Best Bars in London

It’s a strange time at the moment and especially for the hospitality industry. But slowly slowly some of our favourite places are starting to re-open and we want to support them (and go out and have a good time too, of course!).

So, to celebrate the arrival of our new cocktail wallets we wanted to share some of our favourite places to get a drink in this wonderful capital city of ours. Unsurprisingly, if you want a cocktail in London you’re spoiled for choice. There are so many good options from the old-school Mayfair classic famed for inventing the Martini to a slice of Paris in the East-end offering creative twists on the Pinocolada. Pick your wallet and your bar will follow…

La Goccia at Petersham Nurseries

For a peach and strawberry Margarita

Let’s start close to home - La Goccia, literally translating to 'the drop', is opposite our King Street store in Covent Garden and a Lulu favourite. It’s such a homely vibe thanks to the florist and deli and it’s a way to get some plant-life in central London. Speaking of which, the show-stopping bar is made from a variety of leaves individually cast in bronze. The drinks menu is also inspired by nature using botanicals, herbs and edible flowers. We love the peach and strawberry Margarita but it’s the ideal setting for a cold glass of Italian white wine too.

Contact: 020 7305 7676, lagoccia.co.uk
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden

Dukes Bar

For the ultimate Martini

The beyond-classic hotel bar. Drinking at Dukes Hotel is a must; it's famous for its martinis – in fact the drink is said to have been invented there; famous for its trolley service where your cocktail will be expertly mixed at your cosy antique chair (the décor vibe is grand living room circa early 19th century); famous for the fact that James Bond author Ian Fleming was a regular and is said to be the inspiration for the classic line, 'shaken, not stirred'. Always order from the trolley list, and it would be amiss not to try a martini – shaken or stirred, that’s up to you.

Contact: 020 7491 4840; dukeshotel.com
Nearest Tube: Green Park

The Night Jar

For a vintage G&T

For a late-night drink, this speakeasy-style bar is straight out of the Prohibition era, not least because of its nondescript location and lack of signage. Find it (near Old Street roundabout) and discover a low-lit, vintage-style bar with a tin roof, wooden floors, exposed brick and darkened corners with leather booths. The rose-tinted mirrors and Art Deco liquor cabinets add to the atmosphere. Their ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ has a mind-boggling selection of vintage spirits (or liquid time capsules, as they call them) dating from the 1860s to the 1950s. Why not try a really vintage G&T with the Hannisville Gin, circa 1905?

Contact: 020 7253 4101; barnightjar.com
Nearest tube: Old Street

Coupette

For a Piña Colada with a twist

Coupette, meaning 'cheeky one', is a petit piece of Paris on Bethnal Green Road.
Owned by Chris Moore, formerly head bartender at The Savoy’s Beaufort Bar, the drinks menu is focused on the liquors and liqueurs found behind the bar at French bistros, with Calvados (apple brandy) taking centre stage. It’s cosy and chic, with burnished steel low lighting and raw brickwork with artfully placed shelves to show off the various tipples. Then – the best bit – the gleaming bar-top is tiled with vintage 10-centime coins. What to drink? You have to try the Champagne Piña Colada we’d recommend a Calvados
drink - each month Moore picks a different apple variety, to combine with Calvados, and carbonates it in-house. There’s also a wine list dedicated solely to French producers

Contact: 020 7729 9562, coupette.co.uk
Nearest tube: Bethnal Green