The Best Bars in London!

The Best Bars in London!

• Top Picks, Visiting London

London is full of great bars, if you’re visiting the capital and seeking the perfect spot for an evening hideaway, or a pre-party cocktail, as Ivy's resident cocktail expert here are my recommendations of things to do in our great city...

Piano Works - best for singing along and dancing the night away

Piano Works is an underground bar situated in an old Victorian Warehouse in Farringdon, the unassuming exterior belies the fun that lies within.

This is a non-stop live music venue where talented musicians only play songs requested by the audience. Write your song request on cocktail napkins and hand them to the musicians (preferably with a tip!) and then you can sing and dance the night away to your favourite tunes.

[Photo Credit: Instagram @thepianoworks]

Scarfes Bar, Rosewood Hotel - best for a sophisticated evening

The Rosewood Hotel is simply divine, it’s impeccably designed and the Scarfes Bar is no exception. The bar’s design is inspired by the drawing room of a gentlemen’s club, with dark wood, moody lighting and plush velvet seating. The roaring fire at the far end of the bar is a welcome addition during the cold winter months. The cocktails are all named after famous English-men and women, both real and fictional such as Charlie Chaplin and Mary Poppins.

[Photo Credit: Instagram @scarfesbar]

The cocktails have been crafted by expert mixologists, all the cocktails have an interesting mix of unique flavours. The cocktails are expensive, all around £20, but the surroundings are spectacular. The bar runs a Cabaret evening with singing, dancing and great actors, which is very entertaining, and I would highly recommend. Tickets are £35/person and runs 17th December – 21st January so grab then while you can!

Bourne and Hollingsworth - best for a girly catch up

Bourne and Hollingsworth is an events company, they have opened several venues in London and they are all, in my humble opinion, marvellous.

The Bourne & Hollingsworth Bar, located in the heart of Fitrovia, is a very cool establishment. It is TINY, it’s like being in someone’s living room. The walls are painted in various hues of pink and the seating is covered in kitsch clashing fabrics.

[Photo Credit: Instagram @nomnom_london]

Reverend JW Simpson - best for a date night

To say this bar is tucked away is an understatement. It’s a hard bar to find, I walked up and down the street about a million times the first time I went, before finding the unassuming door that leads you down some stairs to dimly lit quirky little bar that oozes character.

The varied cocktail menu will appeal to every palate.

[Photo Credit: Instagram @revjwsimpson]

London Cocktail Club - best for dancing

There are nine of these venues dotted around London and whilst I’ve not been to all of them, the ones I have been to are a blast, with loud music and a great atmosphere.

The cocktails are quirky with names like Brixton Riot, Reggae Rum Punch, and Big Smoke Bloody Mary… and the menu is extensive so you’re guaranteed to find something you like.  They also hire wonderful staff who are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

[Photo Credit: Instagram @londoncocktailclub]

Kensington Roof Gardens - best for a special occasion

This is a spectacular bar with unique gardens spread over 1.5 acres above Kensington High Street these roof gardens are spectacular and the perfect setting for an anniversary, birthday etc… The gardens are owned by Richard Branson –and date back to 1936 and even have resident flamingos!

Please note there is a dress code you do need to dress up if you’re in trainers/ casual attire you will not be let in.  There is also a nightclub, that is open every Friday and Saturday from 22:00 – 2:00am.

So many cocktails, so little time…so that wraps up my top picks, though this is by no means an exhaustive list –you’ll have to come to London and discover your own!

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