London, the capital of the UK, is filled with pubs, from bright sunny ones to glow-in-the-dark clubs. And a majority of them serve a wide array of drinks, namely cocktails. From classics like mimosa to sex on the beach, from Tom Ellis to dry martini, you can also find some cocktail bars having a fusion of these different drinks.
Once the sun sets, people can be seen scattering to these pubs, some so luxurious only a few can afford, while the rest crowd to their local bars. Here we have selected 10 of the best cocktail clubs for you to visit in London.
London Cocktail Clubs – Top 10 Lists
1. The American Bar at Sahoy
Founded in 1883, this bar is a celebrity favorite from the likes of Marilyn Monroe to Ernest Hemingway. Primarily a hotel bar, it serves American-style drinks to its guests and is one of the most well-known bars.
Immaculate and posh décor inside, the bar at one point used to be crowded with the sheer number of Americans coming in. Still considered one of the best places in London for a cocktail for someone with refined American taste.
2. Satan’s Whiskers
They have a daily changing menu, which means new drinks even if you live in the neighborhood. They have exceptional classic cocktails, and the place is always filled with hip-hop soundtracks.
But if you visit this club, we suggest making a prior reservation as early as possible. Satan’s Whiskers also offers complete consultancy services on drinks, interior design, and the house’s back. The new feature of this club is that you could also order the drinks later if you don’t feel like stepping outside one day. They provide full delivery service on food and beverages with quick response time.
3. Golden Gai
This is a Japanese restaurant fusion club and is relatively new in the cocktail world. But we can assure you that you would like this place’s exciting structure. The menu respects West Shinjuku, Tokyo, which is itself famous for its dive bars.
This place serves some fine cocktails and a new Ceremonial Refreshment for anyone feeling brave, a mix of a few drinks. The interior is heavy on Japanese textures, fig trees, and flowers and embodies Japanese culture uniquely.
4. Happiness Forgets and Ever After
Hidden inside a Hoxton basement, the Happiness Forgets and Ever After is a dive bar. Their specialty, the classic Negroni, is a favorite among the regulars. The club has also opened a diner upstairs serving small plates and ice-cold martinis.
The mixologist will whip you up a cocktail no matter how vague a description you provide. More polished than most other dive bars, it is a local favorite and has a long queue, even on weekdays.
5. Punch Room at London Edition
Famous for its craft cocktails, this recreation of 19th century London clubs. The menu has a variety of 30 specialty punches, including the favorite, gin-infused punch.
Filled with live performances every day, this club is for you to relax and enjoy the unique tasting cocktails.
6. Three sheets
A local favorite, the menu here changes every week. People come in now and then to try something different and unique. Their best drinks are the classic Cosmopolitan with a unique infusion of cranberry juice.
Not too big, it is infamous for being full most of the time. You will find this club very pleasing to the eyes, with rustic tables and chairs and a modern touch of the marble bar table. You could also play the mixologist here, as three bottles of drink are provided for you to mix and match.
7. Lyaness
Mr. Lyan, a well-known mixologist, is the founder of this cocktail club. Located on the set of South Bank, the club is filled with contrasting deep and light shades of blue. Overall, it has a very classy feel; you might confuse it with that of a well-decorated Café.
The menu consists of seven “protagonists”, including Golden Levain, a syrup, Vegan honey, and more like these. Although the club does not boast well high rating on its cocktails, the scenery from the club is one that you should not miss.
8. The Connaught Bar
This bar boasts candlelit tables, sparkling glasses, and new cocktails in Mayfair on every visit. The bar is designed by David Collins and is a fusion of English and Irish Cubist art from the 1920s, with a modern touch.
They also have a light menu of bar snacks and evening canapes to choose from.
9. Swift
Divided into an upstairs and downstairs, each has a different vibe of its own. The recommendation here would be to try the Augusta Spritz, a favorite of its patrons.
The basement is the love child of mixologists Bobby Hiddleston and Mia Johnson, a husband-wife duo. It has a kitschy menu and a natural flair for the dramatics.
10. Smokey Kudu
The Smoky Kudu is a high-end cocktail club with signature Spicy cocktails, not for the faint-hearted. The Wild Mary is one of the best sellers of this place. Even though it might make a hole in your pocket, you will not regret visiting this bar.
Full of posh interiors, this is as classy as one can be.
These are just the top 10, while many more clubs are there for you to choose from. You might like the party club, with neon lights flashing and dancers on the table, or you might prefer the rustic, homely and comfortable club with dim lights and soft music. There are even more varieties to consider, like the bright club, with graffiti or the one with a live band. Whatever your preference, you will never run out of clubs to visit in London, even if what you prefer is all-night happy hours.
Although pub hopping is fun, we suggest you drink responsibly. Pubs are one of the most enjoyable places to be with friends or family, from trying different cocktails to some light snacks. And if your choice is to have fun, we promise there is no place like London.
