Everybody likes a cocktail, and if you don’t, the chances are you haven’t sipped on one made by a trained barman who really knows what they’re doing. We’ve put together 10 of the best cocktail bars in London for you to explore this summer. The bars on this list have delicious menus, experienced mixologists as staff and stunning interiors… Enjoy (responsibly of course)

American Bar

You’ll find the American Bar in The Savoy Hotel. This award-winning gem is the longest surviving cocktail bar in London serving a delicious combination of classic, new and vintage flavours. The American Bar has many an award under its belt, including Hotel Bar of the Year (2018), Worlds Best Bar (2017) and more. You can find out more about their history and menus here.

Dandelyan

An incredibly designed, beautiful bar, the Dandelyan is a magical place to stop for a creative, sustainable cocktail. With a boozy take on afternoon tea, the Dandelyan can cater for all your cocktail requirements! Created by Ryan Chetiyawardana (otherwise known as Mr Lyan) and designed by Tom Dixon, the Dandelyan is the perfect cocktail destination.

Connaught Bar

The Connaught Bar can be found in The Connaught Hotel. “Drop by the Connaught Bar and step into another world. Conversation flows over sparkling glasses and candlelit tables.” The Connaught bar offers delicious new cocktail concoctions and classics as well as offering cocktail master classes with their award-winning director of mixology, Agostino Perrone.

Bar Termini

A slick Italian cafe bar located in Soho. Bar Termini oozes cool! Choose from Italian coffee and perfectly blended cocktails and enjoy your surroundings. You can also order some authentic Italian dishes to pick at while enjoying your beverage.

Happiness Forgets

“HHigh-end cocktails, low rent basement’. This diamond of a bar is located in Hoxton Square. The tiny low-lit basement serves cocktails created by professional mixologists. Space is limited in the basement, so tables can be booked in numbers of 2-6 people max. If you’re looking for something a little different, you’ll enjoy Happiness Forgets.

Oriole

The Oriole is simply one of the most beautiful spaces we have seen. Described as “an oasis of warmth, mystery and magic” the Oriole offers hours of escape from the hardships of life. You’ll be seated, and treated to good old fashioned table service and left to sip on equally exotic and creative cocktails.

The Gibson

The Gibson will transport you to the 1920’s with its incredibly well-designed interior. Full of glitz and glamour but also creative individuality. The Gibson offers a calendar menu of cocktails. The idea is you choose a month you want to experience, order your cocktail and are transported to that period of time. The next best thing to a real-life time machine….

Nightjar

Located in East London, the Nightjar is a gorgeously glamorous bar, full of 1920’s charm. The real draw of the Nightjar is the plethora of entertainment throughout the week. Also, take a look at their transporting cocktail menu, choose from Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, Post-War and Nightjar Signatures served in gorgeous vessels.

Bokan Roof Terrace

This rooftop terrace bar in Canary Wharf is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Climb to the 39th floor and treat yourself to a cocktail inspired by the rich history of Canary Wharf, choose your poison from West India Docks, East India Docks, The Millwall Dock and Gwilt’s Warehouse as well as sharing vessels inspired by the Blackwell Levels.

BYOC

A cocktail bar in London with a fun difference… BYOC (build your own cocktail) has two locations in the city, one in Camden and one just a stone’s throw from The Gherkin. BYOC is also inspired by 1920’s prohibition and the speakeasy bar in Camden is filled with vintage blackjack, roulette and poker tables. There is a unique twist on the bars though, guests are encouraged to bring their own bottle of spirit to be turned into bespoke cocktails at your table by a mixologist. Genius!