The best bars in London Bridge

Located next to Borough Market, the acclaimed Swift cocktail bars present two distinct areas – the main bar on the upper level and the Back Pocket downstairs. Each space exudes elegance and a warm atmosphere, with Back Pocket showcasing a variety of expertly crafted cocktails inspired by the local area. Meanwhile, the main bar offers a monthly changing seasonal menu, highlighting ingredients sourced from the nearby market.

If you rock up to The Breakfast Club in London Bridge and ask to be taken to Call Me Mr Lucky, you’ll get led through a secret door straight into a speakeasy-style hidden bar. This dive-style bar has a kitsch interior with dim lighting, fairy lights and an eclectic menu of refreshing cocktails. There’s even a menu centred entirely around tequila.

For something a little fancier, head up to the 31st floor of The Shard where you can wine and dine with incredible views of London’s distant skyline. Their main draw regarding drinks is their variety of contemporary cocktails and an extensive wine list showcasing wines from around the world, with an added focus on French bottles. The food is also excellent, think British cuisine that’s contemporary and creative.

Throughout the week, Vinegar Yard plays host to a range of street-food vendors serving tasty dishes from around the world and a bar pouring pints, cocktails and other drinks. On the weekend, it also turns into a bustling art and flea market selling vintage clothing, collectables, books, art and more. It gets busy on the weekend so it's worth booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

If you’re not coming here for the world-famous jamón that’s dangling from the ceiling of Bar Torzino, then perhaps consider coming for the Spanish wine. Or both. Enjoy a selection of tapas dishes and meat carved right at your table accompanied by a glass or five of fine Spanish wine.

It’s natural wines galore at 40 Maltby Street, an industrial-style spot oozing rustic sophistication. Expect menus scrawled on chalkboards, high-tabled seating and hand-picked bottles of European biodynamic wine sourced from the warehouse of co-owner Raef Hodgson’s boutique wine brand, Gergovie Wines. You can’t book this one, so arrive in good time to avoid being turned away.

The Doodle Bar on Druid Street is tucked away just before Tower Bridge and is an excellent spot to grab a beer and a bite to eat. They’re famous for their legendary Doodle burgers, like the El Dood with smoked applewood cheese, an aged beef patty, chipotle mayonnaise, bacon, and jalapeño relish. They also serve a variety of local craft beers, fine wines and cocktails. The space is roomy, with exposed brick walls and an industrial roof, perfect for a large group of friends.

The Rake is a speciality beer bar where you can explore the world of brewing in an intimate setting. The beers are sourced from all over the world and have a focus on American craft beers. It’s run by the founders of Utobeer, Richard Dinwoodie and Mike Hill, renowned Borough Market beermongers since 1999.

This South Bank bar and restaurant is a neighbourhood favourite, home to a picturesque garden and timber-framed pavilion where you can dine indoors. There's a menu of classic cocktails as well as plenty more adventurous options, beers, soft drinks and a range of spirits. The food menu is served all day and features classic British fare, like fish and chips, and a variety of homemade pizzas.

For all things Spanish head to Bar Daskal in the Borough Yards redevelopment. They serve a variety of Spanish drinks, like sherry, wines and cocktails, including the Agua de Valencia, a Valencian cocktail made with cava or champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin. Enjoy your drinks with some Spanish snacks, like Andalusian olives, meats and cheese.

This wine bar on Union Street is set over two floors of an old industrial building with exposed brickwork and a rustic-chic decor. It’s all about wine here; they stock everything from old and new bottles to ancient and orange. Choose from more than 60 varieties by the glass, or opt for one poured straight from the tap. They also serve a short menu of nibbles, like olives and smoked artichokes.

This spot on Druid Street is part bar, part skate park with a separate drinking area reserved for chugging their home-brewed craft beer, Hop King. It also houses two indoor skating spaces with a 4ft mini ramp, ledges and a quarter pipe for when you're not busy drinking their range of experimental beers.

This Tiki-style bar on Bermondsey Street is set in a Victorian basement kitted out with tropical plants, wicker furniture and atmospheric lighting. They serve a menu of creative cocktails, soft drinks, spirits and wines with a food truck run by the legendary Tigre Tacos, who serve seasonal seafood-based tacos inspired by the sunkissed shores of 70s SoCal.

It might be a little tricky to find the entrance to this hidden rooftop bar (top tip: find the On your Bike cycle shop and the entrance is a few doors down), but once you're there, it's all about the vibes and views. There's a wide range of drinks available, from whisky, gin and rum to beer, wine and shots and an eclectic street food menu of burgers, halloumi fries, sides and more.

Above Borough Market, renowned coffee roasters Grind run a versatile venue that serves as a cocktail bar, espresso bar, and restaurant. Alongside their signature coffee and fresh juices, they offer globally inspired dishes such as polenta fries, breakfast burritos, and pork katsu sandwiches. This industrial-style space ensures there's always something delicious to enjoy, no matter the time of day – though the time of the day here is usually espresso martini o'clock.

Situated in the Southwark Quarter, Arch 33 offers an outdoor bar experience with a Victorian flair, located on the historic low line at the heart of London Bridge. It stands out as a favourite spot for local sports fans and also features a popular pub quiz, complemented by a variety of street food options available on site.

Bermondsey Bierkeller is a lively venue in London, offering an authentic German beer hall experience with communal tables, wooden benches, and Bavarian decor. It features multiple spaces, including a traditional bierkeller and an Alpine-style chalet, complemented by live oompah bands, events, and a menu filled with Bavarian beers and German street food like currywurst and schnitzel. It's especially popular during Oktoberfest.