Stylish Cocktail Bars in London for Elegant Connoisseurs - Impressive Drinking Spots that Elevate Cocktail Hour

Stylish Cocktail Bars in London for Elegant Connoisseurs - Impressive Drinking Spots that Elevate Cocktail Hour

It's the bloody weekend, so you're gonna wanna hit up these sleek and swanky bars across London town to sip on some damn fine cocktails, eh? No ordinary dive classes here, mate - these joints are pullin' in the punters with their design game. Here are the ten best bars in London that'll make your mates bloody green with envy and have you wonning that design-savvy pub quiz next week.

1. SOMA Soho: This sultry little number has got the feel of an underground Bond-type lair, with its industrial aesthetic and unique cocktail list. You won't find a sign or life outside, but who gives a bugger's bollocks? With dim lighting, hidden corners, and drinks like the Pea (don't knock it till you've tried it), you could easily lose track of time here. Book your table at SOMA Soho.
2. Goodbye Horses: Islington's Goodbye Horses is an energy-packed, playful little find, and we ain't just talkin' 'bout the disco dance and alt tunes in the background. The warm woods and handpainted flowy textiles that surround you make you feel like you're in a world of your own. Add to that the extravagant wine selection and murals by Lucy Stein, and you got yourself a bona fide force to be reckoned with. Book your table at Goodbye Horses.
3. STEREO: Some venues hit it out of the park by combining a mysterious, Bond-esque speakeasy vibe with the grooviness of an analogue jazz bar. STEREO in Covent Garden is one such place, with its sleek, dressed-in-brass interiors, live jazz events, and a menu that serves up everything from draft beers to champagne and masterfully-blended cocktails. Bon vivants, unite! Book your table at STEREO.
4. Oriole: This Covent Garden spot conjures the radiance that London often lacks during its coldest months with its maximalist take on traditional Art Deco interior design. From the amusingly creative details to the live jazz events where all the proceeds go to the performing musicians, Oriole is a joy for the eyes, taste buds, and ears. And don't worry, they've still got their main floor bathed in natural light for a golden hour aperitivo. Book your table at Oriole.
5. Bar Lina Soho: Italy's favorite cuisine isn't complete without a Negroni, a Milano-Torino, or a classic red wine, and now the gastro-favorite Lina Stores has its own little underground aperitivo bar. The dark, burgundy and espresso-toned interiors evoke a Mad Men-esque vibe, and with little bar snacks, inventive cocktails, and all ingredients made in-house or sourced from Italy, this is the perfect place for anyone who appreciates some design, food, and drink. Book your table at Bar Lina Soho.
6. Seed Library at One Hundred Shoreditch: In a world where good lighting can either make or break a place, Seed Library leads the charge in the 1970s revival. With its mushroom-shaped lamps, warm woods, and atmospheric lighting, this cocktail bar situated in the basement of the One Hundred Shoreditch hotel is a shining example of the importance that lighting plays in architecture and design. And if that weren't enough, Ryan Chetiawardana, one of the world's most esteemed bartenders, is behind the bar. Book your table at Seed Library.
7. The Emory Bar at The Emory: The Emory, London's first all-suite hotel, features the sublime ABC Kitchens and an under-the-radar rooftop bar on its 10th floor. Designed by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour, it offers spectacular views of the capital and boasts minimalist interiors with warm, spice-shade color scheme that adds a cozy touch. With only six tables and exemplary bar staff, this place feels exclusive yet relaxed. Book your table at The Emory Bar.
8. A Bar With Shapes for a Name: This bar and classroom/workshop combo takes inspiration from the philosophy at the heart of Bauhaus, which emphasizes learning through a fusion of taste and aroma. Located in Shoreditch, this place stands out visually with its geometrically sculpted design, branded merchandise, and bottled products. Beyond the stunning design, it also offers bespoke drinks and French-inspired food. Book your table at A Bar with Shapes for a Name.
9. Bar Kinky: Tucked beneath the Georgian-inspired dumpling restaurant Kinkally, this bar offers a dark, dim red lighting and playful concoctions. A curving marble bar island with just a few stools adds a touch of intimacy, and the bartenders are not only skilled mixologists but also eager guides to help you navigate the menu. Book your table at Bar Kinky.
10. Gothic Bar: Part of the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, this bar is designed to evoke Victorian-era Gothic Revival style by Paris-based architect and interior designer Hugo Toro. With a jungle of thriving greenery, cedar wood tones, and an encyclopedic cocktail menu, Gothic Bar is the perfect spot for design lovers looking for an unforgettable cocktail experience. Book your table at Gothic Bar.

There you have it, ten of the best bars in London that'll take your design game to the next level. And if drinking isn't your thing, keep an eye out for our list of the best London restaurants to find out how culinary, artistic, and interior inspiration converge in their dining rooms.

Enrichment Data:

London offers a diverse range of style-driven and design-focused bars that are attracting customers with an aesthetic appeal. Here are some notable ones:

Stylish and Design-Focused Bars in London

1. Wagtail Rooftop Bar & Restaurant: Situated atop a 1920s building in the City of London, Wagtail offers stunning views alongside delicious British cuisine and classic cocktails. Its design blends heritage elements with a modern twist.[1]
2. The Coral Room: Part of The Bloomsbury Hotel, this bar is renowned for its vibrant coral-colored walls and 36 bespoke art pieces, creating a unique 'country-meets-city' concept. Designer Martin Brudnizki was responsible for the space's captivating design.[5]
3. Bar Termini: While not specifically a design-focused establishment, Bar Termini in Soho offers a seamless transition from day to night with its coffee, cocktails, wine, and small plates. It's a great spot for a classy date or relaxed drinks with friends.[2]
4. Dalston Roofpark: This rooftop bar in Dalston is a popular hangout for après-work drinks and weekend meetups, offering a relaxed atmosphere along with cocktails and food.[1]

For those who appreciate unique design and are up for something a bit out of the ordinary, London houses several quirky and unusual bars. Some examples include:

1. The Vault: Found beneath an unmarked grille in Bankside, The Vault offers an underground Gothic atmosphere along with an extensive cocktail menu.
2. Dick's Bar: Located inside The Coburg Hotel in Kensington, Dick's Bar is a speakeasy-style bar that feels like a 1920s illegal drinking den, complete with spy-hole balconies and hidden doors.
3. Artesian Bar: Situated within The Langham Hotel, Artesian Bar has a fluid, water-inspired design and offers award-winning cocktails created with state-of-the-art equipment.
4. Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium: Part café, part cat sanctuary, this unique bar in Shoreditch houses up to a dozen rescued cats for visitors to socialize with while enjoying cocktails and cakes.[4]

(Sources1, 2, 3, [4](https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/londons-quirkiest-bars-2022), 5, 6).

1. The design trends in fashion and beauty, food and drink, and home and garden industries often intertwine with interior design, as seen in the sleek and stylish bars of London.
2. Decor and art are not mere complements to the bars' ambiance, but essential elements that draw patrons in and set the mood.
3. Tiles and a color palette of warm woods, burnt sienna, and cool gray are commonly found in contemporary London bars, creating a minimalist aesthetic that captivates both design and fashion enthusiasts.
4. Lifestyle magazines and social media influencers often feature leading London bars as hotspots for movies, TV, entertainment, and celebrity gatherings, attracting a diverse crowd.
5. As minimalism reigns in this contemporary design era, sleek furniture and a simplified layout of traditional Art Deco concepts illuminate creative Restaurants and bars that pay homage to the design style.
6. Books on interior design, art, and fashion often cite London's well-known bars as prime examples of successful design strategies, inspiring aspiring architects and designers.
7. The music and pop-culture scene often converges with the design world in these chic bars, as live jazz performances, gallery nights, and DJ sets contribute to their charm.
8. Foodies and culinary enthusiasts also benefit from the design-conscious bars, as chefs and mixologists collaborate to create visually and tastefully satisfying experiences.
9. The rise of cocktail culture and the art of bartending has further enriched London's design scene, as mixologists showcase their skills in trendy, design-focused establishments.
10. The fusion of art, food, music, and design makes London a leading city in the global pop-culture milieu, inspiring others to elevate their design game in bars and other lifestyle industries.

Read also: