Avoiding a sober January? Discover London's top watering holes instead
Top Cocktail Bars in London Shine on the World's Stage
London's vibrant cocktail scene continues to impress, with several bars making a significant impact on the global stage. According to The World's 50 Best Bars list for 2024, the city is home to some of the world's best cocktail establishments [2][5].
Tayēr + Elementary claims the No. 4 spot globally, a testament to its international acclaim for quality and innovation [2]. This must-visit cocktail bar is known for its exceptional drinks and welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout in London's bustling nightlife.
Nightjar, located in Shoreditch, is another repeated award-winner on the list. Combining experimental and creative cocktails with jazz entertainment, Nightjar exudes a speakeasy vibe that is both captivating and memorable [5]. Its theatrical drink presentations and atmosphere have earned it a well-deserved place on The World's 50 Best Bars list.
The Connaught Bar, a nine-time consecutive entrant on the list, ranks number 13 in 2024. Known for its iconic Connaught Martini trolley, this bar offers an unforgettable cocktail experience [1].
Eve Bar, situated beneath the Michelin-starred restaurant Frog at 34-35 Southampton Street, WC2, is number 23 on the 2024 World's 50 Best Bars list [1]. The low-lit bar, full of theatre and featuring stained glass windows, offers a genuinely enjoyable evening.
Satan's Whiskers, a bar that perfects modern classics, is another London gem on the World's 50 Best Bars list for three years, reaching number 29 in 2024 [1].
Swift Borough, located at 66 Borough High Street, SE1, offers a seasonal specials menu every few weeks, using flavors and ingredients found by the team at Borough Market. The bar also boasts an upstairs bright, diner-style bar and a smaller, speakeasy-style bar downstairs called Back Pocket [1].
Nipperkin, a bar that unites locally-sourced wares with Japanese-influences and innovative flavors, is another notable addition to London's cocktail scene [1].
The Bar With No Name, drawing inspiration from the Italian cafes of the 1950s, serves the Mandarin Mezcal Negroni and offers live music nights featuring a variety of genres [1]. An 'amuse-bouche' known as A Prairie Oyster can also be found on the menu.
Fortnum & Mason's wine and spirits guru, Oscar Dodd, recently joined the platform's podcast [1], adding another layer of expertise to the London cocktail scene.
In summary, London maintains a strong presence in the global cocktail scene with several bars ranked among the world's best, led by Tayēr + Elementary and Nightjar in 2024 [2][5]. Other notable mentions include Swift Soho, Eve Bar, Satan's Whiskers, Nipperkin, and The Bar With No Name. The Gothic Bar at St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, while not specifically ranked on the World's 50 Best Bars list for 2024, offers a themed cocktail experience that attracts attention.
London's top-rated cocktail establishments, like Tayēr + Elementary and Nightjar, not only serve exceptional food-and-drink options but also provide an immersive entertainment experience. These bars, such as Nightjar's speakeasy vibe and jazz entertainment, contribute to London's vibrant lifestyle, making it a global destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
