London’s cocktail scene is among the best in the world. Whatever your drinking desires, be it a hidden Soho speakeasy or a swanky hotel parlour in Knightsbridge — London will have a cocktail bar for you.
The Painter’s Room at Claridge’s
Celebrate the art of mixology at Claridge’s latest opening, The Painter’s Room — a contemporary, art-deco retreat in the heart of Mayfair. A homage to the aesthetic purlieus of France and Italy, the bar is decorated with the stained glass musings of British artist Annie Morris and a sparkling rose-framed skylight. Sourced from British, French and Italian producers, The Painter’s Room offers light cocktails and the finest vintage wines.
Fitz Bar
A seductive journey to the Jazz Age, Fitz Bar is a dazzling embodiment of the Roaring 20s in 2022. Fitz sits inside the glamorous Kimpton Fitzroy hotel in London on the corner of Russell Square. Offering the finest cocktails and nibbles, the warmly lit bar oozes luxury and encompasses a lively atmosphere.
Amazónico
This rainforest-themed South-American hotspot combines speciality cocktails and high-class entertainment. Tucked in between Benares and Sexy Fish, the restaurant/bar is fun, fanciful and luxurious, serving cult cocktails such as ‘Monkey Business’, ‘PuMai Tai’ and ‘Amazonegroni’. With the seal of approval from London’s trendy elite, Amazónico is a true London phenomenon.
Red Room
A hidden treasure located in the depths of The Connaught Hotel, Red Room is a wine bar of true decadence. With the world’s current number one, the Connaught Bar, mere metres away, the bar reveals itself as a calming haven of extraordinary art and some of the world’s best wines.
SOMA
Taking Soho by storm, SOMA, a cocktail bar from the duo behind Kricket Indian restaurants, combines the East and West with inventive cocktails such as the Pickled Mooli Martini and Chaat Masala Margarita. The interior, fit with minimalist furnishings and pops of colour, has been fashioned through a collaboration between architects Bureau Cake and interior designer Max Radford, which can seat up to 23 guests.
Oriole
Oriole is a subterranean underground oasis serving intricate drinks and rare spirits in a plush and flashy space. Named after the exotic bird species native across Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia, the cocktails explore the flavours and fancies of the Old World, New World and the Orient. Find the atmospheric speakeasy in London’s Smithfield Market.
The Vault
Perfect for date nights, The Vault is an intimate candle-lit bar nestled beneath the streets of Soho, serving authentic, modest drinks in a cosy setting.
The Alchemist
Experimental cocktails with a dramatic touch and tons of pizazz — experience smoke, fire and witchy potions at The Alchemist. Bringing a touch of theatre to Covent Garden, this sultry bar is perfect for a Saturday night drink.
Blame Gloria
A popular haunt in London’s West End, Blame Gloria is a delicious retro dream. The outrageously glam, Jimi Hendrix inspired bar offers feel-good disco-themed entertainment with a carefully selected and highly Instagrammable cocktail menu.
All venues are available to book directly through their respective websites.
Read More: A Drink With A View: London’s Greatest Rooftop Bars