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Written by Luke Bull

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December 15, 2022


Our favourite Leicester Square bars


Gomorrah. Dis. Pandæmonium. Leicester Square. Few places strike fear into the heart of the humble traveller more than these loci of hell and despair.


Okay, that might be an exaggeration, but the advert-drenched, heavily populated churn of London's hectic heart can be bewildering at best. Ask us, and we say there are few better ways of getting out of the crowd than perching up on a cosy bar and swirling a well-made drink slowly in your hand.


For all the many sins of Leicester square, it is blessed with a litany of great drinking spots. From quiet dens of vice to uproarious music bars that offer private hire, here are some of our top picks of Leicester Square's best bars.


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1. A themed Leicester Square bar: Opium Cocktail Bar & Dim Sum Parlour

Leicester Square, London

Step out of Leicester Square to taste some 1920’s Shanghai at Opium’s themed Cocktail Bar and Dim Sum Parlour in the heart of London’s Chinatown.



This wonderful venue is split across two floors, housing three oriental-themed cocktail bars-within-a-bar. The Academy bar is located on the top floor and is split into two sections, the ‘Attic’ which has a more lounge feel with lower coffee tables, sofa seating and quirky booths and their signature ‘Bartender’s Table’ where you can drink around the bar and enjoy watching their bartenders.


The Apothecary bar is located on the second floor, with higher tables and chairs on one side facing the Tea Parlour. There’s also their hidden Peony bar located behind the red curtains on the second floor. The space is perfect for private functions accommodating up to 30 people seated and standing.



2. A glamorous bar near Leicester Square: Circus

Leicester Square, London

Circus is a unique experience. A fusion of modern pan-Asian dining with jaw-dropping performances at the cocktail bar. Situated in the heart of London’s beautiful Covent Garden you are sure to stay entertained with every meal and if you like a cheeky brunch on the weekend then look no further.


Guests are kept guessing as the details of the performances are kept under wraps but be assured to see nothing short of extraordinary from acrobatics, burlesque, contortionists and fire-breathers. A great experience. Open every Wednesday - Saturday for dinner and Saturday brunches.



3. A bar near Leicester Square for music lovers: The Piano Works West End

Leicester Square, London

If you have a song you just can’t get out of your head and your are looking for something more rich than just the version on your phone then head over to The Piano Works.


Located near London’s Leicester Square and with non-stop live music, cocktails and bottomless brunch you can grab yourself a request slip and scribble down that song which has been on your mind.


Sit back and watch the 6-piece house band bring it to life. Enjoy the 2 piano vocalists and accompanying musicians play a non-stop repertoire of music decided only by you the audience.



4. A Leicester Square bar for big spenders: the Horizons Casino

Leicester Square, London

Feeling lucky?


Then try your hand at the games Horizons has to offer. From roulette to baccarat, blackjack and three-card pokes. There's a plethora of options.


You'll find a premium bar (with premium prices) packed with all the drinks you could wish for, alongside a dinner menu offering red and white meat, fish and vegetarian options.


Found in Leicester Square, the home of nightlife, Horizons is a place which caters to everyone, so don’t be shy. Gamble responsibly, obviously.



5. Leicester Square's mixologist bar: The Alchemist London - St Martins Lane

Leicester Square, London

The bubble bath, the cherry poppins, the popsicle and lightbulb moments: just a few of the eye-popping cocktails you will see smoking away at The Alchemist at St. Martin’s Lane.


Get in on the act with the ‘Bath Bomb’. Drop a concoction of dark fruits into a fruity medley of rhubarb and apple gin. Watch as your drink fizzes away and takes you back to your chemistry class.


The venue provides an all-day dining experience with an Alchemist touch on classic dishes. So, the next time you’re in Covent Garden head over to The Alchemist you are sure to be bedazzled, then drunk, very drunk.



More of the best bars in Leicester Square

Thinking of hiring a bar for your next event? Great idea. Leicester Square, one of London's most iconic areas, is known for its cool bars. From unique and trendy cocktail bars with world-class mixologists to casinos with all the drinks you could wish for, we've got every type of bar in Leicester Square for you to browse and book. Why not take the team for a corporate day out at an activity bar or have a hip birthday bash at your own exclusive bar? Have a look at these unique and experiential Leicester Square bar venues and get some ideas for where to have your next event. Alternatively, tell us exactly what you need and we'll make sure the very best Leicester Square venues respond to your enquiry.

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How to hire a bar in Leicester Square

We know that finding a venue the old-fashioned way (where you trawl the internet, contact 10 venues or set your heart on one, only to find that they're out of your price range and not even available on your dates) is a pain, and there are a few pitfalls between you and booking your perfect bar. Getting the venue-finding process down to a professional art is what we’ve made our mission ever since we took on the events industry. We often get asked the same questions, so here's what we recommend to quickly and easily hire a space in Leicester Square.

Frequently asked questions

For bars in Leicester Square, you're spoilt for choice. Here are a few extra special ones that we vouch for:

The Alchemist London - This mixologist bar, in the heart of Covent Garden, serves up eye-popping drinks like no other. The unique drinks and slick decor provides the perfect picturesque place to meet friends for a fun activity to save for the weekend.

Opium Chinatown - Want a spot to take your friends for a night of fun? Head to Opium and check out the two floor, three-themed cocktail bars-within-a-bar in the heart of Chinatown.

There really is no one answer to this question: so many variables come into play when understanding the cost of exclusive hire of a bar or a private space in a bar. How many guests are you planning for? Is the venue for the day, an afternoon, or the night? The good news is that you can find a venue for pretty much any budget (okay, almost any budget). Instead of letting the venue dictate the price, our advice is to be proactive and set a budget that you feel comfortable with – this way the right venues can reach out to you through HeadBox.

There are lots of ways to book a bar in Leicester Square. You can do the old-fashioned thing and pick up the phone, or email the venue directly. Unfortunately, lots of venues are busy and may not get back to you in time. That's where we come in. Give us your enquiry and we'll reach out to the best bar in Leicester Square and let you enjoy your free time. Easy.

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