The City of London is home to some of the most exciting cocktail bars, offering everything from stunning rooftop views to hidden speakeasies. Whether you're after a classic Martini or a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned, this guide will take you through the best cocktail bars in London, including some within walking distance of Imperial London Hotels.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cocktail Bars in London
Atrium Bar & Restaurant
The Atrium Bar with an Art Deco design, featuring a sleek black counter, plush bar stools, and ambient golden lighting.
Location: In the President Hotel, 56-60 Guilford St, Russell Sq, London WC1N 1DB
With its Art Deco charm and stunning glass atrium, the
Atrium Bar & Restaurant is a stylish cocktail destination located in the
President Hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury. Sip on a Pimm’s Spritz beneath the atrium’s natural light or enjoy an Espresso Martini before a night out in this elegant yet laid-back setting. By day, it’s a relaxed spot for coffee and light bites, transforming into a vibrant wine and jazz bar in the evening.
Must-Try Cocktails:
- Pimm’s Spritz – A refreshing mix of Pimm’s, lemonade, and Prosecco, offering a fruity, effervescent twist on a classic.
- Espresso Martini – A rich and smooth blend of vodka, Kahlua, sugar syrup, and Fairtrade coffee, delivering the perfect balance of bold coffee flavour and subtle sweetness.
Dovetail
Location: Covent Garden, 2nd Floor, RedFarm, 9 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ
Tucked away above Covent Garden Market, Dovetail is a beautiful cocktail bar in London best known for its selection of Belgian beer and European-style cocktails. With its intimate candlelit setting and views of Covent Garden, this is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or a romantic date night.
Must-Try Cocktails:
- Old Fashioned – A whiskey-based drink with hints of orange and spiced maple.
- The Bramble – A refreshing gin and lemon sorbet cocktail topped with port wine.
Top tips:
- Visit in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy the full candlelit vibe overlooking Covent Garden.
- It’s only a short 5 minute walk from Covent Garden station or a quick bus ride from Bloomsbury.
- When the night eventually comes to an end, head to City Sleeper Hotel in nearby Bloomsbury for a seamless stay. From contactless check-in and superspeed Wi-Fi to hearty breakfasts and blackout curtains, City Sleeper ensures comfort is just as memorable as your evening out.
A rich amber cocktail with ice, garnished with an orange fruit, served on a polished bar counter in a moody-lit setting.
The Coral Room
Location: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
Step into a 1920s-inspired salon bar, decorated with beautiful coral hues, making it the best spot for pre-theatre drinks or a nightcap. The relaxed yet glamorous vibe attracts a mix of theatre-goers and Bloomsbury locals.
Must-Try Cocktail:
- 50/50 Martini – A zesty gin cocktail invented by Harry Craddock, one of the most celebrated bartenders in history.
Top tips:
- Located inside The Bloomsbury Hotel, just a short walk from Russell Square.
- No strict dress code, but smart casual fits the vibe.
The London Pub
The stylish London bar with a wooden counter, illuminated shelves stocked with liquor, beer taps, and decorative elements.
Location: Inside the Royal National Hotel at 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG.
Tucked away in the heart of Bloomsbury inside
The Royal National Hotel, The London Pub is a quintessential British retreat, serving up hearty pub fare, pe
rfectly poured pints, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.With its traditional wood-panelled interiors, vintage decor, and relaxed seating, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the city.
Must-Try Cocktail:
- Hugo Spritz - A light and floral blend of St Germain elderflower liqueur, crisp Prosecco, and refreshing soda water, finished with a hint of fresh mint for a vibrant, summer-like sip.
- Passion Fruit Martini - A tropical delight featuring smooth vanilla vodka, tangy passion fruit liqueur, and fresh lime juice, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and zest.
A bartender pours a golden liquid into a crystal glass using a jigger, with a blurred bar background and warm lighting.
Swift Soho
Location: 12 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TQ
Swift’s two floors offer distinctly different experiences. Upstairs, it’s all about quick, expertly crafted drinks in a buzzy setting perfect for walk-ins. Downstairs, the mood shifts to a more refined, relaxed space with an extensive whiskey selection of over 300 whiskeys from all across the world - a whiskey lover’s picture of heaven!
Must-Try Cocktails:
- Ocho Rios (Upstairs) – Appleton 8yr rum, Aperol, watermelon, strawberry, lime.
- Bienville (Downstairs) – A complex mix of Wild Turkey 101 bourbon, rooibos, and Hostetter’s bitters.
Top tips:
- Sundays feature live jazz with specially made cocktails.
- No booking required for upstairs, but reservations are recommended for the basement lounge.
WC Bloomsbury
Location: Guilford Pl, London WC1N 1EA
One of London’s best-kept secrets, WC Bloomsbury is a carefully restored Victorian-era public toilet turned underground cocktail and wine bar. With its intimate setting, it’s perfect for
date nights, late-night drinks, or catching up with friends in a truly unique venue.
Must-Try Cocktails:
- Trade Winds – A rum and dark chocolate dream with a deep, velvety finish.
Top tips:
- Seating is limited, so booking is recommended.
- Located right next to Holborn station—super easy to get to!
The Woolf & Whistle bar with an art deco design, warm pendant lights, plush seating, and a well-stocked liquor display.
The Woolf & Whistle
Location: Tavistock Hotel, 53 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EU
Must-Try Cocktail:
- Classic Martini – Made ‘as you like it.’
Top tips:
- Just a 2-minute walk from Russell Square station.
- No reservations required just pop in and enjoy.
A classic martini with olives in a glass, placed on a wooden bar counter, with a blurred rustic bar setting in the background.
Scarfes Bar
Location: The Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7E
For a more glamorous night out, Scarfes Bar ticks all the boxes. Think lavish interiors, live jazz, and cocktails inspired by British history. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking for a special night out, this bar radiates sophistication and charm.
Must-Try Cocktails:
- Smoke & Mirrors – A smoky whiskey and sherry blend with a rich finish.
- Gerald’s Punch – A light, fruity rum punch that’s deceptively smooth
Top tips:
- Weeknights have a more relaxed vibe, whilst the weekends pick up the pace with some live jazz - we recommend you book ahead of time.
Two glasses of white wine with appetizers on a table, set against a cosy fireplace casting a warm glow.
The Zetter Townhouse
Location: The Zetter Clerkenwell 49-50 St John’s Square London EC1V 4JJ
Step into a Victorian townhouse filled with antique furniture, candlelit corners, and award-winning cocktails inspired by herbal remedies. With its Victorian inspired decor and intimate feel, it’s a fantastic choice for a refined, sophisticated evening.
Must-Try Cocktails:
- The Flintlock – A bold mix of gin, gunpowder tea, and Fernet Branca.
- Les Fleurs du Mal – A fragrant blend of gin, elderflower, and chamomile.
Top tips:
- Only a 10-minute walk from Bloomsbury.
- Book in advance to secure a cosy spot by the fireplace.
Looking for a quieter retreat for a drink in the city?
The Library Bar at
Morton Hotel offers a calm escape by an original feature fireplace, perfect for unwinding with a coffee or a glass of wine.
Flight Club Bloomsbury
Location: 55 New Oxford St, London WC1A 1BS
This is a cocktail bar with a competitive twist, Flight Club Bloomsbury brings high-tech, reinvented darts to the traditional pub setting. With a lively atmosphere, fairground inspired decor, and signature cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a night out with friends.
Must-Try Cocktails:
- Showtime Spritz – A light and bubbly mix of elderflower, prosecco, and grapefruit.
- Flight Club Sour – A unique take on a whiskey sour with added spice and citrus.
Top tips:
- Planning on coming with a group? Pre-book a darts bay to enjoy the full experience.
- Walk-ins are also welcome at the bar if you’re just after a drink.