The best cocktail bars in London

What’s the vibe? A tucked-away test kitchen for nearby bars Discount Suit Company, The Sun Tavern and Parasol.

Why we love it: Finding the Umbrella Workshop is all part of the fun. Head down an alleyway it doesn’t look like you should be heading down and you’ll be greeted with the site of a teeny, tiny 12-seater bar situated in a 19th century atelier. At once dramatic and extremely cosy, it would be perfect for an illicit liasion were you that kind of person. If not, use it as a place to try out a host of weird and wonderful cocktails that might end up on the menus of the other Umbrella Project bars. On our last visit we tasted a baklava old fashioned and saw God. 

Address: Unit 10, Cleeve Workshops, Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2 7JD.

Opening hours: Daily 12-10pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails around £13.50.

What’s the vibe? The second iteration of the beloved Dalston drinking spot, bringing bold boozing to Soho.

Why we love it: Taking drinks you know to sexier, more modern places, brothers Max and Noel Venning are masters of both inventiveness and quality. Expanding the narrow intimacy of their east London OG spot for a central London crowd, their Soho offering loses none of its magic - and experts have told us it’s the best bar in London for a first date. Expect surprising twists on the classics (a clear White Russian; a martini with a dash of Koseret tea), plus oysters, small plates and a decent wine list for those not of the spirit-loving persuasion.

Address: 13 Manette Street, Soho, W1D 4AP.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-11.30pm, Fri 3pm-12.30am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 3-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: Most cocktails £15.

What’s the vibe? A very, very late-night bar inspired by the Bauhaus design school of interwar Germany - but, like, fun! The staff wear Mario-esque boiler suits and you’ll find it with three colourful shapes instead of a name over the door. 

When to visit: The last stop of the evening - or should that be morning? A Bar With Shapes For A Name calls time at 4am, so why not slink in at 3am for a nightcap. It’s also surprisingly affordable (ideal if you’ve bankrupted yourself over the course of an evening, with cocktails starting at a ludicrous £4.60). Try also their second spot, Bauhaus Warehaus, up the road in Dalston.

What to drink: The kazimir: a short, elegant blend of vodka infused with peach yogurt and absinthe. It’s a grown-up drink with the faintest delightful hint of a kid’s fromage frais.

Address: 232 Kingsland Road, Haggerston, E2 8AX.

Opening hours: Daily 5pm-4am.

What’s the vibe? Mr Lyan’s swish river-side spot for a proper nerd-out booze experience.

Why we love it: Occupying the same spot as Dandelyan, Mr Lyan’s superlative former venture, which was previously named the world’s best bar, the mixology king has taken an even more radical approach for Lyaness. The whizz kids behind the bar have created seven new ingredients (‘infinite banana’ and ‘ultra raspberry’ among them) that form the pillars of a wildly inventive cocktail menu, with drinks called things like Digital Fruit and Multi-Milk (the latter featuring burnt milk, milk wine and thunder mushroom). A compact bar bites and sharers menu is also available, should you want something a little more solid.

Address: 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, SE1 9PD.

Opening hours: Mon - Thu 5pm-12am, Fri: 4pm-1am, Sat 1pm-1am, Sun 1-11pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails between £17-£19.

What’s the vibe? A small, low-lit room (how every good bar should be) on an Islington backstreet.

Why we love it: With a subtle jazz-age energy, this truly classy joint has staff who are incredibly serious about what they do. Come for the live acts on a Thursday, or the in-house pianist tinkling away on Wednesdays and Sundays. And always remember to book – this place is popular for good reason. Order a mojito-adjacent Barber Shop Fizz, a cocktail made with gin, lime, mint patchouli and birch and soda, will leave you feeling fresh.

Address: 69 Colebrooke Row, Islington, N1 8AA.

Opening times: Tue-Wed 5pm-12am, Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-2am, Sun 5pm-12am.

Expect to pay: All cocktails £15.

What’s the vibe? An undeniably cool yet unpretentious hangout on Crouch End Broadway.

Why we love it: When you’re in need of a fancy drink fix but could do without the pace of central or east London’s bawdy bars, Little Mercies has got you covered. Bustling and busy, their small plates are globetrotting, from croquettes and padron peppers to bao and char siu celeriac, while their signature cocktails are equally playful, and reasonably priced too. Pop in to try some of their limited edition pours like the intriguing Banana Mizuwari, with bourbon and green coffee distillate, and leave with pre-mix cocktail cans to takeaway for a fiver.

Address: 20 Broadway Parade, Crouch End, N8 9DE.

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6pm-12am.

Expect to pay: Boozy cocktails from £10; non-alcoholic cocktails from £5.

What’s the vibe? A special occasion bar nestled in the ultra-fancy Mayfair hotel of the same name.

Why we love it: You don’t go to The Connaught Bar for casual after-work drinks. An entire section of their cocktail menu is dedicated to ‘vintage’ pours that start at £130 and go up to a loan-necessitating £2,210 for their Silver Jubilee Rob Roy. The rest of the offerings are hardly bargain prices, but for a special occasion and a unique experience, they’re distinctly more manageable. With marble floors and plush leather sofas, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a James Bond movie as spiffy waiters wheel out a martini trolley and mix the indulgent beverage right in front of you - experts have told us they make the best in London. It’s unlikely to become a lifestyle choice, but as a one-off luxury, it’s delightful.

Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL.

Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 4pm-1am.

Expect to pay: Cocktails start at £25.

What's the vibe? London has been overrun with stylish listening bars recently, but few, if any, take such a fastidious approach to their drinks list as this wondrous Hackney Road specimen from Michael Sager, of neighbouring wine bar Sager + Wilde. This green-tiled treasure has fast become a London cocktail classic.

When to visit: As often as possible. Their seasonal cocktail menu switches up every few months, with new concoctions to try, and they’re open from 10am on the weekend for morning coffee and pastries. 

What to drink: The Flor is a clean and thoroughly refreshing martini made with olive oil-washed vodka, fino sherry and distilled tomato water with just a hint of basil. And while few alcohol-free drinks satisfy the craving for something bitter and grown-up, Equal Parts’ no/low menu definitely does; so convincing is their alcohol-free negroni you might think you’ve been given the wrong drink.

Address: 245 Hackney Road, Hackney, E2 8NA.

Opening times: Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 10-1am. Sun 10am-midnight.

What’s the vibe? Upmarket mixed drinks in a down-to-earth and devilishly cool location.

Why we love it: Boasting an adventurous drinks menu that’s always changing, Satan’s Whiskers is a beacon in Bethnal Green’s barscape. With vintage posters and taxidermy dressing up the walls, there’s no risk of stuffiness within these covert corners. Instead, sit back and soak up their now-signature hip hop soundtrack while you sip on an impressive cast of cocktails made by their truly expert bar team; recent concoctions include a Shark Attack with vodka and a secret sour mix.

Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9RA.

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat, 5pm-1am.

Expect to pay: Most cocktails are around £13.

What’s the vibe? A laid-back basement bar ensconced within the beloved Zedel complex.

Why we love it: The low-lit Bar Américain is a glorious hideaway from the bustle of the outside world; a pocket of calm beneath the bowels of Piccadilly Circus. Equally wonderful whether you’re treating it as a way-station en route to dinner at Brasserie Zédel, a nightcap-dispensary before heading home, or an evening’s entertainment all in itself (with terrific bar snacks), it’s one of the loveliest bars in London, with an art deco look that’s changed little in its years of existence. Just as timeless is its approach to building a cocktail list, with its wares centred around pre, during and post-prohibition.

Address: 20 Sherwood Street., Piccadilly, W1F 7ED.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 4pm-12am, Sat 3pm-12am, Sun 4-11pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails from £14.75.

What’s the vibe? A two-part bar, with chilled out drinks in the front and a swanky, boutique vibe out the back.

Why we love it: Owned by power couple Alex Katrena and Monica Berg, Tayēr and Elementary is Shoreditch’s ultimate twofer. At the front is Elementary, an all-day hangout with high benches and stools, serving classic cocktails on tap and cheeky snacks including fried ‘marshmallows’ (aka tapioca bites with truffle honey and pecorino). At the back, Tayēr ups the ante with an experimental, ever-changing menu that’s helped to place them in the upper echelons of the World’s Best Bars list. Both spaces are chic, industrial and - remember this bit - walk-in only. Make sure, whatever the day, to order their One Sip Martini: perfection in miniature. 

Address: 152 Old Street, Shoreditch, EC1V 9BW.

Opening hours: Tue-Wed 3pm-12am, Thu-Sat 3pm - 1am.

Expect to pay: One Sip Martini £4; full size cocktails from £13.

What’s the vibe? A hotel bar that really doesn’t feel like a hotel bar, tucked away in the basement of One Hundred Shoreditch. 

Why we love it: Megastar mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana – aka Mr Lyan – is behind the Seed Library’s menu, serving up his cult classics (the clean and crisp Cream Margarita) alongside bonkers inventions; the Orkney Breezer has been filtered through a sheep’s pancreas, but somehow tastes like a Solero ice lolly. All taking place in the relaxed and supremely welcoming lower level of these swanky Shoreditch lodgings, with terrazzo tables, cool pine panelling and soft 1960s stylings, Seed Library is another sterling addition to Mr. Lyan’s cocktail empire.

Address: 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, E1 6JQ.

Opening hours: Wed-Thu 6pm-1am, Fri 6pm-2am, Sat 4pm-2am, Sun 5pm-12am.

Expect to pay: Cocktails from £15.

What’s the vibe? A light-filled Soho aperitif bar upstairs; a brooding basement with a whisky library downstairs.

Why we love it: A swish, two-level cocktail bar on buzzy Old Compton Street, Swift can take you from day to night in one easy stop. Upstairs, they take walk-ins for their brighter, more casual aperitivo and wine menu, with lighter cocktail mixes, Irish coffee and small bar snacks (nocarella olives, chilli crackers) also available. Downstairs it’s a Don Draper-style mecca of low lighting, whiskies and headier mixes. On Sundays, they even have a regular live jazz band between 7pm and 9pm to soundtrack the last precious hours of your weekend with appropriate flair.

Address: 12 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TQ

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 3pm-12am, Sat 1.30pm-12am, Sun 1.30-11pm.

Expect to pay: Aperitifs upstairs from £10; cocktails downstairs from £13.

What’s the vibe? A classy spot for cocktail quaffing on the streets of Hoxton.

Why we love it: This tiny cocktail bar has a motto, which actually reads more like admissions criteria: ‘Great Cocktails, No Wallies.’ Pass the test (it’s not actually a test, don’t worry), and you’ll find yourself in a small but perfectly formed subterranean spot that’s all exposed brickwork and tastefully muted colours. Their cocktails, meanwhile, are world class. A Pepino Caliente is their take on a classic margarita, featuring mezcal, chilli liqueur and cucumber, while their Garden Gimlet with vodka, rye, Suze, basil and tomato is their ‘remix’ of a dirty martini. Happiness Forgets, but bars like this, we remember.

Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, Hoxton, N1 6NU.

Opening hours: Daily 5-11pm.

Expect to pay: All cocktails £11.50.

What’s the vibe? A packed and party-ready bar that serves cracking cocktails alongside pints of Guinness.

Why we love it: Don’t expect any shamrocks or fiddles at Homeboy, an Irish-run bar on Essex Road that mostly avoids clichés. Guinness is, naturally, a favourite here but their cocktail menu is also worth shouting about, with many featuring a little homeland nod. A sweet Whiskey Smash (Irish whiskey shaken with mint and orange) is a winner and their Irish coffee might well be one of the capital’s best. The Wogan, meanwhile, is beautifully strong and sharp – with apricot brandy also in the mix. Homeboy call it ‘modern Irish hospitality without the twee’ and we’re fully on board.

Address: 108 Essex Road, Islington, N1 8LX.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-11pm, Fri 3pm-1am, Sat 12.30pm-1am, Sun 12.30pm-11pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails £11-£12.

What’s the vibe? A speakeasy-esque room tucked under Soho’s famous Lina Stores delicatessen, with a cocktail menu full of Italian twists.

When to visit: The snack menu would make a handy pre-show supper, but the intimate lighting and gentle hum of a La Dolce Vita soundtrack also mean this is a nice spot for a post-dinner digestif.

What to drink: The Bloody Martini (vodka, vermouth, crystal clear coffee-filtered tomato water) might be their signature, but the gin and prosecco-infused Beretta has its charms too.

Address: 18 Brewer Street, Soho, W1F 0SG.

Opening times: Mon-Sat 5-11.30pm, Sun 4-10.30pm.

What’s the vibe? Located deep in the bowels of the glossy OWO – once the Ministry of Defence HQ – the Spy Bar trades heavily on its history. Yes, this is the building in which Ian Fleming worked and came up with the idea for James Bond, and they don’t let you forget it. Thankfully, the Spy Bar isn’t an immersive experience, but simply a very good place to drink a cocktail.  

When to visit: When you don’t want anyone to know where you are. Photography is verboten at The Spy Bar - you’ll be given a sticker to pop over your camera lens on entry - and there’s a room lined with cosy booths just asking for a scandal of Profumo levels to take place in them. 

What to drink: A Vesper martini (shaken not stirred, and with both vodka and gin). First mentioned in Fleming’s debut Bond novel, 1953’s Casino Royale, the drink is named in honour of the original Bond girl, Vesper Lynd.

Address: The OWO, 57 Whitehall, SW1A 2BX. 

Opening hours: Tue-Fri 5pm-1am, Sat 5pm-midnight. 

What’s the vibe? It’s always La Dolce Vita at Bar Termini, with continental service and Italian aperitifs, and espressos. The teeny tiny setting offers the rare luxury of relative 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).

Address: 7 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 5JE.  

Opening times: Mon-Thu 10am-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 10am-1am, Sun 11am-10.30pm.

What’s the vibe? Very luxe. Hidden in plain sight amidst the noise of Notting Hill Gate, the room is draped in rich teal with touches of gold. When it comes to booze, Viajante87 is based around the concept of ‘drinking like a local’, with your choices all inspired by flavours which hail from Central and South America. 

When to visit: When you need a second wind and simple caffeine won’t do. The Paloma Cafe mixes tequila - or mezcal - with lime, bitter grapefruit cordial, and a hefty dose of cold brew coffee. 

What to drink: The ‘Pura Pache’ is clean and fruity and a good light cocktail to kick things off. But if you’re a fan of bitter, negroni-esque flavours, don’t skip over the ‘Blood Moon’. 

Address: 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ.

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 7pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 7pm-2am.

What’s the vibe? A subterranean hideout metres from the Old Street roundabout.

Why we love it: Featuring some of London’s most madcap cocktails, categorised variously as ‘old school’, ‘mid-century’ and ‘modern’, Nightjar has a suitably speakeasy atmosphere to host these sorts of libations. Enter via an unassuming door, before descending a set of stairs to a dusky, low-lit room replete with olive-green green leather, dark panelling and flickering candles. There’s nightly live jazz, with an emphasis on the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s, plus the sort of quirky drinks presentation that’ll have you spamming the ‘Gram in no time.

Address: 129 City Road, EC1V 1JB

Opening hours: Sun-Wed 7pm-1am, Thu-Sat 7pm-3am.

Expect to pay: Cocktails £14-18.