Guide to the best bars in Victoria

A breezy spot with Scandi style, No 11 Pimlico Road is a top destination for drinks and all-day dining. The large and distinctive windows here let in plenty of light. In this airy venue you can try well-considered cocktails and a global wine list. Brunch is served each day, plus internationally-inspired recipes.

Wine drinkers should check out Vagabond, an earthy and cosy space 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 buy your favourite 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. Try upscale cocktails paired with dim sum in the bar, or head to the restaurant, which serves crowd-pleasing dishes with varied global influences.

Spacious sports bar Greenwood occupies a convenient location minutes from Victoria station. There’s a lively atmosphere and a vintage-style pub look. 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.

Located amidst the hubbub of Victoria station, Sports Bar and Grill is a sleek and modern place to relax. Tables have uninterrupted views of the big screens so you don’t miss any of the action. Pub grub is available all day, including for breakfast, and drinks include lively cocktails, beer, and wine.

Whisky drinkers should get over to Boisdale of Belgravia, which has a proudly-Scottish identity. At this lively venue you can enjoy jazz every night or relax on the cigar terrace. There are two whisky bars on-site and cocktails and wine are served too. Fine food made with Scottish ingredients is also served here.

Check out The Goring Cocktail Bar 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.

For a bar with extra fun thrown in, try Flight Club. The classic game darts gets a contemporary makeover here. In the classy and cosy bar you’ll get a semi-private playing space with a state-of-the-art darts board. Cocktails are available to help you loosen up and sharing platters are there if you’re hungry.

Purgatory Bar may look usual 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.

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

Set in a prime London location, Bbar is a trendy destination for meals as well as just for drinks. This place celebrates South African culture, with decor featuring animal print and sculptures. Live DJs keep the mood going. Drinks focus on contemporary signature cocktails and sophisticated wines, and there’s refined food too.

Sports fans should check out Rileys Sports Bar, one of central London’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 simple and classic-looking place with a full range of drinks and food served all day.

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 Victoria. Daiquiris and other cocktails are the focus of the drinks menu and every weekend there's a bottomless brunch.