Bar – Guides to London

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...

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...

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 a hotspot for gamers of every stripe, whether you fancy a quick go on a vintage arcade machine, stepping into a state-of-the-art VR world, or going head-to-head at a dedicated esports venue. Our round-up of the best arcades and gaming bars points (heh) you to the places where old-school fa...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 (or whiskey, depending on its provenance) is a beloved spirit that has 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...

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...

Covent Garden isn't exactly known for spacious outdoor areas and beautiful beer gardens, and finding a nice place to sit outside with a drink and not get constantly bumped by passers-by can be a challenge. If you do know where to look, however, you can find pleasant outdoor areas in Covent Garden th...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

The bar scene in Clapham is centred mainly around the High Street, with an array of local and city-wide favourites pouring the drinks and pumping out the tunes. There's more to enjoying a drink or two in this South London area, however. Read our guide to the best bars in Clapham to discover your new...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, we’ve...

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...

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...

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...

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 craft beer tap rooms to...

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...

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...