Bars
The 5 Best Bars in Mayfair
The hotel bars, hidden rooms and grand classics that make Mayfair London's best drinking quarter.
In short: our top picks are Donovan Bar at Browns, The Coburg Bar and Galvin at Windows. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Mayfair drinks better than anywhere in London, and not only at the famous hotel bars. Between the grand classics and the hidden rooms, this is the quarter to come for a drink that means something. These are the ones we send people to.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Donovan Bar at Browns | Mayfair | ££££ |
| The Coburg Bar | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Galvin at Windows | Mayfair | ££££ |
| Mr Foggs Residence | Mayfair | £££ |
| The Blue Bar at The Berkeley | Knightsbridge | ££££ |
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Editor’s choice
Donovan Bar at Browns
Why we pick itA glamorous, low-lit bar hung with Terence Donovan's photography, doing serious cocktails with a sense of theatre. One of Mayfair's most handsome rooms.
Mayfair's most handsome bar.
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The Coburg Bar
Why we pick itThe Connaught's quieter, clubbier bar, all deep armchairs and a fireside calm. For a grown-up drink and a proper conversation.
For a quiet, clubby drink.
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Galvin at Windows
Why we pick itA bar on the 28th floor of the Hilton with sweeping views over Hyde Park and Mayfair. Worth it for the sunset alone.
For the view and the sunset.
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Mr Foggs Residence
Why we pick itA gloriously over-the-top Victorian explorer's parlour crammed with curiosities, doing theatrical cocktails. Daft, charming and great fun.
Theatrical and great fun.
-
The Blue Bar at The Berkeley
Why we pick itA jewel-box of a bar in that famous Lutyens blue, intimate and impossibly chic. For a drink that feels like an occasion.
Chic and intimate.
Before you book
Many of the best are hotel bars, so you do not need to be staying, just dressed for it. Go early for a seat at the famous ones. And do not be shy with the bartender: in Mayfair, asking what they would make you is half the fun.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Donovan Bar at Browns is our editor's choice: A glamorous, low-lit bar hung with Terence Donovan's photography, doing serious cocktails with a sense of theatre. One of Mayfair's most handsome rooms. Donovan Bar at Browns, The Coburg Bar and Galvin at Windows 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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