Drinking a cocktail is a very gentlemanly pursuit, but then so it a pint of good English ale. If you are in search of the finest contemporary cocktail bars across London then our exhaustive research has produced ten for you to try:
1) Marks bar
Below Hix on Brewer street is a dimly lit bar/pub/lounge styled by Dunhill. From its sunken bar the friendly staff serve some of the best cocktails in London and great bar snacks.
www.marksbar.co.uk/
2) Callooh Callay
Old street isn’t short if cocktail bars but this one is in a league of own. Always quirky and constantly changing try to grab a table in the back room (through the wardrobe).
www.calloohcallaybar.com/
3) Nightjar
This Brooklyn style speakeasy is hidden just off Old Street station and supplies art deco style, live music and quality cocktails in equal measure. Perfect for a late night tipple after dinner.
www.barnightjar.com/
4) Lounge Lover
When you find this place you’ll be glad you did, the entrance is a kind of gazebo with hanging vines, where your reservation is taken and you are led up the long room filled with quirky oddities to your
table. It’s all table service here and therefore it’s a perfect place to catch up with friends or go on a date.
www.loungelover.uk.com/
5) The Shochu Lounge
Under Roka on Charlotte street this super cool bar serves up all the classics and a rage of flavoured Shochu (a Japanese distilled liquor). It’s best to book ahead as its not large and always popular.
www.shochulounge.com/
6) Worship Street Whistling Club
Another small venue, this place is all about the cocktails made by a dedicated team of mixologists. It’s striped back but charming style will win you over and the drinks will keep you coming back.
www.whistlingshop.com/
7) The Zetter Townhouse
It’s not been open that long but has already gained itself a solid reputation on the cocktail scene. Set in an old townhouse lounge (and part of a beautiful boutique hotel) you can relax in this comfortable
space and enjoy the company of your friends.
www.thezettertownhouse.com/
8) Milk and Honey
Strictly speaking this is a members club but you can book ahead and reserve a space until 11pm most of the time. Recommend as a great place to start a date in the soho area before moving on to dinner or a
club, the friendly staff with make you feel welcome and the drinks are as good as you’ll get anywhere.
www.mlkhny.com/london
9) Evans and Peel Detective Agency
The second prohibition bar on this list, but totally different from Nightjar. Set on a side street in Earls Court, once you are let into the building you are confronted by a receptionist who will ask you why
you want to we the detective. Answer well and you’ll be let into their world of 1920’s jazz and cocktails. With good food on the menu this place is well worth the trip.
www.evansandpeel.com/
10) The Lost Society
This funky venue serves up great food, music and drinks to the Clapham crowd of young professionals. It’s a party atmosphere and is always great fun. Head down on the weekend to see it at its best.
www.lostsociety.co.uk/
