London’s cocktail scene is a melting pot of creativity, where each bar offers its own signature twist on the classics. From hidden speakeasies to upscale hotel lounges, here’s a guide to 10 of the leading cocktail bars that will leave you sipping in style.

Scarfes Bar

Inspired by the gentlemen’s clubs of old, but without the stuffy atmosphere, Scarfes Bar inside The Rosewood Hotel is a blend of sophistication and whimsy. The walls are lined with over 1,000 antique books, while artist Gerald Scarfe’s caricatures add a playful touch. Don’t miss the Gimlet on the Vine, a cocktail that combines the unexpected flavors of tomatoes, capers, and raspberries for a sip that surprises in all the right ways.

Where: High Holborn, WC1V

Image Credit: MBDS

The Coral Room

Step into an art deco wonderland at The Coral Room, where bold hues and chandeliers create an unforgettable backdrop. Located within The Bloomsbury Hotel, this elegant spot is a sanctuary for champagne lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike. Sip on their signature Bloomsbury Blush, or try one of their decadent champagne-based creations as you take in the ambiance.

Where: Great Russell Street, WC1B

Image Credit: The Doyle Collection

Soma

This Soho speakeasy by the team behind Kricket is a sultry, low-lit basement bar with an Indian twist on its cocktails. Behind an unassuming black door lies a cozy hideaway where you can enjoy a daiquiri made with banana rum and spices, or a gimlet infused with curry leaves and pink peppercorns. It’s subtle yet packs a flavor punch, much like the ambiance.

Where: Soho, W1D

Image Credit: PHOS

Tayer + Elementary

This dual-concept bar, consistently ranked among the top 10 in the world, blends neighborhood vibes with cutting-edge mixology. At Elementary, you’ll find an all-day cocktail bar that feels like a local hangout, but head into Tayer, and you’re stepping into a cocktail lab where seasonal ingredients are elevated into showstopping drinks. The One-Sip Martini is a must-try!

Where: Old Street, EC1V

Image Credit: The Worlds 50 Best

Bar With Shapes For a Name

Small in size but big on style, this Bauhaus-inspired bar on Kingsland Road is known for its minimalistic approach to cocktails. With only 20 bottles behind the bar and a menu of pre-batched cocktails, you know you’re in for something special. Classics like the lychee martini are a hit here, and it’s open until 4 AM on weekends, making it a perfect late-night spot.

Where: Kingsland Road, E2

Image Credit: The Worlds 50 Best

Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese

Located in The Corinthia Hotel, Velvet oozes old-school glamour. The menu is inspired by iconic figures like Coco Chanel and Enzo Ferrari, with drinks that are as luxurious as their namesakes. Try the Gabrielle, a sparkling cocktail with champagne and passion fruit caviar, or splurge on a vintage cocktail made with rare spirits from decades past.

Where: Whitehall Place, SW1A

Image Credit: Wallpaper Magazine

The Bar With No Name

A staple in London’s cocktail scene, The Bar With No Name is where cutting-edge mixology meets cinematic charm. Tony Conigliaro’s bar has made waves with its innovative cocktails like the Prairie Oyster, a drink that looks like a real oyster, crafted from tomato yolk and horseradish vodka. It’s a unique sensory experience in a vintage-inspired setting.

Where: 69 Colebrooke Row, N1

Image Credit: Schlouk

Satan’s Whiskers

Bethnal Green’s beloved Satan’s Whiskers is a dive bar with serious cocktail cred. Known for its ever-changing menu and hip-hop soundtrack, this unassuming spot has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or something more experimental, the team here knows how to deliver top-notch drinks in a laid-back atmosphere.

Where: 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2

Image Credit: Schlouk

The Connaught Bar

Elegance is the name of the game at The Connaught Bar, famous for its Martini Trolley, where bartenders mix martinis tableside. This Mayfair institution exudes sophistication, from its silver-leaf décor to its meticulous cocktail creations. The Negroni here is legendary, but no matter what you order, it’s bound to be a first-class experience.

Where: 16 Carlos Place, W1K

Image Credit: The World Keys

Lyaness

Rebranded as Lyaness, this South Bank bar continues to push boundaries with its inventive use of ingredients. The brainchild of mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, Lyaness offers drinks that incorporate unexpected flavors like soy and seaweed. It’s the perfect spot for those looking to experience cocktails in a whole new way.

Where: 20 Upper Ground, London SE1

Image Credit: Lyaness

Whether you're drawn to hidden speakeasies, luxurious hotel bars, or divey cocktail dens, London’s bar scene offers an eclectic mix of experiences. Each of these venues promises something unique, from classic martinis to experimental concoctions, ensuring that your next night out is anything but ordinary.