Best Cocktail Bars in East London

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East London is home to some of London’s best cocktail bars. Capital A List have put together a guide to the best cocktail bars in East London.

Nightjar, known for being a hidden glamour bar on the edge of Shoreditch, is one of the ultimate speakeasy cocktail bars in East London, and did we mention it is a destination for the discerning drinkers to linger, relax and meet – yes please. With a reputation for breathing new life into those old forgotten cocktails and bringing classic recipes to life with probably the best presentation in town. Serving up quality cocktails with a nightly jazz live band and contemporary tapas to get you through the night. Be prepared to be amazed by the 1920’s décor of candlelit tables, tin cup cocktails with the jazz bands entertaining the night. It’s no surprise that Nightjar features on The World’s 50 Best Bars (2017).

Playing cards illustrate the pre-prohibition, prohibition and post-war years in history, while showcasing Nightjar’s signatures, which is interestingly also how the menu is ordered. A very cool experience that is a must try. Alongside the cocktail menu is a great spirit and wine list for those that are not in the cocktail mood.

There are no cocktail bars like this in East London, let alone Shoreditch, like this. Nightjar is seating only and bookings are essential. A cover charge is needed for live music nights which will be conveniently added to your bill. Be sure to get a seat next to the bar to watch the bartenders in action at one of the best cocktail bars in East London.

After launching in 2017, Coupette has since gained an international reputation becoming known for their unique style. Coupette is known for winning the industry’s top awards and not to mention Coupette has retained a spot for being listed as the 23^rd ‘World’s Best Bar’ in 2019. More reason to have a night out of cocktails at Coupette. Owner Chris Moore is an expert in the industry and the bar has been able to create some of the most famous cocktails.

All cocktails are served elegantly and are presented in beautiful classic glassware. They are designed to be enjoyed simply and effortlessly with quality, regional produce and lesser-known spirits. Each cocktail is created by combining techniques with quality ingredients.

Coupette’s award cocktails, such as the most famous ‘Champagne Pina Colada’, which is a lighter version of the classic, made with Bacardi, pineapple, Agricole, coconut and not to forget Moet & Chandon, as well as ‘Apples’, made using Calvados and freshly pressed apple juice. With a French inspiration and focus, Coupette is one of the best specialist bars with authentic French ingredients. Coupette offers live piano to your cocktail experience between 8-11pm on Monday and Wednesdays.

Coupette may be small but is perfect for its simple, clean interior of the bar.

The Gibson Bar offers the ultimate cocktail experience to jazz piano solos in there renowned Edwardian Tardis. The cocktail bar takes its name from a classic ‘Edwardian’ cocktail (a classic Martini served with the famous pickled onion), invented in the 1900’s. The cocktail menu is designed to take you on a journey through time including classic pickled cocktails. There are over 40 inventive cocktails that will transform your night, so go on and book a night that will transport you to different seasons in different eras.

The menu is designed to give drinkers a history lesson (an exciting lesson) about many of the cocktails involving art deco, history and naturalist imagery. The menu will take you on a journey where you are encouraged to choose a season you would like to visit, then select a month and a drink from that month – this will set the co-ordinates of your destination in history. The menu has been expertly designed with great skill that involves a significant number of ingredients. Expect a stylish, unique and sophisticated cocktail bar with an abundance of a great atmosphere including jazz and blues music.

Join Marian Beke and his team every night from 5pm to 2am Mondays to Saturdays and 1pm to 10.30pm on Sundays.

Silver Lining cocktail bar in Hackney, East London is the UK’s first dedicated orange and skin contact wine bar and shop. The bar echoes the relaxed and stylish surroundings while still feeling like you are a local in your new favourite bar. For the love of good food, wine and cocktails, the cocktail bar was founded by couple Alistair and Sarah Maddox. Alistair and Sarah share a passion to showcase small independent producers, growers and winemakers from around the world. Silver Linings is a shop by day selling a range of orange and skin contact wines with great coffee and food, and by night you can expect cocktails and delicious French inspired snacks in the cosy neighborhood of Hackney, East London.

Sit at the bar and sample the wine or French inspired snacks or simply choose to have a full dining experience with an eclectic range of international small plates, an excellent wine list and of course cocktails. Silver Linings is designed to be considerate to all dining needs from intimate dates to communal dining for groups.

Found is one of the most incredible speakeasy cocktail bars in Shoreditch that is accessed via a discreetly marked doorway next to Casita on Ravey Street. This speakeasy is all a bit ‘hush hush’ on exactly how you get there, follow these steps to find this speakeasy: Head towards 5 Ravey St in Shoreditch and make your way downstairs. Pop your head through the velvet curtain, head down a stairway to an old-fashioned cocktail bar. Step in to find low-hanging lights, a backbar filled with a stunning range of bottles, and plenty of nooks to snuggle up in. Boasting one of the best bars you’ll find anywhere in East London, this is definitely a spot that will become a new favourite drinking haunt and is really all about the cocktails.

Found comprises of four rooms and also happens to be the perfect date location – with nooks and comfy seating that are perfect. The venue is rather small and it does get busy on weekends so bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.

Opened by Casita’s previous head mixologist – Oskar Klimaszewski – Found has a menu of only twelve cocktails (including house drinks and twists). We recommend trying zingy ‘Heaven and Hell‘ (cachaca, framboise,  jalapeno agave, lime and raspberry) – the citrus kick with a touch of agave and raspberry but with a light spicy finish. The menu is masterfully-mixed to a level of quality that’s unparalleled by most.

Little Nan’s opened their doors in early 2013, using owner Tristan’s late Nan’s furniture and treasured heirlooms. Tristan opened the bar in honor of his late Nan, with a mission to spoil guests with a homely environment. Little Nan’s is located within two arches underneath Deptford’s ancient railway lines.

The menu features over 85 cocktails named after loyal regulars, our favourites include Lady Council Princess & Sebby Seb Seb and Lord Roy Walker along with some classic soap stars, Lady Pat Butcher and Bet Lynch. Cocktails are served in teapots with names such as Sir Christopher Marlowe or Lord Paddy Ashdown. Pop round for classics such as disco fries, cat food cakes (you read right), good old-fashioned cups of tea, matcha lattes and tipsy afternoon teas.

Enjoy a Bottomless Boozy Brunch to the soundtrack of 90s anthems and disco hits. Book for a celebration such as birthdays and Little Nan will name a Cocktail in your honor featuring all your favourite spirits and flavours, served in a Vintage Vase.

The Alchemist, the unconventional, dark and controversial masterminds of mixology and demons in the kitchen, create every cocktail with great attention to detail while presenting cocktails with a dash of theatre and drama, be prepared to be bedazzled. The Alchemist can be found throughout various locations in London and are unsurprisingly, one of the best when it comes to attention to detail with mixology and in the kitchen. If you are looking for some theatre, ‘The Colour Changing One’ is highly recommended as the cocktail transforms before the eyes.

Alchemy means making amazing transformations which is done with cocktails. No matter the occasion, The Alchemist has created many experiences filled with wonder and delight, from mobile cocktail bars, late night bar reservations, delicious all-day dining with a twist and corporate events. Become a master in mixology and experience how to become a true Alchemist by joining their renowned Masterclass of Mixology or just simply join for a fun cocktail experience, hens’ night out or girls’ day activity.

Enjoy a buzzing atmosphere, creative cocktails, delicious all-day dining with of course the theatre and drama.

The Alchemist has taken a take on sustainability by introducing there five pillars of change, public commitments to support their long-term goals of sustainable operations and community outreach programs. The Alchemist has set a trend and change in the industry unlocking the power of there bars to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved.

Barrio in Shoreditch is guaranteed for a good night out, enjoy a cocktail menu paired with freshly made Latin inspired street food. Barrio hosts various events, Monday-Friday from 12-7PM are amigo days and 80’s musical bingo bottomless brunch every Saturday or join the new Sunday Sesh with Bottomless deals and DJ’s until 8pm.

Barrio is a fiercely independent cocktail bar run by a passionate family of Latinophiles. Founder Ferdie Ahmed has put people at the core of everything that Barrio does since opening in 2007. From guests, their experiences, wants & desires to loyal & happy staff serving with bottomless energy.

Enjoy Barrio’s take on classic cocktails, Latin inspired cocktails and summer inspired drinks the Barrio way.

With over a dozen locations across the UK, it will be hard not to miss a night out at Be At One cocktail bar to get your night started with a cheeky cocktail. What better reason to head to one of the best cocktail bars in East London. No matter the occasion, Be At One has the cocktails, tunes and vibe to get you in the mood. This chic nightspot is a popular spot for tourists and after work mangler’s.

This sleek basement cocktail bar is home to 150 different types of cocktails and an extensive drinks menu. Be At One cocktail bar will please everyone with such an extensive menu of cocktails and spirits, there will be a cocktail for everyone. Be entertained with the expert mixologists showing off some skills and creating a great upbeat vibe to get your night started the right way.

Be sure to find out about the signature cocktail masterclasses, perfect for birthdays, hen nights or office party activities and learn the tricks of the trade. While Be At One is known for there creative cocktails and excellent happy hour deals at two for one to see you through the evening, they also have a great food menu to see you through the night.

The London Cocktail Club owned by JJ Goodman and James Hopkins are the personalities behind the series of fun at The London Cocktail Club. Enter down a darkened staircase and experience a classic LCC vibe inspired by downtown LA. You’ll find graffiti-covered walls and sexy urban artwork at this true rapper’s delight.

Expect an outlandishly themed bar, world class cocktails that are each defined by a signature spirit – ‘gangsters Tequila parlour’ and ‘punk gin palace’.  The best bartenders mix up cocktails that range from white-hot classics such as ‘Aviation’, and also including the famous ‘Oyster Bomb’ – an oyster shell filled with Jägermeister. We hear the ‘Red Bull jelly’ is definitely a winner that has a bit of a spicy kick.

The menu caters to foodie favourites such as pimped-up hot dogs or beer-battered fish, everything is served with a helping of feel-good style. The London Cocktail Club prides themselves in providing amazing live entertainment performing the best of the 2000’s paired with regular happy hours guarantees a full house. Don’t forget to capture your night out in the photobooth and take part in the ‘hot contest for a stool seat’ at the bar.