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London’s cocktail scene brings together inventive neighbourhood favourites, elegant hotel lounges and lively bars in Soho.
The best London cocktail clubs offer carefully prepared drinks, distinctive surroundings and service that helps guests discover flavours they enjoy.
These ten venues were selected for their cocktail identity, atmosphere and hospitality. Each practical details table covers visiting information, while the descriptions explain its appeal.
Details checked on 30 September 2026. Prices are selected examples before discretionary service unless stated. Confirm current menus and hours before visiting; unverified prices are marked accordingly.
Top 10 London Cocktail Clubs at a Glance
| No. | Cocktail club | Standout experience |
| 1 | The American Bar at The Savoy | Cocktail heritage, signature drinks and live music |
| 2 | Connaught Bar | Personalised martini trolley service |
| 3 | Satan’s Whiskers | Changing classics and hip-hop |
| 4 | Waltz | Japanese micro-season inspiration |
| 5 | Amaro Bar | Modern classics and attentive hospitality |
| 6 | Bar Termini | Italian aperitifs and house Negronis |
| 7 | Lyaness | Ingredient-led cocktails and Thames views |
| 8 | Three Sheets | Balanced seasonal drinks |
| 9 | Swift Soho | Contrasting floors, whisky and jazz |
| 10 | Scarfes Bar | Art, cocktails and live music |
1. The American Bar at The Savoy
| Detail | Information |
| Address | The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ |
| Hours | Mon–Sat, noon–midnight; Sun, noon–10pm |
| Prices | New Heights £24; Tea O’Clock £28; Painter’s Palette £30; selected alcohol-free cocktails £18 |
| Service | 15% discretionary charge |
| Booking | Online reservations available; check current availability |
| Dress policy | Elegant attire requested; sports jerseys and offensive clothing prohibited |
Opened in 1893, The American Bar at The Savoy combines cocktail heritage with inventive contemporary drinks. Its history includes legendary bartenders Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman and Harry Craddock, author of TheSavoy Cocktail Book.
The Liquid Moments cocktail menu draws inspiration from the hotel’s stories. Tea O’Clock interprets afternoon-tea flavours, while Painter’s Palette pays tribute to Claude Monet. Classic cocktails, vintage creations and live music complete the experience.
Ada Coleman’s Hanky Panky remains an essential part of the bar’s legacy, combining gin, sweet vermouth and Fernet-Branca for a bittersweet finish.
The contemporary menu continues that tradition of drinks with a story behind them.Operational changes also extend beyond the glass: the team works with ecoSPIRITS to reduce packaging waste associated with spirits distribution,bringing a practical sustainability initiative into this historic setting.
Its place on the list reflects the combination of historic significance, imaginative drinks and elegant hotel surroundings. It particularly suits celebrations and guests interested in the traditions behind London’s cocktail culture.
2. Connaught Bar
| Detail | Information |
| Address | The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL |
| Hours | Mon–Sat, 4pm–1am |
| Prices | Connaught Martini £30; Ad Maiora cocktails £25 |
| Service | 15% discretionary charge |
| Booking | No reservations; seating subject to availability |
Connaught Bar stands out through its signature Martini Trolley, allowing guests to personalise their drink with aromatic bitters.
Its cocktail menu also includes seasonal creations, vintage cocktails and canapés, while house-distilled gin adds another expression of the team’s craft.
Since opening in 2008, the bar has developed a cocktail identity that extends beyond its famous Martini.
In 2024, The Connaught Bar: Recipes and Iconic Creations brought 100 signature recipes together in a published collection.
Current food highlights include Parmesan gougères with basil pesto and pine nuts, and prawn croquettes with green curry and lemongrass sauce, giving guests more substantial accompaniments to the drinks.
David Collins Studio’s silver-toned interiors reference 1920s English and Irish Cubist art. Within Mayfair’s bar scene, this venue suits guests who value elegant surroundings and the ceremony of attentive cocktail service.
3. Satan’s Whiskers
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 343 Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9RA |
| Hours | Daily from 5pm until late; later Fri–Sat |
| Prices | Daily-changing menu; confirm current prices directly |
| Booking | Telephone only: 020 7739 8362; walk-ins accepted |
Opened in late 2013, Satan’s Whiskers combines classic cocktails with a daily-changing selection and a hip-hop soundtrack. The focus stays on well-prepared drinks, carefully selected spirits and ingredients.
Its neighbourhood character makes it appealing for conversation and repeat visits. Familiar cocktail styles provide an accessible starting point, while the changing menu gives regulars fresh combinations to explore.
A published example of its approach is Satan’s Manhattan, which combines bourbon, a sweet-vermouth blend and Angostura bitters, using partly frozen ingredients to influence texture.
The daily menu means particular drinks should be treated as examples rather than guaranteed fixtures.
4. Waltz
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Ground floor, 28 Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4RP |
| Hours | Mon–Thu, 5pm–midnight; Fri–Sat, 5pm–1am; Sun closed |
| Prices | Current prices not verified; enquire directly |
| Booking | Counter walk-ins; reservable table for 4–8; deposit required |
| Reservation conditions | Tables held for 15 minutes; deposit forfeited for no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours |
| Access | About 6 minutes from Shoreditch High Street; 9 from Old Street |
Counter seating provides access to the full conceptual menu, while table reservations have separate conditions.
Among Shoreditch’s cocktail bars, Waltz offers a distinctive Japanese seasonal perspective. Gento Torigata’s approach draws on 72 micro-seasons, with changing drinks alongside an evergreen selection.
Fermentation, carbonation and clarification help develop layered flavours. The intimate counter makes Waltz particularly appealing to guests interested in the craft and seasonal thinking behind each drink.
Opened in 2025, Waltz takes its name from Bill Evans’s jazz album Waltz for Debby, connecting its musical identity with a measured approach to hospitality.
5. Amaro Bar
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 15 Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP |
| Hours | Mon, 6pm–11.30pm; Tue–Sat, 6pm–12.30am; Sun, 5pm–midnight |
| Prices | Current cocktail prices not verified; confirm directly |
| Booking | Limited reservations; tables retained for walk-ins |
| Policies | Card-only; 18+; no fancy dress or football shirts; supervised pets welcome |
Amaro Bar brings modern interpretations of classics together with hospitality from a team experienced in luxury hotels. Its intimate setting and small plates suit an evening centred on drinks and conversation.
Its strength is making familiar cocktail styles feel considered and fresh. Cocktail masterclasses add another dimension, offering interested guests an opportunity to learn preparation techniques through direct enquiries.
A vintage-cocktail selection adds another layer, giving enthusiasts an opportunity to explore drinks made with older spirits alongside contemporary interpretations.
6. Bar Termini
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 7 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JE |
| Hours | Mon–Thu, 10am–11.30pm; Fri–Sat, 10am–1am; Sun, 11am–10.30pm |
| Prices | House Negronis £9.50; other listed cocktails £15.50 |
| Service | 14.5% discretionary charge |
| Booking | Up to 5 guests, one hour; bookings from 4pm Mon–Thu, 3pm Fri–Sun |
Bar Termini creates an Italian aperitivo experience through coffee, Negronis and carefully chosen small plates. Its drinks menu features Classico, Superiore, Rosato and Robusto Negronis, alongside Spritz Termini, Marsala Martini and Death in Venice.
Opened in 2014 by bartender Tony Conigliaro and coffee specialist Marco Arrigo, the bar draws inspiration from Italian railway-station cafés, with its name referencing Rome’s Termini station.
Its focused identity makes it especially appealing to aperitif enthusiasts.
7. Lyaness
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD |
| Hours | Mon–Thu, 5pm–midnight; Fri, 4pm–1am; Sat, 1pm–1am; Sun, 1pm–midnight |
| Prices | Pink Belly Gimlet £17; Cherry Cannon Punch £19; boozeless versions £11 |
| Service | 13.5% discretionary charge |
| Booking | Recommended; walk-ins subject to availability; online groups up to 15 |
| Age policy | 18+ from 5pm; accompanied in-house guests aged 16+ excepted; no alcohol for under-18s |
Created by Ryan Chetiyawardana, known as Mr Lyan, Lyaness builds cocktails around ingredients and unexpected flavour combinations.
The Collaboration 2.0 menu includes the carrot-salami Pink Belly Gimlet and whisky-based Cherry Cannon Punch with pine and sakura tea.
Food highlights include four-cheese croquettes with jalapeño mayonnaise and seabass ceviche tacos with red-onion salsa and coriander. The venue’s development also includes becoming the first bar awarded three PINs by The Pinnacle Guide.
Sunday Lyan Sessions extend its experimental approach through guest collaborators and one-night-only menus, offering returning visitors something beyond the main collection and a chance to encounter ideas still being developed.
8. Three Sheets
| Detail | Information |
| Addresses | Dalston: 510b Kingsland Road, London E8 4AE; Soho: 13 Manette Street, London W1D 4AP |
| Dalston hours | Tue–Sun, 5pm–1am |
| Soho hours | Mon–Thu, 3pm–11.30pm; Fri, 3pm–midnight; Sat, 1pm–midnight; Sun, 3pm–10.30pm |
| Prices | French 75: Dalston £15.50; Soho rosé version £17; alcohol-free cocktails £13 |
| Service and booking | 12.5% discretionary charge; both branches offer online reservations |
Brothers Max and Noel Venning opened Three Sheets in Dalston in 2016. Balanced seasonal drinks and relaxed service remain central to its identity.
Dalston’s One Sheet, Two Sheets and Three Sheets sections organise drinks by flavour intensity, helping guests navigate its seasonal cocktail menus. They do not guarantee a particular alcohol content.
The opening of Soho in 2024 broadened the original concept into an evening that can include a fuller meal. Crab toast combines Brixham crab, sourdough and curry sauce, while the burger features minced chuck steak and Ogleshield cheese.
The French 75 expresses the bar’s drink-making approach through carbonation, cloud tea and verjus; Soho’s rosé version offers a variation on the Dalston serve rather than simply duplicating it.
9. Swift Soho
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 12 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4TQ |
| Hours | Mon–Sat, 3pm–midnight; Sun, 3pm–11pm |
| Prices | Selected happy-hour cocktails from £7, Mon–Thu before 6pm |
| Booking | Upstairs mainly walk-ins; downstairs reservations; maximum 6 per standard booking |
| Policies and music | 21+; no sports clothing or stag/hen parties; reservation changes: soho@barswift.com; Tue/Sun jazz |
Swift Soho offers two complementary atmospheres. Upstairs suits lively aperitifs and people-watching, while downstairs provides a more intimate setting with complex cocktails and over 300 whiskies.
Its upstairs and downstairs menus help guests choose the experience they prefer.
Since opening in 2016, Swift has become particularly associated with its Irish Coffee, balancing coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar and cream. The wider group has expanded to Shoreditch and Borough, extending its approachable style across London.
A collaboration with 40ft Brewery translates that signature drink into an Irish Coffee stout, using whole coffee beans steeped for 72 hours in a rich malt base.
10. Scarfes Bar
| Detail | Information |
| Address | Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN |
| Hours | Daily from 4pm until late |
| Prices | High Society £22; Hot-Air Balloon £24 |
| Service | 15% discretionary charge; two High Society cocktails total £50.60 including service |
| Booking and music | Limited advance tables for up to 5; walk-ins welcomed; larger groups enquire; music six nights weekly |
Scarfes Bar pairs Gerald Scarfe’s artwork with velvet armchairs, a fireplace and more than 1,000 antique books. Live entertainment strengthens its drawing-room atmosphere.
The Heroes & Villains menu explores restrained and more exuberant flavours. High Society combines gin, tonka vermouth and manzanilla; Hot-Air Balloon brings together whisky, palo santo, Earl Grey sherry and peated almond.
Recognition includes the Best International Hotel Bar title at the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards.
Its newer Heroes & Villains concept demonstrates continued menu development: polished, restrained drinks are contrasted with nostalgic, deliberately exuberant flavours.
Rather than relying solely on one permanent signature, Scarfes uses changing collections to connect cocktail technique with the wit and satire of Gerald Scarfe’s art, giving repeat visits a different creative focus.
How Do London’s Top Cocktail Bars Compare on Price and Experience?
The prices below refer to selected drinks or offers listed in the content. They provide a starting point for comparison; menus and charges can change.
| Cocktail bar | Area | Selected cocktail prices | Discretionary service charge | Main appeal |
| The American Bar at The Savoy | Strand | New Heights £24; Tea O’Clock £28; Painter’s Palette £30; selected alcohol-free cocktails £18 | 15% | Historic cocktail traditions, imaginative signature drinks and live music |
| Connaught Bar | Mayfair | Connaught Martini £30; Ad Maiora cocktails £25 | 15% | Personalised martinis, elegant interiors and attentive service |
| Satan’s Whiskers | Bethnal Green | Prices vary with the daily menu; confirm directly | Not verified | Classic cocktails, neighbourhood atmosphere and a hip-hop soundtrack |
| Waltz | Shoreditch | Current cocktail prices not verified; enquire directly | Not verified | Japanese seasonality, intimate counter seating and experimental techniques |
| Amaro Bar | Kensington | Current cocktail prices not verified; confirm directly | Not verified | Modern classics, vintage cocktails and Italian small plates |
| Bar Termini | Soho | House Negronis £9.50; other listed cocktails £15.50 | 14.5% | Italian aperitifs, specialist coffee and a focused Negroni selection |
| Lyaness | South Bank | Pink Belly Gimlet £17; Cherry Cannon Punch £19; boozeless versions £11 | 13.5% | Unusual ingredients, creative menus and Thames views |
| Three Sheets | Dalston and Soho | Dalston French 75 £15.50; Soho rosé version £17; alcohol-free cocktails £13 | 12.5% | Balanced cocktails, relaxed service and a fuller food offering in Soho |
| Swift Soho | Soho | Selected happy-hour cocktails from £7, Monday–Thursday before 6pm; regular prices vary | Not verified | Contrasting upstairs and downstairs settings, Irish Coffee and extensive whisky choices |
| Scarfes Bar | Holborn | High Society £22; Hot-Air Balloon £24 | 15% | Gerald Scarfe’s artwork, live entertainment and inventive cocktail collections |
Bar Termini offers the lowest listed regular alcoholic cocktail price in this comparison, while Swift’s lower starting price applies to a limited happy-hour offer.
Connaught and The Savoy sit at the higher end of the selected prices, with service charges increasing the final bill.
What Makes These Cocktail Menus Stand Out?
Each venue has a clear cocktail identity. Connaught personalises martinis, Amaro reinterprets familiar classics, and Satan’s Whiskers keeps its selection fresh with a daily-changing menu. Three Sheets focuses on balanced seasonal drinks.
Waltz draws inspiration from Japanese micro-seasons, while Lyaness explores unusual ingredients.
Bar Termini specialises in Italian aperitifs, and The American Bar at The Savoy connects cocktails with the hotel’s history. This variety suits both traditional tastes and adventurous drinkers.
How Do Atmosphere and Service Influence the Selection?
The setting helps shape the evening. Scarfes combines artwork, comfortable seating and live music, while Lyaness offers Thames views. Swift Soho provides lively aperitifs upstairs and a more intimate cocktail and whisky experience downstairs.
Amaro and Three Sheets appeal to guests who enjoy neighbourhood character and thoughtful service.
Describing preferences such as citrus, sweetness or bitterness helps bartenders recommend suitable drinks. Guests can choose a venue according to whether they want conversation, entertainment or a sense of occasion.
Which Venues Suit Different Occasions and Budgets?
The American Bar at The Savoy, Connaught and Scarfes are appealing choices for celebrations. Satan’s Whiskers, Amaro and Three Sheets suit informal evenings, while Waltz and Lyaness attract guests interested in exploring different cocktail styles.
Bar Termini’s house Negronis and Swift Soho’s selected happy-hour cocktails offer options for a smaller drinks budget.
Guests should compare service charges, food costs and booking conditions alongside menu prices. The practical tables help identify somewhere that suits both the occasion and the overall spending plan.
Can Non-Drinkers Enjoy These London Cocktail Clubs?
Alcohol-free choices help groups with different drinking preferences enjoy the same evening. Lyaness offers several “boozeless” cocktail versions, while Bar Termini lists a 0.00% Spritz within its aperitivo selection.
Guests should check the current options before visiting, as availability varies and every cocktail may not have an alcohol-free equivalent. Those requiring a strictly 0.0% drink should ask the team to confirm the ingredients.
How Much Would Two Cocktails Cost Including Service?
Menu prices provide only part of the spending picture. Where a discretionary service charge applies, the final total will be higher than the advertised drink price.
Comparing two identical cocktails offers a consistent way to assess the selected examples. It does not represent the average cost of visiting each venue, because the drinks differ and guests may choose additional food or premium spirits.
| Venue | Selected drink | Price per drink | Two drinks before service | Listed service charge | Total with service applied |
| Bar Termini | House Negroni | £9.50 | £19.00 | 14.5% | £21.76 |
| Three Sheets Dalston | French 75 | £15.50 | £31.00 | 12.5% | £34.88 |
| Three Sheets Soho | Rosé French 75 | £17.00 | £34.00 | 12.5% | £38.25 |
| Lyaness | Pink Belly Gimlet | £17.00 | £34.00 | 13.5% | £38.59 |
| Lyaness | Cherry Cannon Punch | £19.00 | £38.00 | 13.5% | £43.13 |
| Scarfes Bar | High Society | £22.00 | £44.00 | 15% | £50.60 |
| The American Bar at The Savoy | New Heights | £24.00 | £48.00 | 15% | £55.20 |
| Connaught Bar | Ad Maiora cocktail | £25.00 | £50.00 | 15% | £57.50 |
| Connaught Bar | Connaught Martini | £30.00 | £60.00 | 15% | £69.00 |
Calculations use the prices supplied in the article. Totals are rounded to the nearest penny and exclude food, transport and other purchases.
Swift Soho’s selected happy-hour cocktails start from £7 in the supplied details, making two qualifying drinks £14 before any applicable service charge.
That offer should be compared separately from regular menu prices because it applies only during the stated promotional period.
Comparable totals cannot be calculated reliably for Satan’s Whiskers, Waltz or Amaro without confirmed current prices. Leaving those figures unspecified is more useful than presenting an estimated amount as a published price.
For a fuller evening budget, guests should also consider food, premium-spirit substitutions and transport. A reservation deposit may affect the amount paid in advance; its treatment on the final bill depends on the venue’s terms.
Conclusion
The best London cocktail clubs combine a clear drinks identity with memorable surroundings and thoughtful service.
Whether guests favour classic martinis, seasonal experimentation, Italian aperitifs or live music, this selection offers distinct experiences. Choosing by atmosphere and using the practical tables helps turn a promising shortlist into an enjoyable evening.
FAQs About London Cocktail Clubs
Do London cocktail clubs require reservations?
Policies vary. Some accept reservations, while others prioritise walk-ins. Groups should check their chosen venue’s booking policy.
Which cocktail bars suit special occasions?
The American Bar at The Savoy, Connaught Bar, Lyaness and Scarfes offer distinctive settings for celebrations.
Where are lower-priced cocktails available?
Bar Termini’s house Negronis and Swift’s selected happy-hour drinks are options to compare.
Are alcohol-free cocktails available?
Lyaness, Three Sheets and Bar Termini publish alcohol-free options. Check current availability.
Are there age limits or dress codes?
Yes. Age requirements and clothing restrictions vary, so guests should check the chosen venue’s policy before travelling.
Which venues offer live music?
The American Bar at The Savoy, Swift Soho and Scarfes offer live music. Check the chosen venue’s current programme.
What makes The American Bar at The Savoy special?
Its cocktail heritage, story-led signature drinks and live music combine within an elegant hotel setting.
