The best part about living in London is there are so many fabulous cocktail bars to choose from, and some of my favourites are housed inside luxury hotels. In the name of research (!!) I have tried lots of them and here are my favourites. I couldn’t cut my list down to ten so you have 11 choices instead which isn’t news or a surprise to those who have been following me for a while!
I will caveat that at the majority of them I had a Mojito but I did try some other cocktails at some of them too. I was well prepared and had checked out opening hours, and any possible dress requirements and also the news for I.D. requirements so that I would be able to concentrate fully on trying out the cocktails. have chosen these based on factors which include ambience, atmosphere, deliciousness of the cocktails and service and are listed in no particular order.
1. The Blue Bar, The Berkeley
With its plush, trendy interiors, the Blue Bar at the Berkeley is a really swish venue with delicious cocktails. It is all blue too! My favourite cocktail was the Toffee and Bubbles. The drinks are colour coded and it is definitely the place to bring a date to impress them!
For more info: The Blue Bar
2. The Connaught Bar at The Connaught Hotel
Ask anyone and this bar tops so many people’s favourite bars lists in London and I can see why! The Mojito was pretty damn good! It has won many accolades and is housed inside the iconic Connaught Hotel.
For more info: The Connaught
3. The Artesian Bar at The Langham
The Artesian is one of my favourite and most picked drinking establishments and as much as they perfect the Mojito, they also do some quirky cocktails too which are served in treasure chests, by example, and with so much flair and theatrical style. Perfect place to escape a crazy shopping day away from Oxford Street.
For more info: Artesian Bar
4. The American Bar at The Savoy
I visited here with some friends and we all ordered our classic favourite drinks and each one was just perfect and spot on! This bar tops international best bar lists and it is much deserved. I loved how the waiters were all so dressed up in tux’s and you would feel like dressing up to go here! Perfect for a special occasion.
For more info: The American Bar
5. The Churchill Bar and Terrace at The Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
This is the first time I have seen a Mojito served with so much snazziness and it was definitely worth it! My friend had the Raj Mojito, which had some chillies in it, whilst I opted for the classic and we both enjoyed our drinks thoroughly. The comfy sofas were a massive plus point and the living room style charm meant that we could have sat there for hours!
For more info: The Churchill Bar and Terrace
6. The Amaranto bar at the Four Seasons London Park Lane
This has been our choice of venue for pre-dinner drinks on many the occasion and it continues to draw us in with its trendy vibe and superb service! It is an oasis away from herds of tourists in Mayfair and the perfect venue to catch up with friends. The food in the neighbouring restaurant is really good too!
For more info: Amaranto Bar
7. The Arch Bar at the InterContinental, London Park Lane
The best place to people watch from whilst enjoying a really good cocktail! They do a mean Mojito and they also do really good Pornstar Martinis, as the Dynamic Duo have tested rigorously! Lovely place to pop in for a drink and maybe then have dinner at Theo Randall’s restaurant after too.
For more info: The Arch Bar
8. Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood London
I adore the decor in the Scarfes Bar in Holborn and its library feel. It has a grand vibe with comfortable seats, a long bar that you can sit at and they serve some really good indian food too! It has a quintessential British feel and it is housed at the Rosewood London, which is such a beaut hotel. Go to the Mirror room first for brunch and then pop in to the Scarfes bar after for some refreshments!
For more info: Scarfes Bar
9. Smith & Whistle at Sheraton Grand Park Lane
Smith & Whistle is my secret absolute favourite from the list and is always my top choice when in the area for a quick drink or a pre-dinner tipple. I adore this bar and if you haven’t been you have got to go! It has a Mayfair mystery theme to it and has such a lovely relaxed and casual vibe for Mayfair that you feel like you are going home everytime you go in!
For more info: Smith and Whistle
10. The Courtyard Bar and The Long Bar at The Sanderson Hotel, London
The perfect spot for G&Ts or a glass or two of champagne – love the vibe in the Courtyard, especially on a bright day, you could easily forget you are steps away from the madness of Oxford Street! If you haven’t had the afternoon tea here yet it is a must!
For more info: Sanderson Hotel
11. The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel
I can’t believe how long it took me to discover this fashionable bar and boy is it a gem in Mayfair! I love the quirky presentation of the cocktails, the fun vibe, the ambience and it is the best place to forget a bad day or celebrate milestones over some excellent drinks. This cocktail was The Photographer and just loved that it was served inside a Camera Lens. The drink was Chase Marmalade mixed with Cointreau, fresh lemon juice, mango juice, fresh strawberries, fresh blackberries, homemade raspberry syrup and a few drops of Donovan bar Bitters. NOM NOM NOM
For more info: The Donovan Bar
There you have my favourites! What are yours? Would love to know in the comments below.
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN) says
All my favourites too !! I can see why we’re friends 😉
Rebecca Nicholass says
I haven’t been to nearly enough of these – I love a hotel bar, they’re always so fabulous and a great place for a spot of people watching too. Duke’s Bar is pretty fabulous too if you like martinis, but they’re super strong, you can only have one or two.
Tanja says
nice places!
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi says
See, now I think it’s good to have a mojito in each place – it’s good to have a standard which to judge a bar by and then try something more fun!