London Cocktail Week

The biggest celebration of cocktails you’re likely to encounter, London cocktail week takes place 1–7 October, and to mark the occasion we’ve rounded up some of our favourite cocktail bars in the capital – just for you.

Oh cocktails, how we love thee; in all your vibrant, colourful, sweet and sour glory. It’s about time we raised a glass to salute you. So here goes: our round-up of some of the best cocktail bars in the big smoke. We like ours shaken, not stirred.

Central London

Experimental Cocktail Club, Soho
This gem of a cocktail place isn’t easy to find. Tucked away behind a red door in Chinatown, you’ll need to look a good few times to find its entrance. But once behind closed doors, you’ll discover an intimate and cosy bar serving creative and delicious drinks for you and your pals. It’s not cheap (typical London), and we’re talking double figures for a bevvie, but hell to it, if you’re after a Wetherspoon’s Woo Woo, this ain’t the place for that. Treat yourself.
experimentalcocktailclublondon.com

North London

69 Colebrooke Row, Islington
This place is so good,it doesn’t have a name. If you’re after a great – no, superb – cocktail, this place hits the sweet spot. It’s small and intimate with a chic, Italian café vibe. The staff know exactly what they’re doing here so don’t bore them with a whisky and coke, and ask for a cocktail recommendation then watch the magic happen. This is the perfect place for a first date.
69colebrookerow.com

East London

Worship Street Whistling Shop, Shoreditch
This Victorian-inspired cocktail gaff is 100% insta-worthy with its exposed brick walls, vintage paraphernalia, weird table made out of a bath and, of course, its world-famous cocktails. Sound pretentious? Meh, it probably is, but there’s something effortlessly cool about this place and we love it. The menu offers quality drinks with a twist. Try the Blood & Tears cocktail if you have a penchant for gin.
whistlingshop.com

South London

Cocktail Embassy, Crystal Palace
What a swanky little place Crystal Palace has become (okay, okay, it’s been super cool for ages), with its plethora of eateries, pubs and bars, topped off by Cocktail Embassy offering a truly unique cocktail experience. Their menu is off the chart: Turkish Delight drink? Er, yes please. From modern day classics to their signature creations, we love this fun bar and its dance floor downstairs. Woop!
cocktailembassy.com

West London

Trailer Happiness, Notting Hill
Firstly, Trailer Happiness can be found on Portobello Road so quite frankly, it’s already a winner.Secondly, both the bar and cocktails come with a Tiki twist. The service is fab and the cocktails look and taste great – what more could you want? Grab your friends for a night out here and get ready to taste some of the finest cocktails London has to offer. Our favourite is the Super Sonic Tiki Tonic: Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, watermelon and cucumber shrub, St Germain elderflower liqueur and tonic water.
trailerh.com

Experimental Cocktail Club
69 Colebrooke Row
Worship Street Whistling Shop
Cocktail Embassy
Trailer Happiness