London’s bar scene is extraordinary, with hidden gems tucked away behind unmarked doors, beneath famous restaurants, and within seemingly ordinary facades. From intimate speakeasies with live jazz to futuristic cocktail dens illuminated by neon lights, these venues offer an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or simply seeking a new spot to unwind, this list of the best bars in the city promises inventive drinks, chic interiors, and unforgettable nights out.
Bar with Shapes for a Name | Haggerston
Stepping through the door adorned with a glowing yellow triangle, red square, and blue circle, you’re immediately immersed in Bauhaus-inspired design. Bar with Shapes for a Name, opened by industry icons Remy Savage and Paul Lugarat, is an authentic tribute to functional minimalism. The 20 meticulously crafted cocktails reflect the same ethos—each served with scientific precision. Start your evening with their visually stunning Milk Punch, which, quite literally, glows. Although a queue may form later in the evening, the experience is well worth the wait.
The Connaught | Mayfair
Located within the prestigious Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, this bar epitomises luxury. Designed by David Collins Studio, The Connaught features crocodile-skin chairs, silver-leafed walls, and an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a different era. However, the real highlight is the impeccable “mixology” experience. Try their signature, Dry Martini, prepared tableside with dramatic flair as the bartender wheels over a cart to craft your drink in front of you. This attention to detail transforms an evening into a theatre of elegance and taste.
Kwānt | Mayfair
Step into Kwānt, and you’re transported far from London’s fog. The tropical-inspired décor of bamboo, rattan, and spinning wooden fans sets a relaxed yet refined tone. Founded by Eric Lewis, formerly of the world-renowned Savoy, Kwānt is the place for adventurous drinkers. Every cocktail is a masterpiece, whether off the menu or a bespoke creation. For true connoisseurs, their vintage spirits cabinet offers rare finds, including a Negroni made with 100-year-old gin and vermouth—a sip of history in every glass.
SOMA | Soho
Tucked behind a discreet door next to Kricket Soho, SOMA is a cocktail bar with a unique Anglo-Indian twist. Known for its innovative use of Indian ingredients, the menu features creations like the Curry Leaf Gimlet and Jaggery Old Fashioned. These cocktails are both unexpected and expertly balanced, delivering flavours that stand out from the typical London bar scene—an ideal destination for those seeking bold, spiced concoctions in an intimate setting.
Bar Lina | Soho
Hidden beneath Lina Stores’ iconic Italian deli, Bar Lina offers a plush after-hours escape. With its rich crimson décor and cosy ambience, this Soho gem is perfect for those seeking an exclusive, intimate vibe. Their all-Italian cocktail menu complements the artisanal delights from the deli above. Sip on classics reimagined with a distinctly Italian flair while nibbling on tantalising bar bites. Booking ahead is essential to secure your spot in this secret cellar.
Scales | Mayfair
Hidden behind the unassuming facade of a Mayfair bottle shop, Scales is a secret oasis of refined elegance. Step through the curtain-lined walls into a low-lit space adorned with fluted ebony and a polished black bar. For those in the know, a hidden second bar opens as the evening progresses. This intimate yet stylish venue makes for an unforgettable night out with its sleek design and exclusive atmosphere.
Blind Spot | Covent Garden
At Blind Spot, within the luxurious St Martin’s Lane Hotel, adventure is just a cocktail spin away. This late-night lounge offers a unique experience—spin a globe and let fate decide your drink, perhaps a gin-infused creation with Santorini-inspired ingredients like Greek yoghurt. As the night deepens, the beats from live DJs will keep you dancing into the early hours. Blind Spot’s hidden charm lies in its whimsical entrance and its eclectic, global-inspired menu.
The Piano Bar | Soho
Nestled on Carlisle Street, The Piano Bar is a secret hideaway for jazz lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. This intimate venue exudes timeless charm, with live piano performances that fill the space with soulful tunes. The bar offers classic cocktails crafted with precision, setting the perfect backdrop for an elegant night in Soho. The ambience of live music, coupled with a cosy atmosphere, transforms the evening into a sophisticated soiree.
Alfie’s | Soho
Brought to you by the creators of The Piano Bar, Alfie’s is another hidden jazz haven in Soho. With nightly live performances and impeccably crafted classic cocktails, Alfie’s promises an intimate experience. The venue hosts three shows each evening, allowing guests to bask in the smooth sounds of jazz while enjoying expertly mixed drinks. Membership here also grants access to The Piano Bar, making it a two-for-one gem in the heart of Soho.
Lounge Bohemia | Shoreditch
A journey into Lounge Bohemia is a dive into Soviet nostalgia with a modern twist. This Czech-inspired underground bar in Shoreditch offers some of the city’s most eccentric cocktails, served in unconventional vessels like perfume bottles or toothpaste tubes. Each concoction is as delicious as it is inventive, making the experience truly one-of-a-kind. Lounge Bohemia’s strict dress code—no suits allowed—adds to its rebellious charm.
Nightjar | Shoreditch
Nightjar transports you to the heart of a 1920s speakeasy with its rose-tinted mirrors, leather chairs, and shadowy corners. Live jazz performances, with a flat-capped band filling the room with sultry sounds, complete the ambience. At the bar, award-winning cocktails are created meticulously, providing the perfect companion to the nostalgic yet vibrant atmosphere.
Barts | Chelsea
Hidden in Chelsea Cloisters, Barts is an eccentric escape from the outside world. This modestly sized room is filled with peculiar décor, from quirky portraits to an eclectic dressing-up box, offering a unique and playful atmosphere. With DJs spinning tunes every Friday and Saturday night, it’s a secret spot perfect for an intimate night of fun, drinks, and surprises.
Viajante87 | Notting Hill
Viajante87 offers a subterranean experience unlike any other in Notting Hill. Its lunar-themed interior and inventive cocktails, featuring South American ingredients like purple potato and elote corn, create an otherworldly and refined atmosphere. For those seeking a bold, imaginative drinking experience, Viajante87 is the destination of choice, combining style with culinary artistry in every drink.
42 at Gymkhana | Mayfair
42 is an elegant addition to London’s bar scene and is located within the iconic Gymkhana restaurant. With a sophisticated cocktail menu that blends Indian ingredients with timeless classics, this intimate lounge offers an experience steeped in luxury. The interior’s exquisite oak bar and intricately patterned textiles are a nod to India’s rich cultural heritage. Signature drinks like the Bagheera, a mezcal-based twist on the margarita, set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
The Emory Bar | Knightsbridge
The Emory Bar, located within The Emory Hotel in Knightsbridge, is a serene space that exudes mid-century charm. Its sleek bar seamlessly extends into the courtyard, where guests can enjoy drinks amidst stunning stained-glass artwork by Brian Clarke. With no fixed cocktail menu, every drink is custom-made to suit your mood, offering a truly personalised experience. Each new creation is documented in the bar’s treasured little black book.
Bar Kinky | Fitzrovia
Beneath the Georgian restaurant Kinkally lies Bar Kinky, a futuristic underground cocktail haven in Fitzrovia. Bathed in neon orange and violet light, this space pulses with energy, fuelled by techno beats that keep the night alive until the early hours. Run by Andrew Pruts, formerly of Insider (ranked 13th on the World’s 50 Best Bars list), the cocktails here are cutting-edge. Signature drinks include the bold Tiger, blending rum with passion fruit, miso, and marzipan, and the inventive Twist, featuring East London vodka, raspberry, buckwheat, vanilla, and ginger.
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