If you're planning a trip to London, you may not have realized that you are heading to a city with some of the swankiest and coolest bars in the world. Aside from trying excellent, creative craft cocktails, you'll get to experience the pulse of London life and see its style and unique class!
9 Bars You Have To Try In London
1. The Shoreditch
In the effortlessly cool area of Shoreditch, The Shoreditch bar captures the hip and lively atmosphere. The kitch tiki bar has great cocktails, fun music, and eclectic decorations. Dancing gets going on the weekends, so don’t miss out!
Address: 145 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE, United Kingdom
2. The Old Schoolyard
Get schooled and learn your lesson at this school-themed bar. Mario Kart and Pinball machines give the bar a relaxed 90s vibe. Throwback songs and the retro theme will bring you back to your childhood — except you can drink now…No one remembers school being this fun!
Address: 109-111 Long Lane, London SE1 4PH, United Kingdom
3. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
Only accessible through The Breakfast Club entrance, this secret speakeasy requires “The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town” password. After giving the password, you’re led through the fridge (yes, the fridge) to the speakeasy. Bar games and great drinks await!
Address: 12-16 Artillery Lane, London E1 7LS, United Kingdom
4. Franks Cafe
You can find Frank’s Cafe in the increasingly artsy Peckham — on the 10th floor of a multi-story car park. Experience a panorama view of London as you watch the sun set over the city. The bar is open seasonally as it has no roof, but it’s the perfect place to have some drinks on a summer’s night!
Address: 10th, Peckham Multi Story Carpark, 133 Rye Lane, London SE15 4ST, United Kingdom
5. Cubana
Cuban cocktails can be found in Waterloo, where Cubana hosts happy hour from 4-7. Find fresh fruit-based cocktails that are two-jugs-for-one during happy hour! Rum, cheap drinks, and lots of laughs can be found at Cubana. You’ll recognise the bar by its large mural of a dancing woman decked out in a fruit hat.
Address: 48 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG, United Kingdom
6. The Book Club
This bar in trendy Shoreditch serves brunch during the day, but comes alive at night. With a ping pong table and “thinking and drinking” events, The Book Club proves that being smart is cool. With club nights on the weekends, the Book club will get you thinking — day or night. Nerds unite!
Address: 100-106 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4RH, United Kingdom
7. Queen of Hoxton
This art gallery-meets-bar has a rooftop that is not to be missed. With three levels, the roof garden looks like a hippie haven, and even has frequent live music. Enjoy a cocktail and music on this roof-top gem! A favourite with Londoners.
Address: 1 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX, United Kingdom
8. Mahiki
Spot celebrities at this pricier but tropical-themed bar in the financial district of Mayfair. Mahiki is the place to go if you’re looking for a more up-scale night out. Get to the bar earlier for more of a bar experience, as the tables become more like a club later on.
Address: 1 Dover Street, London W1S 4LD, United Kingdom
9. Happiness Forgets
Anything but forgettable, this speakeasy bar has reasonably priced cocktails for great quality. This is the kind of bar where the bartenders are called ‘mixologists,’ and the soft music makes it a good place for a conversation. Right in Hoxton square!
Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU, United Kingdom
This article was written by Clara Hudson.