Bar – Guides to London

Whether you’re into craft beer, cocktails, or wine, enjoying a drink with friends in a bar can be one of life’s little pleasures. London has a huge choice of bars all over the city, from the small and intimate to the big and raucous. If you’re looking for the ideal spot to savour your favourite tipp...

Is there anything quite like a pub? The welcoming wooden furnishings, the unmistakable tang of joyous nights in the air, the shiny taps poking their marquees above the bar, the simple familiarity of the place, even if you've never been there before – pubs are a quintessentially British place and no...

From plagues and great fires to world wars and global pandemics, the city has had its fair share of tumultuous times, but if there's one thing it has perfected, it's pulling the perfect pint. The city has a healthy smattering of quaint old boozers that are perfect for sinking a few pints in a vintag...

Want to watch an important match with a lively crowd of fans, spend some quality time with your mates, or just grab some chow with the footie on in the background? It comes as no surprise that the capital of such a sports-loving nation sports a bunch of lively bars, football pubs, and other venues d...

London has a buzzing food and drink scene, with new bars as well as restaurants opening up regularly. If you're the type of person who's always on the look-out for new venues and experiences, our list of the newest bars in London will keep you in the know about the latest places to go for a drink. W...

It’s not all Michelin stars and five-star hotels in Mayfair, the luxurious stomping ground of the rich and famous. London is packed with incredible pubs, many of which date back as far as the 16th century, which means they also come steeped in history and their fair share of stories that are well wo...

Covent Garden is one of the best-known, buzziest areas of London, but that doesn't mean it keeps going around the clock – many of its bars and pubs shut up shop for the day quite early. It's now impossible to get a drink here late at night, however, as proven by our guide to the best late-night bars...

With its abundance of five-star hotels and high-end clientele, it comes as no surprise that Mayfair is one of the top areas for an expertly mixed cocktail in the city. In fact, some of the best cocktail bars in the world are found right here, home to mixologists with the skills to mix the definitive...

Whether you’re searching for the best beer garden in the area or looking for a place to enjoy a post-carnival pint, this guide to the best bars in Notting Hill has got you covered. From tiki-inspired bars and Victorian pubs to quirky cocktail bars, Notting Hill has an eclectic selection of drinking...

Fish and chips is an iconic British dish, the golden, crispy batter and perfectly cooked chips a staple of UK cuisine, and one of the best places to enjoy it is a proper pub. You should always have a good pub that serves fish and chips in your back pocket for hunger emergencies, with the authentic p...

Soho has long been a hotspot for fab nightlife in London. From glam bars, clubs, and theatres to cosy local pubs, there are plenty of places for a night out. You can check out one of the many pubs in Soho if you’re looking for a relaxed spot for a drink in the afternoon or a great place to go in the...

It's no secret that Soho's wining and dining scene is among the city's best. The area is known for being chock full of incredible restaurants, independent boutiques, old-school pubs and an excellent selection of wine bars. Whether you're hunting for your next favourite natty wine or simply searching...

Covent Garden isn't exactly known for spacious outdoor areas and beautiful beer gardens, and finding a nice place to sit outside with a drink and not get constantly bumped by passers-by can be a challenge. If you do know where to look, however, you can find pleasant outdoor areas in Covent Garden th...

London is famous for its skyline, with striking landmarks as far as the eye can see. If you're looking to make the most of the view, you can head up to one of the Central London rooftop bars and take in the sights while sipping on an expertly mixed cocktail or a glass of fine wine. Walking the stree...

For some of us, a great night out just isn't complete without music. From smooth jazz in the background to raucous live bands that get everyone going, music can really be the icing on the cake for your evening. Fortunately London has a huge variety of bars that have live music on regularly. Whatever...

Covent Garden is one of London's busiest areas and sometimes it's nice to take a step back from it – or above it, for that matter. Perched above the bustling streets, Covent Garden's rooftop bars offer an in-demand combination of scenic views, stylish settings, and expertly crafted drinks. Whether y...

London's LGBTQ+ nightlife is famed around the world, but there's more to the city than Soho clubs, with lots of different inclusive spaces, sights, and services available to queer individuals. From restaurants and bars flying the rainbow flag to gender-neutral hair salons and libraries delving into...

Wine lovers can find an array of sophisticated yet inviting spots to enjoy a glass of something special in Marylebone, ranging from intimate hideaways and sunny terraces to wine culture bastions where the food is as important as the vintage. Peruse our curated list of the best wine bars in Marylebon...

From traditional boozers to trendy gastropubs, there are plenty of spots where you can quench your thirst or tuck into some tasty pub grub when you're in Marylebone. This sophisticated area has lots of attractions and if you like going to the pub you certainly won't be disappointed. If you're not su...

Born as a response to the segregation and racism experienced by South Asian immigrants in the second half of the 20th century, desi pubs are a testament to the power of multiculturalism – failing pubs, taken over by British-Indian landlords and turned into a success story. With food and community at...

Mayfair is one of the finer London neighbourhoods, renowned for being home to the rich and famous and for its fine-dining restaurants, high-end shopping, and five-star hotels. It's also home to a selection of exceptional wine bars, perfect for sipping on fine wines from around the world. Whether you...

Beyond the private members' clubs and fine-dining institutions, this corner of London is home to some of the city's most glamorous late-night drinking spots. From five-star hotel lounges shaking up martinis at midnight to sexy speakeasies hidden behind ambiguous doors, these bars keep the party goin...

The roar of a packed crowd, a perfectly poured pint, and big screen giving off stadium vibes – watching sports live in a bar can be a real winner. It has to be the right sports bar, though, not some dingy little dive with a grainy 15" telly jammed into a corner somewhere. Central London has no short...

London's live music scene is one of the best in the world. From the Amy Winehouse days in Camden to Jimi Hendrix's former stomping ground in Mayfair, the city has always been a hub for some of the most incredible musical talent to exist. Many pubs have played a part in this and continue to provide a...

With well-heeled patrons walking the streets and the majority of venues more on the high-end side of things, Mayfair isn't really the top choice when it comes to watching live sports in a rowdy setting. Even so, live sports are never too far away in London, and you can find some decent sports bars i...

In Soho, the main action is on the streets, but there are still opportunities for taking in the hustle and bustle of this famous London neighbourhood from high above. Though rooftop space is at a premium in Soho, several bars have set up perches above street level, offering striking views of the cit...

Soho has long been the beating heart of London's famed live music scene, with history, creativity, and culture colliding on its bustling street. The iconic district, known for its rich musical heritage, has hosted legendary artists and continues to thrive as a hotspot for live performances. From int...

A few drinks with friends is always a great laugh but sometimes you want to inject even more fun into your evening. Visiting a bar with activities in London lets you enjoy yourself, get competitive, and maybe even try something new. From axe throwing to video games and escape rooms, there’s loads go...

So you fancy a drink, but you're on a budget – what do you do? With Wetherspoons rapidly closing down pubs all over the city, the opportunities for a cheap and cosy pint are becoming more scarce. All is not lost if you want the fun of a trip to the pub without a serious price tag; when it comes to c...

Shoreditch has long been London's hangout for the cool, creative types, and its gay bars are no exception. The area thrums with excellent LGBTQ+ nightlife spots, from cocktail bars to late-night dance floors, this area is home to some of the city's best queer nightlife. Swing by one of the venues fo...

Sometimes you head home after one drink, other times you … don't. Thankfully, living in a city the size of London means there's always some place you can drag yourself to after your local turns on the lights. London's late-night bar scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from li...

With its transport links to mainland Europe, it's no surprise that King's Cross has become a buzzy part of town. The area is now home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, pubs, and bars that make it a fun place to be, both for those who live in London and for people who are just visiting. If you...

Beer gardens in Soho are in very short supply – so short, in fact, “Soho beer garden” should be an idiom for something very rare and valuable, in our opinion. That said, there are still a few pubs scattered about the area where you can enjoy a drink while soaking up the sun. We've rounded up the gol...

Mayfair might be the most expensive property on the Monopoly board, but there are still plenty of cool things to do that don't require you to be one of the elites, especially if you like drinking. When you see the W1 postcode, images of fancy hotels with butlers standing outside might instantly pop...

In this economy, going out for drinks in Shoreditch might seem like a self-destructive choice, at least as far as your wallet is concerned, but fear not – this guide proves it's not mission impossible. If you're looking for all the details on the best drink deals, happy hour offers, and other bar di...

From laidback British boozers and classy west London pubs to lively neighbourhood hot spots, Notting Hill is brimming with excellent pubs for every kind of visitor. Every pub offers something different, whether you’re looking for the perfect beer garden for al fresco drinks in the summer sunshine, o...

The West London suburb of Ealing probably isn't the first place that springs to mind when you think about London's nightlife. Whilst it might not have a reputation like Soho or Shoreditch, that doesn't mean there aren't some great places for a drink in the area. If you're looking for a fantastic Eal...

Whisky (or whiskey, depending on its provenance) is a beloved spirit that has been enjoyed for centuries around the world. In London, you can find a plethora of options when it comes to whisky tastings and masterclasses, from intimate, cosy bars to grand, luxurious venues. Whether you're a seasoned...

From cosy joints and dimly-lit basement bars to forward-thinking cocktail spots, Shoreditch certainly isn’t short of excellent places to enjoy a drink or two. This guide to the best bars in Shoreditch covers all bases, from bars with sustainability at their core to rooftop terraces with fantastic ci...

Thanks to the high density of five-star hotels and luxurious shopping opportunities in Knightsbridge, this affluent London district is where to go if you're looking for drinks in an atmospheric, sophisticated setting. From glamorous hotel bars and elegant cocktail lounges to stylish wine bars, Knigh...

London has previously been voted the most expensive city in the UK for a night out. Yikes. But lucky for us, it also has its fair share of happy hours to keep you thrifty. So, if you're done with spending your monthly wage on overly expensive cocktails and want to get frugal, you're in the right pla...

Chelsea is an upmarket part of West London with all sorts of high-end shopping and dining options. If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a few drinks, this sophisticated area won't let you down. From vibrant cocktail bars mixing original drinks to sleek wine bars, the area is full of interesting...

Buzzy Marylebone has lots of cool places to explore, from Michelin-starred restaurants to top-ranked cocktail bars that are great options for beginning or continuing your night. If you fancy a drink in the area you'll find lots of pubs and bars to try out. From rum shacks to wine bars, we've found s...

London Bridge is probably best known for sights such as Borough Market and The Shard, but there are plenty of watering holes tucked away among the headliners, letting you catch your breath while touring the area. Thanks to London Bridge's proximity to the Thames and merchant past, there's no shortag...

Every year, on 17 March, the world celebrates St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. In the capital, a variety of fun activities and events that showcase Irish culture and traditions help mark the occasion. Our guide to where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in London highlights some of the best thin...

Soho famously never sleeps, with this well-known part of London renowned for its lively nightlife. If you're a night owl or simply don't want a great night to end too soon, head to Soho and you're sure to find a bar open late. In case you're stuck for choice, however, our guide to the best late-nigh...

Watching sports in a bar with friends or even just like-minded strangers is a completely different experience to watching from your living room couch, with the convivial atmosphere making every win that much sweeter and every loss that much easier to accept. As one of London's busiest areas, Covent...

Sometimes your bog standard bar just doesn’t cut the mustard, and you’ve left yearning for something a little more fun, outlandish or cool. Like a bar decked out in your nan’s old furniture or a drinking den in an old abandoned tube station turned air raid shelter (or something along those lines). L...

Nicely removed from London's besieged central areas while still relatively easy to get to, Camberwell's pub scene is flying a bit under the radar at the moment – but if the current crop of drinking establishments is anything to judge by, that's not going to stay true for long. This corner of South L...

Despite the Beer Orders of 1989, independent pubs in London still seem very much a dying breed, often being sold off or even shuttered due to rising economic costs. That said, there are still quite a few excellent London free houses standing their ground in order to offer the best of what a pub is s...