{"id":1565,"date":"2026-05-28T07:57:16","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T07:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=1565"},"modified":"2026-05-29T02:01:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-29T02:01:24","slug":"best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Cocktail Bars in London that Your Date Will Love (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffe3e3;border-left:5px solid #751d1d;padding:20px 24px;margin:32px 0;border-radius:4px;\">\n  <p style=\"margin:0 0 12px 0;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#751d1d;font-family:'Inter',sans-serif;\">TL;DR<\/p>\n  <ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:20px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.8;font-family:'Inter',sans-serif;font-size:15px;\">\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\">London&#8217;s best cocktail bars in 2026 have crafted menus, and atmosphere that sets the mood<\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\">Top hotel bars: <strong>Connaught Bar, American Bar (Savoy), Side Hustle (NoMad), Lyaness (Sea Containers)<\/strong><\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\"> Speakeasies: <strong>Nightjar, Disrepute.<\/strong> Reservation and walk ins available, candlelit, and deliberately hard to find<\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom:8px;\">For upscale evenings and dates: <strong>Scarfes, Connaught, Below at Hide, Disrepute<\/strong> are the standout picks<\/li>\n    <li style=\"margin-bottom:0;\">Price range: <strong>\u00a313\u201318<\/strong> (standalone) \u00b7 <strong>\u00a318\u201328<\/strong> (hotel bars) \u00b7 <strong>\u00a322\u201333+<\/strong> (ultra-luxury)<\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width:100%;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:24px 0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;border-top:3px solid #751d1d;border-radius:10px;padding:24px 28px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#751d1d;margin:0 0 10px;\">Key Difference<\/p>\n    <div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_79_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Cocktail_Bar_vs_Regular_Bar_%E2%80%94_What_Actually_Sets_Them_Apart\" >Cocktail Bar vs Regular Bar \u2014 What Actually Sets Them Apart<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Best_Hotel_Cocktail_Bars_in_London\" >Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in London<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Scarfes_Bar\" >Scarfes Bar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#The_Connaught_Bar\" >The Connaught Bar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#American_Bar_at_The_Savoy\" >American Bar at The Savoy<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Side_Hustle_at_NoMad\" >Side Hustle at NoMad<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Lyaness_at_Sea_Containers\" >Lyaness at Sea Containers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Nightjar\" >Nightjar<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Disrepute\" >Disrepute<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Soma\" >Soma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Tayer_Elementary\" >Tayer + Elementary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Below_at_Hide\" >Below at Hide<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Best_London_Cocktail_Bars_for_an_Upscale_Evening_or_Date\" >Best London Cocktail Bars for an Upscale Evening or Date<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/best-cocktail-bars-in-london-that-your-date-will-love\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_%E2%80%94_Best_Cocktail_Bars_in_London\" >Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 Best Cocktail Bars in London<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#3d0a0a;margin:0 0 14px;line-height:1.3;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cocktail_Bar_vs_Regular_Bar_%E2%80%94_What_Actually_Sets_Them_Apart\"><\/span>Cocktail Bar vs Regular Bar \u2014 What Actually Sets Them Apart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#444;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">A cocktail bar is built around the drink as the main event. A regular bar serves alcohol as a backdrop. <strong style=\"color:#3d0a0a;\">You are not paying for the drink. You are paying for the experience.<\/strong><\/p>\n    <div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n      <table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:14px;\">\n        <thead>\n          <tr style=\"background:#1a0a0a;\">\n            <th style=\"padding:12px 18px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;width:30%;\">Feature<\/th>\n            <th style=\"padding:12px 18px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#ccc;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;width:35%;\">Regular Bar<\/th>\n            <th style=\"padding:12px 18px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#c87070;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;width:35%;\">Cocktail Bar<\/th>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/thead>\n        <tbody>\n          <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#3a1a1a;\">Menu<\/td>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;color:#555;\">Standard spirits, beer on tap, basic mixers<\/td>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;color:#222;font-weight:500;\">15\u201330 original serves, crafted seasonally by trained mixologists<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"background:#fdf8f8;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#3a1a1a;\">Price per drink<\/td>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;color:#555;\">\u00a35\u201310 on average<\/td>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;color:#222;font-weight:500;\">\u00a313\u201330+ \u2014 reflects ingredients, labour, and environment<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n          <tr>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#3a1a1a;\">Best for<\/td>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;color:#555;\">Quick drink, watching sport, after-work pint<\/td>\n            <td style=\"padding:12px 18px;color:#222;font-weight:500;\">Dates, upscale evenings, first meetings, special occasions<\/td>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/tbody>\n      <\/table>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Hotel_Cocktail_Bars_in_London\"><\/span><strong>Best Hotel Cocktail Bars in London<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hotel bars are the gold standard in London for comfort, service, and upscale atmosphere. The best ones have professional bar teams with deep budgets and a captive audience that expects the very best \u2014 which means they consistently outperform standalone venues on the service side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- SCARFES BAR -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#1 \u00b7 Hotel Bar \u00b7 Holborn<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scarfes_Bar\"><\/span>Scarfes Bar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Hotel Bar (Rosewood London) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">No \u2014 walk-ins welcome<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a318\u201326 per cocktail &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Toothless Grin \u2014 R\u00e9my Martin 1738, medjool dates, evaporated beetroot, citra hops<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Intimate \u00b7 Fireplace \u00b7 Live jazz from 8pm &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Weekends recommended; tables held 1.5hrs<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">Ranked <strong>No.35 in the World&#8217;s Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2026<\/strong> and No.1 International Hotel Bar at Tales of the Cocktail 2024. Named after British caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, whose surreal artwork covers every wall. The current menu <em>Long Drawn Out Sip<\/em> takes each cocktail through a different facet of Scarfe&#8217;s subconscious. Deep sofas, antique books, a roaring fireplace, and live jazz every night from 8pm.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Arrive before 7pm on a weeknight to secure a fireside table without booking. Whisky drinkers: the back bar Scotch collection is one of the best in the city.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/scarfesbar.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Scarfes+Bar+Rosewood+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- THE CONNAUGHT BAR -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#2 \u00b7 Hotel Bar \u00b7 Mayfair<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Connaught_Bar\"><\/span>The Connaught Bar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Hotel Bar (The Connaught) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">No \u2014 walk-ins welcome<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a322\u201330 per cocktail &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Bespoke Dry Martini \u2014 mixed tableside from the signature trolley<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Discreet \u00b7 Art Deco \u00b7 Theatrical &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Yes \u2014 2\u20133 weeks on weekends; walk-ins welcome before 6pm weekdays<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">Ranked <strong>No.6 in the World&#8217;s 50 Best Bars 2025<\/strong> and the only bar to be named World&#8217;s Best twice (2020 and 2021). The 1920s Art Deco interior features platinum silver leaf walls and full tableside service \u2014 no bar stools. The headline experience is the <strong>martini trolley<\/strong>: Director of Mixology Agostino Perrone builds a bespoke martini from house-made bitters at your table. No official dress code \u2014 smart casual is what most guests opt for naturally.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Walk in before 6pm on a weekday and you can almost always get a table. The trolley martini is worth ordering even if you are not a gin person \u2014 it is the experience, not just the drink.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.the-connaught.co.uk\/restaurants-bars\/connaught-bar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Connaught+Bar+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- AMERICAN BAR AT THE SAVOY -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#3 \u00b7 Hotel Bar \u00b7 Strand<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"American_Bar_at_The_Savoy\"><\/span>American Bar at The Savoy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Hotel Bar (The Savoy) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">No \u2014 walk-ins welcome<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a322\u201328 per cocktail &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Five O&#8217;Clock Somewhere \u2014 olive-oil-washed gin, tomato water martini<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Classic glamour \u00b7 Grand piano \u00b7 Historic &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> 2 weeks ahead recommended; walk-ins Mon\u2013Fri before 6pm<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">The <strong>oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain<\/strong>, open since 1893. Named World&#8217;s Best Bar in 2017 and 2018. Churchill and Hemingway both drank here. The current menu <em>Liquid Moments<\/em> draws from the Savoy&#8217;s own history \u2014 each cocktail tells a specific story from the hotel&#8217;s past. A grand piano plays every evening in a room that looks like a scene from The Great Gatsby. Smart casual dress; comfortable and elegant attire is the hotel&#8217;s own guidance.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Tell head bartender Angelo Sparvoli what you usually drink and let him lead \u2014 consistently excellent. Rare spirit enthusiasts: there is a \u00a35,000 Sazerac on the menu.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd The Strand, London WC2R 0EU<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thesavoylondon.com\/restaurant\/american-bar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=American+Bar+Savoy+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- SIDE HUSTLE AT NOMAD -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#4 \u00b7 Hotel Bar \u00b7 Covent Garden<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Side_Hustle_at_NoMad\"><\/span>Side Hustle at NoMad<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Hotel Bar (NoMad London \u2014 former Bow Street Police Station) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">No \u2014 walk-ins welcome<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a312\u201318 per cocktail &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Toreador \u2014 tequila, apricot, genepi, lime, agave<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Latin \u00b7 Marble bar \u00b7 Relaxed upscale &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Not required<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">Set inside a <strong>Grade II-listed former police station<\/strong> in Covent Garden, Side Hustle is the best-value hotel bar in central London. The drinks programme is built around agave and Latin American flavours. Ranked in the World&#8217;s 100 Best Bars. Elegant marble bar, vintage drinks cabinets, and dimly lit booths \u2014 sophisticated but never intimidating. One of the easiest choices for a first meeting that might extend into dinner.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> The Sergeant Pepper (cacha\u00e7a, tequila, green pepper, jalape\u00f1o, pineapple) is the bartender&#8217;s order. Tacos are worth having alongside.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 28 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AW<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nomadhospitality.com\/nomad-london\/food-drink\/side-hustle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Side+Hustle+NoMad+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- LYANESS -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#5 \u00b7 Hotel Bar \u00b7 South Bank \u00b7 \ud83c\udf07 Rooftop (seasonal)<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lyaness_at_Sea_Containers\"><\/span>Lyaness at Sea Containers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Hotel Bar (Sea Containers London) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">No \u2014 walk-ins welcome<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a314\u201320 per cocktail \u00b7 Happy Hour from \u00a312 Mon\u2013Fri 5\u20137pm &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Lyaness Martini \u2014 made your way, one of London&#8217;s best<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Thames views \u00b7 Inventive \u00b7 Open energy &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Recommended; walk-ins usually fine<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">The <strong>first bar in the world to receive a 3 PIN award<\/strong> from The Pinnacle Guide. Headed by Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan), Lyaness builds every menu around unusual ingredients: tree caramel, death bitters, thunder mushroom. Tell the team your flavour preferences and they build from there \u2014 no cocktail names, just ingredients. Front-row views of the Thames and St Paul&#8217;s. The most relaxed atmosphere of any top-10 bar in London.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> The rooftop bar at Sea Containers opens seasonally \u2014 one of the best views of central London from the south bank. The Sunday Lyan (guest bar takeovers) is worth planning around.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 20 Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PD<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lyaness.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Lyaness+Sea+Containers+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- NIGHTJAR -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#1 \u00b7 Speakeasy \u00b7 Shoreditch<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nightjar\"><\/span>Nightjar<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Speakeasy (Basement) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#fff0f0;color:#751d1d;border:1px solid #f0c0c0;\">Yes \u2014 book 4\u20136 weeks ahead for weekends<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a313\u201325 per cocktail + cover charge Fri\u2013Sat \u00a36\u201310pp &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Beyond the Sea \u2014 gin, oyster leaf, sherry, plankton, yuzu (served in a conch shell)<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> 1920s Jazz \u00b7 Candlelit \u00b7 Prohibition-era &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Essential on weekends; limited walk-ins weekdays only<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">London&#8217;s definitive speakeasy. Descend below Old Street into a <strong>candlelit 1920s scene<\/strong> \u2014 live jazz from 9pm, a menu divided into pre-prohibition, prohibition, and post-war sections, and cocktails that are genuinely theatrical. Ranked consistently among the world&#8217;s top bars. Smart casual only; 21+ policy strictly enforced. No walk-ins on weekends.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Book the 8pm slot to experience the jazz building through the evening. A \u00a320 cancellation fee applies per table \u2014 they are serious about no-shows. Sitting at the bar gives the best view of the bartenders at work.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 129 City Road, Shoreditch, London EC1V 1JB<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barnightjar.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Nightjar+Shoreditch+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- DISREPUTE -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#2 \u00b7 Speakeasy \u00b7 Soho \/ Carnaby<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disrepute\"><\/span>Disrepute<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Speakeasy (Basement, Kingly Court) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#fff0f0;color:#751d1d;border:1px solid #f0c0c0;\">Yes \u2014 booking recommended<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a316\u201323 per cocktail &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>High Society Fizz \u2014 Hepple gin, Cocchi Americano, fir, chamomile, coriander soda<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Scandalous history \u00b7 Dark booths \u00b7 Intimate &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Recommended; limited walk-ins possible<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">Hidden in the basement of Kingly Court near Carnaby Street, Disrepute has serious cocktail credentials and <strong>serious history<\/strong> \u2014 this space was the setting for the Profumo Scandal in the 1960s. Low lighting, velvet booths, a menu that leans into the bar&#8217;s scandalous past. The <em>Slumber Party<\/em> rum cocktail is a cult favourite. One of the best options in London for an intimate upscale evening.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> The entrance is in Kingly Court \u2014 the courtyard off Carnaby Street. Look for the stairs down. The bar team know the Profumo history well. Ask.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, London W1B 5PW<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.disrepute.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Disrepute+Bar+Kingly+Court+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- SOMA -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#3 \u00b7 Speakeasy \u00b7 Soho<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Soma\"><\/span>Soma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Speakeasy (Basement, below Kricket restaurant) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">Walk-ins welcome; reservations available<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a314\u201318 per cocktail &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Chaat \u2014 tequila, mezcal, chaat masala, gooseberry, kumquat<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Indian-inspired \u00b7 Stainless steel bar \u00b7 Otherworldly &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Recommended on weekends<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">Soma sits below Indian restaurant Kricket in Soho. The cocktail list is rooted in Indian ingredients \u2014 makrut lime leaf, galangal, tamarind \u2014 applied to classic formats with genuine skill. <strong>Awarded 1 PIN by the Pinnacle Guide in 2025.<\/strong> Enter through thick hanging curtains into a striking stainless-steel basement bar. Received the highest single upvote count on London&#8217;s HENRY Reddit community of any bar on this list.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Request something off-menu based on a flavour profile \u2014 the team&#8217;s knowledge of Indian ingredients means they can create things no other bar in London can match.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 18 Denman Street, Soho, London W1D 7HU<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/soma.london\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Soma+Bar+Soho+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- TAYER + ELEMENTARY -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#4 \u00b7 World-Class Walk-In \u00b7 Old Street<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tayer_Elementary\"><\/span>Tayer + Elementary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Dual-concept bar (casual + serious, separated by concrete partition) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">No \u2014 walk-ins only, no reservations taken<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> Elementary \u00a310\u201314 \u00b7 Tayer \u00a314\u201318 &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>One Sip Martini \u2014 tiny, perfect, served in three sizes<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Brutalist \u00b7 Dual energy \u00b7 Spontaneous &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Walk-ins only \u2014 no bookings accepted by design<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\"><strong>Ranked No.5 in the World&#8217;s 50 Best Bars 2025.<\/strong> By Monica Berg and Alex Kratena. Elementary faces the street: floor-to-ceiling windows, cocktails on tap including a draught Old Fashioned, from \u00a310. Behind the concrete wall is Tayer: darker, moodier, seasonal menus using rare ingredients. The most spontaneous world-class cocktail bar in London.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Start at Elementary \u2014 the draught Old Fashioned at ~\u00a310 is extraordinary for the price. Then walk through to Tayer for the full experience. The Iberian pork katsu sandwich is worth ordering.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 152 Old Street, Shoreditch, London EC1V 9BW<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/tayer-elementary.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Tayer+Elementary+Old+Street+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- BELOW AT HIDE -->\n<div style=\"border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;max-width:720px;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:0 0 28px;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;padding:18px 22px 16px;\">\n    <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin-bottom:6px;\">#5 \u00b7 Basement Bar \u00b7 Mayfair<\/div>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0;line-height:1.2;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Below_at_Hide\"><\/span>Below at Hide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;padding:14px 22px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\">\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Type:<\/strong> Standalone Cocktail Bar (beneath Michelin-starred HIDE restaurant) &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Speakeasy:<\/strong> <span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 10px;border-radius:20px;margin-left:6px;background:#f0fdf4;color:#15803d;border:1px solid #bbf7d0;\">Yes \u2014 walk-ins welcome<\/span><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0 0 6px;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Price:<\/strong> \u00a316\u201324 per cocktail \u00b7 \u00a310 Cocktail Hour daily 5\u20137pm &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Best drink:<\/strong> <em>Dirty Martini \u2014 stirred with frozen birch sap instead of ice<\/em><\/p>\n    <p style=\"margin:0;font-size:13px;color:#3a1a1a;line-height:1.6;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Vibe:<\/strong> Dark timber \u00b7 Mayfair crowd \u00b7 Quietly intimate &nbsp;|&nbsp; <strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Book ahead:<\/strong> Walk-ins welcome; private hire up to 50<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;padding:16px 22px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#222;line-height:1.75;margin:0 0 14px;\">The basement bar beneath Michelin-starred HIDE in Green Park, with a Hedonism Wines cellar of 450 bottles on-site. The seasonal cocktail menu focuses entirely on flavour. The signature martini is stirred with <strong>frozen birch sap rather than ice<\/strong> for a distinctly silkier finish. The Cocktail Hour (5\u20137pm daily, \u00a310) is the best value in Mayfair by a significant margin.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"border-left:3px solid #751d1d;background:#fdf0f0;border-radius:0 4px 4px 0;padding:12px 16px;margin-bottom:14px;\"><p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#444;line-height:1.65;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#751d1d;\">Insider tip:<\/strong> Arrive between 5\u20137pm for Cocktail Hour and the quietest moment of the Mayfair day. The space gets louder later \u2014 if conversation is the priority, come early.<\/p><\/div>\n    <div style=\"border-top:1px solid #f0dada;padding-top:12px;display:flex;gap:20px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#777;margin:0;flex:1;\">\ud83d\udccd 86 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7NB<\/p>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/hide.co.uk\/the-bar-below\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Book \/ Website \u2192<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/?q=Below+at+Hide+Piccadilly+London\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"font-size:13px;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;white-space:nowrap;\">Google Maps \u2192<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width:100%;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:24px 0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;border-top:3px solid #751d1d;border-radius:10px;overflow:hidden;\">\n    <div style=\"padding:16px 22px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;background:#fdf6f6;\">\n      <p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#751d1d;margin:0 0 4px;\">Quick Reference<\/p>\n      <p style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a0a0a;margin:0;\">Best Cocktail Bars in London by Neighbourhood<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n      <table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:13px;\">\n        <thead>\n          <tr style=\"background:#1a0a0a;\">\n            <th style=\"padding:11px 18px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;\">Bar<\/th>\n            <th style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;\">Area<\/th>\n            <th style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;font-weight:700;color:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;\">Speakeasy?<\/th>\n            <th style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;\">Price<\/th>\n            <th style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:left;font-weight:700;color:#fff;border-bottom:2px solid #3a1a1a;\">Best For<\/th>\n          <\/tr>\n        <\/thead>\n        <tbody>\n          <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">Scarfes Bar<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Holborn<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#751d1d;font-weight:600;\">Yes<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a318\u201326<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Upscale evenings, dates<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"background:#fdf8f8;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">The Connaught Bar<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Mayfair<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#15803d;font-weight:600;\">No<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a322\u201330+<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Special occasions<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">American Bar (Savoy)<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Strand<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#751d1d;font-weight:600;\">Yes<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a322\u201328<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Classic glamour<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"background:#fdf8f8;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">Side Hustle (NoMad)<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Covent Garden<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#15803d;font-weight:600;\">No<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a312\u201318<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Best value hotel bar<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">Lyaness<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">South Bank<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#15803d;font-weight:600;\">No<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a314\u201320<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Thames views \ud83c\udf07<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"background:#fdf8f8;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;\">Nightjar<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Shoreditch<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">Yes<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a313\u201325<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Dates, jazz, atmosphere<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;\">Disrepute<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Soho \/ Carnaby<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">Yes<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a316\u201323<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Intimate, historic<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"background:#fdf8f8;border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;\">Soma<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Soho<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">Yes<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a314\u201318<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Indian cocktails, late night<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #f0dada;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">Tayer + Elementary<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Old Street<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#15803d;font-weight:600;\">No<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a310\u201318<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Walk-in, world-class<\/td><\/tr>\n          <tr style=\"background:#fdf8f8;\"><td style=\"padding:11px 18px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;\">Below at Hide<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Mayfair<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;text-align:center;color:#15803d;font-weight:600;\">No<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">\u00a316\u201324<\/td><td style=\"padding:11px 14px;color:#444;\">Happy hour, Mayfair<\/td><\/tr>\n        <\/tbody>\n      <\/table>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width:100%;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:24px 0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#fff;border:1px solid #e8d0d0;border-top:3px solid #751d1d;border-radius:10px;padding:24px 28px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#751d1d;margin:0 0 10px;\">Key Guide<\/p>\n    <h3 style=\"font-size:20px;font-weight:700;color:#3d0a0a;margin:0 0 14px;line-height:1.3;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_London_Cocktail_Bars_for_an_Upscale_Evening_or_Date\"><\/span>Best London Cocktail Bars for an Upscale Evening or Date<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n    <p style=\"font-size:15px;color:#444;line-height:1.8;margin:0 0 20px;\">The right bar is not the most expensive \u2014 it is the one where <strong style=\"color:#3d0a0a;\">the atmosphere removes the pressure<\/strong> and lets the conversation do the work. A cocktail bar is also a better first-meeting choice than a restaurant: lower commitment, conversation-first, and easier to extend or leave naturally.<\/p>\n    <div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:12px;\">\n      <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 18px;border-left:3px solid #ccc;\">\n        <p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#999;margin:0 0 8px;\">Restaurant \u2014 First Meeting<\/p>\n        <p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#555;line-height:1.75;margin:0;\">Full commitment from the start. Hard to leave early without it feeling abrupt. Menu anxiety, formality, and a two-hour minimum whether you want it or not.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div style=\"background:#fdf6f6;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 18px;border-left:3px solid #751d1d;\">\n        <p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#751d1d;margin:0 0 8px;\">Cocktail Bar \u2014 First Meeting<\/p>\n        <p style=\"font-size:14px;color:#555;line-height:1.75;margin:0;\">Conversation-first by design. One drink or five \u2014 your call. A well-chosen bar communicates taste and effort without saying a word. Easy to extend into dinner if it goes well.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.sugarbook.com\/join?utm_source=uk_blog_bestbarlondon&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=joinapp_engb_blog\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"427\" src=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-3-1024x427.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1513\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-3-1024x427.png 1024w, https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-3-300x125.png 300w, https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-3-768x320.png 768w, https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/image-3.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width:100%;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:32px 0;\">\n  <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#751d1d;margin-bottom:14px;\">Read Next<\/div>\n  <div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:10px;\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/going-to-bar-alone-in-london-as-business-traveller\/\" style=\"text-decoration:none;display:block;background:#fff;border:0.5px solid #e8d0d0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;border-top:3px solid #751d1d;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;color:#751d1d;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.5px;margin-bottom:6px;\">\ud83c\udf78 London Nights<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1a0a0a;line-height:1.4;margin-bottom:6px;\">Going to a Bar Alone in London as a Business Traveller<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;line-height:1.5;\">What it is really like, why it rarely works, and what business travellers do instead.<\/div>\n    <\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/how-to-use-dating-site-as-business-traveller\/\" style=\"text-decoration:none;display:block;background:#fff;border:0.5px solid #e8d0d0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;border-top:3px solid #3a1a1a;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;color:#3a1a1a;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.5px;margin-bottom:6px;\">\ud83d\udcf1 Dating in London<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1a0a0a;line-height:1.4;margin-bottom:6px;\">How to Use a Dating Site as a Business Traveller<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;line-height:1.5;\">The practical guide to pre-arranging before you land \u2014 and why most apps are the wrong tool for the job.<\/div>\n    <\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\" style=\"text-decoration:none;display:block;background:#fff;border:0.5px solid #e8d0d0;border-radius:10px;padding:16px 18px;border-top:3px solid #9b2c2c;\">\n      <div style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:600;color:#9b2c2c;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.5px;margin-bottom:6px;\">\ud83d\udcab Sugarbook UK<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:14px;font-weight:700;color:#1a0a0a;line-height:1.4;margin-bottom:6px;\">Find Someone to Enjoy London With<\/div>\n      <div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#777;line-height:1.5;\">Verified profiles, no swiping, direct messaging. Meet someone who appreciates a well-chosen cocktail bar.<\/div>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"max-width:100%;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',sans-serif;margin:32px 0;\">\n  <div style=\"background:#1a0a0a;border-radius:12px;padding:28px 32px;\">\n    <p style=\"font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;text-transform:uppercase;color:#c87070;margin:0 0 10px;\">Summary<\/p>\n    <p style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 20px;line-height:1.35;\">The Bottom Line on London Cocktail Bars<\/p>\n    <ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:0;list-style:none;color:#e8d0d0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.8;\">\n      <li style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #2e1a1a;padding-left:20px;position:relative;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">\u2192<\/span>A cocktail bar is not a pub \u2014 craft menus, trained mixologists, and prices from \u00a313 to \u00a330+. The experience justifies it.<\/li>\n      <li style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #2e1a1a;padding-left:20px;position:relative;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">\u2192<\/span><strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Scarfes Bar<\/strong> and <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">The Connaught<\/strong> are the consensus best hotel bars in London \u2014 both require booking ahead on weekends.<\/li>\n      <li style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #2e1a1a;padding-left:20px;position:relative;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">\u2192<\/span>For speakeasy atmosphere, <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Nightjar<\/strong> and <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Disrepute<\/strong> are the top picks \u2014 book 2\u20136 weeks ahead, no walk-ins on weekends.<\/li>\n      <li style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #2e1a1a;padding-left:20px;position:relative;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">\u2192<\/span>For a date or upscale evening: Scarfes, Connaught, Below at Hide, and Disrepute are the best combination of atmosphere, intimacy, and quality.<\/li>\n      <li style=\"padding:9px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #2e1a1a;padding-left:20px;position:relative;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">\u2192<\/span>Best value: <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Tayer + Elementary<\/strong> from \u00a310 (walk-in), <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Side Hustle<\/strong> from \u00a312\u201318, <strong style=\"color:#fff;\">Below at Hide<\/strong> Cocktail Hour \u00a310 daily 5\u20137pm.<\/li>\n      <li style=\"padding:9px 0;padding-left:20px;position:relative;\"><span style=\"position:absolute;left:0;color:#751d1d;font-weight:700;\">\u2192<\/span>Smart casual minimum everywhere. Mayfair venues are stricter \u2014 no trainers, no sportswear.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin:32px 0;max-width:780px;font-family:'Inter',sans-serif;\">\n  <h2 style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#751d1d;margin:0 0 20px 0;\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_%E2%80%94_Best_Cocktail_Bars_in_London\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 Best Cocktail Bars in London<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n  <style>\n    .faq-lcb-item{border:1px solid #e8d0d0;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:8px;overflow:hidden}\n    .faq-lcb-toggle{display:none}\n    .faq-lcb-label{display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;padding:16px 20px;cursor:pointer;background:#fdf6f6;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;color:#1a0a0a;line-height:1.4;user-select:none}\n    .faq-lcb-label:hover{background:#fceaea}\n    .faq-lcb-icon{flex-shrink:0;width:20px;height:20px;background:#fff0f0;border-radius:50%;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-left:12px}\n    .faq-lcb-icon svg{transition:transform 0.2s ease}\n    .faq-lcb-toggle:checked+.faq-lcb-label{background:#ffe3e3;color:#751d1d}\n    .faq-lcb-toggle:checked+.faq-lcb-label .faq-lcb-icon svg{transform:rotate(180deg)}\n    .faq-lcb-body{max-height:0;overflow:hidden;transition:max-height 0.3s ease;background:#fff}\n    .faq-lcb-toggle:checked~.faq-lcb-body{max-height:400px}\n    .faq-lcb-body p{margin:0;padding:16px 20px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.8;color:#3a1a1a;border-top:1px solid #e8d0d0}\n  <\/style>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb1\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb1\">What are the best cocktail bars in London right now?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>In 2026, the top cocktail bars by ranking are Tayer + Elementary (No.5 World&#8217;s 50 Best), The Connaught Bar (No.6), and Scarfes Bar (No.35). For speakeasies, Nightjar and Disrepute are the consensus best. For best value, Side Hustle at NoMad and Below at Hide&#8217;s Cocktail Hour are exceptional.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb2\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb2\">What is the difference between a cocktail bar and a regular bar in London?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>A cocktail bar is built around a crafted menu and trained mixologists \u2014 no draught taps, no casual pints. Prices run \u00a313\u201330+, but the experience is categorically different: the design, the service, the drink itself. A regular bar serves alcohol. A cocktail bar serves an occasion.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb3\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb3\">Which London cocktail bars are best for a first date?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Scarfes Bar (fireplace, jazz, sofas), Nightjar (candlelit, 1920s), Disrepute (hidden, intimate), and Side Hustle (relaxed but sophisticated) are the top four. A cocktail bar beats a restaurant for a first date \u2014 lower commitment, conversation-first, and easier to leave or extend naturally.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb4\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb4\">Do you need to book cocktail bars in London in advance?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Nightjar: yes, 4\u20136 weeks on weekends. The Connaught: yes, 2\u20133 weeks. Scarfes and Disrepute: recommended but weeknight walk-ins are usually possible. Tayer + Elementary is walk-in only \u2014 no bookings at all. American Bar accepts walk-ins before 6pm on weekdays.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb5\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb5\">What is the best hotel bar in London for cocktails?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood is the most awarded hotel bar in London in 2026 (No.1 International Hotel Bar, No.35 World&#8217;s 50 Best). The Connaught Bar held the World&#8217;s Best title in 2020 and 2021. Scarfes wins on atmosphere and accessibility; the Connaught wins on ceremony and prestige.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb6\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb6\">How much should I budget for cocktails on a date in London?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>For two drinks at a premium hotel bar, budget \u00a340\u201360 per person including service charge. At ultra-luxury venues like the Connaught or American Bar, budget \u00a360\u201380 for two rounds. At neighbourhood bars like Nightjar or Soma, \u00a330\u201345 covers two cocktails comfortably.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb7\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb7\">What are the best hidden or speakeasy bars in London?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Nightjar (below Old Street, 1920s jazz, must book), Disrepute (basement of Kingly Court, Profumo Scandal history), and Soma (below Kricket in Soho, Indian-inspired) are the top three. All require finding a below-street entrance and reward the effort with some of the best atmospheres in London.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb8\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb8\">Which London cocktail bars suit a generous, upscale night out?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Scarfes Bar, The Connaught Bar, Below at Hide, and Disrepute are the top four for a generous upscale evening. All have table service, intimate seating, and atmospheres that suit long unhurried conversations. The Connaught and Scarfes are the highest-impression choices; Below at Hide and Disrepute offer better value in the same tier.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb9\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb9\">What makes a cocktail bar better than a restaurant for a first meeting?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Lower commitment \u2014 you can leave after one drink without it feeling abrupt. No menu anxiety. Conversation-first by design. A well-chosen bar communicates taste and effort without the formality of dinner. It is the optimal first-meeting format for anyone seeking an upscale connection in London.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-lcb-item\"><input type=\"checkbox\" class=\"faq-lcb-toggle\" id=\"lcb10\"><label class=\"faq-lcb-label\" for=\"lcb10\">What is the best area in London for cocktails and an upscale evening?<span class=\"faq-lcb-icon\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"#751d1d\" stroke-width=\"3\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg><\/span><\/label><div class=\"faq-lcb-body\"><p>Mayfair has the highest concentration of luxury options (Connaught, Below at Hide). Holborn and Covent Garden have Scarfes and Side Hustle close together. Soho and Shoreditch are best for speakeasy atmosphere (Disrepute, Nightjar, Soma). South Bank suits a pre-dinner drink with Thames views (Lyaness).<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TL;DR London&#8217;s best cocktail bars in 2026 have crafted menus, and atmosphere that sets the mood Top hotel bars: Connaught Bar, American Bar (Savoy), Side Hustle (NoMad), Lyaness (Sea Containers) Speakeasies: Nightjar, Disrepute. Reservation and walk ins available, candlelit, and deliberately hard to find For upscale evenings and dates: Scarfes, Connaught, Below at Hide, Disrepute [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1580,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,8,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1565","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guide","category-sugar-dating","category-united-kingdom","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1565","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1565"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1565\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1589,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1565\/revisions\/1589"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1580"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1565"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1565"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sugarbook.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1565"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}