London's influx of hot to trot bars makes it the place to be seen drinking for revellers across the globe. With swanky haunts that have won more awards than we've had hot dinners, to unassuming basement joints that you'd love to pick up and put in your pocket, we've got it all. We've constructed a squad of venues that you absolutely must visit before you die, guaranteed to give you more of a thrill than climbing a mountain or throwing yourself out of an aeroplane.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 28th August 2024
There are plenty of interesting bars in London that you shouldn't miss, but there's not many that have all this rolled into one. From arcade games and bowling to burgers and ice skating, Queens is a gem in London that's you'd be barmy to miss out on.
Winner of our prestigious Best Bar of 2016 award, the Nightjar is Shoreditch and Soho's ultimate speakeasy. As you climb down their rustic staircase, the venue opens up to reveal an enchanting 1920s hideout, complete will candlelit tables, tin cup cocktails and the smooth, quavering sounds of London's finest jazz musicians.
If a trip to New York is on your bucket list, then The Little Scarlet Door will give you a taste of the Big Apple. It's fronting loft-style interiors and an Andy Warhol-themed vault, alongside a lineup of DJs to keep you dancing on the weekends.
Après Tea with with a glass of Black Run cocktail - £67.50 and 3 other offers
If you ever wanted to find a truly London bar, The Perception Bar is it. Their interiors are stunning (and the lighting is simply perfect for Instagram), while their food – supplied by a resident chef – is a must. The cocktails complete the deal, with a creative menu full of tasty mixed drinks that compliments the calibre of music played by their DJs.
The trophy cabinet at Callooh Callay is pretty crowded these days. With a long list of acclaim firmly under their belt, this beautifully eccentric cocktail bar refuses to rest on its laurels, and it's still the place to be if you love cutting-edge cocktails, tasty food and amazing events.
Preparefor some of the most stunning views in the city. That's right, you can book a table at the indulgent and unique Searcy's atop the Gherkin. Known for its sweeping 360 degree views of the city, if you don't tick this off of your bar bucket list then you're simply not doing London right.
Looking to try something wholly unique in London? Then it's right about time you tried one of the only ball-pit bars in the world. From themed cocktails down to their giant ball-pit, you're sure to make memories in a place like this.
One of the most unusual bars in London, this is where kitsch lives, and pretty much thrives. From posters of Pat Butcher and nods to the Queen to teapot cocktails and crazy sharers, this treasure trove is not one to miss out on on a visit to our fair city.
Celeb mugshots, pink glittery walls and flashing neon signs, Tonight Josephine is all kinds of kitsch. The Waterloo basement bar is inspired by Napoleon's spurned wife, head down and celebrate being bad ass with cocktails and plenty of fun.
There are plenty of places to play darts in London, but none are quite like Flight Club. From their state of the art dartboards and games down to their pizza and quirky interiors, get an eye full and stick around for that all important bullseye.
Found on the location of the iconic 60s haunt The Pinstripe Club, Disrepute is a venue with a lot of history to it. This Soho watering hole blends traditional glamour with exciting, modern cocktails, in a basement space filled with plush velvet sofas, gold-gilded mirrors and low lighting. Expect a jazz soundtrack while you drink, and if you visit during their aperitvo hour from 4 until 6pm Sunday to Thursday, you can enjoy £9 cocktails.
Meander your way through the streets of Shoreditch and land just shy of Liverpool Street for one of the most unique bars in East London. Not only brimming with teasing DJ floors, photobooths and urban interiors, Queen Of Hoxton boast a roof garden that would be just silly to miss out on.
A cosy haven from the streets of Chinatown, those who aren't in the know will stride on past Opium without a second glance. Don't follow their path, locate that non-descript green door and step inside to discover a charming dim sum den and cocktail bar with top quality across the board.
Quirky by nature, The Last Tuesday Society is a bar that encourages its guests to follow their most creative thoughts down the winding rabbit holes of their imagination. Filled with intriguing knick-knacks and wonderful furnishings, the bar's baroque cocktail list will keep you well-watered as you explore the venue's many mysteries.
Your London bar bucket list wouldn't be complete without somewhere to unleash your inner gaming demon now would it? We didn't think so either. One of the most unique bars in Peckham, not only will The Four Quarters cater to all of your cocktail needs, there's pop-up dining and some of the best arcade machines in the business.
If there's one thing you must make time for on your London Bar Bucket List, it has got to be trying to find Found. The intimate cocktail bar is hidden away in Shoreditch and once discovered will reward you with some seriously delicious tipples.
Those of you looking for a special bar in London shouldn't miss out on the likes of Aviary Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. Not only toting some of the best views in the city, this sweeping rooftop bar is sure to dazzle with their food offering and luxurious cocktails.
One of the most talked about bars of the year, there's no stopping the deliciousness of Canova Hall. From the stunning industrial interiors down to the pizza and the al dente pasta, Canova Hall is beautiful and a must-try in more ways than one.
Brought to you by Adam Handling of The Frog and Group Bar Manager Tim Laferla, Eve isn't just toting some of the biggest names in the business, this themed basement bar in London is a hidden gem for some of the finest cocktails in the city.
