Fitzrovia bars

What is it? Canary-yellow tapas bar that comes into its own in the summer.

Why go? Come for the tapas, stay for the sherries and giant G&Ts.

What is it? An old-school London bar with a twee look – expect doilies, lace and wonky lampshades.

Why go? Drink cocktails from china teacups.

What it it? Inspired by the liquor stores that line the Californian coast, Genuine Liquorette is a playful hangout near Oxford Circus.

Why go? To check out the cha-chunker – essentially, a cocktail in a can made for your Instagram feed.

What is it? Slick, darkened bar in a Michelin-starred restaurant with pulsating music and exotic cocktails.

Why go? To live it up like you’re in ‘Sex and The City’.

What is it? A quirky drinking den with the look of a grandmother’s house and with a bit of a thing for the Royal Family.

Why go? If you like your drinks silly and your songs even sillier.

What is it? Party-ready basement bar with hyperactive bar staff.

Why go? Fast-paced cocktails and good-time tunes – happy hour is where it’s at.

What is it? An underground drinking den with a semi-speakeasy look.

Why go? Live blues to go with your liquor.

What is it? Another bar in the Mr Fogg’s family, this time with a botany theme and plenty of foliage.

Why go? Great for a green-fingered catch-up, you can sip posh cocktails on the bar’s first floor in among the palms and plants.

What is it? A small, divey and dark bar lit by red neon and themed around ‘gangster noir’.

Why go? Stiff whisky cocktails by the barrel-load, an absinthe drink on tap and a banging happy hour list.

What is it? Smart, wood-panelled hotel bar serving pretty punch cocktails.

Why go? It’s quite simply one of the best cocktail bars in the capital – drinks pack a serious punch.

What is it? A hotel bar dressed to the nines in purple hues.

Why go? Head here when your Instagram feed is running low.

What is it? A cosy bar just off Warren Street championing offbeat wines from small producers.

Why go? Branch out from your standard cab sauv. Visit on Mondays for bargain bottles.

What is it? A former rectory transformed into a comfortable cocktail bar.

Why go? Absolve yourself from the stresses of the day – Rev JW is a popular spot for post-work cocktails.

What is it? Beneath popular restaurant Roka you’ll find this graffiti-filled den dedicated to Japanese spirit shochu.

Why go? Get better acquainted with this interesting tipple, mixed into cocktails bursting with flavour.

What is it? A nightlife hub with a basement club and a laidback bar on ground level.

Why go? A banging happy hour and what they’re calling ‘sonic sandwiches’.

What is it? A bar filled with quirky modern art – and with cocktails that are also masterpieces.

Why go? Sit in a palm-filled indoor terrace and sip with a fashionable crowd.