The 12 Best Cocktail Bars in London to Try in 2023

1. Thirteen

Located just off Charing Cross Road in Soho, Thirteen LDN is an intimate bar and all-day hangout. It’s cocktail menu is the perfect blend of bold and playful, and perfectly complements their Japanese-inspired small plates. Plus, if you want a little more spice, you can always head to dial8, their speakeasy style cocktail bar perfect for private events and with a separate entrance on Flitcroft Street.

2. TATTU Phoenix bar

Drinks and dim sum, what more could you possibly need from a cocktail bar? This place is a serious vibe. Located in Soho, TATTU Phoenix bar offers a powerful combination of the finest Chinese spirits with innovative twists that will leave you whispering to the bartender: “take my money.”

3. The Bloomsbury Club

The Bloomsbury club cocktail bar is a hotel bar that holds on to all of that creativity and innovation that the area is so famous for. You’ll find the swanky cocktail bar just a short walk from The Britsh Museum, and with a cocktail list inspired by a deck of Tarot cards from 1910. Be prepared for some theatrical cocktails mixed with some live music to set the mood just right.

4. Park Row Bar

Perfect for an after work drink all the way through to a special occasion. Park Row Bar has seen raving reviews from The Evening Standard, Time Out, and the Metro, making it tough to walk in and just grab a seat. No worries, that’s what we’re here for. The cocktail menu cool, cleverly done, and offers a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those looking.

5. The Little Fable Bar

A quirky little bar and restaurant inspired by fairytales and all things mythical and magical. The bar offers a one sip martini menu is you’re that way inclined, as well as some classics we all know and love. They also offer a selection of small plates, pizzas and dessert pizzas—which are just as good as they sound!

6. The Happenstance

With dreamy views of St. Pauls Cathedral, an interior lounge for those rainier days, and a cocktail menu boasting modern twists on some old-school classics, this centrally located bar is a must-try. The Happenstance has a great range of Spritzes and Martinis crying to be tried sitting out on that glorious terrace. And, just incase anyone in your part isn’t cocktail fan—why are you friends?—they’ve got a good range of crafts beers to choose from too.

7. The Anthologist

A stone’s throw from Bank station and a sister bar to The Happenstance, you’ll find the seemingly endless Anthologist. This cocktail bar is perfect for a stiff drink after a long week, boozy brunches, or even partying til’ late in some of their dimly lit and more intimate areas that are also available for private hire. The Anthologist is the perfect neighbourhood bar and restaurant if you’re looking for a laid back environment, some good grub, and Spritzes galore.

8. Bar Kroketa

In some parts of Spain: tapear is a verb—to eat tapas! This Spanish-inspired bar takes that a level further: “to croquetear” -> the art of eating croquetas, a popular small bite in Spain. Well, we made that up, but that’s how loco this bar is for the food! Roll these delightful bites into a cocktail menu to match and you’re on to a winner! Vermouth, spiced rum, and tinto de verano fused cocktails will transport you directly to Spain—minus the flight ticket!

9. AMANO Rooftop Bar

We know, we know, people hear rooftop bar and they blow their (roof)tops, well, go right ahead because AMANO is totally worth it. With in-house DJs spinning live music, some rather theatrical cocktails and seasonal drinks, and a dimly lit indoor bar if the weather is pushing you off the terrace, the AMANO Rooftop Bar has got you covered. Their cocktail menu is small, sweet, savoury, and all-the-more sexy.

10. K Bar

Think wing-backed chairs, deep oak decor, and regal chandeliers and you’ve got The K Bar in mind. The film-worthy decor alongside the elegantly dressed team makes The Kensington hotel bar is the perfect blend for bleisure: business and leisure. Need to impress a client? Looking to take your team for a quick drink? Maybe you want to impress a date? The K Bar is the perfect shout for all of the above. With drinks inspired of a bygone era, some of the best cocktails in the area, and not being a stranger to a champagne bottle or two: this bar will have your heart until closing.

11. The Piano Works Bar & Club

No Elton John here we’re afraid, but that’s not to say that this bar isn’t packed with music. The Piano Works Bar is London’s only live music spot where you choose the songs all night long. So, start your night with some cocktails, right your request on a slip of paper and hand it to the staff, and dance to your own tunes all night long. Past. A tip with your slip will bump you up the queue! They’ve got a healthy range of classic cocktails, Spritzes, Champagnes, and a few modern twists we’ll leave as a surprise!

12. Alma Bar

Tucked smartly underneath one of the world’s best restaurants of 2023, you’ll find the luxurious yet unassuming Alma Bar. If you’re big on your cocktails you may recognise the name: Tony Pescatori—former manager at Night Jar—he’s working closely with a team of talented bartenders to bring you one of London’s best cocktail bars. These cocktails go beyond a drink and a good time, they are bartender artistry at its finest: drama, flair, knowledge rolled into some of the most spectacular sips you’ll have all year.