Cocktail Bars in London

Picture the scene: you’re seated in a dimly lit bar, the hustle of London just visible beyond the windowpane, a bartender places a heavy glass tumbler in front of you and you take that first euphoric sip. Okay, so that might sound a little melodramatic but at HeadBox we believe that a really good cocktail bar can truly be a transformative experience. This being said, there are so many options in the capital that the chase to find that perfect cocktail venue can often feel like a labyrinthian task. Never fear, however, as our guide to London’s best cocktail bars will take you to mixology bliss in no time at all.

Decide on a date to hire your cocktail bar

So this may sound like an obvious choice but choosing a date for your cocktail bar party is a good first step in getting that venue hired. If you’re looking to hire a beautiful London cocktail bar for one whole night then consider what days the bar will be available – chances are you will struggle to find a cheap hire price on a busy Saturday night, go for a quieter weekday and you might just save some budget.

What kind of look do you want your cocktail bar to have?

There are so many fantastic and beautiful cocktail bars in the city of London, that you’ll benefit from having a good idea of what kind of visual surroundings you’re after. From flashy high-end joints and prestigious hotels to more laidback industrial-chic cocktail bars – the sheer size of London means that there is an aesthetic for everyone and you can guarantee that the cocktails will always be incredible.

Variety is the spice of life and we’ve collected a few incredible cocktail bars here for your pleasure

Sama Bankside

This unique cocktail venue is nestled beneath an old victorian railway arch just behind Blackfriar’s Bridge in Southwark. With exposed brickwork, two floors and, of course, an array of tantalizing cocktails it’s a venue for those who want their private party to stand out amongst the crowd.

Bar Elba

Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean island of Elba (famous for being the home of the exiled Napoleon), Bar Elba transport you across time and space to bring a special something to your cocktail party. This venue gives you the opportunity to drink whilst enjoying panoramic views over Waterloo, before heading down underground to their affiliated club, Tonight Josephine.

TT Liquor

Head down to the cellar of this iconic liquor store and you’ll find a cosy, intimate drinking space that will go perfectly with a cocktail. This Hoxton gem also offers you the opportunity to take part in cocktail making classes so you can impress your friends with your own mixological know-how.

Make sure you set the agenda

This is your cocktail event – you should set the criteria for the venues to meet. Want an outside area? Natural light flooding the room? Have a preference on seating style? Tell us exactly what experience you want, where you want it, and when you want it. We’ll do the rest.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a bar for a private party?

If you’re looking to hire a cocktail bar venue in London, you could be expecting to pay anywhere from £100, with the most opulent and populated events costing thousands of pounds. Obviously, there is a huge variety and things like minimum spend, catering and the venue itself will come into play. It’s important to remember that you control your budget, and you should let us know exactly how much you’re willing to spend, and we’ll make sure you get responses from the best venues.

Can I provide the alcohol at an event in a cocktail party venue?

Whilst some bars will allow you to hire just the space (dry hire) and bring your own booze, the chances of a cocktail specific venue doing this are much smaller. After all, what good is a cocktail bar that doesn’t provide cocktails? If you are after that personal touch, you can either reach out to the venues and ask for specific drinks or, for something different, book your very own cocktail making masterclass.