Get us in your inbox

Search
mother kelly's se1
Ben Rowe

The best London bars to take dad to

Bonding with the old man? Treat dad to a drink in a London bar that’s right up his street

Written by
Laura Richards
Advertising

Spending some quality time with dad needn’t be a drag. Take him to one of these brilliant London bars where the atmosphere is set just right for parent-friendly pints. Or settle in for a very special martini or a wee nip of whisky with pa if you want to properly push the boat out. Go on, treat the old man.

American Bar at The Savoy
  • Bars and pubs
  • Hotel bars
  • Strand

What is it? World-famous cocktail lounge where the legends of Hollywood have stopped by for a drink.

Why go? Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe have sipped on martinis and champagne here. Now it’s dad’s turn for a treat.

Atrium Bar at Aqua Shard
  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • London Bridge
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? Sky-high bar within The Shard, known for stonking cocktails with views to match.

Why go? Let your old man show off about all his London knowledge or if he’s less acquainted with the city, show him the sights. Either way, it’s a captivating place for cocktails.

Advertising
The Beer Shop
  • Bars and pubs
  • Nunhead
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A south-east ‘micro-pub’ with a stonking craft beer selection.

Why go? Grab an atmospheric pint with pa – or buy keg-fresh beer to take away and enjoy together.

Black Rock
  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Moorgate
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? A darkened whisky den serving scotch and bourbon in a unique way.

Why go? If dad’s go-to drink is the hard stuff, he’ll find a dram or a shot he won’t forget in a hurry.

Advertising
Dukes Bar
  • Bars and pubs
  • St James’s
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? The martini bar where Ian Fleming chose to do his drinking.

Why go? Your dad may not be the next Bond, but he deserves to drink as if he is.

The Gun
  • Bars and pubs
  • Craft beer pubs
  • Homerton
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A diddy Hackney boozer doing a strong line in craft beers and bar snacks.

Why go?  Cheese toasties, relaxed vibes and David Bowie on the airwaves. It’s a proper pub – what’s not to like?

Advertising
The London Gin Club
  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Soho
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? A bar dedicated to gin, with tasting menus and a stash of over 200 bottles to sample.

Why go? Let your father get obsessive over mother's ruin.

Merchant House
  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Blackfriars
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? A smart City cocktail bar with a strong line-up of spirits, especially whisky.

Why go? Staff are friendly, and will be happy to steer you on your boozy family outing.

Advertising
Mother Kelly’s
  • Bars and pubs
  • Craft beer pubs
  • Vauxhall
  • price 3 of 4

What is it? A craft beer mecca, with 33 beers on tap and plenty of bottles in the fridges.

Why go? Dads will be spoilt for choice on the beer front, and you can make a day of it, lazing on seats outside.

  • Restaurants
  • British
  • Bloomsbury

What is it? A wine bar and bistro serving interesting drops to a discerning crowd.

Why go? Work through wine in an unstuffy atmosphere. The sips are really special here and the atmosphere is very parent-friendly.

Advertising
Nuala Bar
  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Moorgate
  • price 2 of 4

What is it? An Old Street basement with a modern approach to drinking like the Irish.

Why go? Punch, whisky cocktails, beer and a serious buzz from live folk music. Because some dads love the craic.

Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Bestselling Time Out offers
      Advertising