The best cocktail bars in London

What is it? The second iteration of the beloved Dalston drinking spot, bringing bold boozing to Soho.

Why we love it: Taking drinks you know to sexier, more modern places, brothers Max and Noel Venning are masters of both inventiveness and quality. Expanding the narrow intimacy of their east London OG spot for a central London crowd, their Soho offering loses none of its magic - and experts have told us it’s the best bar in London for a first date. Expect surprising twists on the classics (a clear White Russian; a martini with a dash of Koseret tea), plus oysters, small plates and a decent wine list for those not of the spirit-loving persuasion.

Address: 13 Manette Street, Soho, W1D 4AP.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 3-11.30pm, Fri 3pm-12.30am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 3-10.30pm.

Expect to pay: Most cocktails £15.

What is it? Upmarket mixed drinks in a down-to-earth and devilishly cool location.

Why we love it: Boasting an adventurous drinks menu that’s always changing, Satan’s Whiskers is a beacon in Bethnal Green’s barscape. With vintage posters and taxidermy dressing up the walls, there’s no risk of stuffiness within these covert corners. Instead, sit back and soak up their now-signature hip hop soundtrack while you sip on an impressive cast of cocktails made by their truly expert bar team; recent concoctions include a Shark Attack with vodka and a secret sour mix.

Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9RA.

Opening hours: Sun-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat, 5pm-1am.

Expect to pay: Most cocktails are around £13.

What is it? A tucked-away test kitchen for nearby bars Discount Suit Company, The Sun Tavern and Parasol.

Why we love it: Finding the Umbrella Workshop is all part of the fun. Head down an alleyway it doesn’t look like you should be heading down and you’ll be greeted with the site of a teeny, tiny 12-seater bar situated in a 19th century atelier. At once dramatic and extremely cosy, it would be perfect for an illicit liasion were you that kind of person. If not, use it as a place to try out a host of weird and wonderful cocktails that might end up on the menus of the other Umbrella Project bars. On our last visit we tasted a baklava old fashioned and saw God. 

Address: Unit 10, Cleeve Workshops, Boundary Street, Shoreditch, E2 7JD.

Opening hours: Daily 12-10pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails around £13.50.

What is it? A laid-back basement bar ensconced within the beloved Zedel complex.

Why we love it: The low-lit Bar Américain is a glorious hideaway from the bustle of the outside world; a pocket of calm beneath the bowels of Piccadilly Circus. Equally wonderful whether you’re treating it as a way-station en route to dinner at Brasserie Zédel, a nightcap-dispensary before heading home, or an evening’s entertainment all in itself (with terrific bar snacks), it’s one of the loveliest bars in London, with an art deco look that’s changed little in its years of existence. Just as timeless is its approach to building a cocktail list, with its wares centred around pre, during and post-prohibition.

Address: 20 Sherwood Street., Piccadilly, W1F 7ED.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-12am, Fri 4pm-12am, Sat 3pm-12am, Sun 4-11pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails from £14.75.