Best Bars in London

When you’re looking for the best bars in London, places where locals go after work, tourists stumble upon by accident, and night owls linger past midnight. Also known as London drinking spots, these aren’t just places to get a drink—they’re where the city’s rhythm changes after dark. You don’t need a reservation at a Michelin-starred lounge to have a great night out. Some of the best experiences happen in basement rooms with no sign, on rooftops with flamingo-shaped lanterns, or in old pubs where the bartender remembers your name.

The London cocktail bars, where mixologists treat drinks like art and ingredients like rare spices. Also known as craft cocktail spots, they’ve turned simple gin and tonic into something you’ll remember for years. Places like the Connaught Bar or The Bar at 45 Park Lane don’t just serve drinks—they create moods. But you’ll also find hidden gems in Shoreditch and Peckham where the drinks are cheaper, the music is louder, and no one’s wearing a tie.

Hidden London bars, secret spots you won’t find on Google Maps unless someone tells you the password. Also known as speakeasies, these places often require a little effort to find—a back alley, a phone number, a bookshelf that slides open. They’re not gimmicks. They’re the result of people who love the city enough to protect its quieter corners. You’ll find jazz nights in Clerkenwell, mezcal tastings in Soho, and old-school whiskey lounges tucked under train tracks.

What makes a bar worth going to in London?

It’s not the price tag. It’s not the neon sign. It’s the vibe. A great bar in London feels like a friend’s living room—except someone else is pouring the drinks. The staff know your usual. The music isn’t blasting. The ice is fresh. The lighting doesn’t hurt your eyes. Some of the best bars don’t even have a menu—you tell them what you’re in the mood for, and they make something that fits your night.

You’ll find rooftop bars London, places where you can sip a cocktail while looking over the Thames or the City skyline. Also known as skyline drinking spots, they’re perfect for dates or when you want to feel like you’re on top of the world. But don’t just chase the view. Some of the best rooftop drinks come with a side of rain, a cold wind, and zero pretense.

And then there are the hotel bars London, luxury lounges attached to five-star hotels where the cocktails cost more than your dinner. Also known as upscale drinking venues, they’re not for everyone—but they’re worth trying once, if only to see how far a bartender will go to make you feel special. The Connaught, The Ritz, The Lanesborough—they’re not just places to drink. They’re experiences. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

What ties all these places together? They’re not trying to be everything to everyone. They know their crowd. They know their drink. They know when to talk and when to stay quiet. Whether you’re looking for a quiet whiskey after a long day, a dance floor with a live band, or a place to meet someone new without the noise of a club—you’ll find it here. Below, you’ll find real reviews, real spots, and real stories from people who’ve been there. No fluff. No ads. Just the bars that actually matter in this city.