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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

There’s no question that some of the capital’s best nightlife can be be found in East London, with more pubs, bars, and clubs than we can count. Choosing the top bars in East London is certainly tricky with so many buzzy spaces open, catering to a broad array of interests. If you’re not sure where t...

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...

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...

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...

Pubs might be the first thing to come to mind where drinking in London is concerned, but the city has an equally rich tradition where cocktail bars are concerned. Bartenders in London have invented numerous classic cocktails and help shape the international cocktail scene to this day, with London’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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In London you can find all kinds of pubs, from reliable chains and down-to-earth local boozers to some that are absolute stunners. Across the city you'll find stylish contemporary venues as well as elaborate pubs that have stood the test of time. If you want somewhere a little more picturesque than...

Islington is home to a great variety of bars that cater to every taste and interest. Looking for a world-class cocktail destination, a late-night dive bar, a tropical haven, or somewhere for craft beer? Islington has got the lot! When you’re looking for somewhere great for drinks in Islington, we’ve...

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...

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...

Hi-fi listening bars are all the rage in London these days. Inspired by the jazz kissa bars of Japan, these relaxed, stylish listening lounges offer serious audiophiles and casual listeners alike the opportunity to enjoy a lovingly curated vinyl collection served via a state-of-the-art sound system....

With the cost of living in London constantly going up, it's getting harder and harder to justify splurging on a round of drinks. Despite the rising price tags, however, there are still many cheap bars and pubs around the city that are friendly towards your wallet, offering happy hour deals or just h...

If you spend time in Victoria, or even if you’re just passing through when you’re getting a train or coach, there’s a good chance you might want to enjoy a drink in the area. Fortunately, there are a variety of bars in Victoria that cater to a range of different preferences and are great for get-tog...

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...

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'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...

From cosy candlelit wine bars and hip Hackney hangouts to bars stocking hard-to-find wines from around the world, London certainly isn’t short on places to enjoy an excellent bottle of wine in an equally pleasing setting. Whether you want somewhere quiet where you can catch up with an old pal after...

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...

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...

Sometimes, a door is just a door. And sometimes, it's the portal to a boozy haven where those in the know come to indulge in whispered secrets and mysterious potions. Those who take a look around the capital and think there can’t possibly be any more bars are in for a surprise, as the city hides a w...

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 is a city famed for its rich history and pub culture, which has become an important part of British heritage. Brits are incredibly proud of their pubs, and many of them tell the tales of all important historical moments. London is home to many, including a collection of pubs with names as int...

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...

If you're looking for good rooftop bars in London, this guide has all bases covered. From oyster happy hours and home-grown veggie menus to 360-views and rooftop cinema nights, these are just a handful of the things you can expect to come across at some of London's best rooftop bars. Enjoy afternoon...

Crystal Palace is famous for its beautiful park, and nothing hits the spot after a stroll in nature like a nice pint in a pub. There are several pubs within walking distance of Crystal Palace Park, offering the warm hospitality, tasty food, and refreshing drinks characteristic of a proper local. Our...

The heart of London's creative scene beats to the rhythm of its own drum – and you can experience that rhythm live at one of the many music bars in Shoreditch. From low-lit basement dives to teched-out listening bars, Shoreditch has plenty of venues that turn up the volume for jazz, funk, rock, soul...

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...

Looking to get your drinks on without breaking the bank? This guide is your ticket to exploring the best spots in the capital where you can enjoy expertly-crafted cocktails whilst staying within budget. Whether you're a local looking for a new haunt or a visitor seeking to experience London's cockta...

It’s always great to go drinking somewhere that has the aesthetic and music you love. If you prefer things a little on the darker or heavier side, you’ll have a great time at some of London’s alternative bars and pubs. Camden Town has long been a hotspot for these places but there are venues across...

In 2022, London was 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 place. Fro...

Wander through Soho on any night of the week and you'll see crowds of people enjoying the area's famed drinking culture. You can find bars of all sorts here, from seedy and disreputable to some of the best ones in the whole world. Whether you're looking to try an exciting new concoction or just want...

What with the proud British ale tradition and the abundance of corner pubs and local boozers in London, there's certainly no shortage of places where you can get a cold beer after work in the capital. But those looking for a change from their usual pint, perhaps a bold new flavour or just a differen...

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...

Many of us are taking more of an interest in the origins of what we eat and drink, and that includes wine. Natural and organic wine in London is becoming the first choice for more and more vino connoisseurs because of its unique style, and there are many destinations in the capital where you can exp...

Beer pong might not have taken off in the UK to the extent it has in the USA, but there are still quite a few places around London where you can get your game on. What's more, some enterprising souls have actually evolved the game and adapted it to the British palate, replacing beer with prosecco as...

The UK might be famous for its ales, but that doesn't mean wine culture goes unappreciated here. In fact, there are pleasant wine bars to be found across the city, ranging from Parisian-style bistros to modern temples to the grape. Our guide to the best wine bars in Central London highlights the top...