Bars

The 5 Best Bars in Covent Garden

Grand hotel bars, hidden rooms and theatreland classics: the best bars in Covent Garden.

In short: our top picks are American Bar at The Savoy, The Beaufort Bar and The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.

This publication is part of the same group as Cleopatra Agency and is funded by it. Picks are made on editorial merit; this page contains advertising. How we are funded.

Covent Garden drinks better than its crowds suggest, if you know where to look past the piazza. Between the grand hotel bars of the Strand, hidden cocktail rooms and theatreland classics, this is a quarter built for a proper night out. These are the bars worth booking around a show, or instead of one.

Place Area Price
American Bar at The Savoy Strand ££££
The Beaufort Bar Strand ££££
The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych Covent Garden ££££
Terroirs Covent Garden ££
Frenchie Covent Garden Covent Garden £££
  1. Editor’s choice

    American Bar at The Savoy

    • Strand
    • ££££

    Why we pick itThe Savoy's grande dame; live piano, a century of history and faultless classic cocktails.

  2. The Beaufort Bar

    • Strand
    • ££££

    Why we pick itThe Savoy's darker, theatrical sister bar; black and gold glamour and a sense of showmanship.

  3. The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych

    • Covent Garden
    • ££££

    Why we pick itA soaring, elegant room off the Aldwych; the pre-theatre drink with real grandeur.

  4. Terroirs

    • Covent Garden
    • ££

    Why we pick itA pioneering natural-wine bar near the piazza; a brilliant list and proper small plates.

  5. Frenchie Covent Garden

    • Covent Garden
    • £££

    Why we pick itA polished bistro with a serious bar; a smart spot for a cocktail and a bite off the piazza.

Before you book

If you are seeing a show, go early and tell them; the good rooms here know the theatre clock. The grand hotel bars do not require you to be staying, just dressed for it. And walk a street off the piazza; the best of Covent Garden hides just beyond the crowds.

Common questions

What are the top picks in this guide?

American Bar at The Savoy is our editor's choice: The Savoy's grande dame; live piano, a century of history and faultless classic cocktails. American Bar at The Savoy, The Beaufort Bar and The Lobby Bar at One Aldwych lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.

How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?

Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.