London is filled with glamorous hotels, delicious restaurants, and tons of incredible cultural activities, so it only makes sense that you’ll want to grab a cocktail (or two) after a day of exploring. During your hop across the pond, these are the best bars in London.
Lyaness
From the creator of one of the world’s best bars, Lyaness uses science and creativity to create incredible cocktails. The South London hotspot is housed within the Sea Containers Hotel. Its menu, dubbed Ancestral Cookbook, focuses on five core ingredients, which are utilized across 15 cocktails. Consider trying Thunder Mushrooms, a concoction of grains, legumes, and koji spores that’s been fermented and zapped by a car battery.
The Berkeley Bar & Terrace
Known as one of the most stylish bars in London, The Berkeley Bar and Terrace is a fabulous spot to enjoy spirits of all kinds. While sitting at the cozy spot, you’ll discover vintage champagnes, small-batch rums, short runs, and limited editions alongside classic favorites.
Scarfes Bar
With a selection of innovative cocktails, it’s no surprise that Scarfes Bar is one of the most popular. The bar takes its name from famed cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, featuring velvet armchairs, warm wood tones, walls adorned with artwork from Scarfe, and shelves stocked up with 1,000 antique books. Also worth noting: the spot continuously secures a spot on the list of the World’s Best Bars.
The Coral Room
Inside the prestigious Bloomsbury Hotel in Soho, The Coral Room is known for its bold colors, a mix of patterns, and statement pieces, including five bespoke Murano glass chandeliers. The cocktails are as brilliant as the design, and you can order off the menu or get a recommendation based on your personal taste. However, the sparkling wine menu, one of the longest in London, is the true star of the show.
The Painter’s Room, Clardige’s
Decked out in 1930s photos from the hotel’s archive, pale pink onyx, and a colorful mural by British artist Annie Morris, The Painter’s Room is a feast for the eyes. The spot is housed within the iconic Claridge’s Hotel and offers an impressive drink menu. With an emphasis on cocktails, the menu is inspired by the culture, art, and design of Europe. One standout drink is the Saint Remy, a take on a martini that’s inspired by Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom.
Doña
Tucked away in a basement, Doña calls itself a ‘mezcal and music’ bar. The venue is home to a whole host of brilliant shows, ranging from cabaret to live music performances. Time your visit with a great show, so you can sip a Mezcal-based creation while watching one of the iconic productions.
Blame Gloria
With a location in Covent Garden, Blame Gloria is a trendy cocktail spot with a lively atmosphere. Named after a fictitious character called Gloria, it embodies her ‘party girl’ spirit with an eclectic decor. The spot is renowned for its cocktails and has everything from classic favorites to out-of-the-box concoctions.
42
A polished cocktail menu is the trademark of 42, which features just eight signature and classic cocktails. Plush couches, cozy corners, and museum-worthy art are all part of the experience, which aims to bring a bit of India’s club culture to London. You’ll want to ask for the DGC Bitter Lemon, a drink that mixes citrus fruit with gin, cinchona bark, and a little bit of curry leaf.
Dandy Bar
An iconic Mayfair jaunt, the Dandy Bar is housed within the Mayfair Townhouse. Once inside, it feels like a private members club with dim lighting and velvet touches. The spot draws inspiration from the British Dandy actors and serves up some of the best classic and inventive cocktails.
The Green Bar
Tucked away on the corner of Regent Street, the Green Bar is housed in the timeless Hotel Café Royal. With an absinthe-forward menu, it has masterfully blended cocktails of botanical elixirs. In addition, you’ll also find signature craft cocktails, non-alcoholic options, and an extensive list of whiskeys. While you’re sipping, snack on inventive bites like the buttermilk fried chicken bites, truffle and comté cheese toast, or seasonal vegetable rolls.
