5 Best Cocktail bars in London
I’ve already talked about the best rooftop bars I’ve found in London, but since summer is only a little part of the year, we should establish some places with nice drinks and atmosphere for the rest of the time which really make the night worth remembering. It is quite the task to put only five London bars in a list in comparison to the whole of a bazillion more in the capital. But then, it is even harder to plan a night out and decide on which horse to bet – there’s a great possibility of ending up at someone’s grandfather’s garage drinking cheap vodka. If you don’t know London that well or have embarked on a trip to new experiences and don’t wish to spend half a working day researching the internet or asking friends around: here’s something which might ease your choice – the 5 best cocktail bars in London (in no particular order):
1. Artesian
Perfect for: A special occasion.
Price: Around £8 for a beer; around £10 for a drink; £17 for a cocktail. Offers expensive liquor as well.
I’m stepping on my toes here, but I should say this – many times have I heard this place being referred to as ‘’the best place in the world’’. I don’t know about such a bold statement, however, this definitely leads us to consider Artesian as a pretty promising place to try out. The staff manages to be elegant, kind and still not ‘snobby’.
The cocktail menu is not something you will easily forget – Artesian’s drinks are known for being innovative, unique, yet just perfectly made. And even if you’re not the cocktail type – their raw materials are just as good. When looking for a place to spend a special night or just to break the routine – Artesian cannot be left out of the list. Just keep in mind the queues…
Address: 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA.
2. Callooh Callay
Perfect for: Fun out with a group of friends.
Price: £9 for a cocktail; around £5 for a beer or a glass of wine.
Everyone who walks in at this bar, especially if it is late enough to be lively, is initially wowed. Callooh Callay seems to be one of the most successful venues at creating an intriguing atmosphere, convenient for your night of entertainment. Their cocktails, of course, are on a very high level of quality, but what seems to be impressive about the place is how the staff handle their jobs. They work as if the club is their own and must endeavor to do their best and meet all customers’ needs – being friendly, open, keeping your table even if you are not that bit late, while being as efficient as possible.
Still, Callooh Callay has the downside of appearing way too crowded from time to time, so it might get uncomfortable there – if you are planning to visit it, better book a table.
Address: 65 Rivington Street, London EC2A 3AY.
3. Happiness Forgets
Perfect for: Casual night with friends.
Price: £4 for a beer, £18 for a bottle of wine, various cocktails.
Happiness Forgets pretty much sounds like a strange fairytale. And it suits the bar. London loves its basement bar in Hoxton Square – although it’s not the only one there, it is by far the most memorable one. I don’t know what to tell you about this venue, honestly; it is just what anyone would expect from a top 5 cocktail club – marvelously made drinks (you can order most cocktails even if they’re not on the menu list), immaculate quality of service, great vibe.
As you can guess its popularity brings us to the flaw that Happiness Forgets is a hard place to get a table at, you have no hope of entering without a reservation. Yet, if you are looking forward to loosening up in a lovely atmosphere – just pick up the phone before heading to Hoxton.
Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
4. Nightjar
Perfect for: Tasting something new; music fanciers.
Price: £10-£14 for a cocktail, around £5 for a beer.
This might be the place with the greatest cocktails…at least for me. It is a tough choice, but probably the menu which presents all drinks in such a cool way helps – you’re convinced you’re about to taste something awesome just by reading its name. As expected, the atmosphere and the staff make the venue even nicer, but what seems to be making it worth is the music choice.
No matter the personal preferences, all visitors very much enjoy what they hear at Nightjar – it helps build up the overall magic of the place. If these kind of stuff are important to you – then Nightjar is your cup of tea.
Address: 129 City Road, London EC1V 1JB
5. Satan’s Whiskers
Perfect for: A typical London night.
Price: Around £8 for a cocktail.
Sounds quirky, right? Well that is all Satan’s Whiskers is about. Once you get there – don’t be fooled by the looks of it; outside it may seem as nothing special, just a street tiny bar you visit if you live close by, but on the inside it is an elegant and welcoming venue. Visiting it you have no other options – you just have the night that Londoners always do, like you see in the movies or when someone who’s been in London is telling about it, just like as stereotype if you wish. In case you’re in London not for long and want to get the most of it – I highly recommend Satan’s Whiskers.
Moreover, it offers an unmatched variety of cocktails – the menu is daily altered, visitors can go every day and still never drink the same cocktail. Besides, who wouldn’t be impressed with the effort Satan’s Whiskers’ staff makes – great Tumblr, Facebook and Twitter profiles, what a Social Media beast…
Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9RA.
Made up your mind? Or just hesitating very hardily between 5 and not 50 bars? Well, 45 out ruled is a great help, admit it.
Hopefully this list proves helpful after all – In London there isn’t a lack of cocktail bars, nor a lack of loved such. You can still look for more if those five are not just right for your current mood, but I promise you – they are worth seeing, that’s for sure.
