The best gin bars in London

City of London Distillery & Bar is home to Whitley Neill gin. It's the first and only gin distillery in The City for over two centuries. Visitors to this award-winning establishment can have drinks in a cosy underground setting surrounded by vats and copper pipes. Tours of the production facilities, a chance to sample various gins, and even the opportunity to create a personalised gin are all available.

Kraft Dalston is a collaboration between German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and changing kitchen residencies, located at the Kingsland Locke hotel in East London. The environmentally-minded venue offers unfiltered, unpasteurised beer, award-winning craft gins, and gourmet food. The award-winning Jim and Tonic Distillery crafts its sustainable urban gins onsite, and they're also available at other German Kraft locations.

Boasting more than 500 different gins, the stylish Gin Bar at the distinguished Holborn Dining Room houses the largest collection of premium gins in the capital. Combined with 30 different tonics, you can choose from a mind-blowing 14,000+ G&T pairings, from globally renowned brands to small-batch local darlings and even a limited-edition house gin. You can also book a gin masterclass to learn more about your favourite drink.

Hidden below Flour & Grape, this cosy Bermondsey speakeasy boasts more than 100 gins from around the world, along with other spirits and tonics. The bartenders here are skilled in mixing all sorts of cocktails, both classic varieties and house specials. You can also try sampling different gins by ordering a gin flight. 

Situated at The Londoner hotel, Joshua's Tavern is an intimate bar that draws inspiration from Joshua Reynolds, an 18th century artist who once lived in Leicester Square. Beneath gleaming copper vats, the bar serves a collection of vintage gins from around the globe, Gintonicas, draught beers, and inventive bar snacks. Joshua's Tavern also features a diverse lineup of live music performances every week.

With no fewer than 400 gins lining the shelves, plus 600 whiskies and another 400 rums, the award-winning Merchant House has long been a favourite with workers in the hospitality industry. In addition to the impressive array of gins and the many cocktails they can be used in, Merchant House offers masterclasses with a welcome drink, four tasters, and a final taste of something rare from the collection.

Located in an industrial estate in Walthamstow, the Mother's Ruin distillery uses locally-sourced and foraged ingredients to create award-winning liqueurs and artisan gins. Buy these spirits from their shop or enjoy them at the Gin Palace bar. The inviting atmosphere is appealing during sunny weather, when you can bask in the warmth while admiring the mural outside and savouring a delicious cocktail.

Though it looks like a traditional British pub from the outside, this Covent Garden venue has a gin terrace and a rooftop bar, as well as function rooms. Dating back to 1763, this bustling pub does more than 25 gins by major brands and small-batch producers, all served with bespoke garnishes and tonics. You can also order some hearty pub grub here.

Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour is part of the Mr Fogg's group of bars, known for distinctive decor. This venue has walls adorned with trinkets and explorers' treasures, plus comfortable and luxurious seating. The bar is renowned for its wide selection of gins, tonics, and botanicals, with over 200 varieties of gin, including rare and hard-to-find bottles. It offers various events such as gin masterclasses.

The Distillery is a must-visit destination for gin enthusiasts. This bar, located in a converted fragrance factory, offers over 50 different types of gin. If you prefer something different, The Distillery also serves expertly-crafted cocktails, international wines, and craft beers, including on tap. The upscale, modern setting features an outdoor terrace for enjoying a drink on a warm day. The bar welcomes big groups.

Set in an industrial space in Hackney, Martello Hall is a one-stop-shop for all things breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as drinks, hotdesking, and more. The bar also distils and bottles its own small-batch gin, which you can purchase to take home, or enjoy on-site in one of the expertly mixed cocktails. Martello Hall also has several sister venues around the city, each with its own vat.

Graveney Gin in Tooting Market uses a 30-litre copper still to create small, premium, and organic batches of spirits. Each gin is handcrafted with fresh botanicals, giving it a unique flavour. In addition to the distillery, Graveney Gin features a bar and bottle shop with seating in the communal market area. Visitors can enjoy a selection of cocktails, including G&Ts, espresso martinis, and gin-based creations.

Jack Solomons Club is a hidden bar located in a former boxing gym. The glamorous old-school Soho bar offers a range of cocktails, including house specialities and classic options, as well as bottle service. However, the bar's major specialities are whisky and gin, with a huge selection of scotch and botanical spirits available, including flavoured gins. The venue also hosts regular events such as DJ sets, and offers private room hire.

The Hari Bar is an upmarket living room at the five-star hotel of the same name, serving as a warm, welcoming setting for lunches, meetings, or drinks with a touch of elegance. Their award-winning house gin is considered to be one of the best in the world. You can try it in one of the “Haritinis”, or in one of the signature cocktails inspired by art masterpieces. All-day dining menu available as well.

The Other Gin Palace transforms from a daytime café to a night-time gin parlour. Pop in during the day for a freshly brewed cup of coffee or indulge in a pre- or post-show gin and tonic in the evening. With over 25 gin options available, including a house signature blend, as well as an array of wines, beers, and other drinks, there's something for every palate.

Four Thieves is far from your typical pub, boasting an array of activities to enjoy while sipping on a beverage in the vibrant, neon-lit space. Expect ever-popular karaoke and comedy nights, plus arcade games, VR gaming, and the exhilarating Moonshine Raceway RC car track. The Four Thieves has a weatherproof Gin Yard, where you can choose from 250 G&T combinations.

Although it's not a gin bar, at this hotspot in Brixton you can blend, bottle and name two of your own gins to take away, with the guidance of their distiller. You'll learn about the fascinating history of gin, sample four mini gin and tonics, and get to know the flavours and complexities of botanicals you'll use to blend your own gins. You'll then blend your chosen ingredients to create your perfect bottle. Gin tastings are available too.

Cosy Holloway pub The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms is a big hit with the locals. This friendly venue offers a broad range of drinks but gin is a speciality in particular. A wide choice of gins are on offer, including the highlighted Gin of the Month. Food is also available at this dog-friendly neighbourhood drinking spot.

Another venue from the Mr Fogg's group, Mr Fogg's Hat Tavern & Gin Club features a relaxed pub setting plus an intimate gin club downstairs. The space is cosy and packed with eclectic decor throughout. Guests can sample a wide range of spirits, including plenty of gins, plus original mixed drinks you won't find anywhere else.