From Cocktails By Candlelight To Sunset Scapes: London’s Most Romantic Bars
Looking for a bar that’s set to impress and secure you a second date? Been left with the arduous task of organising a last-minute Valentine’s reservation but don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered with our edit of London’s most romantic bars.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere for a first date or a five-year anniversary celebration, we’ve rounded up our favourite bars to head to for a romantic night out.
Lyaness
There’s a reason that Lyaness keeps on winning award after award. Firstly, its interiors are impeccable – think mirrored tables, velvet seating and gold finishes. Secondly, it’s the brainchild of the award-winning Mr Lyan and is home to cocktails designed around the ingredients rather than the cocktail type.
There’s a cocktail to suit every taste, from sweet fruity numbers to spiced and sharp. Pair them with views over the Thames and you’ve got yourself a date destination that you can’t fault.
Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD
The Bloomsbury Club Bar
Celebrate love with your special someone at The Bloomsbury Club Bar. Centred around the Bloomsbury Set, the group who rejected Victorian ideologies of religion and explored new ways of spiritual meaning through art, writing, kinships and belief in an interconnected universe, the bar is one to visit for those who love Tarot.
16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Silverleaf, Pan Pacific London
If you’re looking to win brownie points and look like you know your stuff when it comes to hot new openings, book a table at Silverleaf, the exciting new bar opening hidden inside Pan Pacific London.
The bar is inspired by ‘naturalism and the elements’. It’s one of the first independent cocktail bars to be part of a luxury hotel’s offering, giving guests a full sensory experience with stunning views over Bishopsgate Plaza.
Interiors-wise, the bar is home to natural and tactile qualities, from marble to charred timber and salt-glazed hand-crafted British bricks.
80 Houndsditch, EC3A 7AB
Beaufort Bar at The Savoy
Hands down the most opulent hotel bar in London, the Beaufort Bar at the Savoy is home to Nocturne, a drinks experience and concept that celebrates the thrilling things that happen after dark…
Created by the Beaufort Bar Team led by Anna Sebastian, it takes inspiration from The Savoy’s previous incarnation as a royal palace and its links to the Champagne region. This menu celebrates everything Champagne has to offer, from simple serves to elegant cocktails crafted with the bubbles in mind.
The Strand, WC2R 0EZ
Quaglino’s
Those looking for a date night destination with music, head to Quaglino’s to explore its innovative cocktail options.
Right now, the Architectures Cocktail Menu is worth sampling, drawing inspiration from different architectural structures from around the world. Sample your way through the likes of the Elizabeth Tower, a tribute to British craftsmanship featuring The Lakes Fine One Blended Whisky, Ratafia Cherry Wine Liqueur, Pedro Ximenez Sweet Wine, and a dash of Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, all shaken with spiced syrup, lemon juice, and a touch of milk. Or, opt for the Asian-inspired Golden Hands, mixing Suntory Yamazaki Distiller’s whisky with Muyu Jasmine Verte Liqueur.
16 Bury Street, St. James’s, SW1Y 6AJ
The American Bar, The Stafford
Seriously impress your date by booking into one of London’s best-kept secrets. The American Bar at The Stafford London 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 today.
Pull up a pew at the bar and explore the wide selection of signature and classic cocktails and immerse yourselves amongst the memorabilia-filled walls and intimate corners.
16-18 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NJ
Cecil’s Bar at The Lane
For the ultimate date night, book a theatre trip at The Lane. Stop by Cecil’s Bar for a glass of fizz or one of their carefully crafted cocktails.
Open late, the space is inspired by Cecil Beaton’s legendary My Fair Lady costume and the flamboyant group of artists, writers and socialites surrounding him.
CATHERINE ST, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON WC2B 5JF
THE SOAK
Handily located just next door to Victoria Station, THE SOAK is the perfect spot to base yourself for a pre-theatre cocktail. Cosy into one of the plush booths and cheers with your SO over one of the bar’s signature serves.
Make your way through the menu, enjoying the Sauvignon Cooler, a mix of Bacardi rum, St-Germain elderflower, passionfruit purée, sauvignon blanc and grapefruit soda or go fruity with the Orange Pisco Fizz, featuring Pisco, Aperol, orange, lemon juice, almond syrup and vegan egg whites.
Terminus Place, SW1W 0RP
Coupette
Coupette ticks all of the boxes when it comes to the perfect bar for a date night. It’s intimate, cosy and home to some of London’s very best cocktails. It only launched in 2017 and has already secured raving reviews and firmly found itself on the World’s Best Bar list.
The bar is inspired by France but the cocktail menu draws on East London’s gritty side. It documents the journey of Andrei Marcu and his team as they guide you through an imagined story of how the Urban Legends and their Uprising Tales became through Calvados deals, spirit smuggling and ingredient hustling.
423 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN
Sweeties at The Standard
Disco balls, velvet sofas, mirrored tables and sensual lighting, there’s no better place to head for a date night drink than Sweeties at The Standard. Evoking that early 1970s Hollywood opulence, the late-night lounge serves up sweet sips to be enjoyed over deep chats.
Look out over London through the floor-to-ceiling windows, seeing the sunset before into the night to tunes from their roster of live DJs.
10th Floor, 10 Argyle Street, WC1H 8EG
Viajante87
Notting Hill’s hottest cocktail bar for romance, Viajante87 is the brainchild of Los Mochis founders and spearheaded by Panos Kanatsoulis, formerly the World’s 50 Best Bars. It’s a space where Tokyo meets Tulum, with every cocktail melding the two cultures together in every sip.
Indulge in experiential cocktails like the East 8 Hold Up, a mix of Ketel One Vodka, pineapple, Aperol, lime and passionfruit; the El Rancho Highball, blending Johnnie Walker Black, white port, coconut water, Nixta Corn licor and flaked corn; or the Lucuma Colada, a combination of El Dorado 3YR Rum, pineapple, Horchata coconut cream, Lúcuma and cinnamon.
Basement at 87 Notting Hill Gate, Notting Hill, W11 3JZ
Smokey Kudu
Smart and seductive, Smokey Kudu is a cocktail and wine bolthole from the Kudu Collective restaurant group. The bar area is the centrepiece of this space, complete with a dreamy marble countertop, gold accents and a chandelier dangling directly above.
Pull up a pew at the bar and order from their extensive cocktail menu. We love the Smokey Kudu made with South African whisky, smokey whiskey, Italian bitter and sweet vermouth.
Arch 133, Queens Road, SE15 2ND
Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin
Take to the skies for a romantic date night at Searcys at the Gherkin and its Iris Bar. Located right at the top of the iconic landmark, gaze eye-to-eye with the city’s skyscrapers whilst enjoying a tipple from the extensive cocktail, wine and Champagne list or choose a Searcys Tasting Trio featuring signature Searcys sparkling wines and champagnes.
30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8BF
Velvet
Celebrating the love of life, finer things and the permission to be a little decadent, Velvet is a luxurious Champagne and cocktail bar hidden inside Corinthia London.
Created in partnership with acclaimed bartender and drinks expert, Salvatore Calabrese, the bar is bringing back the theatre of cocktail-making. Expect classics with a modern twist, new-era drinks and Salvatose’s signature serves.
Corinthia London, Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Home House
Inspired by historic embassies around the world and the heritage of House 21 as a former “legation”, the House Bar’s design draws on the freedom, liberation and self-indulgence that comes with uninhibited travel. Exclusively open to members and hotel guests, it’s the ultimate place for intimate conversations and date nights. Pull up a pew at the bar or tuck into one of the banquette seats, taking in all of the room’s pink and blue tones.
20 Portman Square, W1H 6LW
Manetta, Flemings
Mayfair’s Flemings is rich in history. Reviving the name of the original hang-out at Flemings back in the 1930s, Manetta recaptures the spirit of a place where spies used to swap secrets and clandestine trysts took place.
The bar boasts a dark and sultry colour palette, with corners to hide away in and get to know your date over a cocktail or two. For the negroni lovers, try your hand at sampling one of each from their impressive menu.
7-12 Half Moon Street, Mayfair, W1J 7BH
Seymour’s Parlour
Minimalists, look away. Seymour’s Parlour is for the maximalists, the lovers of storytelling and eccentricity. Hidden away inside The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone, the bar takes on the look of the private residence of Wicked Uncle Seymour, complete with his miscellaneous trinkets and old furniture.
It’s the perfect place to book for an afternoon date as even if there are some awkward silences, you can just look around the room and spark up a conversation about the vibrance of the space. The cocktails are second to none too.
The Zetter Marylebone, 28-30 Seymour Street, W1H 7JB
The Connaught Bar
The Connaught Bar, named the world’s best bar for the second year in a row, is a bar for truly special occasions. Whether you’re celebrating a new promotion, an anniversary, a birthday or Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect place to dress up and sip on expertly crafted cocktails.
The space has been designed by David Collins Studio and evokes English and Irish Cubist art of the 1920s. During the day it’s perfect to while away the afternoon and by night, it’s somewhere for intimate conversations over candlelight.
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
Rake’s Parlour
This place might be a cafe by day but it’s nighttime where the space really comes into its own. Hidden inside Rake’s Cafe Bar, you’ll find Rake’s Parlour and a menu filled with exciting signature cocktails and Champagne offerings.
The space is opulent and lavishly decorated, yet you can’t help but feel at home. It’s the kind of place you’d take your special someone to celebrate their achievements or to wow your partner for an anniversary to remember.
40 Liverpool Street, EC2M 7QN
Nightjar
Nightjar isn’t one to be missed. There’s a reason it’s so many people’s number-one choice for cocktails in the city. Their mixologists are experts in their craft, the interiors are dark and sultry but still stylish and their live entertainment just adds a whole new dimension.
Their cocktail list is split into sections, from the pre-prohibition era, a space where ancient recipes come into their own, to post-war concoctions that brought about a renaissance of mixes. Or, if you fancy something truly unique, order one of the Nightjar team’s signature serves.
129 City Road, EC1V 1JB
The Franklin Bar
Surrounded by gilded mirrored walls, grey velvet seating and elegant finishing designed by renowned interior designer Anouska Hempel, this is the romantic London bar to know. Hidden inside The Franklin Hotel, the bar evokes that Great Gatsby 1920s style.
Take a grand tour and work your way through the drinks menu, from Champagne to cheers to those special moments to cognacs for the ultimate nightcap.
24 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, SW3 2DB
Long Bar, Sanderson
The Long Bar is renowned for its raucous days where it saw everything from Kate Moss and Mario Testino to BRIT after parties celebrated here. Live out those days for yourself with a seductive night of cocktails.
Grab yourself one of the striking eye-designed pews and sip on cocktails like The Catwalk, a mix of Desi Daru Vodka, Lillet Rose, lychee liqueur, pink grapefruit and fresh lemon; or try the Wake Me Up, featuring La Hechicera, coffee liqueur, chocolate liqueur and espresso.
50 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3NG
Sky Garden
Where better to spend your date overlooking London as the sunsets than Sky Garden. Hidden inside you’ll find two special bars waiting for you to discover them. The Sky Pod is home to live music every Thursday and Friday, and DJ nights every Monday to Saturday, while the City Garden Bar is the go-to place for an intimate night with spectacular views over the city.
1 Sky Garden Walk, EC3M 8AF
Hithe + Seek
For romantic sharing and pairing food and wine overlooking the River Thames, book in for a date night at Hithe + Seek. The restaurant & bar opened its doors in 2021 and has already become the go-to place for city-goers and date nights.
Get to know your date over a bottle of wine or order a few plates to share as you reconnect with old flames.
60 Upper Thames Street, EC4V 3AD
Hutong
Really seal the deal on your next date night and book in for a night in the clouds courtesy of Hutong’s cocktail bar.
The Shanghai Bar will see you enjoying the company of your date, paired with the best-unrivalled views over the city’s skyline.
For Valentine’s, the team has crafted a special date night menu, featuring three cocktails and a dim sum platter to share. Cocktails include the Jasmine Garden, blending Jasmine tea-infused Sauvelle vodka, clarified grapefruit, elderflower cordial and soda water; Comfortably Numb, a tempting concoction of vanilla-infused Sauvelle vodka, lychee liqueur, fresh chilli, honey-infused Sichuan pepper and lime; and the Exotic Martini, featuring vanilla-infused Sauvelle vodka, passion fruit purée, pineapple juice and yuzu juice.
33 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY
The Libertine
For those looking for a hideout away from the crowds, The Libertine is City’s best-kept secret.
Set amidst the vaults beneath the Royal Exchange, this bar sits on the site where the first royal alcohol licence in Britain was granted. Nowadays, you can soak up the history while getting to know your date over a tipple or two.
1A Royal Exchange, Cornhill, EC3V 3LL
The Hideaway at Sloane place
The Hideaway at Sloane Place is an Art Deco modern speakeasy; a secluded and intimate bar perfect for an evening hidden away from the world in the heart of Chelsea.
Descend down the stairs in Sloane Place to uncover the space where cocktails flow, delicious snacks are served and fantastic live music plays each week.
60 Lower Sloane Street, Chelsea, SW1W 8BP
Bar Termini
To impress the negroni lovers, take them to the Soho hotspot, Bar Termini. This Italian bar knows a thing or two about whisking up a traditional Negroni consisting of only the finest, authentic ingredients. Your date will be seriously impressed with you for finding London’s spot for a Negroni and sharing boards.
7 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 5JE
The Churchill Bar & Terrace
If you’re looking for somewhere to slip off with your partner after hitting Oxford Street, The Churchill Bar & Terrace will refuel you with its cocktail list that celebrates treasured traditions and cultures, and plenty of great non-alcoholic options.
Inspired by Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine, the space is packed with bookshelves curated by Daunt Books and original photographs and love letters by Churchill and his wife. It doesn’t get more romantic than that.
30 Portman Square, W1H 7BH
Blind Spot
One of our favourite speakeasy bars, Blind Spot is hidden inside St Martin’s Lane. It takes inspiration from the British Empire and its ancient tea trade. You can travel the world with your loved one through every serve, from Santorini to Lima, Mumbai to Rio De Janeiro.
Sip from continent to continent, from the Mexico City tipple, featuring Patron Silver, Aperol, chilli-infused La Gitana Manzanilla, melon, agave and citrus, to the Stockholm, a mix of Amass Vodka, cranberry, yuzu and egg white.
45 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4HX
Jurema
If you’re more after an outdoorsy affair but still want a beautiful setting, look to Jurema’s winter garden. The space has been transformed, revealing a one-of-a-kind glass structure, abrim with faux-fur blankets, twinkling lights and creative cocktail options. It’s the ultimate intimate setting to cosy up under candlelight with your SO.
20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Pivot Bar & Bistro
Sip into the sunset with views over the iconic Covent Garden Piazza courtesy of a table at Pivot Bar & Bistro. Hidden inside 3 Henrietta Street, the bar is home to a cocktail to suit every tastebud, from the Mango Honey Margarita to the Bottle Aged Negroni, or choose to sip on bubbles all night as you reconnect with your loved one.
3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8LU
The Library Bar, The Lanesborough
For that quintessential, old-school British bar experience, The Library Bar provides a blank canvas for date nights.
This Valentine’s, you can sip into the night on the Valentine’s Margarita – a twist on the classic feature 1800 coconut Tequila, maraschino and griotte morello cherries, cranberry, lime and honey.
Set against shelves upon shelves of books, this is something truly special.
Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA