Favourite London Cocktail Bars
My top 5 cocktail bars in London! I’ve selected each one for a different reason - whether it’s based on the cocktail menu or the atmosphere - here are my highlights.
SOMA
Tucked away in Soho and Canary Wharf, SOMA has a warm, intimate feel that instantly puts you at ease. Its cosy atmosphere makes it a perfect hideout from the bustle outside, and the team behind the bar are always engaged, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about what they serve. The bar regularly hosts creative collaboration events with Plots & Parcels, adding an epic music journey. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in and lose track of time.
NINE LIVES
A cocktail bar based in London Bridge with unmistakable personality, Nine Lives brings a funky, laid-back vibe to London’s cocktail scene. The drinks are solid, well-crafted, and unpretentious—perfect for casual nights out. In the warmer months, the summer terrace becomes the real star: a relaxed outdoor space where tacos are served from a vintage truck, making it a charming spot to enjoy a drink in the sun. A great choice when you want a fun atmosphere without any fuss.
ORIOLE
Oriole is an experience as much as it is a bar. Located near Covent Garden, the menu invites you on a journey around the world, taking inspiration from global flavours and stories. The creativity behind each drink makes exploring the menu an adventure in itself. Add in the fact that they occasionally host live jazz, and you’ve got a bar that blends escapism, artistry, and atmosphere in a way few others do.
COUPETTE
A celebration of French elegance in the heart of Bethnal Green, COUPETTE is a must-visit for anyone who loves refined cocktails and continental charm. The bar’s impressive calvados collection sets it apart, but the true standout is their iconic Chocolate & Wine cocktail—one of my all-time favourites, it’s worth the trip on its own! COUPETTE manages to feel both sophisticated and warmly welcoming.
EVANS & PEEL
Part speakeasy, part immersive theatre, Evans & Peel is one of London’s most intriguing secret bars. Styled like a detective agency, it delivers atmosphere by the bucketload—from the storytelling at the door to the shadowy, vintage interiors that transport you back in time. The cocktails match the theme perfectly, making the entire experience feel like stepping onto the set of a noir film. If you find yourself in Earl’s Court, it’s a brilliant choice for something a little different.
