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Written by Luke Bull - 22 February 2024


Discover Hoxton Square's best bars


With the concrete jungle of the City within view, the crowding of Victorian and Edwardian terraced flats, and the overspill of punters from nearby Old Street, Hoxton Square is a sight for sore eyes.


One of the oldest garden squares in London with some lovely old trees, the square has long been an arts and media hub and has seen many of its Victorian buildings converted into bars, restaurants, and offices for creatives.


It may not be a very big area, but we've rated the bars of Hoxton Square and found reasons for you to visit all of them – hit the four corners, turn it into a pub crawl where the pubs are cocktail bars.


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1. Furniture & decor quirky enough to be Lynchian: GiGi’s Hoxton

Hoxton square, London

Located in the northeast corner of Hoxton Square, GiGi’s is at the extreme end of the arty Hoxton vibe. Pretty out there furniture and decor, flashy contemporary art on the walls, a couple of neon signs, and plenty of cocktails, live music, and DJ sets.


This Hoxton Square bar is big on colour, entertainment, Latin American flavours in the food, and Happy Hour that runs from 4pm to 7pm Tuesday through Friday. With a total capacity of 300 in the ground-level space and a capacity of 220 in the boutique basement bar-cum-events space, GiGi’s takes private parties to the next level.



bar at happiness forgets in hoxton london
cocktail at happiness forgets in hoxton london

2. Lose your inhibitions and you’ll forget a lot of things here: Happiness Forgets

Hoxton Square, London

The basement cocktail bar – a shame in some ways as there are no views of those lovely trees in Hoxton Square but when the sun sets the only green we want to see is from the absinthe colouring our cocktail.


The bartenders here know their trade well and we’re not just saying that. Happiness Forgets has repeatedly been on Best Bars in the World lists. We like this Hoxton Square bar because they don’t try to reinvent the wheel, they do classical cocktails well and shake out signatures with an understanding of flavour. We’re also fans of the takeovers that take place here.



ever after shoreditch cocktail bars 1
ever after shoreditch cocktail bars 3

3. As above, so below – the sister bar to Happiness Forgets: Ever After

Hoxton Square, London

If you’re the type of person who likes delectable small plates with your cocktails and wine, perhaps a bit of sunshine coming in through the windows, and views of the greenery of Hoxton Square rather than, you know, basement bars with minimal light at best, then Ever After is for you.


The sister bar to Happiness Forgets located in the basement, Ever After is the Hoxton Square bar for wine, Spritzes, and shiny happy people, not vampires and goths with a penchant for Old Fashioneds. We exaggerate, of course, we’re basement bar-dwelling creatures and we still fancy Ever After from time to time because it’s a cosy little spot and that’s that.



colours hoxton square bar
colours hoxton square bar

4. Wings, cocktails, live music, drag & more: Colours Hoxton

Hoxton Square, London

This Hoxton Square bar has it all – a club, live music, DJ sets, drag, inclusive events, much-talked-about wings, cocktails, the works. There’s some outdoor seating on those sunny summer days with great views of the garden square, and plenty of neon signage to make the night feel like you’re in an A24 film.


We really rate Colours for a private party spot. With a total capacity of 175 and a dedicated events team on hand to create bespoke food and drink packages, and entertainment such as drag acts, DJs, and roaming circus performers – yep, you read that last sentence correctly.



cottons hoxton square bar

5. The Rum Diary: Cottons

Hoxton Square, London

No Hunter S. Thompson here but there is a collection of over 300 rums he would have easily worked his way through on a massive bender. Cottons is the Hoxton Square bar for lovers of rum and Caribbean flavours – think spicy fragrant marinades and spice rubs that make any meal feel incomplete to go without.


There’s the restaurant with a capacity of 100 then there’s the Club with a capacity of 120 – the late-night bar and venue so ideal for private parties complete with requisite neon signage, Caribbean cocktails, and kitsch bamboo furniture. It’s not Havana but the rum slaps.



Find the perfect Hoxton Square bar

One of the oldest garden squares in London, Hoxton Square has long been an arts and media hub and has seen many of its Victorian buildings converted into bars, restaurants, and offices. It may not be a very big area, but we've sourced the best Hoxton Square bars.

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Crafting Unforgettable Moments: A Guide to renting a bar in Hoxton Square, London

Situated in the heart of East London's vibrant Hoxton district, Hoxton Square is renowned for its trendy bars, eclectic atmosphere and bustling nightlife. If you're planning an event in London and are looking for a dynamic and vibrant venue, hiring a bar in Hoxton Square offers a unique and memorable experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about bar hire in Hoxton Square, from finding the perfect venue to understanding pricing options and setting up for your event.

1. Research bar options in Hoxton Square:

Begin your search for the perfect bar in Hoxton Square with thorough research. Use HeadBox to explore the options available. Consider factors such as location, capacity, amenities and ambience to narrow down your choices.

2. Define your event requirements:

Before selecting a bar in Hoxton Square, it's important to clearly define your event's objectives and requirements. Consider the type of event you're hosting, the expected number of attendees and any special amenities or features you need. Whether it's a corporate mixer, product launch or birthday celebration, understanding the purpose of your event will guide your venue selection process.

3. Research pricing options:

Prices for bar hire in Hoxton Square can vary widely depending on factors such as venue size, facilities and hire period. Some bars may offer competitive hourly rates, while others may require a minimum spend or offer package deals for private events. Research pricing options from different venues and factor in any additional costs such as staffing, security or catering when budgeting for your event.

4. Evaluate seating and layout options:

Consider the seating and layout options available at each bar venue in Hoxton Square. Depending on the style of your event and the number of guests, you may opt for cocktail tables, lounge seating or standing room only. Work closely with the venue's event coordinator to create a seating plan that maximises space and encourages guest interaction.

5. Plan the bar setup:

Work with the bar management team to plan the setup for your event. Discuss beverage options, specialty cocktails and any custom branding or signage you'd like to incorporate. Consider hiring professional bartenders to ensure efficient service and a memorable bar experience for your guests. In addition, inquire about bar equipment rentals such as glassware, ice bins and cocktail shakers to suit your event needs.

6. Customise the venue decor:

Personalise the bar venue's décor to complement your event theme and create a captivating atmosphere. Whether it's floral arrangements, themed decorations or lighting elements, add your unique style to the space. Coordinate with the venue staff to ensure the décor enhances the ambience and creates a memorable experience for your guests.

7. Coordinate entertainment and music:

Elevate your event with live entertainment or curated music playlists that enhance the atmosphere of the bar venue. Whether you choose a live band, DJ or acoustic performer, make sure the entertainment matches the vibe of your event and the demographics of your guests. Coordinate with the venue to address any technical requirements and sound system capabilities.

8. Manage logistics and coordination:

As the event date approaches, communicate closely with the venue's management team to coordinate logistics and details. Confirm set-up and break-down times, technical requirements and any vendor arrangements. Designate a point of contact to address any last-minute issues or changes during the event to ensure a seamless experience for all involved.

9. Ensure security and compliance:

Prioritise safety measures and compliance with local regulations when hosting events in Hoxton Square. Ensure that the venue is equipped with the necessary safety features such as fire exits, first aid kits and emergency lighting. Comply with any licensing requirements for serving alcohol or public gatherings, and communicate venue rules and regulations to attendees to maintain a safe environment.

10. Provide amenities and support services:

Enhance the guest experience by providing amenities and support services at the venue. Arrange for catering services, cloakroom facilities and restroom access to meet your guests' needs. Consider offering branded merchandise or swag as souvenirs or event giveaways to add a personal touch to the experience.

Bar hire in Hoxton Square provides a dynamic and vibrant backdrop for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large scale celebrations. By exploring different bar options, defining your event requirements and planning meticulously, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. With careful attention to detail and collaboration with the bar venue staff, your Hoxton Square event is sure to be a success and leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Frequently asked questions

Bar venues in Hoxton Square may offer amenities such as a fully stocked bar, professional bartenders, sound systems, lighting and furniture. Some venues may also offer catering services and customisable drink menus.

It's advisable to book a bar venue in Hoxton Square as far in advance as possible, especially for popular dates and peak times. Aim to secure your preferred venue at least a few months before your event date to ensure availability.

Yes, many bar venues in Hoxton Square allow you to customise the decor and furnishings to suit your event theme and preferences. Coordinate with the venue's event coordinator to discuss options for decor, furniture layout and branding elements.

Some bar venues in Hoxton Square may have restrictions or guidelines regarding entertainment and music. Ensure that your planned entertainment is in line with the venue's policies and sound system capabilities. Discuss any specific requirements or restrictions with the venue's management team.

Safety is of paramount importance when holding events in Hoxton Square. Ensure that the venue is equipped with the necessary safety features such as fire exits, first aid kits and emergency lighting. Communicate venue rules and regulations to attendees to maintain a safe environment.

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