Best Bars In The West End

The latest addition to the Dovetail group, Dovetail Bra at Empire Casino is is rooftop haunt that overlooks the vibrant Leicester Square below. Perfect for a quick drink before seeing a show, or late-night sips until 3am, this sultry spot promises cosy corners to relax in and an outdoor terrace to boot.

You'll find live DJs here on a regular basis, and their talented bartenders also offer cocktail masterclasses. What's more, you can hire the space out for up to 80 guests.

If you're looking for a sophisticated place to sip some top-class cocktails then you've got to hit up Swift. Located on Old Compton Street, this haunt combines elegant interiors with a European apertivo vibe across two floors. Slide into Art Deco-style sofas and enjoy a Sgpoppino made with lemon sorbet and prosecco upstairs, or a Humbug featuring Hennessy VS cognac and Eminente 7yr Cuban rum downstairs, as well as an expansive whisky collection. 

Searching for gorgeous boozers in Holborn? Great for first dates and catch-ups with pals, LOCKES is a grand shout. You'll get to enjoy everything from espresso martinis to pina coladas and mezcal margaritas, alongside slices of pizza.

When it comes to quirky bars in the West End, Swingers is a location with that lil' something something extra. Notorious for its unique crazy golf course, head on over for cocktails and competitive antics in the heart of the city.

Kitty Hawk Rooftop Bar & Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled within Page 8 Hotel, invites you to experience London's West End from a whole new perspective at its stunning eatery. Immerse yourself in the luxurious ambience, adorned with golden lighting and burnt orange accents, while taking in the breathtaking views, tipple in hand. You'll find a drinks list sporting an array of classics, everything from negronis to espresso martinis, as well as an extensive wine list and signature sips like the bourbon-based Balsam, featuring caramel popcorn. 

Perfect for hen parties, bottomless brunches or just a night out with your friends, Lucky Voice Soho promises non-stop fun until 3am. This well-known karaoke brand has been serving the city since 2007, with plenty of private booths that boast disco balls, high-tech sound systems and mood lighting, with over 12,000 songs to choose from. You can order drinks straight to your booth so you don't have to miss a second of the action, as well as tasty pizzas topped with jalapenos or pepperoni.

Perched in St James', Quaglino's is a space of truly decadent drinking and dining dressed in opulent interiors, sweeping staircases and bartenders with showmanship. This restaurant bar knows no boundaries when it comes to indulgent and luxuriant partying at its best. Think theatrical, think exquisite mixology and think late licence come the weekends. 

Get familiar with the sights and sounds of Latin America at one of the coolest bars in the West End. Not only a wonderland of happy hours and South American fare, Barrio Soho promise a plethora of liquor strong cocktails that will keep you going until the early hours of the morning. 

Inspired by the golden age of travel, Aviator bar at Hush is bringing fancy '60s vibes to drinking in the West End. The spot is full of velvet furniture, neon signs and a talented array of bartenders to knock you up one of their award-winning drinks. 

Bringing the vibes every night over in the West End, Bar Rumba is not to be missed. Pop along to one of its raucous club nights (where hip hop and RnB rule the roost), salsa classes and open mic nights, or even just head in for a delicious cocktail with your mates.

With fire pits, stacks of logs, and pretty twinkling lights, Albert's Schloss London might look like a plain ol' Alpine cabin, but don't be fooled; it's a happening spot with live entertainment every night and delicious Bavarian food on rotation. This vibrant bar always delivers a good time and serves up a fantastic selection of beers from Germany, Belgium, and beyond. Head down to grab some gooey fondues with your pals and sip on tasty cocktails like coconut and raspberry martinis.

Thirst Bar, modestly tucked away in the less hectic Tottenham Court Road side of the West End, is a fun and independently owned cocktail bar in the heart of Soho. In its 10th year, the late night cocktail bar is split over two floors with a cocktail bar on each. Al fresco drinking on the ground floor and a snug VIP booth area provides the drinker with a number of varying environments to choose from. 

Despite the plethora of West End Bars to chose from, Blame Gloria stands out as one of the best. If you are in the Covent Garden / West End Area, want a lively drinking vibe all week long, want to be served by attentive and always unpretentious bartenders, love a blend of exciting music and expertly made cocktails, Blame Gloria may just be the place for you. 

Looking out onto New Street Square with all its gracious greenery, The Refinery New Street Square boasts one of the best outdoor spaces of any bar in the West End. Plonk yourself down at a table and get ready for some outdoor sessioning! Work your way through the extensive (yet affordable) selection of cocktails and beers with your boozing buddies.

West End hotel bars don't get much better than Long Bar at the Sanderson. Here, you can expect to find a range of ingredient-led cocktails, which feature the likes of cardamom bitters, pineapple and almond soda or apple pie syrup. Yup, it's a unique bunch.

Not only is Cabana the place to go for a delicious array of Brazil's most famous cocktails (including Frozen Caipirinhas), they also serve up a variety of delicious Brazilian street food dishes, such as their delicious marinated skewers cooked on their custom-made grill.

The Long Acre serves a delicious menu of classics and sharing boards, with a broad range of classic, Champagne and signature cocktails to wash it all down with. It's open until 3am so there's every reason to stay and let the night escalate.

Dovetail Bar can be found close to several theatres, hidden away above a restaurant. This intimate haunt provides the perfect escape from the bustling streets below, whether you're beginning the night here or stopping by for a post-theatre drink. Expect quirky twists on classic cocktails, like the piña colada with Dulce de leche and sweet sherry or a clarified rum and coke, served in relaxing, stylish surrounds.

A top choice of Charing Cross West End bars, All Bar One is your go-to for cocktails, bottomless brunches and small plates alike. Choose between signature rum punch sharers, banana peel rum-based concoctions and classics across a huge list of drinks. Otherwise, check out the Picton Place location at the other end of theatreland.

Flaunting some gorgeous interiors inspired by Valencia, alongside an epic cocktail selection touting plenty of flair, Albufera Bar is a real Fizrovia gem. And when you're taking in the gorgeous scenes? You can also try out a bar snacks menu inspired by Quique Dacosta.

Opium is Soho's secret cocktail bar and dim sum parlour. Located in the heart of China town and hidden behind a nondescript green door, this place is decked out with oriental-style decor and mismatched antique furnishings. Both the drinks and food menu reflects seasonally changing ingredients, with an eclectic dim sum selection including lobster and mushroom with truffle.  

Top off your trip to the West End with a quirky bar that serves up unique cocktails and DJs in its cool space. The Little Scarlet Door's entrance is marked only by the smattering of red along Greek Street, with New York loft-style interiors and an Andy Warhol-themed vault waiting inside.

When it comes down to bars in the West End, O'Neill's Wardour Street is a real winner. This fabulous venue offers up crackin' quiz nights, sports screenings across the HD TVs and live music sets, making it a great stop-off for some fun in the city.

If you're looking for bars in the West End to kickstart the party, The Cocktail Club Shaftesbury Avenue is just the place. They're serving up killer vibes, the quirkiest concoctions and bespoke tattoo artwork.

Sister venue to one of London's most famous speakeasies, Nightjar Carnaby also lives up to the legendary name. Think quirky cocktails, 1920s vibes and plenty of uber cool jazz at this secret spot.

Situated on Charing Cross Road, Salsa! is a vibrant Latin American-inspired bar that's full of colourful decorthey host everything from cocktail masterclasses and salsa lessons to late-night DJ sets here, with plenty of space to dance.

You can enjoy half price cocktails between 5 and 8pm every single day, paired with delicious dishes like chargrilled chicken fajitas, double cheese nachos or jalapeno poppers.

For those wanting a friendly cocktail bar to relax in after a long day spent admiring the West End sights or the shops, then head to Be At On Covent Garden. With delicious cocktails and a cool bar to discuss the days events in, you'll be up for staying longer than you expected (probably all night) with the buzzing atmosphere egging you on. For those pre-Theatre drinks, nothing beats a classic mojito to get your juices flowing for the show.

The West End isn't short of brilliant bars showcasing all manner of tipples. But if you want a place that exudes a slick ambience, shakes up killer cocktails and even has live jazz and soul music on throughout the week? The Dilly should be your go-to.

Located in the heart of Leicester Square, The Empire Casino has plenty to get stuck into. Head to one of its bars, whether it be the VIP terrace bar Icon or the renowned Carlsberg sports bar, there's sure to be something for whatever your needs. 

One of the best bars in the West End, The Rialto is a must-visit if you're looking for late night drinks near Leicester Square. The watering hole and casino offers 24-hour opening and an array of games, cocktails and snacks to enjoy.

International food, killer drinks and a welcoming atmosphere makes Zebrano's a great shout for those heading out for cocktails in the West End. Happy hour deals and food that comes from all corners of the globe are sweet perks, and there's some singing and dancing to be had in the club area later.

Ping Pong isn't just a West End restaurant to feast on on the very best in dim sum and premium Chinese plates. They also boast a wonderful array of drinks, including some truly great cocktails – making it the perfect place to dine and drink.