There's no shortage of cocktail bars in London, and from laidback speakeasy bars to fun party hotspots you'll find something to suit any mood (and budget). We've rounded up 13 of the best cocktail bars in the city that you need on your radar. The one thing they all have in common? An impressive selection of drinks that pack a punch.
1. Lyaness
Voted as one of the top 50 bars in the world, Lyaness – based within Sea Containers House – is a must-visit for delicious cocktails and prime river views all within a seriously stylish setting. If the plush blue seats and gold finishes don't have you snapping away on Instagram, the cocktails will. The mixologists at this bar are focused on creating inventive and tasty cocktails that are unlike those you'll find anywhere else.
For more information visit lyaness.com
2. The Bar With No Name
If you didn't guess from the name, this is a speakeasy-style bar is located on a backstreet in Islington only identifiable by an outdoor lantern. Once you've made your way inside you'll be tempted by an experimental selection of cocktails served in a setting that blends 1950s Italian café style with a Film Noir feel. In short, it's sure to be a memorable experience.
For more information visit 69colebrookerow.com
3. American Bar at The Savoy
Dating back to 1893, The American Bar at The Savoy is considered to be the longest surviving cocktail bar in Britain. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time once you take your seat at this stylish bar, which has played host to a number of Hollywood stars over the years – photos of whom grace the walls. The only challenge is settling on just one drink; the menu is extensive and varied, taking inspiration from some of the most iconic songs played in the bar, including the glittery Electric Lover cocktail based on Prince’s ‘Purple Rain'.
For more information visit thesavoylondon.com
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4. Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
No matter which Mr Fogg's you visit in London, you can be sure to be treated to a range of delicious drinks. The Society of Exploration is located by The Strand and comes complete with a train carriage, map room and hidden wonders just waiting to be explored. Cocktails start at £12, with highlights including The Mechanical Mixology – a mix of Star of Bombay gin, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino vermouth and Martini Riserva Speciale Bitter aperitif.
For more information visit mr-foggs.com
5. Skylon
Located within Royal Festival Hall, Skylon is known and loved for its expertly-mixed cocktails and views over the Southbank and Thames below. You're spoiled for choice with the cocktail menu, including classics like espresso martinis and daiquiris, as well as more unusual tipples such as the Chuck Berry, a blend of Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, Cointreau and martini dry infused with banana, apple, roasted coconut flakes and anise seed.
For more information visit skylon-restaurant.co.uk
6. Nightjar
Bringing a touch of old school glamour to Old Street, Nightjar serves some of the most creative cocktails in London categorised according to whether they're Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition or Post-War, as well as signature and sharing. If you're feeling brave, try the Hangman's Blood, which features Appleton Estate rum, Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz, guava and pineapple. Meanwhile, those looking for a beautiful show-stopper would be tempted by the coffee-flavoured Flying High, served in a bronze bird cup.
For more information visit barnightjar.com
7. Radio Rooftop
Want your cocktail with a side of city views? Head up to Radio Rooftop, located on the tenth floor of the ME London hotel with a vantage point across the Thames and London skyline. The cocktail menu has seasonal updates, with one of the signature cocktails including the Mount Fuji (Hakushu whisky, fig liqueur, umeshu, lemon green matcha syrup and egg white.)
For more information visit radiorooftop.com
8. Untitled
You'll find a creative cocktail list and Japanese-inspired food menu at Untitled, located on Kingsland Road, east London. The drinks have been given intriguing names like Snow, Aztec and Gypsy, but you'll also find some classic cocktails on offer too if you're not feeling too daring.
For more information visit untitled-bar.com
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9. Connaught Bar
© Photo: InstagramYou'll experience a warm welcome and even better drinks at the Connaught Bar, another award-winning spot that is endlessly revered for its unique and high-quality drinks created by Agostino Perrone. Whether you choose a bespoke Martini, made to order at your table, or choose a more unusual option like the Fleurissimo champagne cocktail created in honour of former guest Princess Grace of Monaco, you won't leave disappointed.
For more information visit the-connaught.co.uk
10. Oriole
Head to Smithfield Markets for a visit to Oriole, a bar that offers a menu that is inspired by new tastes and ingredients from around the world. You're sure to sample something a little different from the norm that will make you quite literally travel around the world, sampling tipples inspired by the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Orient. The only difficult task is narrowing it down to just one.
For more information visit oriolebar.com
11. The Gibson
© Photo: InstagramThis quirky bar, located within an Edwardian-listed building near Old Street, is a feast for all the senses, with a huge selection of innovative cocktails that are inspired by different seasons, and presented with serious panache. Simply pick a season and select a drink from those months to set the coordinates of your destination and time travel. It's no wonder it sees customers return time and time again - who wouldn't want to get the real-life Back to the Future experience?
For more information visit thegibsonbar.london
12. Booking Office
Credit: Instagram/effemme19
Based within the famous St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in what was once the train station ticket hall, the Booking Office has a stunning 29-metre bar and even more impressive cocktail list. Considering the setting it would be rude not to try the aptly named cocktails The Station Master and the St Pancras Sorbet.
For more information visit the-booking-office.com
13. Happiness Forgets
This Hoxton Square bar has been named one of the best in the world, thanks to its promise of "great cocktails, no wallies". This laidback bar is the place to go for high-quality drinks in a chilled out environment, but you'll want to make a reservation in advance to guarantee a seat.
See more at happinessforgets.com
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