London doesn’t just serve gin-it celebrates it. The city’s gin scene has exploded over the last decade, turning old pubs and hidden alleyways into temples of botanicals, distillation science, and handcrafted cocktails. If you’re looking for more than just a gin and tonic, you’re in the right place. This isn’t about tourist traps with plastic garnishes. This is about bars where the gin is made down the street, the tonic is house-infused, and the menu reads like a nature journal written by a mad chemist.
Why London Is the Global Capital of Craft Gin
London has been distilling gin since the 1700s, but the modern revival started around 2010. Back then, only a handful of small distilleries existed. Today, over 100 craft gin brands call London home. Brands like Sipsmith, Hendrick’s, and The London Distillery Company didn’t just jump on a trend-they rebuilt the rules. They use copper pot stills, forage for local botanicals like elderflower and rowan berry, and even age gin in oak barrels like whiskey.
What sets London apart isn’t just the quantity-it’s the obsession. Bars here don’t just stock gin; they curate it. You’ll find gins made with London plane tree bark, sea kelp from the Thames estuary, or even black garlic. The cocktail menus aren’t afterthoughts-they’re tasting menus designed to match the spirit’s flavor profile.
1. The London Distillery Company (The LDC) - Where It All Began
Open since 2014, The London Distillery Company (The LDC) in Shoreditch is the OG of modern London gin bars. It’s also a working distillery, so you can watch the gin being made through glass walls while you sip. Their signature Gin Tonic isn’t just gin and tonic-it’s a layered experience. You pick your gin from 30+ small-batch bottles, then choose your tonic (they make their own with blood orange and lemongrass), and finally, your garnish from a rotating seasonal selection: smoked rosemary, candied ginger, or even edible flowers.
Pro tip: Try the Gin & Tonic Flight-three 100ml pours with different botanicals. It’s the best way to learn what you actually like. The staff don’t push brands; they ask what flavors you enjoy in tea or herbs, then match you to a gin.
2. The Connaught Bar - The Refined Experience
If you want luxury with precision, head to The Connaught Bar in Mayfair. It’s not flashy, but it’s one of the most respected cocktail bars in the world. Their Gin Menu changes every three months and features rare gins from Japan, Sweden, and even the Falkland Islands. The bartender will explain how each gin’s botanicals interact with their house-made tonic syrups-like a 12-hour infusion of wild thyme and juniper smoke.
Don’t miss the Gin & Tonic Tasting paired with three canapés: smoked salmon with dill oil, pickled quail egg, and a single black olive stuffed with gin gel. It’s $85, but it’s not just a drink-it’s a masterclass.
3. The Botanist - A Garden in a Bar
Hidden behind a bookshelf in Soho, The Botanist feels like stepping into a greenhouse. The walls are lined with live herbs, and the ceiling drips with hanging ivy. The bar’s namesake gin is made in-house using 30 botanicals, 17 of which are grown on-site. You can pick a gin based on the scent you like: citrusy, earthy, spicy, or floral.
Their Gin Garden cocktail uses their own lavender-infused tonic, a drop of rosewater, and a sprig of fresh mint you pluck from the wall. They even offer a Botanical Foraging Tour on weekends-follow a bartender into nearby parks to identify wild juniper, sloe berries, and nettle leaves used in their gins.
4. 69 Colebrooke Row - The Speakeasy with Soul
This unmarked door in Islington leads to one of London’s most intimate gin experiences. The bar doesn’t have a website. No menu. You sit at the counter, and the bartender asks, “What do you like? Sweet? Sour? Herbal?” Then they make you something you’ve never tasted before.
They’ve got 120+ gins, many from micro-distilleries you’ve never heard of. One night, they poured me a gin made from foraged hawthorn berries and wild chamomile from the Scottish Highlands. It tasted like a summer meadow in a glass. The price? £18. No gimmicks. No photos. Just perfect balance.
5. The Duck & Waffle - Gin with a View
Yes, it’s touristy. But the gin selection here is too good to skip. Perched on the 40th floor of Heron Tower, the view is unforgettable. But the real star is their Gin & Tonic Tower-a rotating selection of 20 gins from across the UK, each paired with a custom tonic and garnish.
Try the Dartmoor Dry gin from Devon, with its notes of heather and wild thyme, served with a tonic infused with Devon honey and a single sprig of heather. It’s the only place in London where you can drink gin while watching the sunset over the Shard.
What Makes a Great Gin Bar in London?
Not all gin bars are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the great:
- Botanical transparency - Do they list every ingredient in their gin? Great bars do. If they just say “premium botanicals,” walk away.
- House-made tonic - Most bars use Schweppes. The best make their own with natural sweeteners and real citrus peels.
- Seasonal menus - If the menu hasn’t changed since 2022, they’re not keeping up.
- Staff knowledge - They should be able to tell you where the juniper was harvested, not just recite a brand name.
- Local focus - The best bars feature gins from within 100 miles of London. It’s fresher, and it supports local distillers.
How to Order Like a Pro
You don’t need to be a sommelier to enjoy gin. But these tricks will help you get the most out of your visit:
- Ask for a gin flight before committing to one drink. Most bars offer 3 small pours for £20-£30.
- Specify your flavor preference: “I like things herbal” or “I prefer citrus over spice.”
- Request tonic on the side if you want to control the strength.
- Try the gin & soda with a single botanical garnish. It’s the purest way to taste the spirit.
- Don’t be afraid to ask, “What’s your favorite gin right now?” The bartender’s pick is often the most interesting.
What to Skip
Not every bar with “gin” in the name is worth your time. Avoid places that:
- Have more than 5 gins on tap (that’s not craft-it’s a gimmick)
- Use pre-made mixers labeled “tonic” without listing ingredients
- Have the same 5 gins on every menu (Gordon’s, Beefeater, Tanqueray)
- Don’t let you taste before you order
- Charge £18 for a gin and tonic with a lime wedge
If it feels like a pub with a fancy sign, it probably is.
When to Go
London’s best gin bars get busy after 6pm. But if you want the full experience, go earlier.
- Weekdays 4-6pm: Quiet, staff have time to chat, and you’ll get the best seat at the bar.
- Weekends after 8pm: Crowded, lively, but harder to get attention.
- Thursday nights: Many bars host gin masterclasses for £35-£50. You’ll learn how to taste, pair, and even mix your own.
Book ahead if you want a table. Walk-ins are fine at The Botanist or 69 Colebrooke Row, but The Connaught and The LDC often fill up weeks in advance.
Final Thought: Gin Is About Discovery
London’s gin scene isn’t about drinking the most expensive bottle. It’s about tasting something new. It’s about the smell of crushed coriander seed, the crispness of a tonic made with real lemongrass, the quiet pride of a bartender who grew the lavender in their own garden.
Go with curiosity. Ask questions. Try the weird ones. You might just find your new favorite spirit.
What’s the difference between London gin and regular gin?
London gin is a legal category-it must be distilled in London with all botanicals added during distillation, not infused afterward. Most craft gins in London follow this rule, but not all. The key difference is in the process: London gin is cleaner, more aromatic, and doesn’t rely on post-distillation flavoring. If it says "London Dry Gin," it’s made this way.
Can I visit distilleries in London?
Yes. The London Distillery Company offers daily tours (book online). Sipsmith has a small tasting room in Hammersmith. Hendrick’s has a pop-up experience in Covent Garden every spring. Most offer tastings and bottle sales. Check their websites for opening hours-they’re often closed on Sundays.
Are gin bars expensive in London?
Prices vary. A standard gin and tonic runs £12-£18. A craft flight or tasting menu can be £25-£50. The Connaught and The Duck & Waffle are pricier but worth it for the experience. If you’re on a budget, try The Botanist or 69 Colebrooke Row-they offer great quality at fair prices.
What’s the best gin for beginners?
Start with something citrusy and light. Hendrick’s (with cucumber) or Sipsmith (with orange and coriander) are smooth, approachable, and widely available. Avoid heavy, piney gins like Beefeater 24 at first-they’re strong and can overwhelm new palates.
Do I need to tip at gin bars in London?
Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated. Most bars include a service charge (12.5%) on bills. If you had great service, leaving £1-£2 extra is a nice gesture. Cash tips are always welcome.