The 13 Best Cocktail Bars in London to Try in 2023

Looking for the best cocktail bars London has to offer? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured every cocktail menu out there, and rounded up the best cocktail bars in town—all of which are available for last-minute reservations on Ambl. 

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So, whether you’re looking to throw it back with some classic cocktails, spice up your life with a modern twist, or just looking for a healthy supply of bar snacks to keep you ticking over until dinner, we’ve got it all. 

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As someone famous once said: 

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“Laugh, live, and drink cocktails”—or something like that. 

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Let’s explore the London cocktail scene, one sip at a time.

💡 Ready to make last-minute bookings across restaurants, bars, and pubs in London?

1. Thirteen LDN

Located just off Charing Cross Road in Soho, Thirteen LDN is an intimate bar and all-day hangout. It’s cocktail menu is the perfect blend of bold and playful, and perfectly complements their Japanese-inspired small plates. Plus, if you want a little more spice, you can always head to dial8, their speakeasy style cocktail bar perfect for private events and with a separate entrance on Flitcroft Street.

Opening hours 

Monday to Wednesday: 16:00 - 23:30 

Thursday: 12:00 - 23:30 

Friday to Saurday: 12:00 - 00:00 

Sunday: Closed ‍

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Monday to Wednesday: 16:00 - 23:15 
Thursday: 12:00 - 18:45
Friday to Saurday: 12:00 - 17:45
Sunday: Closed 

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Facilities

• Air-con
• Birthday catering 
• Wheelchair access
• Gender-neutral toilet 
• Outdoor terrace
• Private rooms 
• WiFi

Menu 

Check out their food & drinks menu here 

Address

📍1-3 Denmark St, London WC2H 8LP, United Kingdom

Looking for a bite to eat first?
‍Finding last-minute reservations at London’s top restaurants and bars is easy with Ambl. Here’s a nearby spot we recommend:
Cavo Restaurant:
‍Mediterranean dining, scenic views, and Karaoke!
Available on Ambl for last-minute bookings ‘til 23:45
A 2-minute walk from Thirteen LDN

  2. TATTU Phoenix bar

Drinks and dim sum, what more could you possibly need from a cocktail bar? This place is a serious vibe. Located in Soho, TATTU Phoenix bar offers a powerful combination of the finest Chinese spirits with innovative twists that will leave you whispering to the bartender: “take my money.” 

Opening hours 

Monday to Sunday: 12:00 - 1:00

💡Available for last minute bookings on Ambl
Monday to Sunday: 12:00 - 22:15

Facilities

• Air con
• Disabled access
• Wheelchair accessible toilet
• Outdoor terrace
• Rooftop terrace
• Scenic views
• Wedding catering
• WiFi

Menu 

Here’s the cocktail menu for you! 

Address 

📍The Now Building Rooftop, Denmark Street, WC2H 0LA

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3. The Bloomsbury Club

The Bloomsbury club cocktail bar is a hotel bar that holds on to all of that creativity and innovation that the area is so famous for. You’ll find the swanky cocktail bar just a short walk from The Britsh Museum, and with a cocktail list inspired by a deck of Tarot cards from 1910. Be prepared for some theatrical cocktails mixed with some live music to set the mood just right. 

 Opening hours 

Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday to Saturday: 17:00 - 1:00

Sunday: Closed

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday to Saturday: 19:00 - 12:30
Sunday: Closed‍

Facilities

• Outdoor terrace
• Wheelchair accessible
• WiFi

Menu 

Take a look at The Bloomsbury Club’s cocktail menu. 

Address 

📍 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN

4. Park Row Bar

Perfect for an after work drink all the way through to a special occasion. Park Row Bar has seen raving reviews from The Evening Standard, Time Out, and the Metro, making it tough to walk in and just grab a seat. No worries, that’s what we’re here for. The cocktail menu cool, cleverly done, and offers a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those looking. 

Opening hours 

Tuesday to Thursday: 17:00 - 00:00

Friday: 17:00 - 1:00

Saturday: 12:00 - 1:00

Sunday to Monday: Closed

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💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Tuesday to Friday: 17:00 - 23:45
Saturday: 12:00 - 00:45
Sunday to Monday: Closed

Facilities

• Air-con
• Wheelchair accessible 
• Wheelchair accessible toilet 
• Private rooms
• WiFi 

Menu 

Take a peek at their cocktail menu right here. 

Address

📍77 Brewer St, London W1F 9ZN, United Kingdom

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Looking for a Rooftop bar? Check our best selection for rooftop bars in London

 5. The Little Fable Bar

A quirky little bar and restaurant inspired by fairytales and all things mythical and magical. The bar offers a one sip martini menu is you’re that way inclined, as well as some classics we all know and love. They also offer a selection of small plates, pizzas and dessert pizzas—which are just as good as they sound! 

Opening hours 

Saturday to Monday: Closed 

Tuesday to Friday: 15:00 - 23:00

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Tuesday: 15:00 - 19:45
Friday: 15:00 - 19:45

Facilities

• Air-con
• WiFi

Menu 

Take a look at their drinks menu right here. 

Address

📍3 Fleet Pl, London EC4M 7RD, United Kingdom

6.  The Happenstance

With dreamy views of St. Pauls Cathedral, an interior lounge for those rainier days, and a cocktail menu boasting modern twists on some old-school classics, this centrally located bar is a must-try. The Happenstance has a great range of Spritzes and Martinis crying to be tried sitting out on that glorious terrace. And, just incase anyone in your part isn’t cocktail fan—why are you friends?—they’ve got a good range of crafts beers to choose from too. 

 Opening hours 

Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 23:00 

Saturday: 10:00 - 23:00

Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Monday to Tuesday: 16:00 - 19:45
Wednesday to Thursday: Closed
Friday to Saturday: 16:00 - 19:45
Sunday: 16:00 - 16:45

Facilities

• Air-con 
• Birthday & wedding catering 
• Disabled access
• Dog-friendly 
• Hen 
• Outdoor terrace
• Private rooms 
• Wheelchair accessible toilet 
• WiFi
• Winter garden

Menu 

Pick your poison with The Happenstance drinks menu

Address

📍10 Paternoster Sq., London EC4M 7DX, United Kingdom

7. The Anthologist

A stone’s throw from Bank station and a sister bar to The Happenstance, you’ll find the seemingly endless Anthologist. This cocktail bar is perfect for a stiff drink after a long week, boozy brunches, or even partying til’ late in some of their dimly lit and more intimate areas that are also available for private hire. The Anthologist is the perfect neighbourhood bar and restaurant if you’re looking for a laid back environment, some good grub, and Spritzes galore. 

Opening hours 

Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 - 23:00

Thursday to Friday: 8:00 - 00:00

Saturday to Sunday: Closed

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Monday to Tuesday: 16:00 - 19:45 ednesday to Thursday: Closed
Friday: 16:00 - 19:45
Saturday to Sunday: Closed‍

Facilities

• Air-con 
• Birthday & wedding catering 
• Hne
• Dog-friendly 
• Wheelchair accessible toilet 
• Outdoor terrace 
• Private rooms 

Menu 

Get prepared with The Anthologist’s drinks menu

Address

📍58 Gresham St, London EC2V 7BB, United Kingdom

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Near Shoreditch? Check our best selection for Best Bars in Shoreditch

8. Bar Kroketa

In some parts of Spain: tapear is a verb—to eat tapas! This Spanish-inspired bar takes that a level further: “to croquetear” -> the art of eating croquetas, a popular small bite in Spain. Well, we made that up, but that’s how loco this bar is for the food! Roll these delightful bites into a cocktail menu to match and you’re on to a winner! Vermouth, spiced rum, and tinto de verano fused cocktails will transport you directly to Spain—minus the flight ticket! 

Opening hours 

Sunday to Wednesday: 12:00 - 23:00

Thursday: 12:00 - 23:30 

Friday to Saturday: 12:00 - 00:00

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Sunday to Wednesday: 12:00 - 22:45
Thursday: 12:00 - 23:15
Friday to Saturday: 12:00 - 23:45

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Facilities

• Spanish-spoken 
• Wheelchair accessible 
• WiFi

Menu

Bienvenidos! Take a look at their drinks menu aqui! 

Address

📍21 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9RR, United Kingdom

9. Juno Rooms Bar

Fun, vibrant, and all-around quirky, The Juno Rooms Bar is the perfect place to let your hair down after the office grind. The interior is a playful mix of jungle vibes meets neon—and yes, it works! They host a healthy range of gins, wines, and some favourite spirits. Oh, and their whisky shelf is always fully-stocked. If you’re looking for top-notch food, cocktails around the clock, late night DJs and a bottomless brunch—then get yourself here, stat! 

Opening hours 

Monday to Tuesday: 12:00 - 23:00

Wednesday: 12:00 - 00:00

Thursday to Friday: 12:00 - 1:00

Saturday: 12:00 -  22:00

Sunday: Closed

💡 Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Monday to Tuesday: 12:00 - 22:45
Wednesday: 12:00 - 23:45
Thursday to Friday: 12:00 - 00:45
Saturday: 12:00 -  21:45
Sunday: Closed

Facilities

• Air con
• Baby changing
• Bar
• Event catering
• Childr friendly
• Dance-floor
• WiFi

Menu 

Small plates and cocktails on offer at Juno Rooms bar. 

Address

📍67-69 Watling St, London EC4M 9DT

10. AMANO Rooftop Bar

We know, we know, people hear rooftop bar and they blow their (roof)tops, well, go right ahead because AMANO is totally worth it. With in-house DJs spinning live music, some rather theatrical cocktails and seasonal drinks, and a dimly lit indoor bar if the weather is pushing you off the terrace, the AMANO Rooftop Bar has got you covered. Their cocktail menu is small, sweet, savoury, and all-the-more sexy. 

Opening hours 

Monday: 16:00 - 23:00 

Tuesday to Thursday: 16:00 - 00:00

Friday to Saturday: 13:00 - 00:00

Sunday: 13:00 - 23:00 

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💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl 
Monday: 16:00 - 22:45
Tuesday to Thursday: 16:00 - 23:45
Friday to Saturday: 13:00 - 23:45
Sunday: 13:00 - 22:45

Facilities

• Air-con
• Birthday catering 
• Gender-neutral toilets 
• Hen & Stag
• Scenic views
• Wheelchair accessible toilet 
• WiFi

Menu

Take a look at their luxury cocktail menu right here.  

Address

📍Drury House, 34-43 Russell St, London WC2B 5HA, United Kingdom

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Looking for bar in Shoreditch? Check our best bars in Shoreditch

11. The K Bar

Think wing-backed chairs, deep oak decor, and regal chandeliers and you’ve got The K Bar in mind. The film-worthy decor alongside the elegantly dressed team makes The Kensington hotel bar is the perfect blend for bleisure: business and leisure. Need to impress a client? Looking to take your team for a quick drink? Maybe you want to impress a date? The K Bar is the perfect shout for all of the above. With drinks inspired of a bygone era, some of the best cocktails in the area, and not being a stranger to a champagne bottle or two: this bar will have your heart until closing. 

Opening hours 

Sunday to Tuesday: 15:00 - 23:00

Wednesday to Saturday: 15:00 - 00:00 

💡 Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Sunday to Tuesday: 15:00 - 22:45
Wednesday to Saturday: 15:00 - 23:45

Facilities

• Bar
• Disabled access
• Wheelchair accessible toilet 
• WiFi 

Menu 

Take a look at their wines and cocktails list here. 

Address

📍THE Kensington, 109-113 Queen's Gate South Kensington London, SW7 5LP

Looking for a bite to eat first?
Check out…
Steak and Company, Gloucester Road
-The meatier the merrier! Melt in the mouth steaks for all
-Available for last-minute booking on Ambl ‘til 22:45
-Just a five-minute walk from K Bar

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Looking for a bar in Soho? Check our best selection for Best Soho Bars

12. Piano Works Bar & Club

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No Elton John here we’re afraid, but that’s not to say that this bar isn’t packed with music. The Piano Works Bar is London’s only live music spot where you choose the songs all night long. So, start your night with some cocktails, right your request on a slip of paper and hand it to the staff, and dance to your own tunes all night long. Past. A tip with your slip will bump you up the queue! They’ve got a healthy range of classic cocktails, Spritzes, Champagnes, and a few modern twists we’ll leave as a surprise! 

Opening hours 

Sunday to Monday: Closed

Tuesday to Wednesday: 17:00 - 1:00

Thursday to Friday: 17:00 - 2:00 

Saturday: 11:30 - 4:00

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Sunday to Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Wednesday: 17:00 - 00:45
Thursday to Friday: 17:00 - 1:45
Saturday: 11:30 - 3:45

Facilities

• Air-con 
• Wheelchair accessible toilet 
• WiFi 
• Live music

Menu 

Get ahead of the crowd and take a look at their drinks menu on the way there!

Address

📍113, Corner of, 117 Farringdon Rd, Ray St, London EC1R 3BX

13. Alma Bar

Tucked smartly underneath one of the world’s best restaurants of 2023, you’ll find the luxurious yet unassuming Alma Bar. If you’re big on your cocktails you may recognise the name: Tony Pescatori—former manager at Night Jar—he’s working closely with a team of talented bartenders to bring you one of London’s best cocktail bars. These cocktails go beyond a drink and a good time, they are bartender artistry at its finest: drama, flair, knowledge rolled into some of the most spectacular sips you’ll have all year.

Opening hours 

Sunday to Monday: Closed 

Tuesday to Saturday: 18:00 - 01:00

💡Available for last-minute bookings on Ambl
Sunday to Monday: Closed 
Tuesday to Saturday: 18:00 - 23:45

Facilities

• Air-con 
• Wheelchair accessible toilet
• WiFi

Menu 

Take a look at one of the most exciting cocktails menus you’ll lay eyes on this year. 

Address

📍47B Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JP

Find and make last-minute plans with Ambl

Well, there you have it! London's best cocktail bars wrapped up into one article that took us forever to research thoroughly. We took the hit of the long nights scoping out creative cocktails, and early brunches for the Sunday fundays, so you can go and have a fantastic time with a little something to sip in hand. 

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Whether you’re after a secret cocktail bar with inventive cocktails, an american bar with craft beers on tap, or a classic bar with a cocktail connoisseur to guide you through the night (psst. Hotel bars are great for that) then you’ll find your perfect match on this list. 

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What are you waiting for? Go get that drinks menu, pick your poison, and you can thank us in the morning!  

Cocktail bars in London FAQs