10 London bars for your Bucket List

1. For the view…The bar at Aqua Shard

Sprawling across the 34th floor of the Shard (i.e. the tallest building in Europe), the views from this bar are second to none. From the dome of nearby St Paul’s Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament, it’s all particularly pretty at night when the whole of London is lit-up and twinkling. Getting a table by the window can be tricky, for obvious reasons, but you are encouraged to take your drink and wander.

View of London's Shard and Tower Bridge

Up at the top. Photo © emrezengin

2. For the drinks…DandeLyan at Mondrian

Housed in the ultra-chic Mondrian hotel on London’s South Bank, the cocktails at this gorgeously decorated bar (we particularly love the Peptobismol pink leather banquettes) are some of the most accomplished you’ll find in the whole of the city. All the drinks have a refreshing, botanical twist and the menu even suggests at what time of day you should try them. If you’re booked into our Central Waterloo hotel, you’re a 12 minute walk away.

3. For the speakeasy vibe…Experimental Cocktail Club

There’s no signage outside, so you might find yourself walking up and down a busy street in Chinatown for a good 10 minutes before finally trying the scuffed black door that leads to ECC. Still, you won’t regret it once you’re inside. This small, low-lit cocktail bar serves impeccable drinks and even if there are no free tables, there’s often room to perch at the bar.

4. For the good times… London Cocktail Club

There are seven outposts of this crowd-pleasing cocktail bar, dotted across central London, but all have the same theme: reasonably priced but delicious cocktails and a fun, fun, fun atmosphere. The perfect place to start a night as the bar staff will ensure everyone gets into the party mood.

5. For no-fuss fun…Happiness Forgets

If you want a really fantastic drink, but don’t feel like getting dressed up, then this basement bar will be right up your street. It’s a tiny, low-lit bolthole that feels romantic, despite being a little sparse. And the cocktails are renowned for being some of the best in London.

6. For getting food afterwards…The Permit Room at Dishoom King’s Cross

Housed in the basement of Dishoom’s King’s Cross restaurant, 6 minutes’ walk from the local Travelodge, this stylish bar is the perfect place for a pre- or post-dinner tipple. Even if you don’t eat at the restaurant (which you should, it’s fantastic), from the bar’s prime position just off Granary Square, a whole host of top-notch eateries are just moments away. Plus the drinks are to die for.

7. For hanging out with the cool crowd…Peckham Springs

Nestled in a railway arch under Peckham Rye station, this fun and fuss-free cocktail bar is the best place to go if you want to spot a Yuccie (that’s a young urban creative – hipsters are so 2010). The cocktails are delicious and at £6 a pop, might actually be the most reasonably priced in the whole of London.

8. For all-out glamour…Nightjar

Despite being just moments away from the traffic-laden Old Street roundabout, this below-ground bar is an oasis of old school glamour. Think live jazz and cocktails served in bone china tea pots. Booking is recommended as it can get busy.

9. For the memorable decor…Satan’s Whiskers

Just a 6 minute walk down Cambridge Heath Road from your Bethnal Green hotel, this bar is a destination for those who come from much farther afield. Playing hip hop and serving some seriously good cocktails, it’s a fun night out all on its own and the perfect place to get some Instagram fodder thanks to the bar’s extensive collection of taxidermy.

10. For making the journey special…The Gilbert Scott Bar

One of the most romantic settings in London is just a stone’s throw from St Pancras Station, perfect for getting in a last-minute cocktail before you catch your train. Housed inside the St Pancras Renaissance hotel, if the stunning painted ceiling and pretty bell chandeliers don’t impress you, the expertly shaken cocktails certainly will. Be sure to try the Negroni.