The best cocktail bars in Notting Hill

This award-winning tiki bar in Notting Hill is known around the world for its rum-based potions. Located in a basement in Portobello Road, the cocktail bar serves tropical flavours in both classic drinks and innovative house concoctions, complemented by a lively atmosphere with DJs and Polynesian decor. Some of the best bartenders in the world have trained here, and you can gain some skills with one of Trailer Happiness' masterclasses too.

Notting Hill cocktail bar Whiskey & Seaweed is part of Core, the three-Michelin-starred restaurants by chef Clare Smyth, and draws its inspiration from her culinary prowess. As indicated by the name, whiskey plays a major part in the drinks served, including the titular cocktail made with butter-washed Irish whiskey, kelp and sea lettuce liqueur, black cardamom syrup, Fino sherry, lemon juice, and kelp oil. This is a stylish, high-end spot for a drink in the area.

Viajante87 blends Asian and Latin American influences in a way that's both surprising and seamless. Combining the spirit of an agaveria with the convivial charm of an izakaya, it's a one-of-a-kind cocktail bar in Notting Hill. The interior is polished and fashionable, buzzing with lively energy, and the bar keeps things interesting with regular guest appearances by some of the best bartenders from across the ocean.

The Little Yellow Door stands out as one of the most recognisable late-night cocktail bars in Notting Hill thanks to its clever theme. Styled as a house party in a shared flat with five flatmates, it delivers all the fun without the post-party clean-up. Regular happenings range from themed cocktail evenings to lively DJ sets, keeping the atmosphere buzzing night after night.

The Archer Street cocktail bar in Notting Hill isn't just about the drinks, though they certainly hold their own. The bar's added appeal comes in the form of live performances by professional West End entertainers, belting out hit tunes in a glamorous setting. Open late on weekends, nights here transition seamlessly from evening tipple to all-out party.

Hidden beneath the chic Greek restaurant Zephyr, Naked & Famous is a fashionable Notting Hill cocktail bar styled as a 1970s lounge. Its retro vibe comes through in a warm orange colour scheme, soft ambient lighting, and sleek monochrome details. The focus here is on agave spirits, served in inventive cocktails or as trays of straight-up shots. Note that despite its name, fame is optional but clothes are not.

Permit Room is part of the Dishoom Indian restaurant group, and as befits such a pedigree, there's plenty to chow down on here. Unlike its more dining-oriented older siblings, however, Permit Room is conceptualised more as a bar/café, so coming here just for drinks is perfectly fine. Pitch up at the bar counter, order a heady coconut-washed old fashioned, and soak up the lively atmosphere as the resident DJ spins their vinyl.