London consistently ranks among the world’s premier destinations for luxury bar experiences, renowned for its inventive mixology and commitment to sustainability and locality. The city’s leading bars have achieved near-legendary status, celebrated by regulars and global travelers alike for their timeless appeal. London’s independent pubs and boutique bars are intimate yet cosmopolitan, attracting a diverse clientele and often becoming iconic in their own right. Historic hotel lounges continue to draw crowds, while innovative wine bars and craft beer havens push boundaries. Whether you’re seeking a classic cocktail, rare vintage wines, or a discreet hideaway once favored by literary greats, London’s bar scene offers endless opportunities to toast the city in sophisticated style.
Our curated selection of the ten best bars in London for discerning travelers:
1.Red Room, The Connaught Hotel
Hidden behind a lush velvet curtain adjacent to the hotel’s Champagne Room, the Red Room at The Connaught Hotel in Mayfair offers an immersive experience for wine aficionados. As the latest addition to the acclaimed Connaught Bar, a perennial World’s Best Bar winner, the Red Room is dedicated to oenophiles, boasting a cellar with over 3,000 meticulously sourced labels and an inventory exceeding 30,000 bottles, all overseen by wine director Daniel Manetti. The room itself is a tribute to female creativity, displaying evocative red-hued artworks by four trailblazing women.
The refined space, designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, features a hand-crafted Italian mosaic leading to a blush onyx bar and a marble fireplace crowned by Louise Bourgeois’ ‘I Am Rouge’. Works by Jenny Holzer, Ti-a Thuy Nguyen, and Trina McKillen complete the artistic narrative. Guests are invited to savor extraordinary vintages and rare first growths by the glass, elegantly poured from marble trolleys. The light, seasonal food menu features British artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and thoughtfully selected small plates for a perfect pairing.
Where to stay: Read our in-depth review and secure exclusive rates for The Connaught Hotel
2. The Painter’s Room, Claridge’s Hotel
Located within Claridge’s, The Painter’s Room is a dazzling Art Deco haven that pays homage to Europe’s golden age of hospitality. Designed by BOS Studio, the space channels the creative spirit of Mediterranean salons, with a rose-framed skylight and a mesmerizing stained-glass mirror by London artist Annie Morris as its centerpiece.
The cocktail program is inspired by the flavors and produce of southern Europe, utilizing seasonal ingredients and boutique spirits. Each drink is a reflection of the Mediterranean’s vibrant palette, complemented by a handpicked wine selection featuring rare pours by the glass. The menu of refined sharing plates is crafted to elevate the drinking experience, solidifying The Painter’s Room as a byword for contemporary luxury in London.
Where to stay: Discover our review and find exclusive offers for Claridge’s Hotel
3. Vesper Bar – Dorchester Hotel
Vesper Bar at The Dorchester infuses classic Hollywood elegance with a playful nod to the James Bond legacy. Named after the iconic Vesper Martini and inspired by the character Vesper Lynd, the bar is a tribute to Ian Fleming, who was a frequent guest at the hotel and immortalized it in his novels. Located in the space formerly known as The Bar at The Dorchester, the Vesper Bar is helmed by the award-winning Lucia Montanelli, whose inventive cocktails are the talk of the town.
The 1930s-inspired interiors by Martin Brudnizki set the stage for expertly crafted martinis and bespoke creations. Martini hour is a signature event, but adventurous guests can ask the skilled bartenders for a personalized surprise. For oenophiles, the Wine Vault offers access to a curated selection of over 1,000 fine wines, with expert sommeliers on hand to guide your tasting journey. An evening at Vesper Bar promises a blend of glamour and discovery.
Where to stay: Access our full Dorchester review and premium rates
4. Scarfes Bar – The Rosewood Hotel
Scarfes Bar inside Rosewood London combines the warmth of a classic gentlemen’s club with the irreverent wit of British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, whose satirical artworks line the walls. Sink into a plush armchair by the roaring fireplace and explore an ambiance of old-world grandeur—velvet sofas, soaring ceilings, and shelves brimming with over 1,000 antique books.
The live jazz performances create a sophisticated yet inviting mood, while the inventive cocktail menu pays tribute to icons of British culture, from Amy Winehouse to Sir David Attenborough. Expect playful presentation, unusual ingredients, and a commitment to craftsmanship from the expert mixologists. The bar also features whimsical details—a treasure trove of memorabilia and curios—making every visit a multisensory delight.
Where to stay: Read our full review and discover the best rates for Rosewood London
5. Berkeley Bar & Terrace – The Berkeley
The Berkeley Bar & Terrace is a refined sanctuary that marries heritage with modern flair. Designed by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, this intimate space features a crescent-shaped marble bar, a central fireplace, and a private terrace with exclusive views of St Paul’s Church. The bar’s architectural highlight is its walnut paneling—sourced from a 300-year-old tree felled during the 2007 storm—lending a sense of history and gravitas.
Soft coral and blush tones, artistic friezes, and curated lighting create an inviting atmosphere. For discreet gatherings, The Snug offers a secluded retreat for up to nine guests, complete with a bespoke mural by TM Davy and a private sound system. The menu emphasizes rare spirits, vintage champagnes, and aged whiskies, each pour accompanied by an intriguing story and perfectly matched gourmet nibbles.
Where to stay: See our review and access exclusive rates for The Berkeley
6. The American Bar – Savoy Hotel
The American Bar at The Savoy holds the distinction of being London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar, and its legacy as a global cocktail institution is unmatched. Its legendary bartenders—such as Ada Coleman, Harry Craddock (author of The Savoy Cocktail Book), and Peter Dorelli—have served everyone from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway since the bar opened in 1893.
Today, the American Bar continues to lead the industry with a menu that reinvents classics and introduces boundary-pushing signatures, all served in a plush setting of velvet chairs and live jazz piano. Service is impeccable, with a team of world-class mixologists ensuring every visit is both memorable and personalized. The American Bar remains a beacon for cocktail connoisseurs and a must-visit for any luxury traveler in London.
Where to stay: Discover more and find the best rates for The Savoy Hotel
7. Dukes Bar – St James’s
Dukes Bar in St James’s is an intimate enclave with a storied past, favored for generations by literary icons, artists, and dignitaries since the days of Henry VIII. Despite its understated elegance, Dukes is world-famous for its martinis—crafted tableside and famously limited to two per guest, a tradition established by legendary bartender Salvatore Calabrese in 1987. Each martini is served ice-cold and undiluted, representing the pinnacle of classic cocktail craftsmanship.
The bar’s refined English charm is evident in every detail, from the deep blue armchairs and regal portraits to the Champagne afternoon teas and bespoke service. Spirits and glassware are kept at sub-zero temperatures for optimal enjoyment. Dukes Bar remains a benchmark for traditional British hospitality and a perennial favorite among those seeking a quintessential London bar experience.
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8.Satan’s Whiskers – Bethnal Green
Satan’s Whiskers stands as Bethnal Green’s quintessential neighborhood cocktail bar, a pioneer since its opening in 2013. The ever-evolving menu changes daily, ensuring regulars and newcomers alike are always surprised by fresh, innovative concoctions. Renowned for its meticulous approach to cocktail making and its vibrant hip-hop soundtrack, Satan’s Whiskers is recognized as the definitive bartender’s bar in East London.
Founded by alumni of the celebrated Milk & Honey, the venue is characterized by exposed brickwork, vintage décor, and a relaxed yet spirited vibe. Manhattans here are considered among the city’s finest, and the bar’s commitment to quality ingredients and friendly service has earned it a loyal following. Now in its second decade, Satan’s Whiskers is firmly established as a cornerstone of London’s cocktail scene.
Where to stay: Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
9.Tabac – Kentish Town
Tabac brings Parisian flair and energy to Kentish Town, perfectly echoing the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit. The bar’s vintage shopfront, glowing signage, and curated French memorabilia evoke the ambiance of classic Parisian tabacs. Operated by the duo behind Patron Cave à Manger, Tabac is a stylish, narrow space filled with mid-century furniture, flowers, and unique collectibles. A sliding ladder hugs a cozy booth, and tobacco tins line the shelves.
Solo visitors and groups alike are welcomed by personable bartenders and a convivial atmosphere. The compact wine list, made possible by an Enomatic preservation system, features premium French wines by the glass. For those seeking an authentic taste of France, guests can even purchase French cigarettes. High-quality charcuterie and expertly crafted cocktails round out the experience, all set to the backdrop of vintage French music and candlelit ambiance.
Where to stay: COMO Metropolitan
10.Fitz’s Bar – Bloomsbury
Fitz’s Bar, set within the distinguished Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel on Russell Square, is a glamorous destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Guests are transported to the Jazz Age beneath a dazzling Mirrorball and surrounded by original 18th-century stained-glass windows. The bar offers two distinct spaces: The Mural Room, perfect for an aperitif or evening tipple, and the reservations-only Mirrorball Room, famed for its conceptual cocktails and opulent décor—think ostrich feathers, Victorian curiosities, and a roaring fire.
Fitz’s original cocktail menu explores the artistry of ‘Colour Theory’ and is complemented by a carefully curated selection of champagnes, fine spirits, and elevated bar snacks. Regular live performances and exclusive events further enhance the bar’s reputation as one of Bloomsbury’s most stylish and intimate venues.
Where to stay: Browse images and enjoy the best rates for the Kimpton Fitzroy London hotel
