London’s Best Classic Cocktail Bars To Visit

Dukes Bar

Tucked away in Dukes London, Dukes Bar is widely regarded as one of the most iconic places in the world to order a Martini. Served tableside from a trolley with a bit of ceremony, the bar’s signature serve is ice-cold, strong and limited to two per guest — a tradition that only adds to its mystique. With its old-world interiors, polished service and deep ties to London’s cocktail history (it’s often linked to James Bond), this is classic drinking at its most refined.

Where: 35 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NY
Website: www.dukeshotel.com

Sucre

Beneath the main dining room, Downstairs at Sucre is an intimate cocktail lounge where South American spirit meets late-night energy. Plush velvet seating and moody lighting set the scene for expertly crafted serves that riff on Latin flavours, with mezcal, tequilas and agave-led creations often paired with DJ sets and events that carry the mood well into the evening. It’s a destination cocktail bar that feels both stylish and soulful — perfect as a pre-dinner start or an atmospheric nightcap.

WHERE: 47b Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JP
WEBSITE: www.sucrerestaurant.com

Smokey Kudu

Tucked above Kudu in Marylebone, Smokey Kudu is an intimate spot specialising in classic cocktails with a South African edge. Expect inventive riffs on familiar serves, alongside a short list of bar snacks — all served in a warm, low-lit space that makes it ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

I recently went to Smokey Kudu in Marylebone and it’s hands down, one of the chicest spots I’ve visited in a while – the kind of place you want to hire out for your next party.

Natasha, Digital Editor

Where: 7 Moxon Street, London, W1U 4EP
Website: www.kuducollective.com

Manetta’s Bar

Tucked inside Flemings Mayfair, Manetta’s Bar blends 1930s glamour with modern sophistication, featuring plush velvet seating, rose gold accents, and an atmosphere that recalls the golden age of Mayfair’s literary and artistic elite. The menu includes expertly crafted cocktails, including timeless classics and signature serves such as the Paper Plane made with Maker’s Mark, Aperol, and Grappa Amaro Nonino. It has to be one of London’s most stylish destinations for a refined drinking experience.

where:  7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH
website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk

Pine Bar at The Biltmore Hotel

Recently recognised on the Forbes Star Bar List 2025, The Pine Bar at the Biltmore Hotel offers a masterclass in sophisticated drinking. It’s cool, Art Deco, wood-panelled interiors provide a luxe sanctuary in the city — the perfect backdrop to enjoy an impressive collection of spirits and perfectly mixed cocktails.

where: 44 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HP
website: www.thebiltmorehotels.com

Lilli by Akira Back

Lilli by Akira Back, situated within Montcalm Mayfair, is one of London’s chicest cocktail bars. Alongside a punchy selection of elevated bar bites, the cocktail menu is thoughtfully organized by spring, autumn, summer, and winter — blending seasonal ingredients with an elegant Asian influence.

where: 2 Wallenberg Pl, London W1H 7TN
website: www.montcalmcollection.com

InterContinental London Park Lane’s Arch Bar

If you’re looking for an iconic spot to enjoy a delicious cocktail, head to Arch Bar. Alongside all the classics, expertly mixed by InterContinental’s talented bartenders, the bar offers the House of Windsor Cocktail collection, where you can find a list of cryptically named libations, each with a story to tell about famous royals past and present.

where: 1 Hamilton Pl, London W1J 7QY
website: www.parklane.intercontinental.com

12 Hay Hill

Carved from an old bank vault, the recently renovated bar at 12 Hay Hill is a luxe Mayfair address to enjoy a drink. The Bar is home to a distinctive selection of wines, beers, bespoke cocktails and exceptional bar food, making it the ideal place to take a break during the day or to unwind and relax in the evening.

where: 12 Hay Hill, Mayfair, London, W1J 8NR
website: www.12hayhill.com

Quaglino’s

At Mayfair’s luxe restaurant and bar, you can expect stunning cocktails with a dose of live music. Have a No.3 London Dry Gin Martini mixed exactly how you like it, or let Bar Manager Jonathan Ecca surprise you with one of his bespoke twists. For a playful spin, the Tiny Tini Flight is a great choice where you can get three mini martinis to taste and compare – whatever the mood, there’s a martini to match.

where: 16 Bury St, London SW1Y 6AJ
website: www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

Pan Pacific London

A buzz can always be found at Pan Pacific London’s hotel bar, Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge, which transforms throughout the day. Linger in the lounge with its inviting ambience and food menu featuring comforting classics, including the signature triple cheese toastie. As evening approaches, the space segues into a vibrant London cocktail bar with a selection of spirits, wines, beers and popular cocktails, both contemporary and classic, mixed and muddled by the mixologists here.

where: 80 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7AB
website: www.panpacific.com

Waeska Bar

Step inside Waeska Bar, where art, mystery, and mixology fuse to unforgettable effect. Behind the shimmering labradorite bar sits a collection of treasures, objets d’art, and sculptural wonder, setting the stage for one of London’s most experimental cocktail experiences. Waeska’s menu is rooted in ethnobotany; hero plants, herbs and ancient botanicals inspire each drink, from shimmering yuzu-infused creations to herbal elixirs that surprise your palate. With live DJs stirring the night from Thursday through Saturday, and a dress code that elevates every entrance, Waeska doesn’t just serve cocktails, it stages them.

where: 20-21 Newman Street
website: www.themandrake.com

The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych

As the name suggests, rather than being tucked away, the bar is the beating heart of the lobby, punctuated with offbeat objets d’art and framed by the building’s Art Nouveau curves. The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych is a dynamic drinking destination at the corner of Covent Garden, known for exquisite and inventive signature cocktails crafted by their master mixologists.

The One Aldwych private collection of contemporary art features 400 compelling pieces from incredible British artists and international rising stars. And like the art, the Gallery Cocktail menu explores the connection between nature and artist, celebrating modern distilleries and producers using traditional methods to bottle exciting flavours.

where: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
website: www.onealdwych.com

The Nickel Bar at The Ned

Set in the grand banking hall of The Ned London, The Nickel Bar offers a refined yet inviting space for classic cocktails and American-inspired food. The bar’s cocktail menu features carefully selected bourbons, rye whiskeys and traditional favourites, served with attention to detail. Plus, every evening, The Nickel Stage hosts live jazz and blues performances, with New Music Mondays spotlighting emerging artists and fresh sounds weekly.

where: The Ned, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
website: www.thened.com

Bar 190

If walls could talk, Bar 190 would have some stories to tell. A home of rock ‘n’ roll history, past and present, the bar boasts an impressive legacy. Lining the Victorian wood panelled walls are photos of the Rolling Stones at their Beggars Banquet launch party held at the hotel in 1968. It’s still one of the go-to venues for rock royalty, with the renowned Royal Albert Hall sitting just around the corner.

Ambient lighting illuminates cosy booths and leather armchairs, whilst lit up across an entire wall is their vast collection of drinks. From speciality cocktails and classic spirits, to an all-day dining menu, it’s easy to while away a few hours soaking in the captivating atmosphere

where: 190 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5EX
website: WWW.collezione.starhotels.com

The Nine Elms Bar + Lounge at Park Hyatt London River Thames

The Nine Elms Bar + Lounge at Park Hyatt London River Thames, is an inviting and intimate atmosphere for cocktail enthusiasts, with striking art pieces that pay homage to the local area’s history. This ambient hub in the hotel lobby captures the spirit both through its design and curated drinks programme. Signature creations include the Riviera Spritz – a refreshing blend of gin, Fino sherry, Lillet Blanc, Prosecco, and rosemary & black olive tonic – and the Mexican Roffignac, made with Herradura Plata, Italicus, Peychaud’s bitter, lime, and agave. A rotating special of the month invites guests to discover new and exciting flavours.

where: 7 Nine Elms Lane, Greater Nine Elms, London SW8 5PH
website: www.hyattrestaurants.com

Cellar at Kindred

At Cellar at Kindred, the cocktail menu is one meant to be admired. Following an ethos of “delicious, well-crafted and thoughtfully-sourced”, the bar spotlights local producers and London drinks history. The bartenders here are incredibly knowledgeable about their craft and will help you find something you love on the menu – or they’ll whip up something special for you.

where: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline Street, W6 9BW
website: www.wearekindred.com

The Negroni Salon at The Lanesborough

Set against The Lanesborough’s opulent backdrop of The Great Hall, The Negroni Salon blends Italian charm with London sophistication, offering a refined setting to enjoy the fabulous range of creative Negronis. Guests can enjoy the timeless Negroni in both classic and inventive forms, with a menu showcasing five expressions: the Classic, Breakfast, Spiced, Smoked, and Long Negroni, ideal for a refined evening or an aperitivo before a meal at The Lanesborough Grill.

where: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
website: www.oetkerhotels.com

Sibin

Hidden in plain sight behind a false bookcase, Sibin is a famous cocktail bar in London, situated within the iconic five-star Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Westminster. Expect the unexpected at one of London’s most historic and cherished buildings, which offers a fresh and inclusive approach to the world of cocktails. There is a secret bar dedicated to heritage whiskies, premium wines and Champagnes, and whether you’re a whisky lover or seeking a unique experience, the expert bartenders are on hand to guide you through an exceptional drinks list.

where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN
website: www.hyattrestaurants.com

The 40 Elephants

Set within the storied walls of the iconic five-star luxury Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Westminster, is the distinctive cocktail bar, The 40 Elephants. Paying homage to history’s most glamorous and notorious all-female crime syndicate, The 40 Elephants redefines the art of mixology with its signature female-inspired cocktails. This sophisticated bar embodies the daring spirit and glamour of the legendary ‘Forty Elephants’ gang, while offering a refined yet inviting atmosphere.

where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN.
website: www.hyattrestaurants.com

Malt Lounge at The Prince Akatoki London

Japanese precision meets hotel-bar elegance at the Malt Lounge, where classics are prepared with minimalist technique and premium Japanese spirits. Signature classics include the Martini (rice-distilled gin twist), Old Fashioned (with Japanese whisky) and the highball (ultra-cold, precisely carbonated). Look forward to an intimate, low-lit space perfect for a refined pre- or post-dinner drink near Marylebone High Street and Hyde Park.

where: 50 Marble Arch, Great Cumberland Pl, London W1H 7FD
website: www.themaltlounge.co.uk

Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese

A luxury cocktail and champagne bar at Corinthia London, created in partnership with legendary mixologist Salvatore ‘The Maestro’ Calabrese, Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese is one of London’s most refined cocktail bars. Step inside and discover The Pixel Book – a curated menu of modern classics and signature creations, each poured with precision and a dash of imagination. With live music and moody after-dark glamour, this is an intimate escape for cocktail connoisseurs.

where: 10 Whitehall Pl, London SW1A 2BD
website: www.corinthia.com

Booking Office 1869 at St. Pancras, London

Housed in the station’s original 19th-century ticket hall, Booking Office 1869 is all about old-world elegance and contemporary flair, offering a cocktail experience as striking as its setting inside the iconic St. Pancras London. Highlights include the Crossfire Elixir, a bold fusion of Rooster Rojo Tequila, Mezcal, Baijiu, red vermouth, Italian liqueur and bitters, finished with an orange twist and a hint of smoke and the Golden Orchard, a bright blend of Stoli Premium Vodka, lemon, French herbal liqueur, Italian bitters and peach liqueur, elegantly topped with an edible flower.

where: Euston Rd, London NW1 2AR
website: www.booking-office.co.uk

Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar at London Marriott Hotel County Hall

Gillray’s Bar is home to one of London’s most impressive gin collections and offers a refined cocktail experience. With over 100 gins to choose from, including their own house blend, the bar is a haven for spirit lovers with incredible views of Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament. Highlights include The Imperialist, a regal blend of Monkey 47 gin, Chambord, vanilla syrup, lemon juice, and a splash of English sparkling wine (Louis Pommery England Brut), and the Golden Margarita, a smooth, subtly sweet twist on the classic made with Código Blanco tequila, Marie Brizard Apry, lemon juice, honey syrup, and a dash of salt solution.

where: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
website: www.gillrays.com

Smith & Whistle Bar at Sheraton Grand London Park Lane

Set in the heart of Mayfair, Sheraton Grand London Park Lane blends timeless Art Deco elegance with modern luxury. On the menu, you’ll find cocktails like the Mayfair Grey, which is exclusively served in the hotel’s Smith & Whistle Bar and is a refined creation that speaks to Mayfair’s classic character with a contemporary edge. Built on the bold, complex notes of Monkey 47 gin, it’s balanced with the depth of Earl Grey tea, a touch of fresh lemon, and a subtle hint of lavender.

WHERE: Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, Piccadilly, London W1J 7BX
WEBSITE: www.marriott.com