The Best Cocktail Bars London Has to Offer
...Chic, trendy and sophisticated
Cocktail Bars London Intro
Over the past 10-20 years cocktail bars London locals love have helped to morph the drinking landscape dramatically. Of course there is still plenty of old English pubs and they're here to stay. However London has much much more to offer.
The cocktail bars London boasts are world class. You can experience delicious lovingly made cocktails in a trendy, chic and sophisticated atmosphere any night of the week. Every other week bars are opening across the city so keep your eye out for new additions - I'm SURE you'll adore these favourites though.
Cocktail Bars London Quick Links:
Insider Tip: Don't forget to check out
unusual bars in London - in there you'll also find some cocktail bars London locals love, just with a little twist.
LAB - London Academy of Bartending
When your bartenders are all alumni of the London Bartending Academy (LAB) then you know you're onto a good thing. LAB serves up the same top quality cocktails with great service and atmosphere. The best thing about the Academy is the prices - unlike many pretentious cocktail pretenders in London this place charges around £7 a drink, and you'll struggle to find a more delicious concoction anywhere else in the city.
Opening Hours: Daily: 4:00pm - 12:00am
Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Phone: +44 (0)20 7437 7820
Web: www.labbaruk.com Address:12 Old Compton St, London, W1D 4TQ
Purl
With drink names like 'Whats Your Poison' London's Purl bar is not your average cocktail establishment. Decked out like a 1920's speak easy the bar is seperated in to small intimate rooms where you can sink into a couch while amazing 'different' concoctions are ferried to you by your friendly server. Bookings adviced for this unusual bar in London.
Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 5:00pm - 11:30
Closest Tube: Bond St / Baker St
Phone: +44 (0)20 7935 0835
Web: www.purl-london.com Address:50/54 Blandford St, Marylebone, W1U 7HX
Experimental Cocktail Club
The world has a lot to thank the French for - baguettes, fine wines, restaurants and now... Cocktails! The Experimental Cocktail Club burst onto the scene in 2010 and is now one cocktail bars that London locals flock too. The ECC is uber trendy and set over two floors of a converted townhouse. The staff are attentive and the drinks are to die for. Luckily half the tables are reserved for walk-in trade. If you're in Soho/ Chinatown do NOT miss this one.
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 6:00pm - 3:00am
Sun: 5:00pm - 11:00pm
Closest Tube: Leicester Square
Phone: +44 (0)20 7434 3559
Address:13A Gerrard Street W1D 5PS
Sochu
Sochu is a stylish subterranean Japanese cocktail and food heaven. It lends it's name from a Japanese drink made from barley, sweet potato or rice. You'll find this tipple in many of the cocktails. Speaking of which, the cocktails are innovative and well thought out. Inside the bar there are low set tables, lots of dark wood and stainless finishes. Sexy - yes, that's for sure!
Opening Hours: Mon - Wed, Sat: 5:30pm -11:30pm
Thu-Fri: 12:00pm - 11:30pm
Sun: 5:30pm - 10:30pm
Closest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Phone: +44 (0)20 7580 6464
Web: www.shochulounge.com Address: 37 Charlotte St, Westminster, London W1T 1RR
Milk & Honey
House rules (no hats gents!), 30's swing and jazz playing and a touch of New York in Soho are just a few things to some up the ever popular reservations only sister bar of Milk & Honey New York. The atmosphere is low key, intimate but still ultra stylish and sexy. All the classics are on the menu and the service is impeccable. Don't forget to book!
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Sat: 7:00pm - 11:00pm
Closest Tube: Oxford Circus
Phone: +44 (0)70 0065 5469
Web: www.mlkhny.com/london
Address: 61 Poland St, London W1F 7NU
Connaught Bar
David Collins has produced one of the most beautiful cocktail bars London has seen in recent years. Inspired by English Cubist and Irish 1920s art, the walls are textured with shimmering platinum silver leaf overlaid with dusty pink, pistachio and lilac. Complimentary snacks are provided with cocktails that are a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Opening Hours: Mon - Sat: 4:00pm - 1.00am
Sun: Closed
Closest Tube: Bond St
Phone: +44 (0)20 7499 7070
Web: www.the-connaught.co.uk/connaught_bar.aspx Address: Carlos Pl, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
Lounge Lover
The creators of baroque-kitsch fine dining restaurant Les Trois Garcons are behind the wonderful eccentric (some say off the planet) cocktail bar London socialites are flocking to. In terms of fashion and style, out of all the cocktail bars London has, this one stands out. Just as creative are the cocktails, be sure to try the Miss Ross and the Endless Lover.
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu: 6:00pm -12:00am
Fri: 5:30pm - 1:00am
Sat: 6:00pm - 1:00am
Closest Tube: Old St
Phone: +44 (0)207 0121 234
Web: www.loungelover.co.uk Address: 1 Whitby St, London E1 6JU
Blue Bar
The Blue Bar is ever bit as stunning as it looks in the photo. The drinks aren't cheap, but they are masterfully crafted and served with complimentary snacks. As you sink into the amazing bar settings you can let your attentive staff take care of you and feel every bit as special as a King or Queen. If you love cocktail bars London is the place to be and this is the bar to visit.
Opening Hours: Mon: 4:00pm - 1:00am
Tue - Sat: 9:00am - 1:00am
Sun: 4:00pm - 11:00pm
Closest Tube: Hyde Park Corner / Knightsbridge
Phone: +44 (0)20 7235 6000
Web: www.the-berkeley.co.uk Address:14 Winchester Walk SE1 9AG
The Loft
The Loft is one of the cocktail bars London folk south of the river are proud to call their own. They combine a chich stylish setting with great service international beers and wines and of course, a great cocktail list. For those looking for the complete 'Loft' experience there is a award winning dining room and cocktail making lessons available. Loft, lift me up!
Opening Hours: Tue - Thu: 6:00pm - 12:00am
Fri: 5:00pm - 1:30am
Sat: 12:00pm - 1:30am
Sun: 12:00pm - 12:00am
Closest Tube: Clapham Common/North
Phone: +44 (0)20 7627 0792
Web: www.theloftclapham.com Address: 67 Clapham High St
69 Colebrooke Row
Cocktail classes, seasonal drinks menus and an awards list as long as your arm - this is the bar with no name at 69 Colebrooke Row. When the drinks and atmosphere is so good that you don't need a name, you're on to a winner. Expect a warm friendly staff and inventive bespoke cocktails - want something extra special, no problem, just as your server!
Opening Hours: Sun - Wed: 5:00pm - 12:00am
Thu: 5:00pm - 1:00am
Fri - Sat 5:00pm - 2:00am
Closest Tube: Angel
Phone: +44 (0)75 4052 8593
Web: 69colebrookerow.com Address: 69 Colebrooke Row, London N1 8AA
