The Best Bars For Fresh Spring Cocktails
It’s that time of the year when we’re on the hunt for the best alfresco spots for some serious spring vibes. And with sunny days, we’re looking for cocktails that can take us from after-work drinks to Sunday brunch. If you’re looking for warm weather twists on the classics to cocktails with a backdrop of soaring views over London’s iconic skyline, here are some great spots to sip the days away in and around London.
Idalia, Olympia
At Idalia, cocktails come with a couture twist. Set within the grand Pillar Hall, the new spring menu draws inspiration from fashion’s most iconic figures—fitting, given the space’s history as a backdrop for legendary runway moments.
Expect playful, design-led serves: the Zandra Royal, a vibrant elderflower-laced pink cocktail; the sharp and rebellious Viviennetta; and D&G, served in a glass handbag. Elsewhere, Golden Seam channels modern minimalism, while Biba leans into rich, late-60s glamour. It’s theatrical, transportive and unmistakably in-the-know.
Where: Olympia Way, London W14 0NE
Website: www.pillarhall.co.uk
Recently have been so in love with the way Idalia combines artistry with taste, thinking outside of the box for what it means to be a drink.
Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor
Lolo by José Pizarro
At Lolo by José Pizarro, spring is all about easy, sun-soaked drinking. The Honey & Mint Daiquiri blends dark rum with lime and fresh mint for something bright yet rounded, while the Sarti Pink Spritz—with cava and citrus—leans fully into aperitivo hour.
This is the kind of place where one drink effortlessly turns into two (or three), ideally outside.
Where: 102 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UB
Website: www.josepizarro.com
Ceru
At Ceru, spring cocktails are all about freshness and easy drinkability. The standout is the Cucumber Martini—a house favourite blending Hendrick’s gin with elderflower, Martini Bianco and fresh cucumber juice for something clean, crisp and quietly aromatic. Margaritas also take centre stage, whether you keep things classic or opt for a spicier twist. It’s made for warm days and long, laid-back evenings.
Where: multiple locations
Website: www.cerurestaurants.com
Mestizo
At Mestizo, cocktails are bold, vibrant and unmistakably Mexican, but this spring, there’s a lighter twist thanks to a two-month collaboration with Leve. Built around the spirit’s easy-going 22% ABV, the menu leans into a more relaxed, sessionable style of drinking without losing its punch. Expect four new serves: the Leve Tommy’s Margarita, Palomita, Half Sunrise and Espresso Leve-tini – all dialling up bright citrus, soft warmth and agave-led character.
Where: multiple locations
Website: www.london.mestizomx.com
In the warmer months, I crave crisp citrus cocktails over sweeter mixtures. My current go-to is Leve’s Tommy Magarita. It’s refreshing and has the original flavour, while containing half the alcohol of a typical glass of wine, which means it’s lighter all-round.
Natasha, Digital Editor
Vatavaran
At Vatavaran, cocktails are layered, aromatic and deeply rooted in Indian flavours. The menu reads like a journey through spice and scent: Kendra blends gin with saffron and jasmine, while Nilima pairs vodka with butterfly pea flower and ginger for something vibrant and floral. Richer serves like Kala—with dark rum, pistachio and rose—sit alongside brighter options such as Sehar, combining tequila with tamarind and passionfruit.
Where: 14-15 Beauchamp Pl, London SW3 1NQ
Website: www.vatavaran.uk
The Lanesborough Library Bar
For something more polished, The Lanesborough delivers spritzes with serious pedigree. The L’ Negroni Spritz softens the Italian classic with white peach and jasmine soda, while Forbidden Love layers gin with basil and citrus, finished with a delicate mist of rose.
Come for the cocktails, stay for the live music—and the feeling you’ve discovered one of London’s most refined drinking rooms.
Where: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA
Website: www.oetkerhotels.com
Shangri-La The Shard
High above the city, Shangri-La The Shard, London is serving spring in a glass. The St-Germain Spritz is crisp and citrusy, the Hugo Spritz adds a cooling hit of mint, and the standout Wild Blossom mixes gin, elderflower and oolong tea with a subtle Sichuan edge.
Where: 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Kindred
At Kindred, the classics get a clever rethink. The Better Than Pimm’s is exactly that—familiar but sharper, with gin, strawberry and cucumber bitters—while the Blackberry Spritz delivers a distinctly British take on aperitivo hour.
Even the alcohol-free options feel considered, from kombucha-led spritzes to botanical blends.
Where: Bradmore House, Queen Caroline St, London W6 9BW
Website: www.wearekindred.com
144 On The Hill
At 144 On The Hill, the cocktail list leans into seasonal fruit and brighter flavours. The R&R combines rhubarb gin with raspberry and citrus for a sharp, refreshing serve, while Sunset on the Hill introduces a smokier profile with mezcal, peach and Aperol. It’s a menu that feels confident and well suited to sunny evenings.
Where: 149-150 Richmond Hill, Richmond TW10 6RW
Website: www.144onthehill.co.uk
The American Bar at The Stafford
At The American Bar at The Stafford, tradition is reworked with a seasonal lens. The Stafford Martini introduces cherry blossom for a subtle floral note, while the Spring Fizz offers a lighter take on the French 75. It’s classic cocktail-making, just dialled towards the season.
Where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1NJ
Website: www.thestaffordlondon.com
The Arch Bar
At The Arch Bar, cocktails come with a narrative. The House of Windsor collection draws on royal history, with each drink referencing iconic figures and moments. Combined with its intimate setting and Green Park views, it’s a strong choice for late-night spring drinking.
Where: 1 Hamilton Pl, London W1J 7QY
Website: www.parklane.intercontinental.com
Le Magritte
At Le Magritte, cocktails lean playful and sun-ready. Expect tropical serves like Come Fly With Me, alongside fruit-forward options like Summertime—sweet, sharp and refreshing. The floral terrace setting only adds to the appeal.
Where: The Beaumont Mayfair, 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, London W1K 6TF
Website: www.thebeaumont.com
Blind Spot
At Blind Spot, cocktails take a global approach. The menu draws on destinations from around the world, translating them into refined, travel-inspired serves. It’s escapism in cocktail form without the travel fees.
Where: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
Website: www.morgansoriginals.com
Electric Shuffle
At Electric Shuffle, the drinks are as lively as the setting. The Bluebird Bliss delivers a crisp elderflower hit, while Hot Peach adds a sweet-spicy tequila twist. Even the alcohol-free options are well thought out, making it an easy crowd-pleaser.
Where: multiple locations
Website: www.electricshuffle.com
Café Ciel
At Café Ciel, cocktails feel polished and quietly modern. The Ciel Spritz is light and effervescent, while the Matcha G&T adds an unexpected earthy note. For something softer, La Vie en Rose leans floral and easy-drinking, ideal for slow afternoons.
Where: The OWO, 7 Horse Guards Ave, London SW1A 2EU
Website: www.cafeciel.co.uk
Barnett Hill Hotel
At Barnett Hill Hotel, the Signature Spritz captures the season perfectly—gin, Aperol, citrus and prosecco coming together in something bright and refreshing. It’s simple, but exactly what you want as the weather warms.
Where: Blackheath Ln, Wonersh, Guildford GU5 0RF
Website: www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
The Churchill Bar
At The Churchill Bar, the new spritz menu leans into variety. From the Chartwell Fizz to lighter and alcohol-free options, it’s designed for long, easy afternoons that stretch into evening.
Where: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH
Website: www.hyattrestaurants.com
