12 Best Cocktail Bars in London You Need to Visit
Let’s talk about London – a city known for its double-decker buses, uncomfortably long queues, and an absolutely world-class cocktail scene.
This is where mixologists don’t just make drinks; they create tiny, boozy works of art that will make you reconsider what you’ve been sipping at home all these years.
After an exhaustive search (and way too much time spent reading cocktail menus), I’ve curated a list of the 12 best cocktail bars in London.
These spots are guaranteed to shake up your night (see what I did there?) with delicious drinks, killer vibes, and enough variety to keep you coming back for more. Let’s dive into it.
PS: If you cannot travel to London yourself, why not read up on the best London cocktails? Maybe you can try to make a few at home with your own cocktail set!
Connaught Bar – Martini Magic
When you think of luxury and cocktails, Connaught Bar should be the first name that comes to mind.
This isn’t just any cocktail bar in Mayfair; it’s a place where the martini is revered like a fine piece of art.
And rightfully so.
Here, they make their martinis tableside – because why wouldn’t they? You get to choose from a selection of bespoke bitters while they stir your drink to perfection.
It’s like having your own personal bartender, minus the awkward small talk.
But if martinis aren’t your thing (I mean, really?), go for the Mulata Daisy – it’s got rum, lime, and cacao. Think dessert, but with a punch.
Price range: Expect to shell out around £20-£25 per drink, but hey, that’s the price you pay for sipping on a masterpiece.
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Nightjar – Speakeasy with a Side of Jazz
Nightjar is the kind of place you hear whispers about – a hidden, underground speakeasy just off Old Street Roundabout that oozes old-school glamour and live jazz.
It’s got a bit of a “Prohibition-era New York” vibe going on, which means it’s dark, intimate, and feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
Just don’t be surprised when you start half-expecting a gangster to walk in.
Their menu is divided into drinking eras, so whether you want a Prohibition cocktail or something more modern, they’ve got you covered.
Try their signature Nightjar Punch or a classic Post-War Sazerac if you’re feeling fancy.
Price range: £15-£20, which is a small price to pay for time travel via cocktail.
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Bar Termini – Negronis & Espresso Martinis
If you’re looking for a cocktail bar that feels like a Roman holiday but without the flight, head to Bar Termini.
It’s tiny, yes, but its charm is ten times bigger than its square footage. Situated on Old Compton Street in the heart of Soho, this place is all about Italian flair.
It’s where the humble negroni gets elevated to god-like status, with four different versions to choose from. My advice? Try the Negroni Classico first – you’ll thank me later.
And don’t even think about leaving without trying their espresso martini. This isn’t your average caffeine fix; it’s liquid dynamite in a glass.
Price range: £10-£15 – small bar, small prices, big vibes.
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Lyaness – Science Meets Cocktail Brilliance
Lyaness is the brainchild of world-renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, and it’s nothing short of a cocktail laboratory.
This bar, perched inside the Sea Containers Hotel on the South Bank, takes an almost scientific approach to drinks, which is fitting considering the concoctions are as much about the ingredients as they are about the experience.
Their menu revolves around ingredients you’ve probably never heard of, like Infinite Banana (yes, that’s a thing) and Tattie Milk Punch.
Each bizarre-sounding item is paired with a unique cocktail, and it’s surprisingly easy to get lost in the process.
You’ll probably find yourself saying, “I’ll have what they’re having” a few times.
Price range: £15-£20. Experimental drinking doesn’t come cheap, but it’s worth it for the cocktail bragging rights.
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Three Sheets – Minimalist Cocktail Perfection
Three Sheets in Dalston is all about simplicity.
Owned by the Venning brothers, this tiny bar proves that you don’t need a long-winded drinks list to impress.
The minimalist décor and unpretentious vibe make it the kind of place where you can actually taste your drink without being distracted by unnecessary bells and whistles. It’s all about flavour here.
Their French 75, pre-batched and poured from a Champagne bottle, is the stuff of cocktail dreams.
Another must-try? The Salted Espresso Martini, which somehow manages to improve upon a classic.
Price range: £13-£14 – a steal for a place that nails every cocktail on the menu.
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Coupette – East London’s French Connection
Ah, Coupette – where East London’s edgy charm meets Parisian chic. Tucked away in Bethnal Green, this place is as laid-back as it is inventive.
The cocktails are works of art, with many nodding to French flavours. Their most famous creation? The Champagne Piña Colada, which is exactly as magical as it sounds.
If you’re into calvados (French apple brandy), this is the place to go. They’ve got a whole section of the menu dedicated to the stuff, so start with the Apples cocktail and work your way through.
Price range: £10-£15 – not bad at all for an international affair.
The American Bar at The Savoy – Legendary Cocktails, Legendary Bar
You can’t talk about London’s best cocktail bars without mentioning The American Bar at The Savoy.
It’s pretty much a national treasure at this point, with a history as rich as the cocktails themselves.
This bar has been shaking up drinks for over a century, and its classic, old-school elegance remains unmatched.
Their menu is packed with classic cocktails like martinis and negronis, but their new creations (like the Savoy Daisy with gin, citrus, and champagne) hold their own just fine.
Price range: £18-£22. You’re paying for the history, folks.
Happiness Forgets – No Frills, All Flavor
If you’re someone who doesn’t care about fancy décor and just wants a seriously good drink, Happiness Forgets is your spot.
This underground cocktail bar in Hoxton focuses on perfecting the classics, with a few inventive twists thrown in for good measure.
The vibe is relaxed, and the lighting is just right for making you feel like you’re at a secret meeting. Order an Old Fashioned or their take on a negroni and settle in.
Price range: £9-£12. Yes, you read that right – top-tier cocktails without the Mayfair price tag.
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Seed Library – A Shoreditch Hideaway with a Twist
In the basement of One Hundred Shoreditch, you’ll find Seed Library, the brainchild of the cocktail genius Ryan Chetiyawardana (you might know him from Lyaness).
Unlike his other bars, Seed Library leans into simplicity. It’s a laid-back, stripped-back space, perfect for a chilled-out night where the cocktails are the stars of the show.
Think of it as the cool, younger sibling who doesn’t try too hard but always delivers.
Signature drinks include the Coriander Seed Gimlet (gin and coriander seed cordial) and the Chive Daiquiri, a funky twist on the classic rum cocktail that’ll make you rethink what a daiquiri should be.
Price range: £12-£14 – refreshing, much like the cocktails themselves.
Nine Lives – Sustainability Meets Cocktails in London Bridge
If saving the planet one drink at a time sounds like your vibe, Nine Lives in London Bridge is your eco-friendly cocktail haven.
This basement bar is big on sustainability – they repurpose cocktail scraps into candles and even make their own soap.
It’s got a casual, tropical feel with plenty of leafy plants and relaxed seating.
On the menu, you’ll find concoctions like the Strawberry Feels, made with strawberry, Campari, and their house-made limoncello, or the Lemon Song, which is as zesty as it sounds.
Price range: £10-£13 – guilt-free cocktails that won’t break the bank.
The 40 Elephants – A Taste of Roaring Twenties Glam
Tucked away inside The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, The 40 Elephants brings all the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, inspired by an infamous all-female gang that ruled the London crime scene back in the day.
It’s all about rebellious sophistication here, with plush seating, art deco design, and a drinks list that makes you feel like you’re in a classic heist film.
Cocktails like the Bobbed-hair Bandit (plum, red wine, and champagne) and Daring Diva (mezcal, grapefruit, and bitters) give a nod to the gang’s bold escapades.
Price range: £16-£20 – a small price to pay for a little outlaw glamour.
Swift Soho – Effortlessly Cool & Cocktail Heaven
If you’re in the mood for a bar that perfectly marries elegant cocktails with a laid-back atmosphere, Swift Soho is a must.
Located on Old Compton Street, Swift is the kind of place that doesn’t shout for your attention – it just knows it’s one of the best.
Split over two floors, the upstairs has a buzzy, café-style vibe, while downstairs is a more intimate, speakeasy setting where the magic really happens.
Their cocktail menu strikes the perfect balance between innovative and classic, with their Negroni and Casablanca being fan favorites.
The Irish Coffee, however, is an absolute showstopper – many say it’s one of the best in London. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or a gin lover, Swift’s extensive drinks list will have something to dazzle you.
Price range: Cocktails typically cost £10-£15, which is a steal for drinks this good.
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