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The English capital is famous for its eclectic dining scene, but a new trend has taken the city by storm in recent years—cocktail restaurants in London. These venues have mastered pairing exceptional food with creative, boundary-pushing cocktails. Whether it’s an iconic destination drenched in history or a contemporary hotspot with a flair for innovation, London’s cocktail restaurants have elevated dining to an entirely new level.
In this guide, we explore the best cocktail restaurants across the city, where top-tier mixology and culinary artistry come together to create unforgettable evenings.
Dishoom
Inspired by the Irani cafés of 20th-century Bombay, Dishoom has become one of London’s most beloved dining destinations. It is known for its charming ambiance and nostalgic nod to India’s old-world charm. Since opening its first location in Covent Garden in 2010, Dishoom has expanded across London, each venue offering its unique, beautifully designed space. The interiors evoke a rich sense of history with vintage posters, rattan chairs, and warm lighting that transports you to another era.
While Dishoom is famous for its bold Indian flavours, such as its legendary bacon naan roll and black daal, its cocktail menu is equally impressive. Their drinks take inspiration from classic Indian ingredients and spices, offering unique twists on traditional cocktails. Signature drinks like the “East India Gimlet” and the “Bollywood Martini” are crafted with refreshing ingredients like rose, cardamom, and ginger. The “Viceroy’s Old-Fashioned” stands out, blending smoked demerara sugar and bay leaf bitters for a bold finish.
Website: Dishoom
Address: 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB
Chick ‘n’ Sours
Chick ‘n’ Sours is where comfort food and craft cocktails collide. Since opening its first location in Haggerston in 2015, this hip eatery has expanded across London, offering a fresh take on fried chicken in a vibrant, retro-inspired space. The brainchild of Carl Clarke and David Wolanski, Chick ‘n’ Sours, was created with a simple idea: elevate the humble fried chicken with bold flavours and pair it with sour cocktails to create a unique, casual dining experience.
The menu is unapologetically bold, with standouts like the signature “House Fry” – buttermilk-brined chicken fried to crispy perfection – and the spicy “Kung Pao Wings,” delivering a hit of heat. But the restaurant’s innovative cocktail menu is what sets it apart. Signature drinks like the “Sour Negroni” and “Straight Outta Clapham” combine sour flavours with a creative twist, using ingredients like rhubarb, yuzu, and fermented pineapple for a refreshingly different approach to mixology. The laid-back vibe, with neon signs and a lively atmosphere, makes it the perfect spot to enjoy some seriously delicious food and drinks without the pretension.
Website: Chick ‘n’ Sours
Addresses: 1A Earlham St, London WC2H 9LL
390 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AA
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
The Cocktail Trading Co. is one of London’s most creative and playful cocktail bars, offering an experience far beyond your average night out. Established in 2015 by award-winning bartenders Andy Mil, Elliot Ball, and Olly Brading, this quirky venue has quickly become a favourite among cocktail enthusiasts for its inventive drinks, warm hospitality, and laid-back, fun vibe. The space feels like a hidden gem, with cosy, dimly lit corners, eclectic décor, and an intimate atmosphere inviting.
The menu is full of personality, with drinks as visually striking as delicious. From whimsical garnishes to interactive elements, cocktails like the “Boomerang” and “Bee Dazzler” are served in quirky vessels and are often accompanied by a touch of theatre. The flavours are bold and balanced, using fresh, creative ingredients that keep guests returning for more. Whether you’re sipping on a tangy “Candy Floss Sour” or a spicy “Smoky Bandit,” every drink tells a story. This is one of the best cocktail restaurants in London.
Website: The Cocktail Trading Co.
Address: 68 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6GQ
Ikoyi Restaurant St. James’
Located in St. James’s Market, Ikoyi is one of London’s most exciting and innovative dining destinations. It blends West African ingredients with a European twist. Founded by childhood friends Chef Jeremy Chan and restaurateur Iré Hassan-Odukale, Ikoyi quickly gained recognition for its daring approach to flavour, earning two Michelin stars for its unique fusion of bold spices. The sleek, contemporary space is minimalist yet elegant, with warm wood accents and soft lighting creating a refined dining atmosphere.
Ikoyi’s drinks menu complements its cutting-edge cuisine with expertly crafted cocktails highlighting exotic spices and rich, earthy flavours. The bar team takes inspiration from the restaurant’s culinary roots, using ingredients like smoked Scotch bonnet and yassa in cocktails that elevate the dining experience. Signature drinks like the “Palm Wine Spritz” and “Cameroon Pepper Negroni” push the boundaries of traditional cocktail making, offering adventurous pairings with the restaurant’s dishes.
Like its cuisine, Ikoyi’s cocktails are designed to surprise and delight, making it a standout in London’s fine dining and cocktail scene.
Website: Ikoyi Restaurant St. James’
Address: 180 Strand, Temple, London WC2R 1EA
Hoppers
Bringing the vibrant flavours of Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine to the heart of Soho, Hoppers has become a beloved fixture on London’s dining scene since it opened in 2015. Co-founded by Karan Gokani, Hoppers takes its name from the famous Sri Lankan dish. It is a bowl-shaped pancake made with fermented rice batter. The restaurant’s warm and rustic décor comes adorned with woven wooden accents and traditional Sri Lankan artefacts. This creates an inviting and lively atmosphere that mirrors the rich, bold flavours of the cuisine.
While Hoppers is celebrated for its mouthwatering dishes like the signature “Egg Hopper” and “Black Pork Kari,” the drinks menu offers a unique selection of cocktails that are just as exciting. Drawing inspiration from tropical flavours and exotic spices, the cocktails complement the dishes perfectly. Signature drinks like the “Arrack Attack” (made with Sri Lankan coconut arrack and citrus) and the “Ceylon Spritz” infuse the spirit of the island with a modern twist, making it one of the best cocktail restaurants in London. The cocktail menu also highlights lesser-known spirits, such as arrack, blending them with tropical fruits and spices.
Website: Hoppers
Address: 49 Frith Street London W1D 4SG
Madison
Madison is one of London’s most iconic rooftop destinations atop One New Change. It offers views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the city skyline. Known for its glamorous atmosphere and lively social scene, Madison’s chic space is a perfect blend of contemporary design and urban luxury. The expansive rooftop terrace is ideal for sunset drinks or weekend lounging. In the meantime, the indoor lounge provides a stylish retreat for dinners and cocktails.
Madison’s cocktail menu celebrates creativity and craftsmanship, featuring a range of signature drinks that complement the venue’s high-energy vibe. Signature cocktails like the “Madison Fizz” and “English Rose” are crafted with fresh, premium ingredients, offering a refreshing burst of flavours. The menu includes perfectly executed takes on the Negroni and Old Fashioned for those who prefer classics. The terrace also offers a tempting selection of small plates. You can find anything from light seafood bites to indulgent charcuterie boards, perfect for pairing with your drink.
Website: Madison
Address: Rooftop Terrace One, New Change, London EC4M 9AF
Little Social
Little Social offers a refined escape from the city’s bustle. As part of Jason Atherton’s acclaimed Social Eating House group, Little Social is a charming bistro-inspired venue that combines French elegance with a contemporary London edge. The restaurant’s intimate interiors, with leather banquettes, wood-panelled walls, and soft lighting, create a warm, welcoming space.
Little Social’s cocktail menu mirrors the restaurant’s sophisticated yet approachable ethos. The drinks mix classic French flavours and modern mixology techniques. Signature cocktails like the “Rosemary Gimlet” and the “Parisian Mule” bring herbaceous notes and fresh, seasonal ingredients into the spotlight. At the same time, the “Little Social Sour” offers a creative twist on the traditional sour with a hint of French elegance. The cocktails pair seamlessly with the restaurant’s French-inspired menu, featuring steak frites and roasted lamb.
Website: Little Social
Address: 5 Pollen St, London W1S 1NE
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai
Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai is a dual-concept venue that blends the flavours of regional Indian cuisine with the allure of a hidden 1970s-inspired cocktail den. The restaurant takes inspiration from Mumbai’s Pahli Hill district, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse food scene. The space is thoughtfully designed with vibrant colours, eclectic art, and a lively atmosphere. It echoes the spirit of India’s communal dining culture.
Downstairs, Bandra Bhai offers a different experience, transporting you into the clandestine world of 1970s Mumbai smugglers. This secretive cocktail bar is packed with personality. It draws on vintage Bollywood glamour and retro décor, from velvet seating to dim lighting that adds to its speakeasy allure. The cocktail menu is as bold as the atmosphere. Find signature drinks like the “Old Monk Negroni” and “Bandra Sling,” combining traditional Indian flavours with a contemporary twist. Exotic ingredients like cardamom, tamarind, and jaggery bring a unique flavour profile to the drinks.
Website: Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai
Address: 79-81 Mortimer St, London W1W 7SJ
Little Bird Battersea
Little Bird, another of the best cocktail restaurants in London, is a botanical-inspired cocktail restaurant that exudes charm and sophistication. With greenery, floral accents, and a light, airy atmosphere, It creates a serene oasis that transports you away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The décor reflects the restaurant’s focus on fresh, natural ingredients, giving the space a laid-back yet elegant feel.
Little Bird’s cocktail menu is a homage to botanicals and natural flavours. It features inventive drinks focusing on fresh herbs, fruits, and spices. Signature cocktails like the “Basil & Elderflower Martini” and the “Rose & Cucumber Spritz” offer a refreshing twist on classic drinks. They offer a perfect balance of lightness and complexity. The restaurant’s menu is designed for sharing, with small plates showcasing global influences, from crispy calamari to Asian-inspired bao buns.
What sets Little Bird apart is its ability to create an immersive, garden-like experience where the food and drinks harmonize effortlessly.
Website: Little Bird Battersea
Address: 1 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1HG
Hawksmoor
Hawksmoor has firmly established itself as one of London’s leading dining destinations since its first restaurant opened in 2006. The place is famous for its expertly cooked steaks and upscale atmosphere. They also focus on sustainable sourcing and ethical practices. Hawksmoor offers a dining experience where high-quality British produce takes centre stage. The interiors blend old-school elegance and industrial chic with dark wood panelling. The exposed brick and leather seating, evoke the charm of a classic British steakhouse.
Hawksmoor’s cocktail menu is as impressive as its food offerings, featuring a mix of timeless classics and inventive modern creations. Signature cocktails like the “Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew,” a blend of gin, ginger beer, and lemon, stand alongside well-executed takes on classics like the Negroni and Old Fashioned. The bar team prides itself on using high-quality spirits and house-made ingredients to craft drinks that complement the restaurant’s robust, flavorful menu.
Website: Hawksmoor
Addresses: 5A Air St, London W1J 0AD
16 Winchester Walk, London SE1 9AQ
11 Langley St, London WC2H 9JG
157A Commercial St, London E1 6BJ
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