Bar – Guides to London

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 alo...

We all deserve a bit of luxury now and then, and a glass of champagne can usually do the trick. When you need some bubbly there are plenty of champagne bars in London that offer patrons a stylish place to relax and enjoy a few glasses. If you’re ready for some of the finest French wines availa...

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...

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...

What could be more fun than rolling up to your local pub and annihilating everyone at the quiz? A pub quiz in London is a great way to get your (most intelligent) friends together, show off your brainpower, and enjoy a few drinks and laughs along the way. Plus you can usually find a pub quiz on most...

If you're in Camden Town and you fancy going to the pub, then you're really in for a treat. The area is well-known for pub culture and there's a wide range of venues to choose from. From classic boozers that never change to pubs with tempting food or a distinctive atmosphere, there are lots of optio...

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...

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...

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 w...

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...

Soho is the beating heart of London's LGBTQ+ nightlife, celebrating diversity and pride at its core. This dynamic neighbourhood has been an integral part of London's LGBTQ+ community for decades, with its roots in the post-war era when it became a hub for queer people. Soho is choc-a-bloc with renow...

Covent Garden is the sort of place you can expect to be rubbing shoulders with curious travellers passing through the city and the occasional street performer, but that doesn’t mean that all of the bars here are chock full of tourists. Head to this swanky London district, and you’ll find...

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...

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...

Islington is one of London's liveliest and trendiest neighbourhoods, packed with cool joints and hip hangouts. But it still knows the value of a good pub, and often leads the way when it comes to top-notch local boozers. From proper old-school pubs to respected gastropubs and rowdy party spots, our...

Buzzy Brixton is home to a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and pubs, so there’s lots to do in the area. If you fancy bunkering down in a cosy pub or exploring some of London’s most impressive beer gardens, there’s a pub in Brixton where you can do exactly that. We can help you p...

Anyone who's ever wandered in from the cold, only to be greeted by a roaring fire, knows how great pubs with fireplaces are. Sipping on a nice ale, slouched comfortably by the hearth as the flames defrost your frozen toes, pubs with a fireplace are the best place to be on a chilly winter night. Thou...

Unsurprisingly, London’s riverside South Bank is one of the city’s busier areas to explore, so when it comes to picking the best places to sink a pint or two, it’s always worth planning ahead. We’ve hand-picked our favourite spots to enjoy a drink in this creative district, f...

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...

Shoreditch has rightfully earned iconic status in the bar scene over the past decade, and it's easy to see why. Many of its bars have won awards, even securing spots on the list of the world's top cocktail bars. Whether they're among the best or not, you'll find everything from molecular mixology to...

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 sunsh...

Covent Garden is not just a hotspot for theatre, shopping, and dining, it's also home to some of the city's best cocktail bars. From hidden speakeasies tucked in unassuming venues to stylish bars serving award-winning drinks, this iconic area is a hit for drinking. With so many drinking dens to disc...

Between Borough Market and the Bermondsey Beer Mile, pubs in Southwark often get overlooked when it comes to this busy borough's main draws. We're here to correct that, as there's more to Southwark's boozers than thirsty tourist traps or chain pubs catering to a rushed commuter crowd. Read our guide...

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...

London Bridge is brimming with cool and quirky bars tucked down unassuming streets; you just have to know where to go. After eating your way around every stall at Borough Market (no judgement here), head to one of these local bars where you can enjoy everything from fine wines and cocktails to craft...

Kensington is known as a bit of a fancy area – it's even home to a royal residence, Kensington Palace. There's loads going on and that includes lots of cool places to enjoy a drink in stylish surroundings, with plenty of upmarket destinations. There's tons of choice, ranging from fun cocktail bars a...

Like any self-respecting London neighbourhood, Clapham is full of welcoming neighbourhood boozers, ranging from classic pubs to more quirky establishments. Whether you're after a fresh pint, a filling meal, chilling in a nice beer garden, or a lively, sociable night, you're sure to find the right pl...

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...

Mayfair is one of London's fancier neighbourhoods, known for its five-star hotels, upmarket restaurants and swish cocktail bars. Joining in with the glitz and glam is a bunch of rooftop bars in the area that offer the perfect place to enjoy some alfresco drinks. From secret sun-soaked terraces to hu...

London has always taken its pubs seriously, but the current Guinness boom has taken things to another level. If you're privy to splitting the G, you'll know exactly what we mean. Suddenly, everyone's talking about it, frantically searching for where to get a pint that actually settles properly. We'd...

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,...

Not only do the fast-paced lifestyle and business dealings of the City of London lend themselves well to enjoying an after-work drink or two, the capital's financial district is also home to iconic landmarks and spectacular rooftops from which to observe them. All in all, whether you're after exclus...

With its rich sporting history and deep-rooted pub culture, London has always been a hub for rugby enthusiasts worldwide. The capital's many watering holes come alive with the roars of fans enjoying the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations, and other major rugby union matches. Our guide to where to watch ru...

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...

Looking to watch a big match with a lively crowd, hang out with your mates, or just grab some tasty food with the footie on in the background? Soho's got you covered. This buzzing part of London has a handful of spots that show live sports and know how to bring the energy when a major tournament's o...

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...

Even though it's not as well-known for its bar scene as some of the other parts of London, there are still lots of cool places to get a drink in Marylebone, from chill wine bars to elegant cocktail bar and speakeasy-style hideaways. Our guide to the coolest bars in Marylebone shines a spotlight on t...

Amongst London's many claims to fame, the capital is considered to be the birthplace of the modern gastropub. Combining elevated cuisine with cosy pub ambience for a more accessible fine dining experience, the gastropub quickly took root and launched a whole new scene. These days, more or less any p...

Covent Garden is brimming with lovely little wine spots, from chic Parisian-inspired bars to female-founded gems. This lively London neighbourhood boasts a buzzing drinking scene, including ample places to enjoy a glass of your favourite vino. Whatever you're in the mood for, the bars mentioned in t...

Sometimes you fancy a slightly more glamorous experience than just popping down to your local. Whether you’re celebrating something special or you simply deserve a treat, visiting a hotel bar in London means you can enjoy fine drinks in a classy setting. Luckily for us, the capital has a few h...

When you picture a night out in Greenwich, you’re probably most likely to think about the area’s many traditional riverside pubs. If you’re heading out in the area and fancy a change from the pub scene, don’t fret. There are plenty of diverse bars in Greenwich that range from...

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...

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.

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...

Shoreditch is well known for its vibrant nightlife, buzzing atmosphere, and eclectic mix of bars, making it a prime destination for sports fans looking to catch the big game. Whether you're after a lively pub with massive screens, a sleek venue with craft beers on tap, or a spot that combines sports...

Fitzrovia pubs are mainly a weekday proposition, with many of them even closed on Sundays. Regardless, they're a great option for when you'd like the walking distance convenience of a Central London pub while avoiding the constant crowds in Soho and other famous areas. Not to mention, the area used...

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...

Camden Town is well-known for many things – the bustling markets, picturesque canal, and its thriving nightlife. If you’re looking for a great atmosphere and delicious drinks, there are lots of exciting bars in Camden that you can visit. Whether you prefer craft beer, cocktails, or a bar...

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...

Whisky and whiskey are beloved spirits that have 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 whisky connoisseur or a curio...