26 London Bars To Visit This Party Season
It’s officially party season, and we’ve got our eyes on heading out to London’s coolest bars. From gorgeous hotel hideaways with decadent interiors to neighbourhood favourites we keep going back to, we’ve rounded up a list of London’s best bars to head to this winter.
Bar 190 at The Gore London
This classic venue pays homage to its rock ‘n’ roll history, with photos of The Rolling Stones at a party held in the hotel in 1968. With the Royal Albert Hall just around the corner, it remains an iconic spot for music lovers. Expect ambient lighting, cosy booths and a stunning collection of cocktails from classic to inventive. With an all-day dining menu, crafted by the award-winning Head Chef Frederick Forster, it’s easy to spend a few hours here on a cold winter day.
This classic venue pays homage to its rock ‘n’ roll history.
Where: 190 Queen’s Gate, Kensington SW7 5EX London
Website: www.collezione.starhotels.com
Hithe + Seek
For a riverside escape this season, look no further than Hithe + Seek. Nestled in The Westin London City, this chic yet cosy bar offers stunning Thames views and an inviting ambience, perfect for a festive night out. Hithe + Seek’s carefully curated menu features inventive cocktails and a unique wine selection. Don’t miss their selection of four unique hot toddies for the season, each packed with festive aromatics to bring a little extra warmth and festive spirit to your winter nights.
Where: 60 Upper Thames Street, London, United Kingdom EC4V 3AD
Website: www.hitheandseek.com
The Athenaeum
A hidden gem, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, The Bar at The Athenaeum is the perfect hideaway for drinks. The intimate space features plush seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, and the bar is known best for its high-quality cocktails and extensive whiskey collection. With a late liquor license, The Bar at The Athenaeum is the place to visit for a late night.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ
Website: www.athenaeumhotel.com
Archer Street
West London’s ultimate entertainment-meets-dining destination, Archer Street is a very cool cocktail–performance bar concept, serving expertly crafted drinks and high-energy singers and dancers taking centre stage. Expect classic hits, old-school throwbacks and tunes meant for dancing. To snack on, you can order mixed charcuterie boards, canapes and stone-baked pizzas paired with classic cocktails. This one’s a great night out with friends or a fun date night.
Where: 126-128 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3QG
Where: www.archerstreet.co.uk
The Franklin Bar
The Franklin Bar is an elegant cocktail and champagne spot that’s impeccably designed with mirrored walls in a Great Gatsby 1920s style. If you’re looking for a glamorous night out, this makes the perfect place to wind down before dinner. We love the gin orders (order The Franklin 75 Twinkle No. 3 Gin, fresh lemon juice, egg white, elderflower cordial and champagne) and the negroni (try the white negroni – Broken Clock Vodka, Italicus and Cocchi Americano).
Where: The Franklin, 24 Egerton Gardens, SW3 2DB Knightsbridge, London
Website: www.collezione.starhotels.com
No. Fifty Cheyne
No. Fifty Cheyne has launched their newly refurbished Ruinart Drawing Room and Champagne Bar for an exquisite dining and drinking experience in the heart of Old Chelsea. Designed by renowned interior architect Anthony Collett, the Ruinart Drawing Room and Champagne Bar features walls adorned in traditional lacquered wall panelling and antiqued mirrors, with a gorgeous gold leaf ceiling by de Gournay. The perfect spot for an intimate date night over fabulous drinks, No. Fifty Cheyne is celebrating its partnership with Ruinart, the oldest Champagne Maison with the most exquisite bubbly, and will be offering its guests Ruinart Brut Champagne at only £68 per bottle or Blanc de Blancs Ruinart at just £88.
Where: 50 Cheyne Walk, London SW3 5LR
Website: www.fiftycheyne.com
Manetta’s Bar, Flemings Mayfair
Take some seriously stylish sips in this glamorous 1930s bar that was once the original hang-out spot for the artists you see on the walls around you. Expect a taste of decadence as you sit down in this plush hotel bar that serves an exemplary list of cocktails, wines and whiskey. Try the Paper Plane cocktail (Maker’s Mark, Aperol, Grappa Amaro Nonino) or the Rhubarb Royal (Rhubarb Gin, grapefruit liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters and champagne).
Take some seriously stylish sips in this glamorous 1930s bar.
Where: 7-12 Half Moon Street, Mayfair, London W1J 7BH
Website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
Avora
If you’re up for a bit of a sensory adventure, this one’s for you. Avora is an immersive theatrical cocktail experience where you literally enter a new world and forage for cocktails. When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed to Roscorp Laboratory, where you will be given a purpose-built jumpsuit for missions to Avora. After this, you will enter the new world, where day turns to night amidst glorious lights and some stunning interiors.
If you’re up for a bit of a sensory adventure, this one’s for you.
Where: 5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
Website: www.avora-experience.co.uk
Connaught Bar
The award-winning Connaught Bar was named in the top five best bars in The World’s 50 Best Bars list of 2023, and continues to be one of London’s most iconic spots. We spotted some gorgeous vintage cocktails on the menu, including a vintage martini and negroni, along with some classic preparations like the Connaught Martini and a sinfully delicious Bloody Mary.
Where: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair London, W1K 2AL
Website: www.the-connaught.co.uk
Satan’s Whiskers
Satan’s Whiskers is Bethnal Green’s original neighbourhood cocktail bar, first opening its doors in late 2013.
The daily changing menu means that even if you live in the neighbourhood, there will always be something new for you to try. The focus is on delivering exceptional classic cocktails, served alongside the bar’s infamous hip-hop soundtrack.
Where: 343 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9RA
Website: www.satanswhiskers.com
Scarfes Bar
The Rosewood Hotel, a restored Edward mansion entered via a grandiose carriageway and courtyard, knows a thing or two about luxury and this much is obvious by its gorgeous Scarfes Bar. This classy hangout makes an intimate spot for a date night, and there’s live music playing every night courtesy of some stellar jazz musicians. With a truly epic collection of books, comfy sofas and chairs, as well as a fabulous drinks menu, it is certainly not to be missed.
Where: 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN
Website:www.scarfesbar.com
Bar Kinky
Located just below the restaurant Kinkally, Bar Kinky is a great spot for late-night drinks, post-work cocktails or intimate date nights. Expect sleek interiors with mysterious red lighting and a chef’s table-style bar. If you love an adventurous cocktail, Bar Kinky will not disappoint – Head Bartender, Andrew Pruts, has created a new, truly inventive menu using ingredients covering mango, curry, brine, beetroot, mushrooms, walnuts and even… blue cheese. Be fully prepared to expect the unexpected, and have a great time at it.
where: 43, Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RS
website: www.kinkally.co.uk
Tayer + Elementary
Famously walk-in only, Tayer + Elementary has two bars with different concepts – there’s Elementary at the front, which serves simple, punchy cocktails and drinks, and the more technical, rather sciency Tayer is in the back, combining modern techniques and old-fashioned practices and serves produce-driven cocktails.
Established in 2019, Tayer + Elementary also sells ready-to-drink, bottled cocktails that bring together their classics blended with unique natural ingredients.
where: 152 Old Street, London, EC1V 9BW
website: www.tayer-elementary.com
Viajante87
Recently ranked No. 99 on the World’s 50 Best Bars extended list, Viajante87 is known for its innovative cocktails. This December, the bar has some exclusive Christmas specials, including the Nueva Navidad, Coquito and some classic mulled wine. Crafted by their award-winning team, there’s also a menu inspired by the rich flavours of Latin America.
Recently ranked No. 99 on the World’s 50 Best Bars extended list, Viajante87 is known for its innovative cocktails.
Where: Basement, 87 Notting Hill Gate, London, W11 3JZ
Website: www.viajantebar.com
The Donovan
Located at the Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, The Donovan Bar offers a sophisticated setting to enjoy some inventive cocktails expertly crafted by world-leading bartender Salvatore Calabrese, and Federico Pavan, the Director of Mixology. On the menu, you’ll find the perfect after-dark libations, and we are big fans of the Happily Ever After cocktail menu that was launched earlier this year.
Located at the Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, The Donovan Bar offers a sophisticated setting to enjoy some inventive cocktails.
Where: 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP
Website: www.roccofortehotels.com
The Little Violet Door
This flatshare-turned-bar and restaurant serves up top-notch food and drinks and they’re going all out for their first Christmas in Carnaby. Book in for a festive bottomless brunch, fuel your Christmas shopping with a few cocktails or dance the night away at their iconic kitchen discos. From the Insta-worthy bathroom and fancy-dress wardrobe to Mario Kart and retro board games, The Little Violet Door throws the ultimate house party and everyone’s invited.
The Little Violet Door throws the ultimate house party and everyone’s invited.
Where: 9 Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PH
Website: www.thelittlevioletdoor.co.uk
The Churchill Bar and Terrace
The Churchill Bar and Terrace offers the ideal winter bar experience, from delicious cocktails to warm winter decor. The outdoor space has been beautifully transformed into a cosy winter haven in collaboration with Chartwell House, Sir Winston Churchill’s cherished country retreat. Expect a festive and nostalgic ambience inspired by the elegance of 1920s and 1930s gardens, complete with vintage touches, lush greenery, and glistening lights.
Where: Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, 30 Portman Square, London, W1H 7BH
Website: www.thechurchillbar.co.uk
Arch Bar, InterContinental London Park Lane
Celebrate the festive season at Arch Bar in the elegant InterContinental London Park Lane hotel. The perfect spot for pre or post-Winter Wonderland drink and snack, choose from a selection of signature cocktails or go for some of the festive options available such as the Figroni or the spiced plum martini, two deliciously Christmassy twists on classic cocktails.
Where: One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, W1J 7QY
Website: www.parklane.intercontinental.com
Rakes Cafe Bar
An elegant setting to escape the cold, Rakes is a great place to visit for cocktails, lunch or an elevated bar snack. The Front Room features varying local DJs from Thursday to Saturday, while The Parlour is the perfect casual setting for a drink with friends. There’s even a secret room- No.3- for hosting private events. There are some great options on the menu including The Prison (bourbon, sage, ale, honey and pepper) and The Heir (mezcal, cachaca, ancho reyes, grapefruit and popcorn).
An elegant setting to escape the cold, Rakes is a great place to visit for cocktails.
Where: 40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN, UK
Website: www.hyattrestaurants.com
Bar Antoine, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Nestled within the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Bar Antoine is a lovely bar to sip on a selection of exclusive Christmas refreshments. We love the Fluffy Dreams (marshmallow gin, tangy lacto-fermented raspberries, fresh lemon juice and frothy egg white topped with Gruyere Cheese) or the Gingerbread Old Fashioned (burnt butter Michter’s Rye, homemade gingerbread syrup and angostura and chocolate bitters).
Where: The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, London, W1J 7DR
Website: www.pavyllonlondon.com/bar-antoine
The Folly by Drake & Morgan
Located just a short walk from London Liverpool Street, The Folly by Drake & Morgan is a great spot to celebrate the festive season. Adorned with twinkling lights and lush greenery, enter beneath a stunning Christmas archway before trying limited-edition Christmas tipples. Don’t miss the Christmaspolitan (Absolut vodka, elderflower, vermouth, spiced berry, lime and cranberry), or try a Rum on 34th Street (Havana 7-year rum with Cointreau and macaroon syrup).
where: 41 Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 0BT
website: www.drakeandmorgan.co.uk/the-folly
Zum Barbarossa
Zum Barbarossa is London’s newest speakeasy bar serving up a range of expertly mixed cocktails along with late-night entertainment in the heart of Soho. The 1730 Grade II listed Georgian townhouse houses a hidden basement, deep underground and, once inside, you’ll find an intimate, Paris-style bar complete with historical arches. A lively cocktail bar and club, you can choose from a selection of uniquely crafted cocktails and enjoy live DJs with a deep house vibe.
Where: 77 Dean St, London W1D 3SH
Website: www.zumbarbarossa.com/london
The Blind Spot
This speakeasy bar in Covent Garden is the place to be this party season. The Blind Spot team has crafted an extraordinary new menu, blending their signature concept with a fresh twist. Each cocktail takes you to a new city, with flavours that capture the essence of iconic locales around the globe. Paired with a local dish inspired by your chosen cocktail’s destination, this menu promises a truly immersive experience. But the journey doesn’t end there – each destination is tied to a song, available for guests to purchase, with proceeds going to Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
Where: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
Website: www.morgansoriginals.com
The American Bar at The Stafford London
Party season has arrived, and The American Bar at The Stafford London is ready to celebrate. Begin your evening with a sip of the “Winter Mist”—a sophisticated blend of Snow Queen Vodka, lychee, champagne cordial, and lemon or try the Golden Harvest (Renais Gin, strawberry, basil, Akashi-Tai umeshu plum, Chablis wine).
Where: 16-18 St James’s Place, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese
A late-night champagne and cocktail bar, Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese celebrates the theatre of cocktail-making with a menu that provides classic favourites to modern interpretations. The innovative menu, named The Quote Book, draws its inspiration from the words of historical icons from Frida Kahlo to Walt Disney, Marie Curie to Coco Chanel.
Where: Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD, United Kingdom
Website: www.corinthia.com
Long Bar, Sanderson Hotel
At some 80 feet in length, Long Bar is at the centre of the Sanderson social scene. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails – timeless classics with a cheeky twist and nibble on bar bites, including mini lobster rolls and French toast truffle bites.
At some 80 feet in length, Long Bar is at the centre of the Sanderson social scene.
Where: 50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NG
Website: www.morgansoriginals.com
