Bars
The 4 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, Lyaness and Nightjar. 4 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 | ££££ |
| Lyaness | South Bank | £££ |
| Nightjar | Shoreditch | £££ |
| Tayer + Elementary | Shoreditch | £££ |
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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.
Worth knowingSkip it if you want a quiet local, or you are not in the mood to dress for a room
-
Lyaness
Why we pick itRyan Chetiyawardanas riverside lab; inventive drinks built on house-made ingredients.
Worth knowingCocktails run into the high teens, and the ingredient-led menu can feel more like a tasting exercise than a relaxed round of drinks.
-
Nightjar
Why we pick itLive jazz and theatrical cocktails in a basement; book ahead and stay late.
Worth knowingA cover charge after 8pm, mid-teens drink prices and booking-only seating add real friction, and the speakeasy format is no longer novel.
-
Tayer + Elementary
Why we pick itOne of the world's best bars, on Old Street; inventive and brilliant.
Worth knowingSkip it if you are after plush surroundings or a hotel-bar hush
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, Lyaness and Nightjar lead the guide, with 4 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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