A well-crafted cocktail can make the weight of deadlines and worries vanish without a trace. While London is synonymous with fast-paced, workaholic days, it also offers a sanctuary of relaxation through its vibrant bar scene, which has more to offer than you might imagine — from the nostalgic elegance of classic hotel lounges to the trendiest, boundary-pushing venues. As someone who appreciates the art of mixology, I’m thrilled to share my selection of prime spots that deserve the Supreme Cocktail Experience award, each promising something far more intriguing than your typical mojito.
Artesian simply belongs on this list. Located in The Langham hotel, it has earned the title of "World's Best Bar" for several consecutive years, making it a hard-to-miss destination in London. From the moment I stepped inside, the weight of its reputation was palpable, amplified by the opulent decor with a sleek, oriental vibe. While circular tables with leather chairs are lovely, I took a seat at the bar, which granted me a perfect view of the beautifully lit bottles arranged on shelves resembling pagodas.
Having already experienced the Ingredients of the Future menu, I was eager to try their latest offering, Alter Ego. The concept revolves around “futureproof” produce used in ways that push the limits. Guided by a passionate bartender, I tried citrusy Orange with subtle vanilla notes and the more adventurous option, Olive, featuring soju, blackberries, and black garlic — an unexpectedly delicious mix. My verdict? Brilliantly inventive, highly professional, and naturally premium in price.
Orange cocktail — £22
There are countless reasons to love Sketch, a multifaceted venue that’s a paradise for art and creativity enthusiasts. Given that this list is all about cocktails, I’m zoning in on their lounge spaces, ready to offer a top-notch drinking experience. Head to The Parlour after 6:30 PM to soak in its eclectic decor with neon lights and a lively, DJ-driven atmosphere every night. Settle into those patterned sofas, order a charcuterie board, and take your time to peruse the menu showcasing music-themed cocktails and a solid selection of wines and bubbles. My top pick is The Secret to Life, which riffs on Mexican flavors: mezcal, chile liqueur, agave, lime, and a dusting of Gusano salt.
Beyond The Parlour (which is a must-visit), you’ve got other options: The Glade room enchants with its dark, fairy-tale forest style for a quieter, more intimate setting, while The East Bar, located beneath Sketch’s iconic pod loos, presents a contrasting, futuristic vibe, complete with its own DJ sets.
The Secret to Life cocktail at The Parlour — £18
Though tucked into the heart of bustling Shoreditch and consistently landing on “the best bar” lists, Nightjar nails that elusive, hidden speakeasy vibe. It’s not that it’s empty — far from it, in fact — but the space still feels cozy, not cramped. As you descend the stairs into its dark and moody atmosphere, you're transported to another era, the American 1920s, set against the backdrop of live jazz and blues performances.
The menu, divided into four distinct sections, offers a history lesson through cocktails: Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, Post-War, and Signatures. I decided to sample a bit of everything. While each creation showcased superior mixology, my favorite was from the Signature lineup: Name of the Samurai, a Japanese-inspired blend of smoky undertones, smooth sake punch, and the earthy flavor of rice popcorn tea infusion. By the way, I've noticed that the bartenders are happy to venture off-menu, so don’t hesitate to chat with them.
Name of the Samurai — £16
Satan's Whiskers knows how to catch you off guard: you’d never guess from the unassuming façade of this neighborhood bar that it serves some of London’s top award-winning drinks. And stepping inside doesn’t give much more away. Well, who judges a book by its cover? The owners have kept it quirky, fun, unpretentious, and a bit eccentric, so get ready for taxidermy creatures keeping watch from every corner and skeletons peering from rugged walls.
The hip-hop playlist, a staple here, somehow ties the whole place together in a way that just works, even if you wouldn’t expect it. The surprises don’t stop there — the menu changes daily, reimagining classic cocktails, all crafted from scratch. I sat at the bar with a plate of nachos, ordering a fizzy negroni and a bright, fruity blend of rum, peach, and lime. Both were flawless in flavor and presentation and refreshingly well-priced for a bar of this reputation.
Cuban Peach — £11.5
This Soho speakeasy is a playground for those who crave adventurous challenges for the palate. At Soma, it means that cocktails are complex, unusual, and inspired by Indian flavors — a beautiful continuation of the story started by the owners of the Kricket restaurant, located next door. I absolutely love the design, minimalist to the core: dark, sleek, and mysterious, with brightness radiating only from the staff. The main bar gleams with a polished finish, while curtained booths offer an extra layer of privacy.
Drinks here are crafted to showcase the purity of the ingredients, as if each element were cut like a gemstone. Fair warning: you probably need to have at least a liking for Indian cuisine, as the mixology is heavily influenced by its elements. I do, so I can vouch for Soma’s negroni with burnt cashew, gimlet combining gin with lime and curry leaves, and funky chaat masala margarita.
Cashew negroni — £14