The 23 Best Bars In London For Stylish Nights Out

London’s late night scene has become one of its biggest selling points in recent years. The city that seemingly shut down after closing time is now full of small bars, cocktail lounges and places where you can get a drink and bite to eat. With a few new additions, here is our updated list of the most stylish spots in London today.

In 2023, Lina Stores opened Bar Lina, a hidden aperitivo bar beneath the Soho delicatessen, followed by Bar Lina Shoreditch in 2024. The cocktail list celebrates the best of Italian spirits and ingredients with creative twists of classic Italian cocktails. With a monochrome, dark red colour scheme, velvet banquettes and chrome accents, the bar draws inspiration from Italian design from the late 1960s to 1980s while being distinctly rooted in London. Bar Lina Shoreditch hosts DJ nights too, with music ranging from Italo pop and disco to 60s and 70s funk.

Paradise Row, Bethnal Green’s renowned drinking and dining hub, has welcomed a new opening with all-day neighbourhood bar and dining experience, Câv set to launch on Saturday 1st March. Joining forces for the first time, Chris Tanner, co – founder of Dram London, and Edwin Frost, formerly co-founded Islington’s Half Cut, will serve up a modern cocktail menu inspired by modern European listening bars rooted in timeless classics, alongside a unique kitchen residency programme.

The Alchemist, renowned for its theatrical cocktails and immersive experiences, has opened a venue in the heart of the city which boasts a unique feature. The Alchemist Monument will feature the UK’s first-ever ‘Negroni Bar by Campari’, complete with a unique Campari mini print vending machine, offering an innovative tribute to the iconic brand. The bar menu will feature five variations of the Negroni: Classic, Barrel-Aged, Paradiso, Pressurised Negroni, Negroni Sour, and non-alcoholic Negroni. Additionally, the iconic Campari Spritz will also make an appearance on the menu. Elsewhere you can still sample the spectacular creations served up at the other site The Alchemist has in London.

Blood Orange Bar is a subterranean candle-lit bar set below The Orange, the Belgravia pub from Chef Ben Tish, Georgie and Sam Pearman. Entered through a little door on St Barnabas Street, drinkers will descend the stairs, welcomes by an oak topped counter overhung by metal pendants, with the brick walls behind lined with spirits. With hedonism at heart, cocktails list a Queen’s Paloma made with Mezcal Reina Espadín Tobasiche Ensamble, agave syrup, orange marmalade, pink grapefruit soda, fresh lime juice, rosemary; the Boto Dry Martini with Ki NO Bi Kyoto dry gin, Noilly Prat Original Dry Vermouth, lime and nori seaweed; and the Sour Cherry Negroni, with Luxardo sour cherry gin, Campari, Antica Formula Carpano Vermouth and tobacco bitter.

The brainchild of the world’s most decorated bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, Lyaness brings pioneering cocktails, ultra-stylish decor and a buzzing energy to the iconic Sea Containers London. Since its opening in 2019, the bar has been awarded World’s Best Bar and Best International Hotel Bar at the Tales of Cocktail Spirited Awards. Most recently, the bar made history as the first bar globally to receive the coveted 3 PIN status from The Pinnacle Guide – the equivalent of three Michelin stars in the bar industry.

Hidden behind a password – protected door off Cranbourn Street, which leads deep beneath The Hippodrome Casino, lies this sanctuary for those who yearn for the best in artistic creations and delicious libations. The innovative cocktail programme created by hospitality veteran and award – winning bartender, mixologist, and entrepreneur Jack Sotti expertly encapsulates the heritage of the historic venue’s past and forgotten legends through tale – telling libations capable of igniting every sense and sparking the imagination.

On the surface, ECC is purely a cocktail bar, but a deeper look at the concept offers a unique insight into why the bar has been so successful, from London to Paris, Venice to Verbier and all the way out to the Cotswolds. While the cocktails are the assumed star to of the show, each element is well considered, and often equally important. Each detail, from the design and lighting to the music, volume and the team, work together in harmony. This is what makes ECC stand out and is what keeps people coming back for more, whatever city we’re in.

Located on Soho’s famed Denmark Street, Dram is a contemporary multi-faceted bar set over three floors, within a 17th century Grade II listed building. This day to night space offers coffee and food in the morning before transitioning into a warm contemporary bar in the early evening with a tapped cocktail program. Designed to enhance the guest experience and approach to spirits and cocktails Dram includes two bars, a whisky shop, an outdoor terrace, and a private pool room with a ready – to – drink cocktail vending machine. Founded by drinks industry experts; Chris Tanner, Simo Simpson and Jack Wallis all of whom have previously been at Soho’s very own whisky specialist, Milroy’s. The bartending trio take their years of experience in hospitality to reimagine the future of drinking culture.

Located in the basement of BRIX, Sixt33n is a new tequila and vinyl bar, bringing together a delicious selection of cocktails and a vinyl-only soundtrack—featuring a lineup of hip-hop, funk, house, jazz, and underground beats in a low-lit, intimate space designed for great music and great drinks. Serves are kept simple to let the spirits shine, while the food menu is bold yet refined, with dishes like Grilled Tiger Prawns served with Patrón Tequila Hollandaise, Salt & Pepper Crispy Chicken Burger with Firecracker Sauce & Daikon, and Baklava Cheesecake topped with Pistachios.

Apples & Pears is an exciting space where art and attitude converge. The bar is an edgy, understated oasis with each drink carefully crafted, pairing two seasonal ingredients in unexpected, yet harmonious combinations. Designed by Bar Manager Istvan Toth, whose impressive background includes The Arts Club in London, the Michelin-starred Babel in Budapest, and Coya in Mykonos.

The ambience of ‘Apples & Pears’ is further elevated by its décor, showcasing works from the Young British Artists (YBA) movement. As the night progresses, the bar transforms with a DJ booth that sets the stage for exclusive after-parties, making it the ultimate late-night destination. Complementing the ever-evolving cocktail list, the food offerings at ‘Apples & Pears’ feature delectable snacks from Sael, perfectly paired to enhance your experience.

New cocktail bar and eatery, The Long Lane opens up in Smithfield, London this summer. From the team behind stylish cocktail bar, The Racketeer in King’s Cross, The Long Lane is the latest opening by three veterans of the London hospitality scene, Jack Foxcroft, Tyvian Vigrass and Marco Torre. With over 60 years’ experience between the trio running some of London’s most iconic music venues such as AKA / The End and Village Underground, as well as some of the capital’s finest restaurant and bars, including Hawksmoor Spitalfields and Palomar in Soho, the new venue will be a bar and eatery with food exclusively provided by Babel.

The Racketeer in King’s Cross was launched in 2017 and has firmly established itself as one of the best bars in the neighbourhood. The Racketeer is a classic independent cocktail bar and booze emporium located in London’s vibrant King’s Cross. Known for its modern approach to hospitality and service, the bar has a range of innovative cocktails at the neighbourhood hotspot. The Racketeer offers a contemporary spin on the classic cocktail menu for discerning drinkers and punters alike. Owned and operated by three veterans of the London hospitality scene, Jack Foxcroft, Tyvian Vigrass and Marco Torre – who between them they have over 60 years’ experience running some of London’s most iconic music venues: The End and Village Underground, as well as some of the capital’s finest restaurant bars including, Hawksmoor Spitalfields and Palomar in Soho – The Racketeer, with its décor a tasteful blend of traditional Victorian pub and classic French bistro offers the finest wine, cheese and charcuterie in a relaxed, elegant and stylish setting which is also home to a delightfully intimate secret walled garden.

Nestled in the hallowed halls of the Langham Hotel, the Artesian Bar has previously been hailed the ‘world’s best bar’ by Drinks International. The delicious drinks available at the Artesian are subdivided into ‘classics’, ‘unfolding and exploring’ and ‘innovative’ categories. The ‘unfolding and exploring’ menu allows guests to sample the cutting edge creations Artesian has on offer. Try the Time, Space & Honey cocktail, comprising of Grey Goose vodka mixed with parsnips, honey and champagne. The ‘innovation’ menu pushes the cocktail frontier. Try the treacle cocktail that’s been designed to specifically complement the bar’s signature barbequed pork ribs.

Bar Kinky is the subterranean bar at Kinkally, the Georgian-inspired restaurant on Charlotte Street. Head bartender, Andrew Pruts is originally of Insider which came to number 13 on the World’s 50 Best Cocktail Bar list. Bar Kinky serves innovative cocktails with a twist. Drinks include options for the more adventurous, such as Bestie, made with gin, mango, curry, vermouth and brine; or Diva, made with vodka, beetroot, walnut and blue cheese; and Nature made with with bourbon, porcini mushrooms, honey and Pedro Ximenez

Part of the upmarket Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, The Connaught Bar has been described as looking ‘like an ice cube’, a nod, perhaps, to its décor, inspired by Cubism and 1920s art.There is nothing frosty however, about the enthusiastic staff and bartenders who ensure your evening of cocktails is perfectly facilitated. The cocktail menu is locally renowned and strives to fuse traditional drinks and flavourings with fresh and pioneering new approaches to mixology, featuring exclusive vintages and limited edition champagnes, spirits and liqueurs. The Connaught Bar operates a no reservation policy, so stop by early to ensure you get the best seat in the house.

Molly Mc’s is deeply rooted in the legacy of the founders’ grandmother Mary McElhinney, affectionately known as Molly, whose entrepreneurial spirit and love of her community inspire every element of the venue. Molly w as a dressmaker and businesswoman from Athboy, Ireland, who opened her first shop in 1935 and later founded McElhinney’s women’s shop in 1973. Her son, Jack, carried on the family’s enterprising nature, opening their first pub 58 years ago. Today, the Mc & Sons Group continues this legacy, blending traditional heritage with modern hospitality to create a space that celebrates togetherness, laughter, and of course, music. We’re looking forward to checking this one out for its cosy vibes.

Located on a cobbled lane just off Boundary Street (Shoreditch) the team have sensitively restored the space to create a unique setting for their interactive cocktail experience. Bringing their online shop to life in the form of a new bar, which people can literally shop in, the hybrid system allows customers to try cocktails before they buy them. Visitors to Umbrella Workshop can experience a daily changing menu that will act as an incubator for their latest drinks development, with the most popular cocktails then appearing on the menus of their sister sites, Discount Suit Company (see below) and The Sun Tavern. With just 12 seats, this intimate drinking spot is a hidden gem amongst bustling Shoreditch and perfectly located for pre-dinner cocktails before heading off to local favourites, Brat, St John and Rochelle Canteen.

Quench your thirst in Soho’s hip El Camion bar. The interior is both sultry and jazzy, with vibrant artworks hanging on the walls and bewitching patterns adorning the various surfaces and furnishings. The bar holds nightly events that focus on a particular drink or form of entertainment: DJ’s frequent the bar on Fridays and Saturdays, catering to a fun loving crowd of weekend partygoers. The menu offers a multitude of Mexican beers and cocktails; try the Cadillac Margarita, made from Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila, lemon juice, triple sec and a grand marnier float. El Camion also boasts an impressive collection of tequilas, with over 300 different varieties.

Located at various spots around London, and with new bars on the way, Mr Fogg’s takes inspiration from the intrepid exploits of fictional explorer Phileas Fogg. Guests are invited to take a stroll into a fantastical rendering of Victorian London. The venues are full of all manner of anthropological artefacts, from enormous palm trees to hunting trophies but each one has a unique spin on things. You might not be able to go around the world in 80 days, but you will be able to go around the city with regular stops at this series of hangouts.

Enter Shoreditch’s award winning Nightjar bar, where enjoying flavoursome cocktails and partaking of delicate food are the only requirements. Nightjar’s broad range of drinks have been inspired by different periods and events in drinking culture, including pre-prohibition, prohibition and post-war cocktails. Enjoy the delectable Brown Derby: Bulleit bourbon, freshly squeezed pomelo, grenadine, bee pollen syrup and the sweet tartness of pickled berries. The interior is decked out in low, ambient lighting and the furnishings a distinguished collection of dark wood and red pieces, lending the establishment a brooding elegance. Bookings for large groups of partygoers can be made via email and the venue can be hired privately for more intimate gatherings.

Passione Vino, the Italian wine bar and shop in Shoreditch, founded by wine maestro Luca Dusi. Luca was born and raised in Verona, and has brought the very essence of Italy to London with Passione Vino, and specialises in importing wines from small, independent producers from the lesser known regions of Italy. Luca doesn’t believe in wine lists, and instead taps into his expertise to take guests on a journey through the varying and exciting terrains of Italy, and is always on hand with generous pours. With a concise and ever-changing menu of homemade Italian pastas too, to pair alongside the wines, Passione Vino is the perfect spot for an authentic Italian experience in London.

Discount Suit Company was the first bar from The Umbrella Project, a creative team of drinks industry insiders founded by Andy Kerr, Stephen Thompson and Alastair Tatton. The trio’s first venture was born out of a shared commitment to immaculately crafted classic cocktails and a desire to create an effortlessly stylish venue in an exciting and eclectic part of town. A small but perfectly formed wine list includes red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines options curated by Provisions London alongside a House Lager, Umbrella London Ginger Beer and Rhubarb Cider, made by sister company Umbrella London, based on Holloway Road. Cheeses, olives and nuts are sourced from Provisions.

Without wanting to get too philosophical here, what exactly is “style” anyway? To some the idea of Daisy Duke shorts and double denim isn’t cool, but to others its the height of fashion. Ultimately, when talking about bars and places to go for a good time, there are a multitude of factors that go into making a venue work. Camden Market already has a reputation as an edgy part of town, and this rollicking new addition is a welcome bit of fun where everyone is having a good time. What we like is the fact that everyone is dressed up, partly in homage to the movie inspiration behind the bar but also with a hint of concern that they will be pulled up onto the bar with an expectation of delivering a dance routine at the drop of a Stetson. Oh, and they do mean cocktails here too…

Additional reporting by James Moore