Best cocktail bars in London

Although Rika Moon primarily offers a fine dining experience, we thought their cocktails deserved a place on this list.

Combining the subtlety of Japanese cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, Rika Moon is glitzy with a relaxed atmosphere. It's on the prestigious Kensington Park Road just meters down from Clare Smyths' Core' and offers sashimi, nigiri and specials such as miso black cod.

The cocktails are innovative and an ode to Japanese flavours. How about a Kinoko Negroni with black truffle and shiitake-infused gin or a sesame Old Fashioned? And of course, a range of Japanese whiskeys, wines and other tipples are available.

And finally, to accompany those drinks, the loo has a button labelled disco so you can have your own miniature bathroom rave.

Swift is a cocktail bar located in Shoreditch. Walk inside and be struck with a spacious, cosy atmosphere surrounded by refined decor. The bar features sleek marble counters, warm lighting, and plush leather seating.

Enjoy the venue’s three cheese toastie alongside some refreshing cocktails. Can’t go wrong with a toastie….

Bar Termini is a coffee and aperitivo bar that brings the traditional bar culture of 1950s Italy to the heart of Soho. With vintage Italian posters, checkered flooring, and a brick wall, you’ll feel like you’re at a 1980s diner.

In true Italian style, small plates of hams and cheeses, paninis, and carpaccios are offered. There are six authentic Italian coffees to choose from, plus even more cocktails. Try the Marsala Martini, a delicate blend of beefeater gin, marsala dolce, dry vermouth, and almond bitters.

This modern compact bar in Dalston is a popular cocktail bar. Three Sheets features a polished interior with a minimalist design that focuses on clean lines and a neutral colour palette.

The cocktail menu at this bar is impressive. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic martini or something more adventurous, like the “Peaches” (a mix of peaches, cloud tea, bourbon, and soda), there is a variety for everyone.

Lyaness is a swanky cocktail bar with a marble bar and river views. As you step inside, you'll be immediately struck by the luxurious and elegant interior design, which features a striking colour palette of deep blue and rich gold tones.

The cocktail menu at Lyaness is truly exceptional, and it's no surprise that the venue is recognised as one of the top cocktail bars. The drinks are expertly crafted by a team of highly skilled mixologists, using a combination of innovative techniques and high-quality ingredients. One standout drink on the menu is the Comma Chameleon cocktail.

The award-winning Connaught Bar was named the no.8 best bar in the world by The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022. That’s right… no.8. Situated in the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair, the bar features Cubist-inspired wood panelling and grand mirrors.

Try any of the masterpiece cocktails, the ones that have made this bar legendary. Faraway Collins, Good Fellas, and Wayfarer are just a few examples of such cocktails.