Bars
The 5 Best Bars in London
Our pick of the best bars in London, from world-ranked cocktail rooms to quiet hotel classics.
In short: our top picks are The Connaught Bar, Tayer and Elementary and Lyaness. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London is one of the great drinking cities on earth, and the competition keeps the bars honest. This is our overview of the best of them, the rooms we send people to whatever the occasion: world-ranked cocktail bars, grand hotel classics, hidden rooms and neighbourhood favourites.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Connaught Bar | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Tayer and Elementary | £££ | |
| Lyaness | South Bank | £££ |
| Nightjar | Shoreditch | £££ |
| Tayer + Elementary | £££ |
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Editor’s choice
The Connaught Bar
Why we pick itRoutinely ranked the best bar in the world; the martini trolley is the rite of passage.
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Tayer and Elementary
Why we pick itTwo bars in one: a fast front room and a refined back bar, both world-ranked.
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Lyaness
Why we pick itRyan Chetiyawardanas riverside lab; inventive drinks built on house-made ingredients.
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Nightjar
Why we pick itLive jazz and theatrical cocktails in a basement; book ahead and stay late.
-
Tayer + Elementary
Why we pick itOne of the world's best bars, on Old Street; inventive and brilliant.
Before you book
Book the famous ones, walk into the rest, and go early if you want a seat at either. Tell the bartender what you like rather than ordering blind; at this level it is the best way to drink. And spread your night across a couple of rooms: half the pleasure of London is the walk between them.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
The Connaught Bar is our editor's choice: Routinely ranked the best bar in the world; the martini trolley is the rite of passage. The Connaught Bar, Tayer and Elementary and Lyaness 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/.
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