Best Bars in London

When people talk about the best bars in London, venues where atmosphere, craft, and local culture blend into unforgettable nights. Also known as London drinking spots, these aren’t just places to get a drink—they’re where connections happen, stories unfold, and the city’s rhythm becomes clear. You won’t find them by following Instagram ads or generic lists. You find them by knowing where to look, who to ask, and what to expect.

Behind every great bar in London is a story. Some are tucked under train arches, others hidden behind unmarked doors in Soho. The London cocktail bars, places where mixologists treat drinks like art and ingredients like rare artifacts. Also known as craft cocktail lounges, they’re not about speed or volume—they’re about precision, patience, and the quiet confidence of someone who knows their gin from their vermouth. Then there are the London hidden bars, secret spots known only to locals, often requiring a password, a nod, or a reservation made weeks in advance. Also known as speakeasies, they thrive on mystery and exclusivity—not because they’re snobby, but because they’ve learned that real experience can’t be crowded. And let’s not forget the London upscale bars, elegant spaces where leather booths, crystal glasses, and dim lighting create a mood that feels like a private club even if you’re walking in off the street. Also known as luxury drinking venues, they don’t scream wealth—they whisper it. These aren’t just categories. They’re different ways London experiences nightfall.

What makes a bar in London stand out isn’t the price tag or the neon sign. It’s the bartender who remembers your name. It’s the jazz playing just loud enough to feel alive but not so loud you can’t talk. It’s the way the light hits the whiskey in your glass at 11 p.m. on a Tuesday. It’s the fact that you didn’t plan to be there—but you’re glad you are.

You’ll find all of this—and more—in the posts below. From rooftop views over the Thames to basement joints where the music doesn’t start until midnight, these aren’t just recommendations. They’re real experiences from people who’ve been there, ordered the right drink, and stayed until last call.