The best bars in Victoria

Victoria bar and restaurant The Palm House takes inspiration from Cuba and Miami and has a retro feel with a dusky colour scheme and leafy palms. Come in for drinks or food with fab views of the area. Daiquiris and other cocktails are the focus of the drinks menu, and there's a bottomless brunch every weekend.

Purgatory Bar may look ordinary from the outside, but inside you'll find a richly decorated cocktail bar with inspirations from Gaudi. With comfortable seating and imaginative architecture, it's a fun place to enjoy one of the elaborate signature drinks here. There's also a challenging escape room on-site if you'd prefer more action.

Spacious sports bar Greenwood occupies a convenient location just minutes from Victoria Station. There's a lively atmosphere and a vintage-style pub look here. while the many flatscreen TVs dotted around mean it's great for watching the big match. Draft lager, signature cocktails, and pub food like burgers and wings are on the menu.

Check out The Goring Cocktail Bar in Victoria for a lively cocktail setting. Part of the luxurious Goring Hotel, the space is dominated by a grand piano, with live music played by the resident pianist. On the drinks list you'll see classic cocktails as well as original mixes. Light bar snacks are also available.

Wine drinkers should check out Vagabond, an earthy and cosy Victoria wine bar with lots of wood and shelves stacked with wine bottles. More than 100 wines are served by the glass, paired with sharing plates like hummus and cheeseboards. This bar is also a bottle shop, so  you can buy your favourite vintage to savour at home.

For cocktails and Asian cuisine, try The Soak. This is a bar and restaurant in a Grade II-listed building with a sophisticated, eclectic style and a distinctive oval bar. You can try upscale cocktails paired with dim sum in the bar, or head to the restaurant, which serves crowd-pleasing dishes with varied global influences.

Whisky drinkers should get over to Boisdale of Belgravia, which has a proud Scottish identity. At this lively Victoria bar and restaurant you can enjoy jazz every night or relax on the cigar terrace. There are two whisky bars to chooose from on-site and cocktails and wine are served too. If you're feeling peckish, sit at a table and enjoy some authentic Scottish food.

For a Victoria bar with extra fun thrown in, try Flight Club, where the classic game darts gets a contemporary makeover. You can book a semi-private playing space with a state-of-the-art dartboard in this classy bar. Cocktails are available to help you loosen up, as well as sharing platters if you're hungry – you can enjoy them both right there in your oche.

You can check out live piano music and enjoy a few drinks at Vic's Bar at the Park Plaza hotel. Food and cocktails are served until late at this modern Victoria bar, which has plenty of space for relaxation. As well as creative cocktails, there's a varied food menu and dishes just for children are available too.

BAM Karaoke Box came to Victoria from Paris, bringing its high-end spin on karaoke to the city. Boasting the title of Europe's largest karaoke venue, it features over 20 private booths and a central stage for live performances by seasoned singers. Here, karaoke gets an elegant makeover – the atmosphere is sleek and lively, blending modern design with an upscale menu that includes gourmet bites like caviar and artisanal flatbreads.

Set in a prime location, Bbar is a trendy destination for meals as well as just for drinks. This Victoria bar celebrates South African culture, with decor featuring animal print and sculptures. Live DJs keep the mood going, while the drinks offering focuses on signature contemporary cocktails and sophisticated wines. Refined food is served too.

Sports fans should check out Rileys, one of Victoria's premier destinations for live sport. Play American or British pool, snooker, and darts here, or watch the big match on a HD screen. It's a casual and classic-looking place, with a full range of drinks and food served all day.