The best bars in London

January 2019: Still at number one in our list is Dandelyan – the ‘world’s best bar’ is due to close for good in March, so treat this as a last chance saloon. New at number 15 is Little Mercies in Crouch End – its cheeky twist on the pornstar martini is worth a trip up North to try. You’ll also find Cocteleria at number 31, a hangout in the basement of Breddos taqueria slinging mighty margs and micheladas. Moving up the list this month are Every Cloud and Bar Three, two bars catering brilliantly to those cutting back in Dry January. Or for quite the opposite reason, there’s Black Rock – this whisky den of dreams is fit for Burns Night knees-ups on the hard stuff.
Welcome to the Time Out DRINK List, our handpicked ‘best of’ London’s drinking scene. These are the most buzzing bars in this city right now: the most inventive and most memorable watering holes, all ranked by expert local editors. We scour the city every night of the week in search of amazing drinks, great value and insider info (from disco loos to an unmissable rum-punch happy hour), visiting incognito and footing the bill. That’s how you know that if it’s on this list, it’s awesome.
Quality drinks are essential, that’s a given – from wine to spirits to craft beer. But we’re looking for the fun factor wherever we drink, whether that be a quirky theme, Instagrammable tipples or service that instantly puts a smile on your face. And we’re all about value for money at every price point – from splash-out cocktail bars to down-and-dirty dives. Ultimately, these are the places we would recommend to a friend; the best in class for boozing. Time to order in a round you won’t forget in a hurry.
Drank somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDrinkList. You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews bars here.
The best bars in London, ranked
Dandelyan
What’s the vibe? International hotel glamour and world-beating drinks. Ryan ‘Mr Lyan’ Cheti smashes it out of the park with his second, more glamorous watering hole. No wonder it does such a roaring trade.
When to visit: A few cocktails here looking out over the Thames makes for a properly classy London night out.
What to drink: As much as possible – ‘The World’s Best Bar’ is set to close in March to make way for new bar concept Lyaness.
Sager + Wilde Hackney Rd
What’s the vibe? The wine bar you’ve been waiting for, this Hackney Road haven is a pit stop for professional people who may lack a professional appreciation of wine. All plonks here are served at a reasonable price by the bottle or glass.
When to visit: In the winter months. Small and dark, this is the perfect place to hunker down on a cold and wild evening.
What to drink: Though beers are available, it really has to be wine. You won’t regret any choice.
Mother Kelly’s
What’s the vibe? A bottle shop, taproom and beer heaven housed in a roomy railway arch in Vauxhall.
When to visit: When you want to have all the choice in the world. There are 33 taps and so many beer fridges to work your way through. Thank the beer gods for staff who are more than happy to help you decide.
What to drink: Choose something to savour rather than swig.
Bar Three
What’s the vibe? Elegant, modern and minimal basement bar filled with smiling staff and light, bright cocktails.
When to visit: The large space suits group hangouts. Bring your discerning pals along to Spitalfields.
What to drink: Pick any of the striking cocktails – from low- and no-alcohol numbers to stronger nightcaps.
Swift
What’s the vibe? A Soho bar with a split personality spread across two floors – aperitivos upstairs, nightcaps and whisky in the moody downstairs lounge – but all drinks are flawless at Swift. No surprise, really: its owners have worked across London’s best bars.
When to visit: A date night where it could go either way.
What to drink: The prosecco-based sgroppino contains lemon sorbet. Dreamy.
Trailer Happiness
What’s the vibe? Delve beneath a layer of kitsch to discover a trippy tiki bar that’s casual, sunny and funny – and rammed at weekends.
When to visit: Weekdays are chill-days, but this is Notting Hill and a party is never far away.
What to drink: Dia de Muertos (mezcal, blood orange cordial, pineapple and citrus).
Authentique Epicerie & Bar
What's the vibe? Geometric white tiling, pendant lights and a mission to bring the best from French-speaking parts of the world to a corner of north London.
When to visit: This place is perfect for a weekday drink.
What to drink: Their by-the-glass menu highlights a different wine region each month.
Black Rock
What’s the vibe? Broodingly dark bar shining a light on whisky, Black Rock takes any fustiness out of the spirit. Sample from bottles in cabinets or from a tree running the length of the room and filled with two ‘whisky river’ house blends.
When to visit: For serious, considered whisky drinking given a fun edge.
What to drink: Whisky, obvs. From the tree or bottle, or served in cocktails and high balls.
Crate Brewery
What’s the vibe? Great pizza, great beer, great outdoor space; Crate is the ultimate brewery bar and the centrepoint of Hackney Wick’s social scene. It probably doesn’t hurt that it’s placed right by the canal, either.
When to visit: On a sunny evening, the lure of Crate is hard to resist. Failing that, make it a lingering weekend session after a brisk walk by the canal.
What to drink: The irresistibly malty and light Crate Best is a treat any day of the week.
Satan's Whiskers
What’s the vibe? Upmarket mixed drinks in a down-to-earth and devilishly cool location, where you’ll find some of the best cocktails on Bethnal Green’s burgeoning booze scene (in among the taxidermy, natch).
When to visit: Thursday night; the weekend starts early here.
What to drink: Satan’s Americano (Campari, sweet vermouth, grapefruit soda).
Little Nan’s Bar
What’s the vibe? Off the wall. Imagine your nan’s front room and times it by ten. And throw in some Princess Di and Pat Butcher memorabilia. You’re part-way there to the weirdest trip of a bar in south London.
When to visit: Evenings when they crank up the Abba tunes, or afternoon tea with your ma.
What to drink: Fizzy cocktails from teapots, of course.
Terroirs
What’s the vibe? Rustic French wine bar in central London serving Gaelic small plates to match what’s in your fancy flute.
When to visit: Looking for some oh là là in your life? Come away feeling fancy and well-fed.
What to drink: Natural wine – discover something weird and wonderful.
Bar Termini
What’s the vibe? It’s the dolce vita at Bar Termini, with Continental-style service and Italian aperitifs (and espressos). Lively and always busy, but quiet because of its size, the minute setting offers the rare luxury of peace and quiet in central London.
When to visit: Early evenings are perfect for a cocktail before dinner in Soho.
What to drink: Marsala martini (gin, sweet marsala, dry vermouth and almond bitters) .
Fitz’s Bar
What's the vibe? Imagine if Rick James and Jay Gatsby got together to throw a bash filled with delicious cocktail confections.
When to visit: Perfect for an early evening tipple.
What to drink: Try the Vesca Negroni, a classic drink lifted with coconut and rosehip.
Venue says A Bloomsbury bar with a touch of timeless glamour - the perfect spot to escape the everyday.
Little Mercies
What's the vibe? Super-friendly service and on-trend cocktails all the way up in Crouch End, brought to you by the team behind Bar Three (see above).
When to visit: Come here for group catch-ups over cocktails – large, tall tables help you keep it social.
What to drink: Served from a bottle like sparkling rosé, the bar’s reimagining of a pornstar martini makes the UK’s most popular cocktail seriously cool again.
Ridley Road Market Bar
What’s the vibe? Dalston’s tropical party shack where disco tunes rule and refreshing drinks will cool you down after a stint on the dancefloor.
When to visit: If you want to kid yourself you’re on a Caribbean holiday.
What to drink: The ginger mojito is one of London’s best drinks and it’s yours for just a fiver.
Howling Hops
What’s the vibe? It’s warehouse meets beer-hall in here, with rows of long tables for group drinkers and up-turned barrels for smaller parties. What all visitors have in common is an urge to sip beer fresh from the tank – these stand in glistening rows behind the bar.
When to visit: On a weekend afternoon, when you can put some serious time aside to test the brewery’s full output.
What to drink: There are ten from the tank to try, but start with American Pale XX, whose hoppy notes explode when sampled straight from the source.
Ruby’s Bar & Lounge
What’s the vibe? Retro, disco party lounge with a cute little cocktail bar next door. Make Ruby’s your one-stop drinking shop in Dalston.
When to visit: On Friday nights, the bar dedicates itself to the humble piña colada. Then on Saturdays, the lights are down low and the tunes are up high.
What to drink: If piña coladas aren’t your style (why not?!), select from any of the cocktail classics.
The Connaught Bar
What’s the vibe? As classy as they come, the Connaught Bar is a must-try for any Londoner. Sip mega-dollar drinks in a mega-dollar Mayfair setting, among a clientele of flashy hotel guests. Hey, you’re worth it.
When to visit: That very special occasion.
What to drink: Order a martini and they’ll roll a trolley to you table. You may need rolling out after, too.
Coupette
What’s the vibe? Chic Bethnal Green calvados and cocktail bar serving French-tinged tipples to an in-the-know crowd.
When to visit: When a pint after work just isn’t going to cut it, an apple brandy should do the trick instead.
What to drink: The Champagne Piña Colada. Filled with coconut sorbet, it’s the stuff dreams are made of and has fast become east London’s most popular drink.
Two Tribes
What’s the vibe? An industrial-looking brewery taproom in the backend of King’s Cross dedicated to two things: brews and tunes.
When to visit: Check the music line-up on Two Tribes’ website – DJs kill it here on the regular.
What to drink: A changing beer selection pours across 15 taps. Pick one of Two Tribes’ own brews, from a not-too-hoppy Urban Rye IPA to Copycat, a silky-smooth Brut IPA.
Beaufort Bar at The Savoy
What’s the vibe? There’s eye-opening dusky glamour any time of the day at this hideaway of supreme style. The setting is as rich as you’ll find in London, with walls embossed in gold for the mega-dollar effect.
When to visit: To remind yourself that such places exist in your city. Make the most of them.
What to drink: A champagne cocktail. What more of an excuse do you need?
Albertine
What’s the vibe? A laid-back wine bar in Shepherd’s Bush that feels as cosy as a glass of Merlot.
When to visit: Come with an appetite – the bar does great sharing plates or there’s a lengthier menu in the bistro upstairs.
What to drink: See what staff recommend by the glass. You’re sure to have a quaffing good time.
Four Quarters South
What’s the vibe? There’s not much to the decor, since Four Quarters says it all with retro arcade games available to play at 25p a pop. Swap pals for Pac-Man with a drink in hand – this is London’s nostalgia craze at its best.
When to visit: When a Scrabble session or a night of karaoke won’t cut it in the entertainment stakes, sign up for one of the regular Mario Kart tournaments.
What to drink: Cocktails and craft beers. But remember to focus your energy on beating your Street Fighter score.
Venue says Situated on Peckham’s bustling Rye Lane, London’s first arcade bar boasts more than 15 original arcade cabs along a selection of craft beers
Punch Room at the London Edition
What’s the vibe? A hotel bar with a muted wood-pannelled look and a soul soundtrack, the Punch Room is way more contemporary than its name suggests. All guests are offered a complimentary swig of the punch of the day before ploughing into the cool cocktails.
When to visit: Hit up the Punch Room for a hygge-style hideaway by the fire.
What to drink: The shrubs and punches are where it’s at.
Blind Pig
What’s the vibe? Yes, it’s another take on the Prohibition theme, but it’s classy as hell and Jason Atherton’s at the helm. Rich, dark oak furnishings and white marble features (and even a mirrored ceiling) juxtapose playful, decorative drinks. Think ‘Bugsy Malone’ for grown-ups and you’re about there.
When to visit: After an indulgent dinner in Atherton’s Social Eating House below.
What to drink: The bar’s take on Butter Beer from a menu inspired by childhood stories.
The Coral Room
What’s the vibe? Luxe hotel bar that’s so polished in pink, it’s almost as sparkling as what’s in your glass. Perfect for its glossy clientele.
When to visit: This is a destination for a pick-me-up tipple, a girly catch-up or a business meeting when you’re out to impress.
What to drink: The bar boasts one of the largest menus of English sparkling wine in town. Order up a glass of something (relatively) local and fizzy.
Nickel
What’s the vibe? Teeny neighbourhood hangout that’s bare, minimal and bright – so that you can focus on stonkingly good wine, cocktails and nibbles.
When to visit: Come at night time for a neighbourhood nightcap, when things get dark and steamy. It’s N8’s worst-kept secret.
What to drink: The wine list has been put together by Borough Wines and a simple cocktail list includes balanced originals with gorgeously delicate flavours.
Doodle Bar
What’s the vibe? Art class meets night out at Bermondsey’s Doodle Bar, where a railway arch’s two main walls are decked in chalkboards for tipsy punters to get creative. Street food vans pull up outside making it the height of hip.
When to visit: Date night could get fun with some suggestive scribbling.
What to drink: Try Doodle’s pale ale, created especially for the bar.
Waterloo Tap
What’s the vibe? A spin-off from the Euston Tap, this southbank bar has a similar agenda: craft beer at the station. This one’s in a super-cool railway arch that’s been tastefully kitted out with modern furniture and modern booze.
When to visit: When you feel like a challenge: work your way through the daily beer list broadcasted on a TV screen by the bar.
What to drink: Cross-continental lagers and big-hitting American beers.
Cocteleria
What’s the vibe? A cosy basement space filled with bright signage, modern prints on the walls and friendly staff welcoming you to sit up on one of just eight bar stools.
When to visit: Visit when you’re after a flavour of modern Mexico without any of the clichés.
What to drink: The Horchata Martini – a boozy twist on everybody’s favourite agua fresca.
Genuine Liquorette
What’s the vibe? A kitsch Fitzrovia joint that comes across as cheeky as ’80s Tom Selleck – whose face, coincidentally, is plastered on the walls of the ladies’ lav.
When to visit: For group get-togethers. Like boozy bingo, there’s a form to fill out to make your order, and pizzas are great share-and-tear fodder.
What to drink: The ‘cha-chunker’ – a cocktail crafted from a fizzy drink can, with a mini booze bottle inverted and shoved in the top. The flavour isn’t all that finessed, but it’s fun with a capital ‘F’.
Original Sin
What’s the vibe? With its impeccably pleasant staff and classy drinks, Original Sin kicked off the Stoke Newington cocktail revolution. The narrow room holds booths for groups to nestle into or a pool table for a tipsy match . Cocktails should always be this fun.
When to visit: Low lights mean this bar is primed for a nightcap.
What to drink: Red Hook (rye, maraschino and Punt e Mes).
GinTonica
What’s the vibe? Spanish-themed bar within London’s very own ‘gin hotel’, The Distillery. Find colourful tiles and even more colourful G&Ts.
When to visit: For authenticity’s sake, visit later in the day and wash down tapas with goblet-sized serves of gin and tonic. Come in a group to work your way through the many gins in stock.
What to drink: Duh!
Copeland Social
What's the vibe? A youthful drinking spot with a banging soundsystem frequented by dungaree-wearing Peckhamites.
When to visit: Given its location at the heart of trendy Copeland Park, this spot will likely be busy every night of the week.
What to drink: Try the hefty Peckham Punch, a fruity cocktail with four rums in the mix.
69 Colebrooke Row
What’s the vibe? Not quite as saucy as the name suggests; a tiny space where people come in search of serene, simple cocktails. You’ll be well taken care of at this intimate Islington hideaway that continues to innovate.
When to visit: When you’re in need of something simple and stunning – these are drinks that don’t need to show off about how good they are.
What to drink: The Prairie Oyster is a London icon.
Ladies & Gentlemen
What’s the vibe? If you’re heading for a night on the cocktails you’re probably prepared to spend a penny. Well, this Kentish Town cocktail magnet has something for every taste, and is all set in a disused public loo.
When to visit: When you want to flush away the cares of the day.
What to drink: Rhubarb and Custard (gin, Bird’s custard, rhubarb syrup, lemon).
Mr Fogg's
What’s the vibe? A Victorian explorer’s curiosity-filled abode, with spiffing cocktails served by knowledgeable, plummy bar staff. Penny-farthings are suspended from the ceiling and leather-bound books line the shelves. What ho!
When to visit: For a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
What to drink: The Illusionist is a smoky spectacle you’ll never forget, with whisky, bourbon and Cocchi Barolo Chinato all smoked with cinnamon and cloves.
Every Cloud
What’s the vibe? Fun-time cocktail bar on Hackney’s Morning Lane where it’s small and convivial enough to make friends with the whole room.
When to visit: When you’re on the Dry January flex – or you’re just watching what you drink. Soft options are just as delightful and won’t cost you the earth
What to drink: Glacier Dark – a fruity, alcohol-free cocktail made from blackcurrant soda and liquorice cordial.
Rum Kitchen Notting Hill
What’s the vibe? Rum, reggae, jerk chicken – it’s a recipe for instant good times. No wonder Notting Hillbillies love it so.
When to visit: Happy hour is from 6 to 8 – grab enough rum cocktails to sink a ship.
What to drink: It would be rude not to try one of the rockin’ rum punches.
Cocktail Trading Company
What’s the vibe? Small, secretive and playful but always serious about the cocktails. Look beyond the pink umbrella in your drink for full-on flavour and watch the barmen at work for a masterclass in mixing.
When to visit: When you’re up for a chat with your local barman – they’re a friendly bunch at CTC.
What to drink: The menu changes regularly, but all cocktails have wacky decorations that won’t disappoint.
Craft Tooting
What’s the vibe? In the midst of Tooting Market sits this teensy bottle shop and bar where craft beer rules. It’s rustic for sure, with plywood tables and orange steel barstools, but boardgames and cheerful staff offer comfort.
When to visit: On warmer evenings when you don’t mind the chill of the semi-outdoors.
What to drink: Ask for something weird and see what happens.
Milk & Honey
What’s the vibe? One of the capital’s original speakeasies, Milk & Honey is discreet, dark and good for larger groups. The clubby but unstuffy surroundings make it a central London legend.
When to visit: Whenever you can book: it’s easier early in the week.
What to drink: London Calling (gin, sherry, lemon, sugar, bitters).
The K Bar
What’s the vibe? Sharp-looking hotel joint within the Town House Kensington, complete with a marble-topped bar, velvet-covered chairs and oak-panelled walls. It’s a surprisingly buzzy spot for an aperitivo or a nightcap.
When to visit: Don’t just stop by – you can easily make a night of it here.
What to drink: The cocktail classics are done well. Class in a glass.
Del 74 Dalston
What’s the vibe? Welcome to party town. Fiesta-ville. Get ready to go loco down in Acapulco. Actually, Del 74 is Dalston’s answer to Baja California where the tequila is flowing freely and ideal for washing down tacos.
When to visit: If you’re looking to make friends, head here. And definitely don’t plan for a quiet drink at Del 74, where there’s even a disco in the loos.
What to drink: If straight shots of tequila and mezcal make you weak at the knees, opt for margaritas, micheladas and bottles of Modelo.
Happiness Forgets
What’s the vibe? Incredible cocktails, and, in our experience, dazzlingly wonderful service. Join laughing locals quaffing classy cocktails in a Shoreditch bar that’s stood the test of time. As the website says, ‘great cocktails, no wallies’.
When to visit: On a late East End night out that demands something a bit classy.
What to drink: Tokyo Collins (gin, yuzu saké, lemon, grapefruit, sugar, soda) .
Nightjar
What’s the vibe? Fancy a speakeasy? Don’t accept any imitations and start at this low-lit subterranean hideout metres from the Old Street roundabout, where a long, playful cocktail list still shines. Smooth table service from staff dressed to the nines makes for a roaring ‘20s vibe.
When to visit: If you’d rather have a quiet tête-à-tête, avoid live music (and a cover charge) and book an early evening slot.
What to drink: The Aku Aku is served in a bird-shaped vessel (aw!).
Unwined in Tooting
What’s the vibe? Cutesy, buzzy ramshackle wine bar within Tooting Broadway Market.
When to visit: Fancy having an intro to wine in a relaxed, relatable way? The team at Unwined talk about it in a down-to-earth fashion.
What to drink: Any of the monthly specials from small, indie vineyards.
First Aid Box
What’s the vibe? An apothecary shop filled with boozy remedies, First Aid Box is a café by day and experimental cocktail joint come night, with white tiled walls and pseudo-pharmacological gear on the bar. We’re hooked.
When to visit: For a fun night out with pals.
What to drink: If you fancy some cocktail theatre go for the bramble, served with a syringe of Chambord on the side.
The Italian Job
What’s the vibe? A deep blue Chiswick bar with a Continental lease of life by a roster of craft beers from Italy. Yep, Italian craft beer, it’s a thing.
When to visit: When you’re done exploring the suds our own London breweries have to offer.
What to drink: Birra artiginale, baby! Great for washing down Italian bar snacks.
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