The best hotel bars in London

Rated as one of the best bars in the world, the Connaught Bar is one not to miss. The sophisticated Art Deco setting feels both vintage and contemporary. All of the cocktails are a unique experience but the star is the dry martini, with ingredients arriving on a trolley and mixed at your table.

If you're a whisky fan then a visit to Coburg Bar is a must. This spot has a compendium of global whiskies to choose from, as well as cocktails, wine, and other spirits. You're free to linger at this quiet and smart spot, where you can also enjoy sophisticated snacks like sashimi.

The American Bar at The Savoy is a classic cocktail destination. It’s the longest-surviving cocktail bar in London, having opened in 1893. It’s won awards and is recognised as the gold standard for cocktail bars. In the sophisticated Art Deco setting, explore sophisticated cocktails to a backdrop of live jazz piano.

This elegant bar is a great place for exploring cocktails and wine. In fact, this place has one of the longest lists of English sparkling wine available anywhere. Cocktails are made with locally-sourced products and ingredients native to England. It's a luxe destination with vibrant art on the walls.

Check out St James Bar for inventive cocktails you can’t get elsewhere, plus a cosy and intimate vibe. The skilled team here come up with original concoctions, drawing inspiration from a vast range of sources. Wines, spirits, and an extensive selection of whiskies are also available here, along with attentive service.

Located in The Langham, Artesian is an award-winning and refined cocktail bar where you can enjoy complementary canapés alongside your drinks. The changing cocktail list tackles fascinating concepts such as for example dualities, choosing a core element and taking it in different directions. A small menu of sophisticated meals is also served.

Sweeties comprises a cocktail bar, lounge, and club where you can socialise until the early hours. The vibrant cocktails here are meant to be uplifting, with rich colours and intense flavour. As well as classic and signature concoctions, you can choose wine, spirits, or champagne whilst you take in sweeping city views.

If you're a gin drinker then don't miss The Distillery - there are more than 50 types of gin to try here. Cocktails, wine, and craft beer are also served so there's something for everyone. Based in a former fragrance factory, this is a modern and high-end venue with an outdoor terrace.

Go to Dukes Bar if you want a great martini. These drinks have achieved legendary status and are seen as some of the world's best. The setting is classic and refined - plush seating, round tables, and classical paintings on the walls. It's an intimate venue for sampling some of the city's leading cocktails.

Visit The May Fair Bar and you'll instantly notice the striking modern decor, especially the vibrant blue bar. This stylish spot serves up exclusive cocktails, as well as small plates. Brunch is also served when you need a little more. DJs perform regularly to add to the lively party atmosphere.

Decorated in rich red, The New York Bar is a distinctive drinking destination. Inventive signature cocktails are served here but ordering champagne is extra special - the bar's champagne trolley will be wheeled out so you can take your pick from the bottles available. Food is also served, including a pre-theatre menu.

One of London’s most sought-after cocktail bars is Lyaness at Sea Containers. A new incarnation of the legendary Dandelyan, it’s a luxe and retro space overlooking the Thames. Cocktails are balanced and experimental, with twists on classics like a martini. Wine and champagne are available and there’s a playful and boozy afternoon tea.

When you're in need of some extra glamour, try The Mirror Bar. The interior is luxe, with blue and grey tones and sumptuous fabrics. A wide choice of classic and signature cocktails are served, including dessert-inspired mixes inspired by sweets like key lime pie. Canapés and caviar are also on the menu.

The elegant Donovan Bar is located at the luxurious five-star Brown's hotel in Mayfair. In 2023, the stylish hotel bar was named among the World's Best Bars, and with the former president of the UK Bartender Guild Salvatore Calabrese and skilled mixologist Federico Pavan at the helm, it's easy to see why. The attention to detail paid to the carefully composed cocktail menu is reflected in the lavish interior, and the bar has become quite the fashionable local hangout.

Champagne drinkers are in for a treat at The Library Bar, which has 30 different vintages. This members-only bar is intimate and feels exclusive. As well as champagne, it specialises in martinis - order one and a trolley will be brought out so your drink can be mixed at your table to your preferences.

The Luggage Room takes its name from its location. Opened in 2012, the bar is housed in a former luggage room at the Grosvenor Square Marriott hotel. There's a sophisticated speakeasy vibe with 1920s music and a menu of classic cocktails. This discreet setting is a haven from the streets of Mayfair.

Experience an upscale 1920s American bar when you visit Le Magritte. It's a classic setting with wood panelling and 20th century artwork, including a piece by Magritte himself. This civilised space specialises in American whiskeys, bourbons, and classic cocktails. You can also indulge in a Cuban cigar with your drinks.

To enjoy craft cocktails in a vintage-inspired space, try Punch Room. It's a sophisticated and contemporary version of a Victorian private club with comfy furniture and wood panelling. 30 types of punch are on offer here, as well as upscale beers and wines. Live soul and ragtime performances take place too.

Explore the elegant Japanese-inspired bar, terrace, and roof garden at 8 at The Londoner. It's a chic and modern space and the rooftop is available for private hire. Signature cocktails, sake, and Japanese whisky are available, as is champagne and wine. There's also a concise menu of sophisticated bar snacks.

The Fumoir has been a sophisticated spot for a drink in London since 1929. The Art Deco interior is complete with leather seating, a black marble bar, and portraits by William Klein. Classic cocktails are served, plus wine by the glass or bottle. Food is also served like pizza, pasta, and seafood.

When you want all-out glamour, head to Beaufort Bar where everyone is dressed to impress. Marvel at the striking black and gold interiors and enjoy sultry DJ sets until late. Signature cocktails, including non-alcoholic varieties, are served, or you can choose champagne. Add a bump of caviar to make it even more decadent.

Relax with a drink and watch the world go by at The Perception in Soho. This is a modern establishment with eye-catching interiors, aiming to disrupt the London cocktail scene. There's a forward-thinking cocktail list of imaginative signature mixes and non-alcoholic versions. Food is available, including breakfast and brunch at weekends.

Part of The Mandrake hotel, Waeska is an artsy destination that certainly has the wow-factor. With priceless artworks and plush furniture it feels like a luxury living room and is complete with dramatic sculptural installations. There are inventive cocktails based on ethnobotany, plus sophisticated bar snacks. DJs play here every weekend.

At The Leopard Bar you'll see vibrant African-inspired decor and, of course, plenty of leopard print. It's a cosy spot where regular live jazz performances take place. Expect a choice of classic and signature cocktails plus wines from South Africa and other regions. Food is available here too, including afternoon tea.

Intimate venue The Hari Bar is great for any occasion, from meetings to drinks before dinner. Try a cocktail inspired by art masterpieces or one made with The Hari's own brand of gin, which is rated as one of the world's best. There's also wine and an all-day food menu.

Hithe + Seek is a great destination for wine drinkers. It's a modern space with river views and a diverse choice of wines. It offers bottles from popular regions like France and Italy plus lesser-known producers like Wales and Canada. There are classic and signature cocktails, and events like tastings or music performances.

Music lovers will appreciate Downstairs at The Dilly. This sophisticated spot has an exclusive feel and there's live piano music every night. The drinks list features luxury cocktails inspired by London like a gimlet served with a bubble of smoke. Wine is also available, including English sparkling wine from Kent.

Contemporary venue Hux Bar is cool, fun, and full of character. The venue is full of vibrant colour, plants and foliage, and sleek style. There are regular live music performances that add to the atmosphere. You'll discover inventive signature cocktails, plus champagne and wine. Sushi is available if you get peckish.

Get the bohemian feel of literary Bloomsbury at The Bloomsbury Club. This intimate and inventive bar is full of personality. The cocktails here are inspired by the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. Drinks are inspired by the profound meanings of hieroglyphics. Whisky and wine are also served here.

At glamorous Fitz's Bar the past meets the present - think glitterballs paired with 18th century stained glass windows. Original cocktails, spirits, and champagne are served, plus nibbles like pumpkin soufflé and wagyu beef sliders. This is an intimate space where there are regular events, for example live music performances.

Enjoy a lively drink at The Terrace Bar, complete with theatrical cocktails, live piano music, and jazz performances. There are a broad range of cocktails to try, plus wines from all over the world. This bar also offers food and Cuban cigars. Exciting events take place here too like molecular cocktail events.

Subterranean drinking spot Hokus Pokus is a destination for modern day alchemy. The interiors are inspired by steampunk, Victoriana, and theatrical lighting. The cocktail list is eclectic and creative, ranging from fizzy cocktails to coffee-based mixes and smoking or flaming drinks. Both the menu and the setting are imaginative and inspiring.

If you want a hip bar-restaurant with a laid-back vibe and fantastic city views, check out Double Standard in King’s Cross. There’s a big choice of cocktails as well as tempting food like burgers. Every Sunday there’s a vibrant bottomless brunch too.

Inspired by a well-recognised politician, The Churchill Bar & Terrace is an award-winning destination with an elegant style and unique memorabilia. It's a refined venue where the focus is on sustainable craft cocktails, including non-alcoholic options. Wine, champagne, and craft beer are also served, as well as snacks and a choice of cigars on the terrace.

Champagne Bar at The Landmark opened in 2023 following a refurbishment. This lavish lounge bar is a place for champagne, luxury small plates, and afternoon tea in comfortable surroundings. The drinks list includes a considerable choice of champagnes, plus champagne cocktails and plenty of other drinks. Decadent snacks here include oysters, caviar, and British cheese.

Located in The Old War Office building, The Spy Bar is a cosy and comfortable bar and lounge that has a timeless drawing room aesthetic. In comfortable surroundings with warm colours, guests can have lunch or dinner or visit for drinks. The bar is particularly notable for its prized cognac collection.