Drunk by none other than super-spy James Bond himself, the martini is one of the finest classic cocktails around. Given its heritage as the king of suave cocktails, it comes in many different forms – from espresso to porn star; dirty to dry – but it takes a quality bartender to serve it properly. After your perfect serve? Take a look at our list of the best bars for a martini in London and unleash your inner 007.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 20th November 2024
Notting Hill drinking and dining destination When Abby Met Claud is one of the best places for martinis, thanks to their bottomless dinner offer. Chow down on menu favourites while knocking back unlimited drinks, including espresso and pornstar flavours.
All you have to do is look at this place to know they knock up a mean martini. From its extravagant furnishings to the creative list of cocktails, Fitz's just oozes an old school glamour that's rare to find anywhere else in London.
Whether you choose the bustling outdoor terrace, the gorgeous bar upstairs or the low-lit basement, you can count on Swift to serve up the perfect martini. However you like yours, make sure to head to the Old Compton Street favourite.
Tucked away off the bustling streets of Chinatown is Opium, a cocktail bar and dim sum parlour that's ideal for a slinky date night. Nestled comfortably on its drinks list is the shiro miso martini; a boozy creation that blends cognac, whiskey and sweet vermouth with miso, butter, ginger, iodine and orange.
In the martini mood? Then hop on Hawksmoor Bar Wood Wharf - a floating hotspot in Canary Wharf. Sit on the swoon-worthy terrace or inside space, where you can quaff the signature cocktail, all while trying out the melt-in-the-mouth steak menu.
Nestled in the heart of Clapton, Dovetail Bar serves up a warm, inviting atmosphere where creativity flows as freely as craft cocktails. With a menu that celebrates locally sourced ingredients and expert mixology, this is the perfect spot for an intimate evening out, whether you're sipping on something classic or trying their latest experimental concoction.
If you're looking for a delicious martini, you've come to the right place - sip on The Dirty Martini, featuring Botanist gin, Cocchi Americano and Manzanilla olive brine for just £11.
Whether you're craving a pornstar or espresso martini, you can always rely on The Cocktail Club to secure your fix. With gorgeous locations dotted across the city, from Liverpool Street to Bethnal Green, there's always a hotspot for quaffable concoctions.
Hidden speakeasy Lost Property Office is found tucked away inside BrewDog Waterloo, promising all the 1920s vibes from a dimly lit space that's decked out with vintage touches. That prohibition feel continues into the cocktail list from award-winning bartender Rich Woods, which features the martini roulette - three indistinguishable mini martinis varying in strength and flavour, showing the evolution of this drink into what we know it as today.
Shaken or stirred? Wet or dirty? This North London boozer can do it all. In Homeboy Islington's martinis, they use gin and vodka, focusing on the minerality and salinity everyone loves in a dirty martini. You can grab the Blue Cheese, which offers a luxurious mouth feel and hints of blue cheese, the Strawberry, made with strawberry and salt for a hit of minerality, and the Irish Sea, an umami, coastal concoction featuring kombu.
Famed for their infamous martini trolley, The Connaught is undoubtedly one of our top choices when it comes to classic cocktails. You'll want to head to the West End favourite early or prepare to wait for a table.
Martinis at Dukes Bar are the stuff of legends, with gin and vermouth seamlessly stirred to liquid perfection. Like yours dry? You've definitely come to the right place. Think swish leather seating and a trolley too.
Not only is this award-winning cocktail bar home to fig leaf sours and flavoured negronis, but the bartenders at Tayer + Elementary also know how to rustle up a mean martini. Make your way to Old Street for impressive sips in a laidback setting, or order takeaway bottles to have at home.
Mayfair and martinis... the two just seem to go hand in hand. Another quality cocktail joint that'll create one exactly to your preferences, The Donovan Bar has you covered whether you like yours with extra vermouth, garnished with an olive or served Vesper style.
Stirring Ketel One Vodka, Golden Levail and seeded vermouth into one heady concoction, the Cereal Martini should be on your must-try list at Lyaness. You'll find the gorgeous pick within Sea Containers hotel along the Thames.
