If you like to enjoy a cocktail with friends then London is perhaps one of the best destinations in the World for you. Nearly everyone in London loves a trip to a great bar and there are plenty of great bars in London to cater for them.
The West End – which commonly is known as including Mayfair, Soho, St James’s, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus – has a pleothera of great bars to visit.
If you are visiting central London over the Christmas period we highly recommend visiting some great bars and taking a walk to absorb the Oxford Street Christmas lights and the Regent Street Christmas lights. If you find yourself walking along Jermyn Street or Piccadilly take five minutes to enjoy the Fortnum & Mason window displays.
5 Great Bars in London
Everyone has their own taste when it comes to what they think makes a great bar but few could argue with our choices. These are great bars in London that offer a stylish and sexy setting for drinks with friends, colleagues or loved ones.
If you want to tell us about your picks for the greatest bars in London let us know via the Forbidden London Facebook Page!
Abracadabra Restaurant & Bar
91 Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y 6JB
As the day fades the busy commercial area of St James’s transforms into a destination to relax and party for London high-flyers who enjoy the ambient and tranquil atmosphere afforded by the beautiful and unusual interior of Abracadabra.
The perfectly blended cocktails never cease pouring out from the bar helping to create a laid back atmosphere buzzing with intimate chatter of friends and lovers. Moments from Piccadilly Circus and in easy reach from many of the best hotels in London, Abracadabra is the perfect place for finishing the evening off with Champagne. It also has one of the most eclectic wine lists in the World.
Aqua Spirit (Aqua London)
240 Regent Street, London, W1B 3BR (Entrance at 30 Argyll Street)
Set atop one of London’s most iconic building, the former Dickins & Jones department store on Regent Street (with the entrance on Argyll Street opposite Movida and the London Palladium), Aqua epitomises destination dining with its blend of cutting edge food and drinks, uber chic interiors and breathtaking views.
At the heart of this extraordinary venuture is the venues bar, aqua spirit, managed by the award winning Tim Halilaj. Stylish and glamorous with a New York feel, Aqua Spirit is a hip addition to the London nightlife scene and is the ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks and naughty nightcaps.
THE BAR (COURTHOUSE DOUBLETREE HOTEL)
19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London, W1F 7HL
‘The Bar’ is a fitting venue for a former courthouse, located just off the lobby; this trendy lounge is another quirky gem within the hotel.
Featuring the original prison cell blocks as cosy VIP rooms, The Bar is popular for both evening drinks or social gatherings and as a casual meeting spot through-out the day.
The three original holding cells are used for private use and can host up to 8 people. These can be booked in advance, or are available on a first come first serve basis.
On the menu are a number of legal-themed signature cocktails along with the popular classics; a wide range of international beers, spirits and a comprehensive wine-list. Delicious bar snacks and light bites are also available during serving hours.
The Bar is open daily from 11.00am. The Bar closes at 1.30am on Monday to Saturday; on Sunday it closes at 11.00pm. Open times may vary during bank holidays.
ICON BALCONY BAR (The Casino at The Empire)
5-6 Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7NA
Intimate and exclusive, the Icon Balcony Bar is our fabulous candlelit cocktail lounge with a beautiful balcony overlooking Leicester Square.
Inside, the style is reminiscent of a French boudoir, with chandeliers, antique wallpaper, exposed brickwork and opulent crimson furnishings.
Icon Balcony Bar is the perfect place to meet friends for a drink in truly special surroundings. It has been enjoyed by many celebity guests, among them Julia Roberts and Madonna.
A wide variety of drinks can be enjoyed, including boutique beers from around the world and delicious cocktails.
May Fair Bar (The May Fair Hotel)
Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT
Recently judged the ‘Best Hotel Bar in London’ by the readers of the Guardian and London Lite. The May Fair Bar defines itself through its expert mix of the classic and the avant garde.
With its menu of over 40 signature drinks passionately crafted by mixologist Marios Elias and his team.The May Fair Bar is an essential stop on the London party circuit.
With the finest spirits infused in-house, exotic fruits, freshly snipped herbs and fragrant spices, The May Fair Bar’s signature drinks and rigorous approach to quality have made it one of the most celebrated cocktail bars in London.
Parties in London are defined by their location as much as by their guest list: the exclusive May Fair Bar provides the ideal setting for intimate gatherings, pre-theatre or pre-dinner drinks, or spectacular after party events.
If you are planning a night out in London we can help you with picking the places – bars, restaurants and nightclubs – that you might wish to visit. We work with all the top venues and can assist with reservations and private hire.
With the festive season almost upon us and Christmas and New Year’s Eve just around the corner we can help you enjoy the greatest city in the World.
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