For all the hustle and bustle of a major city at night, London is the place to be. London’s nightlife scene is world-famous for its incredible bars, chic cocktail lounges and exciting live music venues. From luxe sky bars with awe-inspiring rooftop views to trendy basement speakeasies and lavish cocktail rooms, planning a night out in London has never been more fun. Cut loose with friends over a boozy brunch followed by a raunchy burlesque show or enjoy sustainably sourced drinks at a high-end cocktail bar run by a MICHELIN-star chef, for date nights or for dancing the night away, the best bars in London await.
A Latin American bar takes you on a tequila and mezcal cocktail tour south of Mexico. An Italian wine bar serves up premium British ingredients in stunning surroundings that bring to mind a Tuscan terrace. If you love live music, London has incredible jazz and blues bars where you can relax with a whisky and a plate of soul food. The best bars London has to offer are ready and waiting to be for you.
The best bars in London promise a memorable time – book your spot on OpenTable today.
Keep reading for all the best bars in London everyone should know about
For one of the best bars in London for Japanese whisky and panoramic views – try 8 at the Londoner in Soho
With its fashionable location in Soho’s theatre district and its extensive list of high-end Japanese wines and spirits, 8 at the Londoner offers a dazzling urban experience. Inspired by the casual drinking houses of Japan’s izakaya tradition, 8 at the Londoner puts a modern spin on the concept and is one of London’s best bars for a sultry and stylish night out. Sip on Japanese whisky as you take in London landmarks from the rooftop terrace. Dine on seabass carpaccio or A5 wagyu gyoza tacos with truffle oil in the open-air Shima Garden. The lounge bar has a modern industrial look and a sophisticated vibe. Sink into a plush chair and enjoy a classic cocktail or tuck into small plates, like baby chicken or ribeye cooked on the robata grill. 8 at the Londoner sits just a few floors up from the luxurious champagne bar, The Stage at the Londoner.
For one of London’s best bars for live music and fancy vibes – don’t miss American Bar at The Savoy in Aldwych
Kick back and enjoy live music and swanky cocktails at American Bar at The Savoy in Aldwych, one of the best hotel bars in London for a sophisticated night out. The cocktail menu plays on the theme of a 1930s speakeasy, with lip-smacking drinks, like the Jabberwock Sour – made with Hendricks gin, absinthe and manzanilla sherry – or the Dandy Beau mixed with Ceylon arrack and strawberry sake. Indulge with beluga caviar or a dozen oysters, or nibble on a cheeseboard loaded with award-winning British cheeses or a smoked salmon tasting platter. The performers revolve nightly, meaning you’ll hear something new every time you visit. Meanwhile, the elegant art deco bar will transport you to downtown Manhattan and give you a taste of international glamour that’s still just a short walk from the Soho theatre district and many central London attractions.
For live blues music at one of the best bars in London that turns into a nightclub – visit Blues Kitchen in Brixton, Shoreditch and Camden
Southern-style food and soul and blues music are the orders of the day at Blues Kitchen in Brixton, Shoreditch and Camden – one of the best bars in London for live music and American cuisine. Blues Kitchen is the perfect spot for a relaxed catch-up with friends or an electric night out. Live performers take to the stage Tuesday-Thursday, while on Friday and Saturday nights, the restaurant transforms into a swinging nightclub. Satiate your appetite before you hit the dancefloor with popular Southern dishes, like fiery jerk chicken or a big boss brisket burger. Plant-based diners are also catered to and the vegan cheeseburger topped with crispy shallots is a mouthwatering option. Blues Kitchen boasts the largest whisky and rye selection in the capital, so you can enjoy a malt on the rocks or a smooth and smoky whisky cocktail.
📍 Brixton — Check availability
📍 Shoreditch — Check availability
📍 Camden — Check availability
For one of the best cocktail bars in London with a French flare – visit Coupette in Hackney
Coupette in Hackney serves up some of the most extravagant cocktails in the city and is one of the best bars in London for live music and a glamorous night out. The cosy snug bar has a charming, Old-World atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the creative cocktails on offer. Taking inspiration from French bistro culture, the bar menu includes rich delicacies, like confit duck leg or classic ratatouille. A juicy bavette steak is exquisite with a punchy calvados, while a cheese and charcuterie plate pairs perfectly with a bold red wine. The bar staff are constantly coming up with delightful new cocktails to get your tastebuds activated. This dedication to flavour and innovation is mirrored in the company’s sister bar, Atelier Coupette, located in stylish Soho. Intimate lighting makes Coupette a great place for a special date night or a romantic anniversary.
For a classic taste of Italy at one of the best bars in London – try Daphne’s in South Kensington
Gorgeous Mediterranean decor and a classic Italian menu transport diners at Daphne’s in South Kensington to a sun-drenched Tuscan garden. The conservatory dining room has classical statues, black and white floor tiles and lemon trees to give the restaurant a lush, romantic vibe. Diners at Daphne’s can enjoy beautifully fresh dishes made with premium British ingredients, such as the West Country angus bone-in rib-eye or the chargrilled Dover sole. Spaghetti alle vongole with clams and chilli offers a traditional taste of the Italian coast, while the vegan and vegetarian menu features summery salads and fresh vegetable pasta. Daphne’s is also home to one of the best bars in London and has a stylish bar room with an Italian marble counter. The wine list features an extensive collection of Italian wines and premium champagne.
For one of the best bars in Covent Garden with innovative craft cocktails – try Eve Bar by Adam Handling
Hot off the back of his MICHELIN-starred flagship restaurant Frog by Adam Handling, Eve Bar by Adam Handling is one of the best bars in Covent Garden London for innovative cocktails and a chic dining experience. Run by five expert bartenders with a passion for mixology, Eve Bar is located on Frog’s lower level and uses leftover ingredients from the Frog kitchen, utilizing Adam Handling’s pioneering zero-waste ethos. Nibble on deluxe light bites and high-end bar snacks that are made from premium ingredients and stunningly presented. Stylish drinks need an ultra-stylish setting and Eve Bar provides just that, with its subterranean stained-glass windows, ambient lighting and inviting red neon sign. Adam Handling is also the mastermind behind two other fine dining locations, the Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling in St Ives and The Tartan Fox by Adam Handling in Cornwall.
For unbeatable luxury and views at one of the best rooftop bars in London – don’t miss GŎNG, Shangri-La The Shard in London Bridge
Unwind in the pinnacle of urban luxury at GŎNG, Shangri-La The Shard, London – one of the best bars in London Bridge for mouthwatering cocktails and breathtaking views. Overlooking Tower Bridge and the historic St Katherine’s area of London, GŎNG is Western Europe’s highest hotel bar and is located just a few floors from the highly acclaimed Sky Lounge, Shangri-la The Shard, London. Visitors at GŎNG can relax with some bubbles in the champagne bar, enjoy daring cocktails in the Cocktail Bar or chill out poolside at the Sky Pool. The kitchen specialises in decadent Asian cuisine, with sharing platters decked with sashimi, tempura and sushi rolls and tempting hot plates, like the chicken karaage or the chicken gyoza. GŎNG also stocks an impressive array of rare champagnes and traditional Japanese sake to pair with your meal. Stunning signature cocktails make GŎNG a treat for special occasions.
For one of London’s best wine bars with vintage vinyls and cool vibes – visit Next Door Records in Sheperd’s Bush and Stoke Newington
Next Door Records and Next Door Records Two in Sheperd’s Bush and Stoke Newington are two of the best wine bars in London and have a chic, retro vibe that will appeal to any vintage vinyl fan. Browse the record collection, tune in for live music or grab a snack and try some natural wines. The café serves fresh baking and light bites – a mozzarella, red pepper and pesto croissant is a tasty continental lunch, while scampi fries hit the spot. An iced americano or a short flat white are the perfect pick-me-up when you’re kicking back and listening to some smooth jazz. The bar also serves a range of classic cocktails, shots and beer and cider on tap. Urban industrial decor and a boho feel make this a great drop-in spot for music lovers or the perfect location for a cool, laid-back date.
📍 Sheperd’s Bush — Check availability
📍 Stoke Newington — Check availability
For sizzling entertainment and steamy cocktails at one of the best bars in London – visit Permission in Leicester Square
Treat yourself before a Magic Mike Live Show at Permission in Leicester Square – one of the best bars in London for a wild night out. Located inside the Hippodrome Casino, the Permission Lounge is the perfect spot to indulge before the main event or to let loose with some cocktails after the show. Sink your teeth into pre-show treats like Hereford fillet steak with chimichurri sauce or share a charcuterie board with friends. Permission also offers a decadent brunch menu, with sumptuous options like hot stack pancakes with vanilla mascarpone, eggs Royale and red velvet cake to finish. When it comes to cocktails, you’ll find all your needs are catered to. Sip on an attractive tropical blend of rum, passion fruit and lime or try a sharp and fruity vodka, ginger and raspberry mix. You might even get a chance to mingle with the performers after the show.
For a chic artsy feel and award-winning cocktails at one of London’s best bars – try Three Sheets in Soho and Dalston
Chic, urban and ultra-modern, Three Sheets in Soho and Dalston is an elegantly minimalist cocktail bar and one of the best bars in London for innovative mixed drinks. Open for coffee throughout the day, it transforms into a stylish cocktail bar by night. Diners can enjoy intimate drinks at a corner table or soak up the bustling atmosphere and socialise at the bar counter. Experience an upmarket twist on classic cocktails, like a French 75 made with Bombay premium cru, cloud tea, and orange flower or a succulent cherry cosmo. The kashmir old fashioned made with apricot and Glenmorangie lives up to its super smooth title. Meanwhile, beer drinkers can enjoy a craft pale ale or sample a Breton cider. If you get peckish, Gordal olives or salted Marcona almonds will help take the edge off and elevate the flavours in your drink.
📍 Soho — Check availability
📍 Dalston — Check availability
For Latin American cocktails at a trendy London hotspot – don’t miss Viajante87 in Notting Hill
Explore the diverse flavour profile of South America through a range of creative cocktails at Viajante87, Notting Hill. Viajante87 is one of the best cocktail bars in London and takes its name from the Spanish word for traveller. Owned by restaurateur Markus Thesleff of Los Mochis, the drinks and food menu at Viajante87 aims to take visitors on a unique culinary tour of South America, with an ever-changing, seasonal slant on traditional Latin cuisine. Start your experience off with some spicy bar food – the teriyaki duck on crispy rice is a delicious meat option while the falafelitos are a vegan delight. To treat yourself, try the baked crab or the wagyu steak crudo with jalapeno salsa. Fiery Mexican tequilas and mezcals will get your evening going. The cocktail menu includes indulgent classics like a minty caipirinha or a Charanda tequila Old Fashioned.
For celebratory occasions, indulgent weekends and one-off trips to the city, you’ll find incredible London bars with a huge range of food and drink to choose from. Cut loose with luxurious cocktails in swanky urban bars or sample natural wines in a chic, boho setting. London’s nightlife always has the capacity to surprise and delight.
The best bars in London are always bustling – don’t miss out on the action and book your table now on OpenTable
Curious about more amazing places for drinks in London? Check out these city guides:
- The best tasting menus in London await at these 10 stellar restaurants
- The 10 best themed restaurants for an immersive dining experience in London
- The best 11 restaurants in North London for exceptional food and local vibes
- 12 of the best dog-friendly restaurants in London
- 10 of the best steak restaurants in London to book right now
- The best child-friendly restaurants in London the whole family will love
- The 10 best Korean restaurants in London to try right now
- The best rooftop bars and restaurants in London for dazzling views and great times
- The best riverside restaurants in London to book ASAP
