The 20 Best Bars & Nightlife in London

An iconic 18th-century Kensington pub famous for its flower-covered exterior and eclectic interior of plants, wartime memorabilia, and antiques. The kitchen serves authentic Thai food (Jungle Curry, pad thai dishes) alongside traditional British pub drinks—Guinness, Pol Roger champagne by the glass. One caveat: food ordering is split between the bar (drinks) and a separate Thai restaurant in the rear, which can feel a bit disjointed.

A legendary London beer pub in Covent Garden and CAMRA National Pub of the Year winner, known for its expertly-kept cask ales and characterful narrow interior that's barely changed in decades. Get a pint of their rotating cask selection and grab a spot upstairs or outside if the weather's good. Service can be brusque during busy lunch hours despite being efficient, so manage expectations if you hit peak times.

A historic pub in a stunning Victorian building near St. Paul's Cathedral that serves excellent traditional British food like fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and bangers and mash alongside a strong cocktail and beer selection. The interior is architecturally extraordinary with ornate carvings, mosaics, and vaulted ceilings that make it worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. Note that it gets very busy, especially in the evenings, so expect crowds and potentially long waits.

A hidden 17th-century pub tucked in an alley off Hatton Garden that feels genuinely untouched by time—order a pint of well-kept ale (Duffield Amber mentioned at £6.75) and soak in the intimate, historic atmosphere. The food is excellent too. The main caveat: it's genuinely hard to find, so expect to search for the entrance in the alley.

A warren of dark, sawdust-era rooms off Fleet Street, rebuilt just after the 1666 Great Fire and drunk in by Dickens, Twain and (probably) Dr Johnson. It's the real thing — gloomy, creaky, cheap beer from Samuel Smith's. Caveat: no music, no phones at the bar in practice, and the food is basic. Go for the building.

A historic Sam Smith's pub in a 1920s-rebuilt building with genuine medieval character, featuring wooden booths, vaulted ceilings, and a distinctive triangular fireplace. Order a pint of their house bitter or organic ale, and try the Korean chicken bites or three small plates deal. Note that as a Sam Smith's pub, the drinks selection is limited to their own brewery, though reviewers say you can find something to suit most tastes.

A historic Thames-side pub dating back centuries, famous for its riverside location, creaky character, and stories of past patrons. Order at the bar for good burgers, steaks, and soups (vegan options available but limited). Book ahead if you want a window table with river views, as it gets very busy and vegan cheese sometimes runs out.

A 17th-century Thames-side pub with one of the smallest bar rooms in the Guinness World Records and a terrace that directly overlooks the river — one of London's most romantic outdoor drinking spots. Fuller's ales are served in excellent condition and the history is genuine: Charles II and Nell Gwyn reputedly drank here. The terrace fills fast on sunny days so arrive early or accept standing room.

A snug riverside pub on the spot where the Mayflower ship moored before sailing to America in 1620. Real fires, candlelit corners, and a wooden jetty hanging over the Thames. Friends send you here for atmosphere, not the food — it's decent pub grub at London prices. It's a trek unless you're on the Overground.

A small, dimly lit cocktail bar on Bethnal Green Road where skilled bartenders craft innovative, theatrical drinks at reasonable prices. The staff are genuinely friendly and attentive, making it feel like a welcoming neighbourhood spot rather than a pretentious venue. All cocktails are priced the same, encouraging experimentation—just note it gets busy, so expect to queue or sit at the bar during peak times.

A character-filled alternative bar in Kentish Town known for live music, strong drinks, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The staff are efficient and unfussy, the vibe is dark and inclusive, and it's a reliable spot for metal and rock fans—though it gets packed and loud, so it's not for everyone.

A Camden rock and metal bar with a devoted alternative crowd, strong beer selection, and an upstairs live music venue hosting bands throughout the day. Get a cold beer, try the chips, and catch a gig—but note that upstairs gets extremely hot and crowded during busy events, with limited water service.

A historic pub dating back to 1602 in Holborn with genuine old-world charm, a resident cat named General (the pub's namesake beer), and an inventive food menu that punches above its size. Try the Palestinian chicken or the exceptional bruschetta. Note: it's very small, so expect tight quarters and potentially long waits during peak times.

A hidden speakeasy-style basement bar on Wentworth Street with strong, expertly-made cocktails and a cozy, intimate atmosphere lit by candles and exposed brick. The drinks are creative and reasonably priced, and the bartenders are attentive and knowledgeable. Make a reservation if you're planning to go in the evening, as it's a small space and can fill up quickly.

Ryan Chetiyawardana's (Mr Lyan) flagship bar inside Sea Containers hotel, consistently ranked among the world's best bars. The menu is built around house-made ingredients and unusual flavour systems rather than classic templates, making every visit feel genuinely inventive. The river views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are spectacular. It's a hotel bar so walk-ins are usually possible, but the crowd can be corporate on weekday evenings.

A basement speakeasy on City Road with no sign on the door, live jazz most nights, and a cocktail menu structured by era — Prohibition, Post-War, and beyond. The drinks are elaborate, theatrical, and genuinely delicious; the smoked or garnished presentations are Instagram-worthy without feeling gimmicky. Reservations are essential and there's a minimum spend, but the experience justifies both.

Spiritual Bar is an intimate, dimly lit underground venue in Chalk Farm known for live music and cocktails. The space spans two floors with exposed brick and bohemian charm, staffed by friendly bartenders like Jacob who craft cocktails at fair prices. The main caveat: it's a small, cozy venue, so expect an intimate rather than spacious experience.

A tiny Tokyo-style cocktail bar in Shoreditch serving impeccably crafted, creative cocktails alongside Japanese snacks in an intimate, jazz-filled space with Lost in Translation vibes. Order the Brooklyn Tokyo or matcha old fashioned, and expect exceptional service from a welcoming team—but note there's only bar seating with limited capacity, so arrive early or book ahead.

A tiny, authentically grungy dive bar in Lower Clapton that punches above its weight with live music, strong cocktails, and a genuinely friendly crowd. The stiff drinks and house-brewed lager are worth ordering, and the sound system is surprisingly excellent for such a small space. Fair warning: it gets extremely hot and packed when there's a good band on, so come prepared to be shoulder-to-shoulder with other music lovers.

A speakeasy-themed bar set in a former 1940s underground station in Carnaby, with immersive vintage décor, creative cocktails, and live music. Order the spiced tortilla chips, squid, or mushroom on toast alongside inventively presented drinks. Service can be slow even when quiet, and drinks are on the pricier side for their quantity.