The Best Cocktail Bars in London
Photography by D and J PhotographyLondon is a city of timeless elegance where there’s a new adventure waiting to be discovered on every corner. Whether you're a local or just passing through, there's no better way to experience the city's charm than by sipping on a meticulously crafted cocktail in one of its iconic bars. We've curated a list of the best cocktail bars in London that will transport you into a world of glamour and taste as we explore the crème de la crème of London’s cocktail scene perfect for date nights.
This article features Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel, The Fumoir at Claridge's, The Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel, Velvet at The Corinthia Hotel, PHOENIX at Tattu London, The Beaufort Bar at The Savoy, YOPO at The Mandrake, Artesian Bar at The Langham, Sweeties at The Standard, and Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsey. So, let's toast to the extraordinary experiences that await in these dazzling London destinations.
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The 10 best cocktail bars in London for date nights in 2024
SIDE HUSTLE AT THE NOMAD LONDON, COVENT GARDEN
NoMad London is one of the must-stay hotels in London and is home to many cocktail bars, but Side Hustle is one totally worthy of this list. Side Hustle actually occupies a space that was once a police station. The scandal! The bar melds the relaxed easygoing vibes of a classic British pub with low-lighting, retro furniture combined with the finest agave cocktails, Mexcian-inspired food and snacks. South America has a strong influence on the menus here with two seasonal house margaritas. Delicious! The cocktail bar is open to hotel guests and walk-ins so everyone can enjoy this slice of Mexico in London!
Lucky Cat By Gordon Ramsay, Mayfair
Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay is a luxury Asian-inspired restaurant in Mayfair that serves Asian small plates, Robate grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi which are exquisitely crafted in the open kitchen and signature raw bar. Discover the ultimate dining experience with the Chef’s Table right in the heart of the kitchen for a totally unforgettable evening! The cocktail list is extensive with a special Highball selection and bespoke Asian-inspired traditional drinks with a few twists for the Lucky Cat specials.
The Fumoir at Claridge's, Mayfair
The Fumoir is part of Claridge's, an iconic luxury 5-star hotel in the heart of Mayfair and is one of the prettiest bars in London with elaborately etched Basil Ionides mirrors to fit their 1920s art deco interior. No reservations are necessary here, you can walk in, and browse the extensive and world-class drinks menu. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time here and opting for a classic cocktail is exactly what we’d recommend. The Fumoir has been open since 1929 and the classic drinks menu emphasises its long heritage. Bar snacks are also elevated and perfectly appropriate for Mayfair with caviar, oysters or even truffle fries.
THE CONNAUGHT BAR at The Connaught Hotel, MAYFAIR
Named the World's Best Bar in 2021 by a panel of more than 500 industry insiders, the cocktail options at The Connaught Bar are vast and varied. The timeless Mayfair hotel, The Connaught Hotel, in which it’s set has been an institution in London since the 19th century. The Connaught Bar is made for those who want to celebrate the glitz and glamour of London with shimmering mirrors and luxury decor. You’ll be drinking with the top 1% of London, that’s for sure. Drinks are all mixed at the table and can be made completely bespoke to you.
VELVET AT THE CORINTHIA, WESTMINSTER
Within The Corinthia Hotel in Westminster, you’ll find Velvet. Velvet is an opulent but warm space that puts its world-class drinks centre stage. Its menu, known as The Quote Book, is a celebration of the profound words left behind by icons such as Walt Disney, Coco Chanel and Frida Kahlo. The menu itself is a masterpiece with illustrations of each figure reimagined by AI. Think Albert Einstein in sunglasses and a puffer jacket, Michael Jordan slam dunking an ice cube, and Steve Jobs sipping a red apple martini. The vibes here are just so cool.
PHOENIX AT TATTU LONDON, TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD
Say hello to one of London's fine-dining Chinese restaurants, Tattu. With an elevated dining experience and beautiful blossom trees decorating the interior, Tattu also has one of the best rooftop cocktail bars in London. The glamorous interiors are inspired by traditional Chinese courtyard homes with cocktails following suit, blending Asian flavours with modern mixology techniques and Insta-worthy presentation. Arrive early for a romantic drink before the night really gets started, with live DJs keeping the party going until the small hours. It is the best of both worlds!
THE BEAUFORT BAR AT THE SAVOY, THE STRAND
The Savoy is another iconic London hotel with plenty of cocktail bars inside to choose from. But one we really love is The Beaufort Bar. The Beaufort Bar is deeply chic and seductive, perfect for a romantic date night! The bar is only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, so as soon as you step inside you have that weekend-ready feeling. There’s usually a live DJ playing all those slow jams until 1 am in partnership with PATRÓN Tequila. The cocktail menu is inspired by Champagne – and in particular the Montmorency-Beaufort estate. Owned by John of Gaunt more than seven centuries ago, the menu draws a line from the estate to the modern bar, which sits on the site of Gaunt's former London palace. Now, that’s a history worth toasting to.
YOPO AT THE MANDRAKE, FITZROVIA
Yopo at The Mandrake is the second South American-inspired cocktail bar on our list today. However, Yopo has a curated drinks menu with flavours that are designed to pair with the Argentinian, Chilean and Peruvian cuisines. Delving into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Chef Scott-Toft introduces rare and indigenous ingredients from vibrant tropical fruits to exotic herbs and spices. What an experience! You won’t be disappointed with the interiors here either. The vibe is immaculate with an attention-grabbing dragon statue. The Mandrake never disappoints.
ARTESIAN BAR AT THE LANGHAM, FITZROVIA
A former World’s Best Bar winner, Artesian Bar at The Langham is named after the original, 360-feet deep well under the hotel! Artesian has partnered with chef Angelo Sato, of Humble Chicken in Soho, to create a complete food and cocktail pairing experience inspired by traditional Japanese dishes. The Ingredients of the Future menu created by Giulia Cuccurullo is all about progressive mixology with refined style. Giulia Cuccurullo also was shortlisted for Best Bartender at the GQ Food and Drink Awards 2022. So you know this would be an unreal experience.
SWEETIES AT THE STANDARD, KING'S CROSS
If you’re after a bit more dancing and less of a dining experience, the Sweeties at The Standard is the perfect place for you. Sweeties resided on the 10th floor. The glamorous adults-only space stays open until 2:30 am at weekends, giving you plenty of time to sample mixologist Zoe Burgess' experimental cocktail menu, which she describes as "a moment of hedonism, indulgence, letting loose, and escapism.” Plus, you’ll literally be getting loose with the roster of in-house DJs!
We’re suddenly feeling very thirsty…drink anyone?
These best cocktail bars in London are all perfect for date nights. Of course, they’re also a fun way to try out some new and unique cocktails that you might like to serve at your own wedding during cocktail hour. Take a look at our wedding cocktail ideas with fun wedding punny cocktail names. What about the bar? We also have 36 unique wedding bar design ideas so you can fully enjoy your cocktail hour in style.
