Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
The monarch of London's after-hours scene, Fabric is a huge subterranean rave cave housed in a converted meat cold store. Each room has its own sound…
Must-see nightlife in London
Kensington & Hyde Park
Seasoned with age and decades of ale-quaffing patrons (including Charles Dickens, who lived on the same road, and DH Lawrence), this old-school pub boasts…
South Bank
The views from Oblix on the 32nd floor of the Shard aren’t quite as impressive as the panoramas from the 69th-floor viewing platform, but you’ll still be…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
In an area famous for its edgy, don't-give-a-damn attitude, this exquisite cocktail bar stands out for its classiness and cocktail confidence. The drinks…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Behind the Fox & Anchor's wonderful 1898 art-nouveau facade is a stunning traditional Victorian boozer, one of the last remaining market pubs in London…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
Before Shrub and Shutter opened, this part of London was devoid of well-crafted cocktails. Call it gentrification or a sign of the times, but drinkers now…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Behind a nondescript, gold-knobbed door just north of the Old Street roundabout is this bona fide speakeasy, pouring award-winning libations from a four…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
In a line of small riverside cottages facing wooded Oliver's Island (where Cromwell is alleged to have taken refuge), this excellent pub looks straight…
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
The riverside location and fine food and ales make this bay-windowed pub – on the site of a former friary – a winner. There are entrances for low and high…
London
Down a darkened alley through the eerie evening quiet of Smithfield Market is an unlikely spot for one of London's best cocktail bars, but the journey of…
Notting Hill & West London
On a comparable spiritual plane to Paris' Shakespeare and Company bookshop, this eccentric, time-warped and convivial boho bar-cafe has been serenading…
The West End
Perpetually busy, the pint-sized Lamb & Flag is full of charm and history: there's been a public house here since at least 1772, when it was known as the…
The West End
Home of the Lonely Street, Concrete Jungle and other house cocktails named after iconic songs collected in the 'Savoy Songbook', the seriously dishy…
Notting Hill & West London
This classic tavern on the brow of Campden Hill Rd has history, nooks and charm on tap. Alongside a decent beer selection and a solid gastropub-style menu…
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Tucked away like a hidden seam, Discount Suit Company is one of the city's finest speakeasies – though on weekends you'll see that this closet-sized space…
London
There's something Great Gatsby–ish about The Ned hotel: the elevated jazz pianists, the vast verdite columns, the classy American-inspired cocktails. Of…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
In the centre of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, this microbrewery's raison d'être is experimentation. Everything from its 'scientific' branding (the numbers…
The West End
For a dose of colonial glamour with a touch of Oriental elegance, the sumptuous (often crowded) bar at the Langham hits many marks. Its cocktails (from …
Brixton, Peckham & South London
This 16th-century pub is easily one of London's most atmospheric. It's named after the vessel that took the first colonists to North America, which set…
South Bank
Set on old-school Roupell St, this charming backstreet neighbourhood boozer serves up a rotating selection of traditional ales and bottled beers. The…
Kensington & Hyde Park
In a part of town traditionally bereft of choice, the K Bar is a reassuring presence. A hotel bar maybe, but don't let that stop you – the place exudes…
South Bank
This magnificent galleried coaching inn is the last of its kind in London. The building, owned by the National Trust, dates from 1677 and is mentioned in…
The West End
Sip a bourbon or a classic cocktail in the 1920s art-deco ambience of this stylish bar at the hallmark Beaumont hotel. It's central, glam and like a…
South Bank
South Bank's latest rooftop bar might also be its best. Atop the new Hoxton Southwark hotel, sleek Seabird has palm-filled indoor and outdoor spaces where…
The West End
Merrily undefinable, Sketch has all at once a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, a millennial-pink dining room lined with nonsensical cartoons by British…
East London
Table service is offered at this narrow, brick-walled bar – but if you like to indulge in conversations with complete strangers, we suggest grabbing a…
North London
This kooky little outlet in a former Victorian bathhouse will not be pigeonholed. As its name suggests, it is many things to many people: a bar, a cafe,…
South Bank
Six months after Dandelyan was named the best bar in the world, renowned mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana closed it down. Reincarnated in that space with…
Zetter Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Spitalfields
Behind an unassuming door on St John's Sq, this ground-floor bar is decorated with plush armchairs, stuffed animal heads and a legion of lamps. The…
East London
Perched atop Netil House, this uberhip rooftop cafe-bar offers incredible views over London, with brass telescopes enabling you to get better acquainted…
East London
At this fabulous Georgian pub, Hackney locals sup pints under the watchful eyes of hunting trophies, B&W photos of old-time boxers and a large portrait of…
East London
The Dove has a rambling series of wooden floorboard rooms and a wide range of Belgian Trappist, wheat and fruit-flavoured beers. Drinkers spill on to the…
North London
This beautiful Grade II–listed Georgian pub boasts a splendid antique interior, with open fires in winter. It has a knack for making you stay longer than…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
This industrial minimalist space, all light wood and artsy flags hung from the corrugated metal ceiling, is the taproom of Manchester-based Cloudwater…
East London
Small neon red lettering is the only sign that you're about to enter a world-class cocktail bar. With an ever-changing drinks menu, snug booths, crazy…
Kensington & Hyde Park
Tomtom has built its solid reputation on amazing coffee: not only are the drinks fabulously presented, but the selection is dizzying: from the usual…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
This fantastic cocktail bar-cum-restaurant fills with a fun and hedonistic crowd while the garden at the back is the venue for many a summer drinking…
Greenwich
Housed in a delightful bow-windowed, wood-beamed Georgian building directly on the Thames, this 200-year-old tavern is one of the few independent pubs…
Brixton, Peckham & South London
Taking beer seriously, standout Draft House – where middle-class cash and high expectations effortlessly dovetail – is no slouch. There's 18 ales, stouts…
North London
Charming nooks and crannies, an old circular bar and an enticing beer garden make this 1663 pub the perfect place for a pint while walking between…
