If you're looking for the best cocktail bars to visit in London, look no further. In the 11th edition of The World's 50 Best Bars — which is "an annual ranking of bars as voted for by more than 500 drinks experts around the world," according to the organisation's website and released back in October — a whopping one-fifth of them were located in London.
You need to check out this list if you're planning a trip to London and want to make sure you're visiting the finest cocktail bars the capital has to offer, or you live there and want to know some of the hottest spots in your home city (or need some ideas to spice up date night). There's not only something for everyone and every taste — from opulent and luxurious surroundings and vintage vibes, to minimalist, zero-waste sustainability — but the list also offers spots in nearly every central neighbourhood, from Mayfair and Marylebone, to South Bank and Bethnal Green.
Located inside the swanky Connaught Hotel, the Connaught Bar has an equally as elegant, vintage aesthetic. The decor takes inspiration from 1920's English and Cubist art, while the mixologists serve up timeless as well as modern cocktails.
The American Bar at The Savoy is one of the capital's oldest cocktail bars, having been serving them since 1893. The name originates from the American style drinks that made the bar popular at the time.
As the name suggests, Coupette is inspired by French café culture. Another bar relatively new on the block (opening in 2017,) the emphasis on minimalism — both in drinks and surroundings — has already made Coupette an international cocktail destination.
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Three Sheets is relatively new, having opened in 2016. However, the Dalston café/bar has certainly been making waves, having already made it to the list of best bars in the world.
Situated at The Langham London hotel in Marylebone, not only will you be able to sip your drinks within beautiful surroundings at Artesian but you'll also find a relaxed and fun atmosphere, where all of the staff get involved with the cocktail-making process. Artesian prides themselves on a minimalist cocktail menu, where the staff combine a group experimenting and tasting effort, to ensure the flavours speak for themselves.
Artesian at The Langham London
1C Portland Place
London W1B 1JA
Everything about Scout shouts simplicity, from its no nonsense ethos of zero waste and sustainability, to its unforgettable cocktails. Foraged food also steps up the eco-friendly factor.
Overlooking the Thames in the Sea Containers building, Lyaness offers up a glamorous, midcentury vibe with its signature decor of blue walls and banquettes and opulent marble. The bar has something to offer everybody: you can be served afternoon tea, or dance with your cocktails at weekends when the DJs are delivering bangers.
Lyaness
20 Upper Ground
South Bank, London SE1 9PD
7 / 10
8Happiness Forgets
Image Source: Happiness Forgets
This underground speakeasy has been serving up fine cocktails for a decade. The aim is for a relaxed and of course happy vibe that you definitely won't be forgetting. This fun bar has attracted travellers from all over the world.
Separated into an upstairs and a downstairs bar, Swift Bar in Soho caters to many needs. The upstairs is for walk in customers, and is a popular pre- and post-theatre destination. The downstairs bar boasts over 250 whiskies to try, along with a more extensive cocktail list. The downstairs also takes bookings, and you can relax to live jazz and blues on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Found just off of Regent Street, underneath a Moroccan restaurant, you'll find Kwānt. It has a vintage 1940s tropical feel, with waiters in white jackets serving the exceptional cocktails, adding to the retro-glamorous vibe.
Kwant
23-25 Heddon Street
Mayfair, London, W1B 4BH
