The best cocktail bars in Covent Garden

Renowned for its pre-theatre dining offer and elevated British comfort food, Cora Pearl is also a great place to grab just a cocktail before – or after – catching a show. Behind its marble-topped bar, the experienced bartender can whip you up a classic serve or one of the signature house cocktails like the Bad Kitty, made with two kinds of gin, elderflower, lemon, and cava.

At Gilgamesh, the striking Babylonian-inspired interiors set the stage for standout cocktails in Covent Garden. Boasting a luxurious setting with dark woods, bronze carvings, and lush foliage, the bar serves expertly crafted cocktails alongside a hand-picked global wine list, making it a prime spot for both pre-dinner drinks and late-night indulgence. As the evening progresses, resident DJs transform the venue into a lively party destination.

The Osteria by Bocconcino restaurant and bar in Covent Garden combines ocean-inspired elegance with a red-hued cocktail bar. Alongside a menu rich in pastas, risottos, and other Italian classics, guests can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails by mixologist Rahyket Cedeno, served beneath the steely gaze of Testa di Moro statues. Whether you're settling in for a long lunch or kicking off the evening with drinks at the bar, the atmosphere is effortlessly chic and welcoming.

Eve is Adam Handling's first stand-alone bar, under the flagship restaurant Frog, in Covent Garden. This dimly lit, stylish bar brings his signature focus on the finest British ingredients to the art of cocktail-making. 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.

Phoenix Arts Club is a lively members' club that embraces all things cabaret and theatrical. While it's primarily a members-only spot, non-members can book tickets for individual shows. The venue offers a lively, Art Deco setting for a variety of live performances alongside a late-night cocktail bar. Guests can also tuck into delicious pizzas here.

Side Hustle, located inside the NoMad Hotel in Covent Garden, is a chic cocktail bar and restaurant serving a fusion of Latin American-inspired cuisine and drinks. The menu is chock-full of a variety of small snacks and more substantial dishes, such as tacos, tostadas, and ceviche. However, the real standout is the cocktail menu, which focuses on agave-based spirits from the venue's impressive collection. The bartenders here serve up everything from classic cocktails to unique house creations.

Oriole is a Latin-inspired bar that provides a laid-back space for pre-theatre drinks, while the downstairs stage hosts live jazz, world music, and cabaret performances. The menu includes a variety of dishes, from steaks to snacks like devilled eggs and kimchi-katsu steak sandwiches. There's also a wide selection of cocktails, including mezcal-based options.

The Delaunay is the place to go for classic European dishes like schnitzels, bratwurst, stroganoff, and duck confit in a setting inspired by Central Europe's grand cafés. It's open daily, serving breakfast, late-night snacks, and everything in between alongside various cocktails, including both classics and unique creations.

At Lady of the Grapes, you can enjoy organic and natural wines in a cosy space. This friendly French bar and restaurant features a selection of around 25 wines by the glass or carafe and 200 by the bottle, all from female wine producers. Enjoy your drinks with a seasonal menu of small plates.

Stereo is a chic Parisian-inspired bar ideal for an evening rendezvous and late-night entertainment. The American-inspired menu has been crafted by live fire expert Andrew Clarke of Acme Fire Cult and pairs perfectly with house drinks from local breweries and distilleries. Enjoy live music nightly, featuring a house band and resident DJs.

Freud Bar on Shaftesbury Avenue was founded in 1986 and is renowned for its excellent cocktails and art. The bar serves an extensive drinks menu, featuring everything from classic cocktails to original house creations. There's a lively atmosphere, great music, and a rotating monthly art exhibition here.

CellarDoor is an intimate 1930s Berlin-meets-NYC bar tucked beneath Aldwych Street in a former toilet. Enjoy nightly live music, cabaret, burlesque, drag shows, and more here. Enjoy a selection of classic cocktails or house specials, along with a variety of spirits, wine, and beer. The venue also offers tobacco to purchase.

The Escapologist is an underground bar with distinct Victorian-inspired decor and a lively vibe, specialising in expertly crafted cocktails, from unique creations to classics like mojitos and margaritas. The menu also features a variety of drinks, with bottomless brunch and happy hour deals also up for grabs.