail menu is equally a reflection of timeless drinks and flavours, spanning across decades. We recommend the 'Corn N Oil' , complete with El Dorado 12-year.

Address: 84, Commercial Street, E1 6LY

The Ten Bells is a pillar of Spitalfields drinking, tucked away on the corner of Brick Lane, but have you discovered their secret cocktail bar upstairs yet? Under the trusted guidance of renowned head bartender Jerome Slesinski, a talented bar team whip up signature short drinks made with home-infused spirits and a flourish of class. Vintage Chesterfields, mis-matched tables and iconic artworks contribute to the ambience. Our favourite party? You can buy an espresso martini three ways, with vodka, rum and Jagermeister. 

Locations: Liverpool Street, Oxford Circus, Old Street, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, and more.

The story of The Cocktail Club stars back in 2008, when JJ Goodman and James “Hoppy” Hopkins, decided to take what cash they had and electrify London's cocktail scene. Having worked in the industry for years, they took their combined knowledge to open their first site in Covent Garden. Years on, the duo have built an empire, having won awards from the links of London Lifestyle, Time Out, and us here at DesignMyNight. Their energy knows no bound, and each bar is a celebration of late night drinking culture. Join them for the impressive drinks menu, but expect so stick around for the energy, and the party. 

Address: 49 Hackney Rd, London E2 7NX

Set in Shoreditch, Looking Glass Cocktail Club is not all it seems. Step in for stripped back interiors (think exposed brick, bare bulbs, and rickety tables), along with a classic cocktail list, then look even harder to find their secret room which hosts a regular line-up of cabaret and burlesque nights.

Address: 12-16, Artillery Lane, Shoreditch, E1 7LS

Super secret and only accessible through a fridge door (no, really) if you want to visit the Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town's basement cocktail bar, you're going to have to ask nicely. Head to The Breakfast Club in Spitafields for a bite to eat beforehand, before finding the fridge and gaining access. Once inside? You'll be greeted with an almost Canadian lodge-style experience, where plank-covered walls and deer taxidermy are shared alongside menus of signature drinks and house favourite. Our suggestion to you? Try the Vanilla Kiss with apricot jam for the perfect aperitif. 

Address: 321 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4DL

Styled as a cosy cafe during the day and a bustling cocktail bar at night, Map Maison is a characterful, colourful spot that's always adapting and changing itself to suit the demands of East London's cocktail drinkers. What this spot excels at, however, is Japanese whisky - of which they have London's largest collection (with imports from Finland, Taiwan and New Zealand), all considered and included as part of their cocktail menu. What's more, you can join in with drinks tastings, masterclasses, afternoon teas and bottomless brunches here.

Cocktail bars don't get quirkier than this. Hidden behind shutters is a secret prison, where bribery and contraband rule, Alcotraz is one hell of a drinking experience. You'll have to smuggle your favourite liquor past the guards and get into the hands of one of the other inmates, who can mix you up something grand. But don't, under any circumstances, get caught.

The illusive Moonshine Saloon is popping up for a few days a week to bring you a rootin' tootin' good time. This immersive experience is found in Houndsditch, where you will be part of the theatrical fun as you smuggle in booze and try to avoid the Sheriff. Discover their secret bar for a night of cowboys, cocktails and Sheriffs breathing down your neck - starting from just £36.50 per person.

Address: 144-145, Upper Street, London, N1 1QY

Laki Kane, found on Upper Street in Islington, is a cocktail bar that aims to whisk you far away from the big smoke. One of the most tropical places to drink in the whole of the city, not only are there theatrical nights and regular burlesque dancers to keep things fiery, their cocktail menu matches the overseas energy of the interiors promising bubbling drinks and international flavours. Sticking around? Try their rum masterclass too.

Address: 1-8 Russell Sq, London WC1B 5BE

Fitz's in Russell Square is a truly unique drinking den that boasts an old school glamour unmatched by any other bar in the city, thanks to scalloped velvet seating, dark panelled walls, ostrich feathers and a traditional fireplace. From its lavish furnishings to the expertly-curated menu of high-end cocktails, including the immersive Theory of Colour menu that features never-seen before concoctions to match your personality, it's a perfect date night or celebratory location.

Address: 423 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AN

This slinky French hideaway in Bethnal Green was recently named as one of the world's best bars, so you know they've got plenty of tricks up their sleeves when it comes to cocktail creation. An evening here will consist of sipping elegant concoctions, paired perfectly with enticing cheeses and charcuterie, and there's also a sister bar in Soho, too. 

Address: 310c, Earls Court Road, London, SW5 9BA

Step back through decades with Evans & Peel Detective Agency as this timeless cocktail bar promises a truly authentic Prohibition-style drinking experience. Bootlegged liquor is shaken and stirred to give guests a taste of the 1920s, while jazz, swing and blues is played by a live band every night to add to the overall look and feel of the place. One of the most unique parts about this place is its menu, with each drink paired to a bootlegger, moonshiner or crook of days gone by.

One of the best cocktail bars in London's Covent Garden, found inside the Waldorf, The Wild Monkey is a top-notch shout for date nights and group outings alike. This pretty pop-up bar from Monkey 47 slings out the most divine drinks - think botanical gin tipples and premium Champagne served in a stunning aesthetic.

When it comes to theatrical drinks, Purgatory Bar is at the top of our list. From the award-winning company, No Escape London, this lovely spot touts glorious Antoni Gaudi-inspired decor, alongside a gorgeous outdoor space for alfresco antics. Thirsty? Try out the beautifully presented cocktails.

Address: 12-13 Greek Street, W1D 4DL

You can always rely on Soho's The Little Scarlet Door for fun vibes and bespoke concoctions. Head inside for metropolitan vibes, inspired by New York's iconic loft apartments (as seen with chic sofas, flower pots and industrial touches), alongside a drinks list to die for. Think movie-themed drinks or sharing cocktails in funky mixing bowls, here or at their sister venues The Little Blue Door (Fulham), The Little Orange Door (Clapham) and The Little Yellow Door (Notting Hill). Our favourite part about The Little Scarlet Door? You can get £5 picantes from Monday to Thursday if you head in before 6pm. 

Address: 23 Slingsby Pl, London WC2E 9AB

A speakeasy-style pop-up serving us a taste of things to come at their permanent reopening later this year, Prelude By Oriole is a top choice for cocktails and Nikkei-inspired small plates, located in Covent Garden. Expect tasty dishes like roasted pumpkin, raw scallops with kiwi or mouthwatering beef tartare, while listening to live piano music and sipping on beautifully-presented drinks like the grapefruit-flavoured Acadia.

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Address: 78 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3JL

temper is already well known on the London foodie scene for its open fire meat and barbecue classes, but what does their Shoreditch bar bring to the table? Not only is the temper Shoreditch Bar a wall to wall experience of chill drink and 'unpretentious service'. They pride themselves on smoky cocktails with a mezcal first approach to mixes. Stick around in one of their sweeping butter yellow booths to enjoy 80s and 90s music with a dash of hip hop on the side.

Address: 33-34 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1JN

Lucy Wong brings a touch of Cantonese glamour to its Fitzrovia basement cocktail bar, inspired by A World of Suzie Wong' by Richard Mason. Touches of dusty pink and traditional Chinese tapestries bring the luxury of the 1950s to life when inside, set alongside a cocktail menu celebrating Asian spirits, created by award-winning mixologist Dré Masso. Visit Lucy Wong from 5 to 7pm and enjoy 2-4-1 cocktails. 

Address: 42 Peckham Rye, London, SE15 4JR

Some bars claim to have neighbourhood vibes, run by neighbourhood owners, but with Peckham cocktail spot Funkidory, that couldn't be more true. Opened in 2018 and ran by couple Sergio and Anna, these Peckham locals took what they knew of the industry and applied it all to a place of their own. Not only is their cocktail menu a celebration of their knowledge, with classics and unique drinks available, their 'urban lounge' style bar has a playlist of funky hits to match its name, perfect for those with a leaning towards soul music and great drinks. 

In need of a cocktail bar in Central London? Long Bar is within the iconic Sanderson Hotel, bringing you a range of ingredient-focussed cocktails that make for a luxury experience. The likes of apple pie syrup, pineapple and almond soda or rhubarb bitters are whipped up into the delish drinks here.

Address: 57, Sutherland Rd, E17 6BH

Hailed as the UK's first dedicated brandy house, Burnt Faith Brandy House in Walthamstow is whipping up takes on classic cocktails using its very own distilled spirit, tucked away on an industrial estate (with the brandy making done on ther ground floor below). Our recommendation? Try the vestry apple sour with a kick and a sazerac using Devil's Botany absinthe. Brandy espresso martini? Yep, they have one of those too. 

La Bibliotheque is up there when it comes to the best cocktail bars in the capital, with its creative menu 'The Journey', crafted by Melissa Frangi. She uses rational Japanese spirits like sake and umeshu to concoct refined tipples like Okinawa, made with cacao ethique gin and black tea.

Mr Fogg's Treasure Hunt is a cocktail bar experience with a difference. You'll be able to enjoy 80 minutes of outdoor adventuring across Soho, solving clues and mysteries, before heading back for your reward: two Bombay Sapphire concoctions each.

Address: 14 Denman St, London W1D 7HJ

Prepare to be seduced by brooding basement cocktail bar SOMA – bringing Indian-inspired drinks and speakeasy vibes to Soho, tucked away beneath hailed Indian restaurant, Kricket. From private sofa nooks to a 25-seater stainless steel bar, this intimate spot has an air of exclusivity and romance. Make your way through the reimagined classics on the cocktail menu, featuring a rum blend with blueberry yoghurt and a green mango whisky number. Good to know? They have a 3am licence. 

Address: 3rd Floor, Bishopsgate Plaza, London, EC2M 4JX

Potentially the best cocktail bar in the City of London, Silverleaf is slinging out deluxe drinks until 2am seven nights a week. Think sultry black interiors, hidden bar areas and a cracking selection of spirits, with concoctions like watermelon sake and Roku gin with olive oil on the menu. This spot is also home to Alba, a hidden bar and tasting room with an intimate feel, offering whisky and cocktail tastings.

Address: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD

Stunning Southbank bar Lyaness was created by the multi-award-winning Ryan Chetiyawardana, found in the Sea Containers London hotel. Their cocktail menu displays a passion for the weird and wonderful, using innovative ingredients for a focus on flavour. You'll drink the likes of the Chestnut Rubble, made with beeswax and the (Im)perfect Martini, featuring Grass Amazake among a range of bespoke tipples. Sip these kooky concoctions in a plush blue velvet booth, or at the opulent green marble bar.

This sultry spot is situated in a Portobello Road basement, and is one of the best bars in London for cocktails. The tropical blends here have a heavy rum focus, with twists on the classics like a passionfruit daquiri or the Espresso Martiki. While you sip, listen to 90s soul and hip hop in the dark, botanical surrounds.

TT Liquor is a popular spot in Shoreditch, serving concoctions made from only the finest spirits, complete with their own liquor shop upon entry. You can take part in cocktail masterclasses here too, as well as tasting sessions or even private cinema experiences. And if the sky-high terrace with rooftop views isn't your thing (let's talk about that), they've got an intimate cellar bar too.

Two One Four is a secret speakeasy found beneath the iconic pasta restaurant Flour & Grape. Expect low lighting, industrial decor and leather stools at the bar, where you'll find a collection of over 100 gins, alongside Italian bar snacks from the kitchen upstairs. Gin lovers benefit from a selection of flight experiences here, with a signature menu of cocktails promising twists on the classics.

Looking for a unique cocktail experience? Check out Common Late, a vintage apothecary bar concocting bespoke craft and classic cocktails that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds. The perfect spot for a night out with friends, head over to indulge in quality cocktails like the French 75 and a Toast 2 Tiramisu and enjoy the view.

Eve has enough delicious cocktails to tempt, well, Eve in the Garden of Eden. A bar built on the ideas of indulgence and hedonism, come here for theatrical cocktails served in luxurious surroundings, and if you're peckish - it's part of the award-winning Frog.

Award-winning neighbourhood bar Three Sheets is ready to transport you to cocktail heaven with a mind-blowing menu of crafted sips – to be enjoyed in their stripped-back, intimate Dalston drinker's den. Highlights include the American Coffee, made from maple butter whisky, and the dirty martini containing olive oil and sea salt.  

Address: 20 Broadway Parade, London N8 9DE

From the brains behind the award-winning cocktail bar Three Sheets, Little Mercies has a lot to live up to. Keeping the interiors simple so the drinks get to shine, their impressive menu features a wide range of concoctions below £12. Expect classics like the margarita and an espresso martini, alongside bold blends like the kiwi gimlet and a Snickers old fashioned. They also have some incredible sharing plates from crab toast to a cheese burger crumpet. 

Address: 7 Old Compton St, London, W1D 5JE

Serving coffee by day and cocktails by night, this cocktail gem is bringing Italian flair to Soho's Compton Street, one drink at a time. Fronting four house negronis and a collection of expertly crafted cocktails, all priced at £14, there's plenty sips to keep you busy. Whether you're in the mood for a marsala martini, peach bellini or a bloody Mary made from horseradish vodka, it's only right to pair it with authentic Italian cheese and ham, served up by staff in old-school bar uniforms. Top tip? They sell glassware and china too, if you want to take a piece of your experience home. 

With sustainability at the forefront, Nine Lives is dedicated to providing a space for ethical drinking that's also super stylish and unique. From second-hand furniture to an on-site herb garden and compost system, this bar is doing its bit for the planet while whipping up some incredible drinks. Expect cocktails of the tropical variety, such as margaritas, a Russian spring punch and the Crossfire Hurricane – paired with Mexican grub straight from the taco truck. 

Bethnal Green's original neighbourhood cocktail bar Satan's Whiskers offers a unique drinking experience, complete with taxidermy decor, hip hop tracks and an ever-changing drinks menu championing top-quality ingredients. Past favourites have included the luminous Midori Sour, the banana-flavoured German Whip and the multi-coloured American Beauty. 

This innovative bar has turned an Old Street post office into a trendy watering hole, taking inspiration from Scandinavian and Japanese minimalism in its decor. The experimental cocktail list changes daily here, so you're always in for a pleasant surprise when you visit.

Though it's a little pricier, the iconic Connaught Bar in Mayfair is well worth a visit. Found in the famous hotel, this Cubist-inspired drinking den screams decadence, from its shimmering silver walls to the Champagne cocktails. Having recently won best hotel bar in the Tatler Travel Guide, amongst many other achievements, this sophisticated venue has it all.

Located in Dalston, Hacha is a much-loved neighbourhood bar with a rotating list of 25 different agave spirits on offer. Try out the mirror margarita which is entirely see-through, while tucking into mouthwatering Mexican small plates. Recently named the 34th best bar in the UK, this spot is well worth the trip.

This luxury Holborn spot boasts marble walls, cosy velvet armchairs and a roaring fireplaces, as well as shelves filled with countless antique books. As the name suggests, this spot is inspired by artist Gerald Scarfe, whose artwork decorates the walls. The carefully curated cocktails range from the campari, rhubarb and hibiscus blend Higher Power to the mezcal-focused El Bandito.

Head to The Savoy for some seriously stunning cocktails at one of London's most famous hotels. Beaufort Bar just oozes old glamour, with Art Deco-inspired black and gold interiors and one of the most extensive Champagne collections around. Expect classic concoctions like highballs and negronis, with some signature sips available too.

Address:  9-10 Stable St, London N1C 4AB

Spiritland is all about two things: great drinks and even better music. You can expect live performances here on a regular basis, alongside DJs and a fantastic sound system playing background music during the day. As for the drinks, they specialise in both coffee and cocktails - perfect at any hour.

Hidden above Jason Atherton's Social Eating House, secret bar The Blind Pig is a Soho favourite found behind the door to an opticians. The New York-inspired aesthetic and expertly crafted drinks create a speakeasy vibe, with quirky cocktails like the popcorn-flavoured Silver Screen and the Dill Or No Dill on offer.

Address: The Savoy, The Strand, WC2R 0EZ

Found within the famous Savoy hotel, the American Bar has been around since 1898, earning its place as one of the world's best known cocktail bars. Expect stellar service, live piano music and 1920s decor, with classic drinks recipes coming from The Savoy Cocktail Book - written by head bartender Harry Craddock in the 1930s.

Address: 29A Wentworth St, London E1 7TB

Tucked away on Brick Lane, Discount Suit Company doesn't look like much from the outside. But once you enter what looks like an abandoned clothing shop, you will find New York-inspired interiors, a bustling atmosphere and delicious drinks like the mezcal-based Drugstore Cowboy or a Wigan Casino which combines gin, green chartreuse and passionfruit.