London doesn’t just serve drinks-it serves experiences. Walk into a dimly lit basement in Soho, and you’re greeted by a bartender shaking a cocktail with precision, ice clinking like a metronome. No menu. Just a question: What’s your mood tonight? That’s the magic of London’s top cocktail bars. They’re not just places to drink. They’re theaters of flavor, memory, and conversation.
Bar Termini: Where Italian Soul Meets London Swagger
Open since 2013, Bar Termini in Soho still feels like a secret. The walls are lined with vintage Italian posters, the bar is marble, and the espresso machine never stops. But it’s the cocktails that make you come back. The Aperol Spritz here isn’t just a drink-it’s a ritual. Made with Prosecco, Aperol, soda, and a slice of orange, it’s served ice-cold, in a wide wine glass, with a side of olives. No gimmicks. No neon signs. Just perfect balance.
Try the Negroni Sbagliato-a twist on the classic where prosecco replaces gin. It’s lighter, brighter, and still packs a punch. The staff remembers your name, and they know if you’re here for a date, a celebration, or just a quiet end to a long day. It’s not the fanciest bar in town, but it’s one of the most honest.
The Connaught Bar: Luxury That Doesn’t Show Off
Step into The Connaught Bar in Mayfair, and you’ll feel the quiet hum of old money. The space is all velvet, brass, and low lighting. No loud music. No Instagram backdrops. Just 18 bartenders trained in the art of patience and precision.
Their signature drink, the Connaught Martini, is stirred for exactly 30 seconds. The gin? Beefeater 24. The vermouth? Dolin Dry. The olive? Hand-picked from Sicily. It’s served in a chilled coupe with a single, perfect olive on a skewer. No olives in the glass-just on the side. Why? Because they believe the olive should enhance, not drown, the drink.
They also have a Drink of the Month list that changes with the seasons. In December 2025, it’s the Spiced Fig & Whisky Sour-smoky bourbon, fig syrup, lemon, and a touch of black pepper. It tastes like a London winter night: warm, deep, and just a little mysterious.
Nightjar: Time Travel in a Glass
Nightjar hides behind an unmarked door in Shoreditch. The entrance feels like you’re stepping into a 1920s speakeasy-but with better acoustics. The music? Jazz from vinyl records. The lighting? Candlelight and Edison bulbs. The cocktails? Each one tells a story.
Every month, Nightjar rethemes its entire menu. In late 2025, the theme is “The Jazz Age: Harlem to Paris”. You’ll find drinks like the Harlem Honey-rye whiskey, honey liqueur, lemon, and a dash of absinthe-or the Parisian Daisy, a gin-based sour with violet syrup and egg white. The bar even serves snacks that match the era: salted almonds, pickled onions, and tiny beef Wellingtons.
They don’t take reservations for the main bar. You line up at 7 p.m. sharp. It’s worth it. You’ll leave not just tipsy, but transported.
The Lonsdale: The Hidden Gem in Notting Hill
Most tourists never find The Lonsdale. It’s tucked away on a quiet street in Notting Hill, above a bookstore. The sign says “Lonsdale” in small letters. Inside, it’s all oak shelves, mismatched armchairs, and a single piano in the corner.
The owner, a former jazz drummer from New Orleans, makes cocktails with ingredients you won’t find anywhere else. The Blackberry & Thyme Smash uses house-made thyme syrup and wild blackberries foraged in Kent. The Smoked Maple Old Fashioned is aged for 72 hours in a small oak barrel, then finished with a spritz of smoked applewood.
There’s no menu. You tell the bartender what you’re feeling-sweet, bitter, spicy, herbal-and they craft something just for you. It’s the closest thing to a personal cocktail alchemist in the city.
The American Bar at The Savoy: History in Every Sip
If you want to drink where history was made, go to The American Bar. Opened in 1893, it’s the oldest cocktail bar in London. Harry Craddock, the legendary bartender who wrote The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930, once worked here. His recipes still live on.
Try the White Lady-a drink Craddock perfected. It’s gin, triple sec, and dry vermouth, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled coupe. It’s light, crisp, and surprisingly strong. Or go for the Sidecar, another classic he popularized: cognac, Cointreau, lemon. Simple. Elegant. Timeless.
The bar still uses the same crystal glasses from the 1920s. The ice? Hand-chipped daily. The service? Quiet, attentive, never intrusive. This isn’t a bar for selfies. It’s a bar for sipping, thinking, and remembering.
Why These Bars Stand Out
London has hundreds of cocktail spots. But the best ones don’t rely on trends. They don’t use liquid nitrogen or edible glitter. They focus on three things: ingredients, technique, and atmosphere.
- Ingredients: They use fresh citrus, house-made syrups, and spirits with traceable origins. No cheap mixers.
- Technique: Stirring, shaking, muddling-each method is chosen for the drink, not the show.
- Atmosphere: The lighting, music, and staff attitude all work together to create a mood. You don’t just drink here. You feel something.
These bars aren’t trying to be the loudest. They’re trying to be the most memorable.
What to Order When You’re Not Sure
Stuck? Here are three foolproof choices that work anywhere in London:
- Old Fashioned-bourbon or rye, sugar, bitters, orange twist. Timeless. Reliable. Always good.
- Whisky Sour-whisky, lemon, simple syrup, egg white. Creamy, tart, and balanced.
- Aperol Spritz-Prosecco, Aperol, soda. Light, bitter-sweet, perfect for starting the night.
These aren’t trendy. They’re classics for a reason. If a bar can’t make these well, skip it.
When to Go and How to Plan
Weekends are packed. If you want a seat at Nightjar or The Connaught, book ahead. For Bar Termini or The Lonsdale, walk in around 7 p.m. on a weekday. You’ll get the best seats, the most attention, and a quieter vibe.
Don’t expect to find these places on Google Maps with glowing reviews. Some don’t even have websites. Ask a local bartender. They’ll point you to the real spots.
Final Thought
A great cocktail bar doesn’t need a long list of awards. It doesn’t need a celebrity chef or a viral TikTok video. It just needs to care-about the ice, the glass, the timing, the person sitting across from you.
London’s best cocktail bars aren’t about showing off. They’re about connection. One sip at a time.
What’s the best time to visit London’s top cocktail bars?
Weekdays around 7 p.m. are ideal. You’ll avoid crowds, get better service, and often catch the bartender’s full attention. Weekends are lively but packed-especially at places like Nightjar and The Connaught, where reservations are required. For casual spots like Bar Termini, walk-ins work fine before 8 p.m.
Do I need to make reservations for London cocktail bars?
It depends. The Connaught Bar, Nightjar, and The American Bar at The Savoy accept reservations-book at least a week ahead for weekends. Smaller, hidden bars like The Lonsdale or Bar Termini don’t take bookings. Just show up early. If you’re with a group of four or more, always call ahead-even if they don’t advertise reservations.
Are these cocktail bars expensive?
Prices range from £14 to £22 per drink. The Connaught and The Savoy charge closer to £20-£22 for classic cocktails. Bar Termini and The Lonsdale are more affordable at £14-£18. You’re paying for quality, not branding. A £16 cocktail made with house-made syrup, fresh citrus, and premium gin is worth it.
What should I wear to these bars?
Smart casual works everywhere. No jeans with holes, no trainers. Think dark jeans or chinos, a button-down or nice sweater, and closed-toe shoes. The Connaught and The Savoy lean slightly more formal-blazers aren’t required, but they’re common. The Lonsdale and Nightjar are relaxed but still expect you to look put together. Leave the hoodies and flip-flops at home.
Can I find vegan or low-sugar cocktails in London?
Yes. Most top bars now offer vegan options-no honey, egg whites, or dairy. Ask for a vegan-friendly or low-sugar cocktail. Many use agave syrup, maple syrup, or monk fruit instead of sugar. Bars like The Lonsdale and Nightjar are especially good at customizing drinks to dietary needs. Just say what you’re avoiding-they’ll adjust.