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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Partying in Soho can be an expensive proposition, especially if you're looking to make the most of your time here. Thankfully, one of the most famous nightlife spots in the world comes prepared for those on a budget as well, with plenty of cheap Soho bars to choose from. Our guide to the best cheap...

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...

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...

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...

Chelsea may be known for its bougie townhouses, high-end boutiques, and fashion-conscious residents, but it's after dark that the West London neighbourhood comes into its own. Behind discreet doors and along elegant streets, you'll find cocktail bars that balance timeless sophistication with modern...

London has a vast array of different types of accommodation for visitors. Staying at a pub that has its own guest rooms is one fab idea – it's usually more affordable than a fancy hotel and gives you a boutique hotel experience along with all the fun and atmosphere of a typical British pub. If you'r...

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....

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...

Pubs are fun to visit at any time of year but hunkering down with a few drinks can be especially enjoyable when it's cold outside. There's no shortage of cosy pubs London-wide, ideal for those who love nothing more than snuggling into a comfortable chair next to a roaring fire and enjoying a drink....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 pick the right pub...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 one of the most popular areas of London, thanks to its extensive shopping opportunities, restaurants, bars, street performers, history and culture. It’s also home to a selection of the best pubs in the city, ranging from old-school British boozers to contemporary craft beer bolthole...

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...

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...

Soho has changed quite a bit over the years, but it has remained cool throughout, especially once night falls and the hip crowds come out in search of fun. There's no shortage of cool bars in Soho with trendy decor, expertly poured drinks, and fashionable crowds, from live music joints with energeti...

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...

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...

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...