A Guide to London's Best Cocktail Bars - From an Insider
A non-exhaustive list of my latest favourite bars to enjoy a nice cocktail or two, or ten, for those who drink to remember (the cocktail).
If you’re tired of spending £15 on a cocktail that tastes like it came from a 2-for-£5 Tesco can, or you’re looking for your go-to spot to take your friends for drinks they’ll rave about for years — this guide is for you.
Having worked for over two years at Publiq., one of the best cocktail bars in London (not a biased opinion at all, of course), and having tried many, many others (for research purposes only, of course), I’ve compiled a list of my current favourites, whether you’re after expert mixology or you’re just here for the vibes. From elevated classic bars, to hidden gems, there’s something here for everyone.
1. Viajante87, Notting Hill: The Underground Cocktail Lab
If anyone were to ask me what my favourite cocktail bar in London is, I would answer that it is hidden underground next to the old Notting Hill PictureHouse cinema. Behind an assuming door, a steep set of stairs will bring you downstairs into a dimly lit, magical cocktail wonderland.
From the team behind Los Mochis, the bartenders will make you travel to Latin America in just one sip, whether you are feeling curious, courageous, or simply want to stay comfortable on your journey.
2. Amaro Bar, High Street Kensington: The Classic But Not Boring
Not far from Viajante87, you’ll find Amaro Bar. If you have a signature drink but like to explore new flavours, this place is for you. The menu revolves around reinventing the classics with a modern twist, and they execute it perfectly.
All of this comes with a laid-back atmosphere and an amazing team of skilled bartenders. They once surprised me with a tiramisu during London Cocktail Week and I’ve been loyal to them ever since.
3. Bar Lotus, Dalston: The Music Obsessed Hipster
Bar Lotus is for the techno heads, the music-lover, those who keep auto-shazam on all night. It’s a Japanese-inspired whiskey cocktail bar in a space that turns into a dancefloor by the second round.
It’s cool, it’s fun and it’s open late. Perfect for a Friday night when you want to go out, but not out-out. (You’ll still end up with a headache the next morning, though.)
4. Fitz’s Bar, Russel Square: The Glamourous Hotel Bar
Located inside the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel, this bar is a 1920s throwback full of glitz, glam and disco balls. Here you’ll also find a cocktail menu full of creations based on the colour specturm, whether your personality is bold and dark or light and cute.
With it calm atmosphere, excellent service, comfy couches, and just the right amount of fancy without being over the top, it’s ideal for a nice conversation over a nice cocktail. Bring a date, or your parents — I can’t tell you what to do.
5. Cafe Kick, Exmouth Market: The Fun and Sporty
It’s no secret that Exmouth Market is the place for a casual, buzzy drink with friends. Cafe kick mixes retro foosball tables and a lively sports bar atmosphere with surprisingly delicious cocktails.
It’s laid back, it’s busy, it’s fun. The whole street is buzzing with bars and outdoor terraces, where you can drink, dance, and mingle in the street. And when you get tipsy and hungry, Gerry’s Hot Subs is right around the corner to save you with an indulgent American-styled scran.
6. Swift, Soho: The Peculiar Coffee Shop
You go to Swift for one reason and one reason only: the best irish coffee you will ever have the pleasure to taste. It features a cold, incredibly tick cream poured over warm, whiskey-spiked Colombian brewed coffee.
But head downstairs, and you can find a full cocktail tasting experience. Be sure to book in advance, as it’s no secret that Swift is a popular place, and for good reason.
Pro tip: You’ll probably see a huge queue across the road at Bar Termini, so while everyone waits for a table there — pop into Swift and you won’t regret it.
7. The Malt, Marylebone: The Sophisicated Whiskey Lover
If you love whiskey, this your spot. With an extensive selection of international, vintage and rare bottles (including over 100 incredible varieties from Japan, Ireland, America, Scandinavia and beyond), The Malt feels sleek and like an intimate personal secret.
They also offer guests the possibility to store private bottles behind a hidden panel in the wall. Oh, and they even have Japanese toilets. What an experience.
8. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green: The Bartenders Favourite Bar
It’s lowkey. It’s slightly rough. It’s friendly. It’s unfussy. It’s an industry favourite.
You won’t find crazy innovative cocktails, but you’ll find cocktails simply well done, with a focus on balance and temparture. The service is friendly and quick, in a dark and little gritty atmosphere, perfect to sit at the bar after a long day. Have a drink or two, and tip your bartender.
9. The Connaught, Mayfair: The Fancy and Sophisticated
This one is to save for a special occasion. It’s one of the most iconic hotel bars in the world, and an incontourable of London. Start by rediscovering vintage classics at the Connaught Bar, then head to the Red Room for an impressive selection of wine by the glass.
Every detail is perfectly executed, from the attentive service, to the excellent martinis, to the polished decor. It’s pricey, but every penny feels worth it.
10. Le Petit Beefbar, Chelsea: The Steak’s Perfect Pair
Not a Cocktail Bar per se, but I did have one of my most memorable cocktails in London here, which is why it earns its place on my list. And who doesn’t want a nice ribeye steak to accompany their drink?
Upstairs from the restaurant, you’ll find the lounge, with cosy velvet and leather seats, and a short but sweet list of house cocktails. Skip the dessert, but make sure you order some extra fries on the side.
Bonus. Fantômas, Chelsea: The Special Shoutout
A little extra one!!! Because I couldn't cut it down to ten and I had to shout out my friends at Fantômas, nicing me up with the best of the best of the cocktails in London.
The newest addition from the team behind Wild Tavern, is Fantômas, with its gorgeous, moody, and stylish interiors (the bar table is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen). Mike has crafted an incredible cocktail menu pulling sutble inspirations from Asian flavours, like the miso old fashioned or the Melon and Wasabi (one of the most unique and interesting cocktail I have tasted, ever — a must try). To quote them: “Come for a drink, stay for the food.”
London’s bar scene is constantly evolving, but one thing is certain: you can’t go wrong with any of these spots. Let me know if I’ve missed your secret spot — and if you ever need fresh recommendations, ask your bartender. They always know.
See you at the bar,
Sanji.