Bar – Guides to London

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 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...

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...

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...

If one thing’s for sure, it’s that London isn’t short on places to enjoy a drink or ten. Whether you’re looking for a spot for your next date night or a place to dance well into the early hours, you’ll likely find something apt in Soho. For centuries, Soho has been the place to go in London when you...

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...

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,...

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...

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'...

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...

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...

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...

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, from boardgame bars to ol...

It's no secret that Soho's wining and dining scene is among the city's best. The area is known for being chock full of incredible restaurants, independent boutiques, old-school pubs and an excellent selection of wine bars. Whether you're hunting for your next favourite natty wine or simply searching...

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...

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...

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...

Dining or drinks al fresco is fun, but the British weather in winter doesn't make it easy. With chilly temperatures, the threat of rain, and even the odd scattering of snow, it's preferable to have some shelter. Fortunately there's a happy medium between the two – getting comfy in an igloo. Igloos a...

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...

Belgravia's well-heeled reputation might bring cocktail and champagne bars to mind. Whilst such sophisticated spots are indeed a fixture of the area, that doesn't mean there's a shortage of pubs with a friendly atmosphere and down-to-earth attitude. If you want to drink in a traditional venue or enj...

There are few nicer things in life than sitting down to a glass of good wine. As might be expected of a neighbourhood with a creative, bohemian vibe, there's no shortage of pleasant wine bars in Shoreditch. From charming hidden spots and quirky wine pubs to well-known wine palaces, oenophiles are su...

London is famous for its skyline, with striking landmarks as far as the eye can see. If you're looking to make the most of the view, you can head up to one of the Central London rooftop bars and take in the sights while sipping on an expertly mixed cocktail or a glass of fine wine. Walking the stree...

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...

From the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile breweries to the bustling Deptford taprooms, every corner of London is overflowing with places producing and pouring a wide range of refreshing beers. Whether you want to embark on a brewery tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of beer making or you'd...

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 everything...

Once they get their big break and start bringing home the big bucks, many actors, musicians, athletes and other celebrities decide to invest in the hospitality business. For some, it's the realisation of a lifelong dream, others see it as a good investment opportunity, and some probably just want a...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 hotel b...

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...

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...

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...

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 available th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...