London


<p>With over 250 bars participating in exclusive offers, tastings and workshops, <a href="https://londoncocktailweek.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">London Cocktail Week</a> is an unmissable celebration of London’s liquid artistry. But, with so many watering holes to choose from, where do you even start? Don’t worry, Muddy has done the legwork for you – here are our top 11 cocktail bars for a night of stirring, shaking, and sipping.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nightjar-carnaby-street-soho"><strong><a href="https://www.barnightjar.com/">Nightjar</a>, Carnaby</strong> Street, Soho</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-3-768x1024.jpeg" alt="Nightjar Carnaby" class="wp-image-5367" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-3-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-3-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-3-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-3.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>Hidden away from the bustling West End, Nightjar is your gateway to a glittering world of speakeasy chic. Think 1920s jazz club vibes, art deco details, and a live band that transports you straight to the golden age. But it’s the cocktails that steal the show – each one a masterpiece. The menu, inspired by prohibition-era classics, is a boozy journey through time.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> The Boozy barrel-aged zombie packs a punch with four rums, absinthe, brandy, ginger beer, and flaming sponge cake theatrics. Perfect for pre-show drinks or a sophisticated night on the town, this spot will have you sipping in style with every swing of a sax.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-satan-s-whiskers-bethnal-green"><strong><a href="https://www.satanswhiskers.com/">Satan’s Whiskers,</a> Bethnal Green</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="503" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-15.54.43-1024x503.png" alt="Satan's WHisker's cocktail " class="wp-image-5371" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-15.54.43-1024x503.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-15.54.43-300x147.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-15.54.43-768x377.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-15.54.43.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Dive bar or cocktail heaven? Satan’s Whiskers somehow pulls off both. From the outside, it’s unassuming – blink and you’ll miss it. But step inside, and you’re greeted by quirky taxidermy, vintage posters, and a seriously cool vibe. No fancy pretension here, just top-tier cocktails done right. The bartenders know their stuff, whipping up drinks with flair and precision.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try: </strong>The Banana Airmail which blends green and ripe banana, rum, honey, lime, white grape, and champagne for a tropical twist. It’s bold, punchy, and totally unforgettable – much like the bar itself. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or date night, this Bethnal Green bar is a must-visit for no-nonsense cocktail lovers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-le-fumoir-claridge-s-mayfair"><a href="https://www.claridges.co.uk/restaurants-bars/the-fumoir/"><strong>Le Fumoir, </strong></a><strong>Claridge’s</strong>, Mayfair </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-5-1024x768.jpeg" alt="Le Fumoir at Clardiges " class="wp-image-5372" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-5-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-5-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-5-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-5.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>If luxury is what you’re after, look no further than Le Fumoir at Claridge’s. With only 36 seats, this ultra-exclusive bar oozes old-world charm with a modern twist. Dark wood panelling, plush velvet, and a sultry ambiance make it the perfect setting for an indulgent evening. It’s intimate, glamorous, and you might even spot a celeb! (We bumped into Kate Moss there!)&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> The menu is a celebration of the classics, but we recommend the mini Negroni, born in Florence 1919 and mixed to perfection – poured over ice with an orange twist. Sit back, sip in style, and soak in the vintage French glamour.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lyaness-sea-containers-hotel-southbank"><strong><a href="https://www.lyaness.com/">Lyaness,</a> Sea Containers Hotel</strong>, Southbank </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-6-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Lynaess Bar at Sea Containers " class="wp-image-5373" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-6-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-6-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-6-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-6.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Modern, chic, and a little bit daring, Lyaness brings futuristic cocktail vibes to the riverside. Perched inside the Sea Containers Hotel with stunning views of the Thames, this bar is all about experimental ingredients and cool-as-ice design. At Lyaness, cocktail genius Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr. Lyan) works his magic with seven quirky base ingredients, including the intriguing &#8220;infinite banana&#8221; and &#8220;aromatised milk wine.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> The Double Painkiller, a dreamy blend of &#8220;infinite banana&#8221; and toasted coconut, serving up a deliciously rich, smoky tiki vibe that’s perfect for adventurous cocktail lovers. Perfect for those who like their drinks adventurous, the setting sophisticated, and the crowd effortlessly cool. It’s cocktail-making, but not as you know it.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-connaught-bar-the-connaught-hotel-mayfair"><strong><a href="https://shop.the-connaught.co.uk/blogs/the-edit/the-connaught-bar-gin">The Connaught Bar,</a> The Connaught Hotel</strong>, Mayfair</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="760" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.20.38-1024x760.png" alt="The Connaught Bar " class="wp-image-5374" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.20.38-1024x760.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.20.38-300x223.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.20.38-768x570.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.20.38.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The hype says it’s the world’s best bar? The Connaught Bar is consistently ranked at the top. And it’s easy to see why. With its glamorous 1920s-inspired decor (mirrored walls, plush seating, oh yes!), this Mayfair haunt is a must for anyone serious about their cocktails.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> The real showstopper is the martini trolley. Yes, they wheel it right up to your table, mix it to your exact liking, and serve it with old-school panache. The Connaught Martini, with its customisable flavour and smooth, icy finish, is the stuff of legend. Grab a seat, order a drink, and soak up the luxe vibes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pheonix-bar-tattu-restaurant-soho"><strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tattulondon/?hl=en">Pheonix Bar,</a></strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tattulondon/?hl=en"><strong> </strong></a><strong>Tattu Restaurant, Soho</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="573" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.37.16-1024x573.png" alt="Pheonix Bar at Tattu " class="wp-image-5375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.37.16-1024x573.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.37.16-300x168.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.37.16-768x430.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-02-at-16.37.16.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Cocktails with a view? Tattu’s rooftop bar has it all – panoramic vistas, stunning décor, and drinks as Instagrammable as they are delicious. The interior is a blend of East and West, with cherry blossom trees, dark wood furnishings, and moody lighting. But let’s talk cocktails – Tattu’s drinks menu is an adventure in bold, Asian-inspired flavours.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> Skull Candy,their most iconic cocktail, is a total showstopper. Think vodka, bubblegum, and strawberry, served with a dramatic smoky flair – it&#8217;s sweet, bold, and oh-so-impossible to resist. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticated night out or just the perfect sunset spot, this rooftop bar will take your cocktail experience to new heights – quite literally.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dukes-bar-dukes-hotel-mayfair"><strong><a href="https://www.dukeshotel.com/dukes-bar.html">Dukes Bar,</a> Dukes Hotel</strong>, Mayfair</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-7-1024x576.jpeg" alt="Duke's Bar at the Dukes Hotel " class="wp-image-5376" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-7-1024x576.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-7-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-7-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-7.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away in the genteel surroundings of St. James’s, Dukes Bar is a true icon for cocktail lovers. Renowned for its martinis (shaken, not stirred, naturally), this intimate, old-school bar has a timeless charm and impeccable service. Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, famously frequented Dukes, and it’s easy to see why – the elegance, the discretion, the superbly crafted drinks.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> Their signature Dukes Martini is the stuff of legends, made tableside with your choice of gin or vodka, stirred over ice, and garnished with a zesty lemon twist. This is a martini experience like no other, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life – and a little bit of Bond-style glamour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bar-swift-soho"><strong><a href="https://www.barswift.com/soho">Bar Swift,</a> Soho</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-8-1024x681.jpeg" alt="Bar Swift, Soho " class="wp-image-5377" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-8-1024x681.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-8-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-8.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Swift offers the best of both worlds: a chic, airy bar upstairs for those easy, post-work drinks, and a sultry, mood-lit basement for a more intimate cocktail experience. This two-storey cocktail haven is a hit in the heart of Soho, known for its variety and attention to detail. Whether you&#8217;re grabbing a quick drink or settling in for the night, Swift&#8217;s menu has something for everyone.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> Their Irish Coffee, a smooth, perfectly balanced take on the classic – rich, creamy, and served at just the right temperature. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up, especially on a chilly London evening, and proof that sometimes the simplest drinks are the most satisfying.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-artesian-the-langham-hotel-west-end"><strong><a href="https://www.artesian-bar.co.uk/">Artesian,</a> The Langham Hotel</strong>, West End </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-10-1024x683.jpeg" alt="Artesian Bar at the Langham Hotel " class="wp-image-5378" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-10-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-10-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-10-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-10.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p><br>Artesian, tucked inside the ultra-glam Langham Hotel, is like the Beyoncé of cocktail bars – always topping the charts and serving <em>serious</em> style. Walking in feels like entering mixology heaven, where sophistication meets a cheeky twist. The menu is packed with playful concoctions that’ll have your taste buds doing the conga.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> Their signature Langham Martini. It’s a delicate balance of elegance and simplicity, with premium gin or vodka, perfectly chilled, and garnished with a twist of lemon or an olive. The bar&#8217;s plush, opulent setting and impeccable service make it the perfect spot for a special night out or a cheeky mid-week treat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-punch-room-london-edition-hotel-soho"><a href="https://www.editionhotels.com/rome/restaurants-and-bars/punch-room/"><strong>The Punch Room,</strong></a><strong> London Edition Hotel</strong>, Soho</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="513" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-12-1024x513.jpeg" alt="Punch room at the Edition Hotel " class="wp-image-5383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-12-1024x513.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-12-300x150.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-12-768x385.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/Unknown-12.jpeg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Step back in time to an Edwardian-inspired club in The Punch Room at the London Edition Hotel. Tucked away from the bustle, this intimate bar feels like a secret hideaway, perfect for those who appreciate old-world charm and expertly crafted drinks.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> As the name suggests, the star of the menu is punch, and their Edition Punch is the go-to. It’s a warming, aromatic blend of rum, brandy, and spices that feels like a comforting hug in a glass. Served in vintage punch bowls, it’s perfect for sharing with friends while soaking up the laid-back, cosy atmosphere. The Punch Room is all about good company, great drinks, and a relaxed vibe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-experimental-cocktail-club-chinatown"><a href="https://www.experimentalcocktailclub.com/london"><strong>Experimental Cocktail Club,</strong></a><strong> Chinatown</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/66eabcf4c0b9ec3cf8ef45a7_NEGRONI-3-1-768x1024.jpg" alt="Experiemtnal Cocktail club Chinatown" class="wp-image-5380" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/66eabcf4c0b9ec3cf8ef45a7_NEGRONI-3-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/66eabcf4c0b9ec3cf8ef45a7_NEGRONI-3-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/66eabcf4c0b9ec3cf8ef45a7_NEGRONI-3-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2024/10/66eabcf4c0b9ec3cf8ef45a7_NEGRONI-3-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p><br>A Chinatown secret, Experimental Cocktail Club is the ultimate speakeasy-style bar – low-key, intimate, and effortlessly cool. The bartenders here are true artists, whipping up signature cocktails and bespoke creations tailored to your tastes. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, with a twist of the unexpected.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>Try:</strong> The Pandan Express, a tropical concoction that blends pandan (a fragrant Southeast Asian plant) with rum, coconut, and lime for a drink that feels like a holiday in a glass. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just out for a fun night, ECC delivers on both atmosphere and flavour.</p>


Shaken & Stirred: 11 brilliant bars for London Cocktail Week

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