From five star luxury to unique boutique boltholes, pull up a pew and knock knees at one of London’s best hotel bars. With some of the best cocktail menus in town, inspiring interiors and Instagram opportunities in every corner, here are our top 24 to wet your whistle at, from London Cocktail Week and beyond.
Sea Containers London
Lyaness, the bar at Bankside’s Sea Containers London, has been voted one of the World’s Top 50 Bars and we’re not surprised. Brainchild of the award-winning Mr Lyan – London’s top mixologist – expect seriously good cocktails that push the boundaries of booze and interiors just waiting to be Instagrammed.
Where: 20 Upper Ground, London, UK
Nearest station: London Waterloo East (0.3 miles)
Website: www.seacontainerslondon.com
Flemings Mayfair
After a £15m renovation, iconic Mayfair hotel Flemings looks better than ever. Step back into the golden era of the 1930’s at the Manetta’s Bar – think polished rose gold and plush velvet. Take a seat at the bar and order a martini for the ultimate date night.
Where: 7-12 Half Moon Street, Mayfair London W1J 7BH
Website: www.flemings.com
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences
If you’ve ever walked the stretch of Piccadilly, you’ll be familiar with The Athenaeum’s incredible living wall that tumbles down the hotel’s exterior. On rainy London days head inside and admire the feature, cocktail in hand, at the iconic hotel’s bar. Definitely one for whisky lovers, the bar boasts no less than 100 bottles, ranging from exciting new brands to old and rare varieties.
Where: 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner (0.4 miles)
Website: www.athenaeumhotel.com
The Perception at W London
The Perception Bar at Soho’s W Hotel is not only home to sinkable cocktails and great DJs sets, but, wait for it, Europe’s biggest disco ball! If that doesn’t get you on the dance floor, nothing will.
Where: 10 Wardour Street, Leicester Square, London, W1D 6QF, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.2 miles)
Website: www.theperceptionbar.com
The Napoleon
Somewhat of a London hidden secret, the Napoleon is London’s smallest hotel, boasting just one room on its top floor. Below that are three entirely unique bars; Black Rock in the basement – think oysters, whisky and old school hip hop, Sack – a Spanish-inspired sherry bar, and the Devil’s Darling – timeless glamour, white dinner jacket-wearing bartenders and classic cocktails.
Where: 9 Christopher St, Finsbury, EC2A 2BS
Website: www.napoleon-hotel.com
The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane
There’s a charming tale behind this bar’s name. It was inspired by a comic series about Detective Inspector Smith and his arch rival, the infamous socialite scoundrel, Mr. William Whistle. Supposedly they would have secret meet ups in the Park Lane Hotel (where Smith & Whistle is housed) and order strong martinis – which is why the bar pour their measures to 35ml as standard. Don’t blame the hangover on us. Oh, and side note, the bar is one of London’s only dog-friendly high-end bars, even serving up ‘dogtails’ for your four legged friends. Cute.
Where: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Green Park (0.4 miles)
Website: www.sheratonparklane.com
Seed Library
Hidden beneath the hotel, the bar acts as a kind of stripped back speakeasy, offering a wealth of delicious and carefully concocted cocktails from their team of mixologists. It’s the latest establishment from cocktail maestro, Mr Lyan, so you know you’re in for a treat.
It offers a stark contrast to its older sister, Lyaness, with the focus on a more lo-fi, analogue approach to cocktail making. Expect a new take on your favourite classic drinks, including a delicious Sancho Leaf Martini that’s a must-try.
The interiors, designed by Lore Group Creative Director Jacu Strauss, are moody and atmospheric, keeping in line with the lo-fi approach. It features panelled wood and bespoke furniture upholstery in deep orange and red tones.
Where: ONE HUNDRED SHOREDITCH HOTEL, 100 SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET, SHOREDITCH, E1 6JQ
Website: www.seedlibraryshoreditch.com
Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
Private members bars don’t come much chicer than this and with a Tower Bridge location, Ten Trinity Square is ideal for work (or pleasure) drinks. With luxe décor, a building rich in history and a top-end drinks list, this place is sure to have a hand in closing your next business deal.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Tower Hill (0.1 miles)
Website: www.fourseasons.com
Blind Spot
Blink and you’ll miss it… Blind Spot is hidden inside St Martin’s Lane and serves up some of the best cocktails across the city.
Taking inspiration from the British Empire and its ancient tea trade, the cocktails are hard to fault. Travel the world touching down in Santorini, Greece for a cocktail made with Bombay Sapphire, Ouzo, orange juice, honey syrup and greek yoghurt; jetting off to Lima, Peru for Pisco, homemade lavender syrup, sea salt, lemon juice and egg white; and circling round to Mumbai, India for butter and cinnamon-washed brutal 1888 rum, lime juice and kamasutra spicy syrup.
Where: 45 ST MARTIN’S LANE, WC2N 4HX
Website: www.sbe.com
nhow London
This new East London hub brings together work and play perfectly. With a working space filled with modern art and a cosy fire, a sweets trolley to satisfy your sweet tooth, plus a cool bar, this is one entirely unique hotel.
Where: 2 Macclesfield Road, London, EC1V 8DG
Nearest station: Old Street (0.5 miles)
Website: www.nhow-hotels.com
Library Bar at the Ned
Technically reserved for Ned members only, you can sometimes get a booking in the Library bar if you’re dining at one of the hotel’s restaurants – call in advance to check or pull in a favour from a friend with the right credentials. This cosy bar is the Ned’s hidden gem thanks to its martini and champagne trolley and cosy, curtain-hidden location inside the main restaurant area. Order the Breakfast at Emily’s cocktail which, quite literally, tastes like marmalade on toast. Mind-blowing.
Where: 27 Poultry, The City, EC2R 8AJ
Website: www.thened.com
Kimpton Fitzroy London
The grande dame of Bloomsbury, every room in the Kimpton is a feast for the eyes and an interiors lover’s dream. Start off at Neptune, the hotel’s chic restaurant that’s a favourite with the fashion set, before heading down to Fitz’s, the drinking den of dark corners and the best Negronis in town.
Where: Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, 1-8 Russell Square, London WC1B 5BE, UK
Nearest station: Russell Square (0.1 miles)
Website: www.kimptonfitzroylondon.com
Sofitel London St James
The St James Bar’s new look is a lesson in how to do cool interiors. Sumptuous blue velvet booths, a marble counter and gold lighting make up the cosy bar. Order oysters, cheese and charcuterie or delicious snacks alongside one of their famous cocktails.
Now you can look forward to their unparalleled St James x Moët & Chandon experience, where guests will get a masterclass in perfecting champagne cocktails under the watchful eye of a Moët & Chandon consultant.
Where: Sofitel London St James, Waterloo Place, London, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Piccadilly Circus (0.3 miles)
Website: www.sofitelstjames.com
Baglioni Hotel London
Whether you’re staying at the five star Kensington hotel or not, make sure you pop in for a nightcap at their super chic bar. With a menu inspired by a 1950’s Italian trattoria, order warming plates of slippery pasta in the winter or head out onto the terrace for gooey burrata salads and spritzes come summer.
Where: 60 Hyde Park Gate, London, SW7 5BB
Nearest station: High Street Kensington (0.6 miles)
Website: www.baglionihotels.com
Double Standard at The Standard
You could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a Brooklyn-based bar at King’s Cross’ Double Standard. The retro 70’s-inspired interiors make for the perfect Insta backdrop, from the lush house plants to the woven wood and the backlit bar.
Where: 10 Argyle St, Kings Cross, WC1H 8EG
Website: www.standardhotels.com
The Beaumont
Elegant leather and dimly lit tables are the vibe at the Beaumont bar. A shout out must go to the scent too, yup, you read that right, the hotel has been scented by the one and only Jo Malone MBE and it smells divine. Fancy.
Where: The Beaumont Brown Hart Gardens Mayfair London W1K 6TF
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.2 miles)
Website: www.thebeaumont.com
The Berkeley
If you want to up your Instagram game, the Berkeley’s Blue Bar is exactly what it says on the tin… blue. What the bar lacks in size it makes up for in style with its blue-toned interiors, from the chairs to the mirrored walls and even some of the cocktails. Insta fodder at its finest.
Where: Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7RL, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner (0.3 miles)
Website: www.the-berkeley.co.uk
The Connaught
One for those who enjoy the finer things in life, this bar should go to the top of your hotel to-visit list. Guests at this knockout, award-winning establishment can expect a dazzling cocktail menu where each and every option is lovingly crafted with meticulous detail by the bar staff. Innovative cocktails, the Connaught’s signature Martini Trolley and a refined interior, featuring huge mirrors and shimmering walls coated in platinum silver leaf, make this bar the perfect place to bring friends, colleagues or that date you’re trying to impress.
Where: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London, W1K 2AL, United Kingdom
Nearest station: Bond Street (0.5 miles)
Website: www.the-connaught.co.uk
Looking for something different? Check out our round-up of London’s best boutique hotels here.
