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Food and Drink
Best cocktail bars in London: 16 cool spots in the city to visit now
By Hollie Richardson &Leah Sinclair
2 years ago
9 min read
Looking for the perfect cocktail hotspot this winter? We’ve rounded up some of the best cocktail bars in London to book now.
As spring truly sets in, there’s nothing like hitting up a fun bar for drinks with friends.
Whether your tipple of choice is a margarita or a whisky on the rocks, London offers a wide variety of cocktail bars offering immersive experiences to chic, little-known spots that are great no matter your preference.
And if you’re looking to expand beyond your usual haunts, we’ve found a selection of cocktail bars offering a fun and creative menu that will make you want to visit this winter.
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The Nest
Cocktails, good music and a gorgeous view are what you’ll find at The Nest, a rooftop bar located at The Treehouse Hotel.
Based in Oxford Circus, the rustic-chic rooftop venue is filled with greenery, while surrounded by 360 views of the city which will be the perfect backdrop to your night out.
Guests can enjoy a variety of cocktails, from the balmy bellini to the berry mojito, along with some small plates as the DJ spins some of the best R&B, hip-hop and house music to get you dancing.
Right now, guests will also get to see ‘The Tree Canopy’, a specially curated light installation by British sculptor and light artist Raphael Daden.
Alongside the installation, a trio of delicious Casamigos Blanco cocktails are on offer, including The Nest picante, a rhubarb margarita, and the perfect pair, created with Casamigos Blanco, lime juice, agave and pear puree, garnished with rose petals.
The Standard, London
If there’s one buzzy hotspot worth visiting in London, it’s The Standard. The iconic hotel is known for its fabulous brunches and various happenings and is often filled with cool kids who descend on Kings Cross for a night of drinks, good music and great vibes.
And if you’re looking for the perfect spot to start with, we recommend visiting Sweeties – the 10th-floor hotspot in The Standard that offers a curated selection of cocktails with a twist.
Each cocktail is designed to do one of three things: up your spirits, ease yourself into the night or get you feeling “trippy” with a cocktail dedicated to uplifting your “mind, body and soul”.
Set against a chic discotheque-inspired backdrop with fabulous views of the city, Sweeties is the perfect spot to indulge in some delectable mood-boosting cocktails (with some including nootropics and adaptogens) while catching up with friends in the atmospheric space.
Standout cocktails include the Purple Rain – a complex and aromatic drink complete with Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, salted plum, amazake, cherry bark and blossom wine. If you’re looking for something with a fruity twist, No Whey José will do the job, thanks to the mix of Volcán De Mi Tierra Blanco tequila, strawberry, red rice, rose, and velvety salted hot coconut foam.
With a great drinks selection, decor and top DJs to keep you dancing into the wee hours, Sweeties definitely gets our thumb of approval.
Nightjar
Transport yourself back in time with Nightjar – the speakeasy-style bar in the heart of Carnaby Street.
As you descend down the staircase of this secluded bar, which is tucked snugly under Kingly Court, you’ll find yourself entering a space which is a slice of old-school glamour, complete with a cracking cocktail menu and live music that only adds to the effortlessly cool atmosphere.
Along with a selection of delicious contemporary tapas on offer, guests can enjoy a night of jazz, blues, ragtime funk and swing, with performances going on late into the night.
La Goccia
Set in the heart of Covent Garden, La Goccia is a stunning restaurant and bar that is perfect for catching up with friends over classic cocktails and delicious small plates.
Guests can cosy up in the secluded space which is tucked away behind a dark velvet curtain while nibbling on hummus with pinzimonio, bresaola, rocket and aged parmesan and its signature cocktails including the aromatic spritz and my particular favourite, the mai tai with white aged rum, bitter almond, citrus and orange liquor.
No matter the season, La Goccia is the perfect location for buzzy after-work drinks or a last-minute date night, making it an all-around great bar to visit.
Opium
Located in the heart of Soho’s Chinatown, Opium is a dramatic and sophisticated 1920s Shanghai-themed cocktail bar and dim sum parlour. Split across two floors, there are actually three oriental-themed bars with different vibes and menus: Academy Bar, Apothecary Bar and Peony Bar. There is also a cocktail club and you can book cocktail masterclasses.
The incredible menu features Chasing The Dragon (brandy, kumquat, chilli, bitters, pineapple, cardamom, quinine and salt) and Cloud of Pearls (vodka, jackfruit, lemonbalm, yuzu, goji and hibiscus 13).
Funkidory
Run by Sergio and Anna (and their little one, Cleo!), Funkidory is an independent cocktail bar in Peckham. Inside the friendly and intimate lounge, expect to chill out with a carefully curated playlist of funk, hip hop and soul music.
The bar, which was recently refurbished, boasts a brilliant range of drinks that include local brands like Gosnells mead and Kanpai sake.
The cocktail menu includes the Rye Lane (rye whiskey, dry vermouth, fennel seeds syrup and giarraffa olive brine) and the Persian Daiquiri (Cuban-style rum, saffron liqueur, rose petal cordial).
The Blind Pig
Hidden above The Social Eating House in Soho, you will discover the The Blind Pig, an award-winning bar with a relaxed, speakeasy vibe. The menu features creative and technical cocktails inspired by fictional lands everywhere, giving you the chance to travel through Springfield to Atlantis and Far Far Away to Wonderland.
Try the Lost Martini of Atlantis (cucumber gin, kombu vermouth, sesame, house brine and elderflower) or the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Manhattan (tea-infused bourbon and rye, sweet vermouths, peach and Peychaud’s bitters – served with cake).
NBHD
NBHD (or Neighbourhood Portobello) is the latest buzzy cocktail bar and restaurant to land on Ladbroke Grove.
A mere stone’s throw away from Notting Hill’s trendy Portobello Road, the new South American inspired dining and drinking concept is brought to you by an all-star team of alumni from some of the most iconic London venues, including Soho House and Bodega Negra, so it’s likely to be on the hit list of foodie and cocktail enthusiasts all over the Capital.
The cocktail menu boasts an impressive array of exotic cocktails to sip on as the sun goes down over West London, including the Balsazar Rose Spritz and the Strawberry & Jalapeno Margarita.
Tonight Josephine
Named after Joséphine de Beauharnais, Tonight Josephine embodies the empress’s “well-behaved women don’t make history” mantra. There are two neon-lit venues, in Waterloo and Shoreditch, where you can enjoy themed brunches, afternoon tea and burlesque balls (Britney Brunch, anybody?).
The cocktail menu includes the Neverland (Midori melon liqueur, Lillet Blanc, citrus and passion fruit) and the Rhubarb and Custard (Absolut vodka, strawberry and rhubarb blend, egg white and vanilla, topped with soda).
Little Nan's Bar
Little Nan’s Bar is Deptford’s kitsch and cool cocktail go-to. The owner opened the bar in honour of their late nan, with a mission to spoil guests with a nostalgic homely environment where friends and local residents can spend time meeting the amazing community of Deptford. Expect leopard print walls, photographs of Pat Butcher and 70s lampshades.
The teapot cocktails are legendary, with flavours including the Lady Bet Lynch (London gin, elderflower, fresh lime and prosecco) and the Sexy Frank Butcher (Scotch whiskey, fresh ginger, lime juice, ginger beer).
Mrs Riot
Mrs Riot is Covent Garden’s new ode to Kitty Clive, a pioneering feminist who transformed the London scene in the 1700s. This bistro and cocktail bar offers live entertainment every day of the week, such as drag queen brunches, jazz music and Latin music. And just look at how Instagram feed-friendly the decor is. The avant-garde interiors were designed by award-winning Hollywood film designer Sonja Klaus.
The cocktail menu boasts signature mixes including The White Geisha (Haku vodka, Kazuko bitter blossom, yuzu, and peach and jasmine tonic) and The Great Garrick (cucumber, Tapatio tequila, Green Chartreuse, Italicus, and elderflower caviar).
34 Mayfair
Not only has the swanky 34 Mayfair just launched their Palm-Spring inspired outdoor terrace, alongside a brand new limited edition pink cocktail menu, they’ve also recently launched a new menu celebrating iconic celebrities.
Our favourites include the “Titanic” Leonardo DiCaprio martini, a refreshing lemongrass vodka and Vermouth concoction, complete with miniature “iceberg”(off course), as well as The Barack Obama “Yes We Can” bourbon cocktail. If neither of those take your fancy, there is always the Miss Piggy “C’est Moi” classic French Martini.
The Last Tuesday Society
Looking for something a bit different? The Last Tuesday Society on Mare Street in Hackney is certainly that. The bar is also an absinthe parlour and home to an obscure museum of weird and wonderful things that you can peruse while waiting for your drink to be served.
Taking inspiration from London’s 18th century apothecaries, the menu includes the Amoro Amore (house Amaro blend, coffee liqueur, Devil’s Botany London absinthe, Roasting Shed coffee, demerara and sea salt) and the London Absinthe Spritz (Devil’s Botany London absinthe, prosecco, elderflower and The London Essence soda water).
Callooh Callay
Callooh Callay is an award-winning Shoreditch spot that’s been serving some of London’s most renowned cocktails since 2008. It also has locations in Islington and Chelsea.
Expect a cool and classy environment, with an exciting drinks menu that you’ll spend ages perusing and trying to decide on. It includes The Wave (Tapatio Blanco tequila Wray And Nephew rum, Blue Curacao, lime, bubble gum and coconut water) and The High Five (Discarded Banana rum, Rumbar Gold rum, Bacardi Carta Blanco rum, sugar and lemon).
Oriole Bar
Based in Smithfield Market, The Oriole combines “beguiling décor with enthralling refreshments and glowing hospitality”. There is often live jazz music in the evenings, helping to create the perfect laidback but glamorous atmosphere.
The drinks menu is inspired by stories from across the world, and it will make you dizzy with excitement. And, when your choice is served, you’ll probably just spend a good 10 minutes staring at the incredible creation in front of you.
Try the Daintree Collins (O’ndina Gin, eucalyptus and peach wine and clear pink lady juice) and the Cape Verde (Plymouth gin, white port, buchu leaf, grapefruit liqueur and sherry tonic).
Blame Gloria
Part of the growing Adventure Bar venues, Blame Gloria is a super fun spot in Covent Garden. Expect disco brunches, cocktail making classes and social clubs. The cocktail menu features the Summertime Fun (rosé wine, Passoa passion fruit liqueur and lemon juice) and the Prom Queen mocktail (passion fruit and vanilla blend, pineapple and citrus juices, and non-alcoholic prosecco).
The Lost Alhambra
Hidden downstairs in a Leicester Square venue, The Lost Alhambra is a theatre that dates back to 1854. The leading ladies of the stage would descend underground after their performances to eat oysters, drink champagne and flirt. And that’s exactly what you can continue doing there today.
The bar also puts on live performances and drag brunches for you to enjoy while sipping on a classic cocktail, such as the Porn Star Martini (vanilla-infused Eristoff vodka, passion fruit liqueur, apple juice, vanilla and prosecco) and the Pisco Inferno (pisco, passionfruit, peach liqueur, vanilla and ginger ale).
Images: Getty; courtesy of venues
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