The 20 Most Glamorous Hotel Bars In London
There’s something seductive about a hotel bar. The unique ambience can make you feel like you’re drinking in a Graham Greene novel or Mad Men, and provides a great incentive to get dressed up. They also have some of the world’s best mixologists, with a license to create exciting new cocktails completely exclusive to that bar, turning drink-making into an art.
From the iconic martinis at The Connaught and the Rock’n’roll history of Bar 190, to spectacular views from the highest bar in the country, here are the most glamorous and alluring hotel bars in London.
The Library Bar, The Lanesborough
A perfect place to either get lost in a novel or feel like you’re in one, The Library Bar is a quintessentially British-styled bar of timeless elegance. Designed by the late Alberto Pinto, expect moody, plush interiors including upholstered sofas, emerald green armchairs and deep, dark oak wooden décor. Aptly named, they also do regular literary events as part of their partnership with publishers Rizzoli, featuring talks and conversations with authors.
where: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
webiste: oetkercollection.com
The Soak Bar, The Clermont Victoria
A striking oval bar is the focal point of the space, which is complemented by plush seating and abstract artwork. This Victoria-based bar is centrally located, allowing you to ‘soak’ up the buzzing atmosphere of London with the help of a cocktail or two.
Not only this, but The Soak has also launched a major programme of live music events – taking place every Thursday and featuring some of London’s most promising and dynamic emerging artists.
where: 101 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0SJ
webiste: thesoak.co.uk
The New York Bar, The Rubens at the Palace
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of The New York Bar in the heart of London Victoria, celebrated for its striking red décor, original artwork, and welcoming ambience. Expect expertly crafted cocktails, tasting experiences, live music, and a signature Champagne trolley.
where: 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1W 0PS
Website: rubenshotel.com
The Connaught Bar, The Connaught
Not that it really needed it, being one of London’s most revered five-star hotels, but over the last two years, The Connaught has also become hip, to go with historic. Bolstered by partnerships with Stanley Tucci and social media hype, getting a martini from the legendary trolley is a must for any Londoner. A cocktail may set you back upwards of twenty pounds, but there’s nowhere in the capital equally as luxurious and fashionable.
where: The Connaught, Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL
Website: the-connaught.co.uk
45 Park Lane
Trying 45 Park Lane’s new ‘Simplicity Menu’ is the perfect way to unwind. Instead of picking drinks based on ingredients, the menu invites you to choose by flavour profiles like Crisp, Rich, Umami, Negroni, Rare, and Zero, creating a fun, unexpected experience. The “We Paloma” from the Crisp section is a favourite—fresh with a kiwi kefir twist and topped with a garnish prepared over 24 hours. Equally impressive is the “Italo-Samba,” combining tomato and strawberry. It sounds unusual, but surprisingly tastes amazing, and to top it off, it has a sour tomato that tastes just like a strawberry.
Food-wise, the tuna tartare and fried oysters are stand-outs, perfectly complementing the cocktails. The whole experience is relaxed, smooth yet incredible, making it easy to spend hours there, chatting comfortably with a friend.
where: 45 Park Ln, London W1K 1PN
Website: www.dorchestercollection.com
Bar 190, The Gore
Renowned for its timeless elegance and rock ‘n’ roll history, Bar 190 offers a curated selection of exquisite cocktails, whether you’re sipping on a classic martini or trying one of their signature creations.
Immerse yourself in the historic charm of the wood-panelled bar as you raise a glass to a luxurious evening, the scene of The Rolling Stones’ album launch of Beggars Banquet in 1968.
where: 190 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EX
webiste: collezione.starhotels.com
The Parlour, The Zetter Clerkenwell
The Zetter is one of London’s quirkiest hotels, and their bar is no different. Decked out with maximalist scarlet red interiors, the cocktail menu takes you on a tour around the world with drinks from different countries.
Try the Mexican-inspired Corn on the Cob, with Los Arcos tequila, red pepper cordial and pineapple, or the Marrakech-influenced Through the Bazaar, with Avallen Calvados, Moroccan mint, yuzu and ras el hanout.
where: 49-50 St John’s Square, London EC1V 4JJ
Website: thezetter.com
The Dandy Bar, Mayfair Townhouse
A theatrical, dimly lit environment that creates an atmosphere suggestive of just a hint of scandal in the air, this hotel bar feels like a private club without the bureaucracy of membership processes. The Dandy Bar draws inspiration from the British Dandy actors of today, serving the very best in classics and painting imaginative narratives through expressive cocktails.
where: 27-41 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BG
Website: mayfairtownhouse.com
Lyaness Bar, Sea Containers
The flagship bar of the iconic Sea Containers Hotel, Lyaness features stunning Thames-side views of St. Paul’s and along the South Bank.
The cocktail menu is experimental, sectioned around ingredients instead of cocktails; it can be surprising and unexpected, but place your trust in the Lyaness team and be led to your ideal drink tailored to your tastes and preferences.
where: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD
Website: lyaness.com
The American Bar, The Stafford
The American Bar at The Stafford belongs to the great tradition of American cocktail bars that became renowned in London and Paris during the 1920s and 30s and remains one of the longest-surviving American bars in London.
Experience the essence of modern luxury – signature cocktails, curated wines, and premium spirits, all crafted with precision by the team’s expert bartenders.
where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: thestaffordlondon.com
The Donovan Bar, Brown’s Hotel
Instantly, you’re taken aback by the most beautiful glowing aqua bar, which draws you in, like the modern equivalent of a caveman with his fire pit. The walls are lined with original works by Terence Donovan, the iconic 1960s fashion photographer the bar is honouring, setting a sultry, glamorous tone. The “Our Way” menu comes in the form of a passport and shows the vibe of each cocktail with a graphic displaying tasting notes and garnish details so you know exactly what you’re getting. Sometimes ordering cocktails can be quite ambiguous.
The Bellini Colada, velvety, slightly frothy, with peach and a hint of cucumber – delish. In contrast, the Eau de Martinez features patchouli, sherry, Don Julio, gin, and Rinomato Americano. Sweet, dry, herbaceous, and luxurious. The bar snacks are equally divine: octopus with potato terrine and crispy guanciale, plus Calabrian meatballs with smoked cheese and crispy potatoes. Delicate, elegant small plates that don’t compromise on flavour or substance.
where: 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
Website: roccoforte.com
The Painter’s Room, Claridges
An ode to the artistic haunts of Provence and Italy, The Painter’s Room is a stylish, art deco hideaway. Step from the monochrome corridor into a cocooning space, where fine lines and bright accents form a striking canvas for creative spirits and seasonal bites.
Cocktails here capture the shifting shades of southern Europe, with a focus on fresh flavours from small-batch labels. Its original mixology harkens to a sunnier Mediterranean climate.
where: Claridge’s, Brook St, London W1K 4hr
Website: claridges.co.uk
The LaLee Bar, Cadogan Hotel
Nestled in the elegant surroundings of The Cadogan Hotel, The LaLee Bar is inspired by the travels of one of the hotel’s previous guests, Lillie Langtry.
Guests will find classic cocktails, an extensive wine list and an intimate terrace with just 16 seats to enjoy the sunshine and people watch.
where: 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG
webiste: thelalee.co.uk
The Artist’s Bar, The Dorchester
Probably the one hotel that most feels like drinking in a James Bond film (The Dorchester literally has a Bond-themed Vesper Bar also under its roof), there are few places more luxurious. The design is bolstered by a shimmering grand piano and gleaming Lalique crystal, making each sip feel as opulent as possible.
where: The Dorchester, Park Ln, London W1K 1QA
Website: dorchestercollection.com
The Lobby Bar, One Aldwych
Lots of hotel bars are of the speakeasy ilk – hidden behind doors, away from the crowds and masses. One Aldwych, however, embraces its buzzy Covent Garden location by plonking its bar right at the front.
The result is a dynamic drinking destination featuring inventive signature cocktails crafted by master mixologists, punctuated with offbeat objets d’art and framed by the building’s Art Nouveau curves. The lobby location means it’s full of interesting and glamorous characters, perfect for people-watching.
where: 1 Aldwych One, London WC2B 4bz
WebisteL: onealdwych.co.uk
The Leopard Bar, Montague on the Gardens
One of the more striking bars on the list, The Leopard is decked out in, aptly, leopard print.
Along with an excellent selection of drinks and expertly mixed cocktails, you can listen to the relaxing live entertainment provided in the bar on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
where: 15 Montague St, London WC1B 5BJ
website: montaguehotel.com
Gong Bar, Shangri-La
The Shangri-La Hotel, 52 levels up The Shard, has a bar with spectacular views. In fact, technically, it’s the highest hotel bar in Western Europe. If you’re in the London Bridge area, search high for your cocktails and you’ll find GÔNG on floor 52 of Shangri-La The Shard. There’s a new cocktail menu that looks like a must-try. Called Nature & Earth, the menu is inspired by the lifecycle of a plant, from seed to juice. Each cocktail focuses on a single hero ingredient, drawing from verdant landscapes, ancient forests, tea gardens, and fragrant spice markets. Try Flower (a combination of Orientalist Gunpowder gin, chrysanthemum honey, clarified citrus, and French champagne with dried chrysanthemum petals that crown the drink), or Buckwheat, a homage to humble beginnings, that Toki Japanese Whisky, Buckwheat Shochu, and Peach and Jasmine Soda.
where: Level 52, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9qu
Website: gong-shangri-la.com
The Terrace Bar, The Chesterfield
Nestled on tranquil Mayfair Street, just moments from Shepherd’s Market and Berkeley Square, The Terrace Bar offers a day-to-night escape with an irresistible blend of innovative cocktails and delicious small dishes.
Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of live musical performances, including a jazz quartet, live singer and pianist. They also have a range of distinctive bar experiences, such as a rum tasting, adding an extra layer of theatricality.
where: 35 Charles St, London W1J 5EB
Website: chesterfieldmayfair.com
Churchill Bar and Terrace, Hyatt Regency London
This summer, The Churchill bar is getting a maritime-themed update, as it transforms its outdoor space complete with a brand new signature list of unique cocktails.
Awash with cooling ocean tones, the newly designed terrace will see the introduction of the brand-new cocktail menu, UNITY by Water, with twelve new creations. We especially love The Marino, which is made from cognac, pear liquor, basil marine spray, and in-house Mediterranean tonic water.
where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: thechurchillbar.co.uk
The Coral Room, The Bloomsbury
Designed in collaboration with the acclaimed Martin Brudnizki, the bar features vivid coral-coloured walls, five bespoke Murano glass chandeliers, and a stunning marble art deco-style bar.
The cocktail menu has a distinctively Irish flavour. Try exclusive cocktails like the Finnegan, with Redbreast 12-year-old whiskey, spiced Guinness, Cadello and liquorice, or the 14 Tribes, with Ballyhoo Irish whiskey, bee pollen, Boatyard Old Tom gin, and Irish malt soda.
where: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Website: thedoylecollection.com
