Cool bars in Covent Garden

The 10 Cases is a Covent Garden bistro founded in 2011, which offers ever-changing wines by limiting each selection to ten cases. The Bistrot a Vin serves French-inspired small plates in a relaxed setting, while the adjacent Cave a Vin, a wine bar and shop, features over 300 bottles with cheese and charcuterie for walk-in guests.

Le Beaujolais is a historic French wine bar where guests can enjoy an authentic slice of French culture in a charming setting adorned with ties and tankards suspended from the ceiling. There's a curated wine list that showcases the distinct character of each French wine region, as well as a bar that serves a variety of small plates and hearty mains.

Side Hustle is a stylish cocktail bar and restaurant located in the NoMad hotel in Covent Garden, offering Latin American-inspired dishes like tacos, tostadas, and ceviche. The real star, however, is its expertly crafted cocktails, featuring a diverse selection of agave-based spirits in both classic and signature options.

The Phoenix Arts Club is a buzzy members' club centered around the exciting world of theater. For those who aren't members, you can still enjoy individual shows in the lively Art Deco space, where a fabulous range of performances takes place. Don't miss out on their late-night cocktail bar and the delicious pizzas they serve during the shows.

Oriole's upstairs bar is ideal for pre-theatre drinks, while the downstairs stage features live jazz, world music, and cabaret. The menu ranges from steak to snacks like devilled eggs and kimchi-katsu sandwiches, enjoyed alongside a diverse cocktail menu, including mezcal-based options.

The Delaunay serves classic European dishes like schnitzels, bratwurst, stroganoff, and confit of duck in a setting inspired by Central Europe's grand cafés. It's open daily from breakfast to late night and also offers a selection of classic and signature cocktails from its bar.

Lady of the Grapes is a cosy wine bar and French restaurant specialising in organic, biodynamic, and natural wines, with a focus on female producers. They offer 25 wines by the glass or carafe and 200 by the bottle, pairing its selections with a seasonal small plates menu. There's also a wine shop wall to browse.

Stereo is a stylish, Parisian-inspired bar perfect for evening drinks and late-night entertainment. Chef Andrew Clarke of Acme Fire Cult has created an American-inspired menu here, alongside house drinks from local breweries and distilleries. There's also live music, either from the house band or resident DJs, that sets the mood every night.

Freud Bar on Shaftesbury Avenue was founded in 1986 and is renowned for its delicious cocktails and snazzy art. The bar offers an extensive selection of drinks, from classic cocktails to unique options that are only available here. There's an upbeat, lively atmosphere, as well as great music and a rotating monthly art exhibition.

CellarDoor is an intimate 1930s Berlin-meets-NYC bar beneath Aldwych Street, offering nightly entertainment, including live music, cabaret, burlesque, drag shows, and more. You can sip on classic cocktails, house specials, and a selection of spirits, wine, and beer here. They even sell snuff!

The Escapologist is a cool subterranean bar with unique Victorian-inspired decor and a lively vibe. It specialises in expertly crafted cocktails, from unique options to classics like mojitos and margaritas. The bar also offers a variety of other drinks, along with bottomless brunch and happy hour deals

Eve Bar is located beneath chef Adam Handling's flagship restaurant, Frog, which brings his signature focus on premium British ingredients to the art of cocktail-making. This dimly lit, stylish venue in Covent Garden serves expertly crafted, luxurious drinks in a trendy, modern space. The ingredients that can't be used on the main Frog menu are repurposed to create snacks and smaller dishes for Eve, with the remaining parts forming the foundation of the cocktails.

La Compagnie is located in the colourful Neal's Yard and is a paradise for wine lovers, offering over 400 bottles with a focus on French wines and champagne. The stylish, contemporary bar houses an impressive selection, with wines available by the glass for those wanting to sample a variety. There's a bunch of tempting snacks like cheese and charcuterie also available to go alongside your drinks.

Inspired by Jules Verne's 'Around the World in 80 Days', Mr Fogg's Tavern is as quirky as its protagonist, Phileas Fogg. The interior is filled with hanging plants, travel mementos, and global souvenirs, which pay homage to all of his epic adventures. Cocktails are themed around his journeys, and a selection of classic pub grub is available to enjoy with your drinks.