Bar – Guides to London

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 fantas...

Soho has long been the heart of London's thriving nightlife, and its jazz bars are no exception. Whether you're a die-hard jazz lover or simply in the mood for some smooth tunes, this iconic district houses a mix of cosy venues and iconic spots where the music flows and the vibes are high. Soho's ja...

Central London isn't short on excellent bars; in fact, it's home to several of the world's best, from glitzy hotel hangouts to subterranean speakeasies. Fancy a dry martini stirred at your table? Consider it done. Prefer something smoky, spicy and rimmed with salt? They've got that too. Whether you'...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Covent Garden is one of London's liveliest areas, where tourists often flock first. But don't be fooled, it's still home to a bunch of super cool cocktail bars serving some of the best drinks in the city. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a swanky spot in a sleek space, an intimate date night...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

South Bank and Waterloo might be better known for theatres, galleries and tourists trailing along the river, but the pub scene here has plenty going for it. You get riverside spots perfect for long summer afternoons and backstreet locals that still feel like proper neighbourhood secrets. It is an ar...

There’s loads going on in Brixton. By day it’s a great place to explore buzzing street markets and restaurants and later there’s a vibrant and bustling nightlife. There are plenty of great clubs, pubs, and bars in Brixton that make it a lively destination for a top night out. It do...

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...

Wine isn't just delicious, it's complex, diverse, and infinitely fascinating. If it's your drink of choice you might be interested in going to a wine tasting and learning more about it. All over the city there are wine bars and shops running tastings so you can get some insight into your favourite t...

Shoreditch is known for its excellent drinking scene, home to some of the best bars in the capital, from swanky cocktail spots to rough-around-the-edges classic London boozers. It's also the postcode of several late-night bars for when you want to keep the party going well into the early hours. Whet...

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...

Looking for a taste of the tropics in London? Look no further than the city's top tiki bars! From subterranean sustainable bars with innovative cocktails to tropical havens with private huts and pirate caves, London's tiki bar scene has something for everyone. Whether you're craving signature fruity...

More and more of us are now choosing to drink less alcohol or give it up altogether. That means that zero-alcohol alternatives are becoming more commonplace, including alcohol-free spirits and well-crafted mocktails that give you all the fun of a cocktail without the headache the next day. If you're...

Marylebone is no stranger to excellent places to wine and dine, and that includes cocktail bars. This little enclave of the city boasts a handful of fabulous cocktail bars, ranging from secret speakeasies to established hotel hangouts. Whether you want to learn the art of cocktail-making for yoursel...

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...

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...

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...

In an area as diverse and creative as Hackney Wick, it's no surprise that it's also home to some of the best drinking spots in East London. Whether you want an all-nighter to the sound of live DJs spinning the freshest tracks or looking for a spot to enjoy a quiet glass of wine, there's plenty of ch...

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...

Margarita fans rejoice, this is your time to shine. If you can't hop on a flight to Tulum to celebrate in true Mexican style (we wish), then we have the next best thing: this guide to where you can find the best margaritas in London. The capital boasts a pretty impressive calibre of margarita menus,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Whiskey or whisky? We know it’s confusing! But whichever one you prefer there’s no doubt it’s a drink to be savoured in the right environment. There are a number of places to drink whiskey (distilled in Ireland and the United State) and whisky (Scottish, Canadian, or Japanese grain...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...

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...