Bar – Guides to London

A refreshing gin and tonic after a long day at work or on a breezy summer evening is a real treat. The UK's love of gin goes back hundreds of years, with the spirit even named as England's national liquor. There's no shortage of gin bars in London, from classic gin palaces to trendy new spots pushin...

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 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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

While Soho is traditionally known as the epicentre of London's jazz scene, Shoreditch has long been home to an underground jazz movement and live music culture. From clandestine jazz bars to award-winning clubs hosting dedicated jazz nights, you'll find something jazzy every day of the week in Shore...

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...

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...

Tooting boasts a diverse pub scene that perfectly encapsulates this dynamic South London neighbourhood. You'll find a mix of places here, from traditional and modern pubs to craft beer bars and more. Many of the pubs also have interesting historical backgrounds, with several retaining their original...

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...

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...

Tucked away amidst world-renowned museums, historic buildings, and leafy garden squares, South Kensington offers some of the finest bars in the city. Among the various bars South Kensington calls its own, you'll find beautiful traditional pubs, classy cocktail bars, prohibition-style speakeasies, an...

25th January means it's Burns Night, celebrating the birthday of Robert (Rabbie) Burns, the national poet of Scotland who was born in 1759. Don't think that the partying is just limited to our friends in Scotland though – plenty of venues in London are putting on special menus and lively events to h...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Londoners love a trip to the pub and the only way to make a pub better is by attaching a beautiful beer garden. The city’s many beer gardens are often rammed during the summer months but many of us love hanging out in them all year round. If you’re looking for some al fresco drinks with...

Kingsland Road is a bustling East London street that has loads going on. It’s home to restaurants, culture, and of course, a fantastic selection of bars. If you’re searching for a cool bar in Kingsland Road to enjoy your favourite tipple, you’re sure to find plenty of options, what...

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...

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,...

Covent Garden is one of the most famous parts of London, with tens of thousands of tourists wandering its streets every day. Thanks to the constant churn, things can get pretty pricey around these parts, making going out for drinks here a risky proposition, wallet-wise. All's not lost however, as ou...

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...

Beaujolais Nouveau Day is a pretty big deal if you're a wine aficionado. Falling on the third Thursday of November each year (this year it's the 20th), it's the day when the newest red wine from Beaujolais in the Burgundy region of France is released. Unlike other French wines, it's ready to drink i...

Shoreditch's central location means many, if not all, of its rooftop bars offer epic views of London's skyline and beyond. Not only that, but this buzzy area is a popular hangout for an artsy crowd, making the bars listed in this guide perfect for soaking up its creative vibe. Plus, it's located clo...

Central London has a bar on every corner, but not all are worth squeezing into your Friday night plans. Forget the overpriced tourist traps and generic cocktail menus; we've rounded up the spots actually worth your time. From some of the best bars in the world (yes, actual facts) and underground spe...

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...

Covent Garden might be best known for being a bit of a tourist draw, thanks to its street performers and lively market, but it's also a hot spot for jazz lovers. While some of the clubs in this guide sit right in the heart of Covent Garden, others are just a short stroll away in nearby Soho, one of...

If you're looking for the best Irish pub in London to sink a pint of the black stuff, you've come to the right place. From whiskey watering holes and toe-tapping trad bars to craic-filled corner pubs, London is full of traditional boozers oozing with Irish charm. Here's our guide to the best pubs in...

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...

With its reputation for vintage markets, country-like pubs, and quaint romcom charm, you might be wondering whether there are any decent cocktail bars in Notting Hill. We're happy to inform you that not only are there quite a few, some of the best cocktail bars in the world can actually be found rig...

Looking to escape the buzz of the city streets without wandering too far? There's no better way than heading up, quite literally. Our guide to the best rooftop bars near Marylebone rounds up the very best spots to enjoy a cheeky drink, soak up some sun, and take in sweeping views of the city skyline...

Notting Hill isn't all pastel houses and that famous market, it's also quietly becoming one of London's go-to neighbourhoods for wine lovers. Whether you're after a cute neighbourhood gem for a glass or two with a friend, or a place to explore natural and biodynamic bottles, this guide rounds up the...

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...

Greenwich is home to a great range of attractions and venues that make it a fab part of the city to live in or visit for the day. There's a thriving pub scene here, too, with a huge range of drinking spots that cater to every preference. From smart gastropubs to down-to-earth boozers, there are load...

If you're trying to catch your team's next big match while out and about in Marylebone, you're in luck – this upscale London neighbourhood has some very nice sports bars with great drinks and even better atmosphere. Read on for our picks for the best sports bars in Marylebone, ranging from tradition...