The best bars in East London

Aba-Ra! is a relaxed Georgian spot tucked along bustling Brick Lane, pairing easygoing Shoreditch energy with big flavours from the Caucasus. The East London bar and restaurant shines a spotlight on Georgian winemaking, a tradition that stretches back millennia, pouring everything from crisp whites to earthy reds. As you sip, you can tuck into generous, mezze-like plates of comforting Georgian dishes.

Tayēr + Elementary in Shoreditch was created by renowned bartenders Alex Kratena and Monica Berg and impressively ranked #2 on the world's best bars list in 2022. The front, Elementary, is a casual, industrial-style bar with quick, pre-bottled drinks like the One-Sip Martini. Tayēr offers an innovative cocktail experience in the back, where drinks are crafted with seasonal ingredients in a sleek, lab-like setting. 

Often touted as one of the world’s best bars, Happiness Forgets is a compact basement venue that’s sleek and polished. Despite this, it still has a warm and casual ambience. Mixology is taken seriously here, with new takes on the classics and staff who’ll mix up something unique according to your preferences.

Found has a speakeasy style and might be difficult to locate. Once you’re there you’ll find a basement cocktail den across four rooms. Decor is sparse and feels humble. Guests can sample a concise choice of classic cocktails with interesting twists, but you can also request a drink that’s off the list.

Satan’s Whiskers isn’t a space for smooth jazz and exclusivity – it’s actually well-known for its hip hop playlist and inclusive feel, making it one of London’s leading bars. This neighbourhood venue has a unique interior with taxidermy, exposed brick, and retro posters, as well as a stylish drinks list that’s sure to impress.

Minimalist and utilitarian, A Bar with Shapes for a Name redefines what a bar can be and is considered a world-leader. The Bauhaus-inspired venue serves a limited cocktail selection, mixing drinks up in just 60 seconds. Ingredients are selected through blind tasting and it works – some of these mixes are award winners.

You can't miss Diddy's baby pink and green shop front, located on trendy Mare Street in Hackney. This bar and restaurant offers a range of cocktails, wine, beer, and spirits, complemented by a simple menu of small plates. It's owned by Diddy Valley, who has dreamed of running a bar since childhood. The space is more than just a bar and café—it's also a store stocking various high-quality products from independent suppliers.

Get a piece of cocktail history at Nightjar. At this refined venue you can dive into trying cocktails from throughout the ages, plus vintage spirits dating back to the 1930s. Unique sharing cocktails add to the fun here. Relax and listen to live jazz and blues at this late-night venue.

Oranj is an independent natural wine retailer in Shoreditch that's become the area's first natural wine bar. They specialise in low-intervention, organic wines and also serve Lambic beer, cocktails, and other drinks. You can enjoy your drinks with food from a rotating kitchen residency.

With views of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, Jin Bo Law is a glamorous rooftop destination for a drink. Themed events and parties take place here regularly, creating a space for indulgence. Think sophisticated champagne parties, inventive cocktails, and authentic spirits from Asia, paired with unbeatable views.

Three Sheets might be understated but it’s a major name on the London cocktail scene. Menus are deliberately concise – three sheets of three drinks, hence the name. The options change weekly, delivering fresh tastes and sophisticated combinations of ingredients. The venue is compact but the drinks undoubtedly have the wow-factor.

Considered one of the world’s best bars, award-winning venue Coupette is based in Bethnal Green. This moodily-lit space is full of French influences, whilst still maintaining its London identity. Expect sophisticated cocktails, crafted with care, plus live music and special events including masterclasses and guest shifts from world-leading mixologists.

Lounge Bohemia is a secretive cocktail bar with tons of character. You’ll have to make an appointment to enter the intimate space with Soviet-era decor, but once in you can relax on sofas and recliners. The cocktails are theatrical, blending molecular mixology, flamboyant presentation and bold flavours to create a unique drinking experience.

Passione Vino isn't hard to find with its bright blue facade, and the interior is just as eccentric, featuring three floors of bold wallpaper and quirky decor. It was founded by Italian wine expert Luca Dusi and offers a curated selection of wines, including biodynamic bottles. You'll also find classic Italian dishes like creamy carbonara and hearty lasagne to complement the wines.

Visit Hacha to discover London’s first bar specialising in tequila and mezcal. This warm and homey setting has been voted one of the best bars in the country. You can enjoy a variety of fine spirits and cocktails, including the Mirror Margarita, voted as one of the best cocktails in the world.

Hackney’s Behind This Wall is certainly hip but is also relaxed and without pretentions. This chilled basement cocktail bar has a custom-built vintage sound system and no fixed menu. Just tell the skilled bar staff what you fancy and they’ll either make it or suggest an alternative to tickle your tastebuds.

From the outside, this hidden spot looks more like a rundown warehouse than a bustling bar. But step through the small black door, and you'll find a cosy spot serving classic cocktails, spinning vintage rock 'n' roll, and even hosting occasional tours that explore the dark history of the area's infamous figure, Jack the Ripper.

Repeatedly named as the best specialist bar in the country, Black Rock is a destination for whisky aficionados and beginners. Aimed at making the drink accessible, you can sample whisky cocktails and a variety of grain spirits by the dram. This slick and cosy venue also hosts experiences like a blending masterclass.

Dandelyan and Lyaness are considered some of the world’s best cocktail bars, and Seed Library is another venture from the man behind these venues. Both the setting and drinks list are pared-back, with a changing selection that puts a signature twist on classic cocktails. DJ sets keep things going at weekends.

If you want cocktails with warm and welcoming service, you’ll enjoy The Cocktail Trading Co. The team here go the extra mile to show customers a good time. At this cosy spot you can order a classic mix, a signature concoction, or an off-the-menu favourite and the staff will whip it up.