The coolest bars in Shoreditch

Happiness Forgets is a basement bar in Hoxton that is consistently ranked among the world's best. It may be small, but for what it lacks in size, it definitely makes up for in drinks and vibes. The speakeasy-style atmosphere and inventive cocktails perfectly set the scene for a drink in a stylish spot in East London. You can request custom drinks based on your preferences or stick to the classics.

This Brick Lane bar is as much about the music as it is the drinks. You'll find it right at the end of Redchurch Street, decked out with 22 strategically placed speakers for an immersive listening experience. The front area is a more relaxed space for dining or a quiet game of chess, while the back is suitable for sipping drinks and spinning vinyl. The tables are cleared by evening, transforming the space into a buzzy dance floor with a soundtrack that leans into jazz, funk, and soul. Sip on craft cocktails, beers, wines, and Japanese sake alongside a food menu of small bar plates, with a hearty Sunday roast served on weekends.

This secret Shoreditch bar is hidden behind a wooden door overlooking the Old Street roundabout, where you can sip on signature and classic cocktails from across the ages while soaking up the sounds of late-night jazz and blues in a vintage-inspired setting at Nightjar. Alongside their award-winning cocktails, they also serve a special collection of vintage spirits, including rare bourbon and rye dating back to the 1930s.

Chiave is a chic cocktail bar that doubles up as a lively dance spot. Expect a carefully curated playlist best enjoyed with one of their signature cocktails. Creative cocktails take centre stage, but the menu also features a carefully selected range of French and Spanish wines, along with a few beer options. There's an intimate music room downstairs that can accommodate up to 40 guests, featuring a custom sound system, DJ booth, and dim lighting. You can hire this space for private events or head along to one of their music-led events.

The award-winning neighbourhood bars Discount Suit Company and The Sun Tavern are both under the Umbrella brand and are both cherished London spots. This hidden drinking den is located in the Shoreditch backstreets and accommodates just a dozen guests at a time. It's where bartenders experiment with off-menu drinks, some of which may eventually appear on DSC's menu, offering the opportunity to try new drinks before they're officially launched.

Nest Cellar is a cosy wine bar tucked beside the acclaimed Nest restaurant in Shoreditch, with its own private entrance. It's the perfect place to relax with a glass of low-intervention wine and bar snacks, all set in a dim, candlelit space. If you have time, make sure you sit down for a meal at Nest and opt for the wine pairing to really go all out.

Swift is an award-winning cocktail bar brought to London by two couples, Mia Johansson and Bobby Hiddleston, who owned Milk & Honey ( a bar that has now closed), and Edmund Weil and Rosie Stimpson of the acclaimed Nightjar. They started out with Swift Soho but quickly opened the second bar in Shoreditch following its raging success. It's all about excellent cocktails and 1900s vibes in a sleek, cool setting.

The Seed Library is a bar located at One Hundred Shoreditch, created by Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan), which embraces a minimalist, analogue approach to both its atmosphere and cocktails. The drinks rotate regularly, featuring unique ingredients but staying true to the bar's ethos by adding an edgy twist to classics. For example, then 'Old Fashioned' here is made with chestnut honey water, and the 'Gimlet' is made with coriander seed. On weekends, DJs spin vinyl to set the vibe.

It's all about Danish brews at Mikkeller, which has a brewpub in both Islington and Shoreditch. This cosy East London bar was created in collaboration with Rick Astley and serves a range of Mikkeller's beers and wines in an uber-trendy East London-esque space. It's also pet-friendly and has ample indoor and outdoor seating.

This hidden gem is tucked behind a small black door in what looks like a run-down warehouse, offering a cosy space to enjoy cocktails, Northern Soul and vintage rock 'n' roll. It also occasionally hosts tours exploring the history of the area's infamous figure, Jack the Ripper. The drinks are not only tasty but also affordably priced for London. As the night goes on, the music amps up, and dancing on the tables is almost inevitable.

If you're a fan of whisky, Black Rock is the place to be. It was named the UK's best specialist bar for four years in a row, with a wide selection of whiskies by the dram and whisky-based cocktails. For a deeper dive into the world of whisky, book the blending experience, where you can create your own bottle to take home.

This secret cocktail bar requires an appointment to enter, where you'll then be met with a world of impressive molecular mixology. The Soviet-era decor sets the scene, complete with plush sofas, recliners, and atmospheric lighting, while the drinks combine both science and art in every sip.

Oranj is an independent natural wine retailer that has made its move from online to bricks and mortar, making a name for itself as Shoreditch's first natural wine bar. Here, you can enjoy low-intervention, organic wines paired with food from a rotating kitchen residency or choose from Lambic beer, cocktails, and other drinks.

You can't miss Passione Vino with its bright blue exterior. Inside, it's quirky, consisting of three floors of funky wallpaper and eclectic furnishings. It was founded by Italian wine expert Luca Dusi and serves a curated selection of wines, including biodynamic options. The menu pairs perfectly with the drinks, including Italian classics like authentic carbonara and hearty lasagne.

Lowcountry is a subterranean cocktail and American Whiskey bar located beneath the Counter 71 chef's table restaurant. It's built around the history of the Lowcountry of the American South and serves a unique selection of rare and limited Bourbons paired with both creative and classic cocktails. It 's trendy and dimly lit, setting the scene perfectly for a date night or catching up with friends.