Best Local Bars, Pubs, and Nightlife in London

World-class cocktail bar ranked 29th globally with exceptional drinks and knowledgeable bartenders who craft 900+ different cocktails. Hidden gem with buzzing atmosphere, hip-hop music, and daily-changing menu. Affordable prices, speedy service, and cozy saloon-style charm make it a local favorite.

Fills up quickly requiring early arrival. Some drinks can be juice-heavy rather than spirit-forward. Bartenders may steer custom requests back to menu items instead of accommodating creative off-menu requests. Daily menu changes mean inconsistent experience between visits.

This cocktail bar delivers exceptional drinks crafted by skilled, knowledgeable bartenders who create both menu items and custom cocktails. Staff members like Finn and Grace provide friendly service in a perfect atmosphere. Located just 2 minutes from Bethnal Green tube station, the bar offers rotating drink selections at fair prices.

Reviews provided minimal criticism of this establishment. The only implicit drawback mentioned is that visitors are primarily paying for the premium cocktail bar experience and atmosphere, though reviewers still found this worthwhile given the quality delivered.

Guests praise the exceptional cocktail quality and knowledgeable bartenders who craft perfect drinks. The intimate atmosphere and speakeasy vibe create memorable experiences. Many highlight the creative menu and attention to detail in presentation.

Some visitors find the space cramped during peak hours and note limited seating availability. A few mention higher prices compared to typical London bars and occasional slow service when busy.

This historic Soho pub offers exceptional French cuisine in an intimate, atmospheric setting. The upstairs restaurant features delicious dishes like calves' brain and fresh oysters, complemented by excellent Breton cider and warm service. The cozy Parisian-style decor with red walls and vintage photos creates a memorable dining experience that guests return to repeatedly.

Space is extremely limited with only eight tables packed closely together, making reservations difficult to secure. The compact layout can feel cramped, and some dishes like the Irish rock oysters may disappoint with small portions and average flavor. The tight quarters mean diners might feel rushed during busy periods.

This historic Soho pub offers authentic French cuisine in an intimate upstairs dining room with red walls and vintage photos. The menu features fresh oysters, expertly prepared fish dishes like skate wing with brown butter, and delicate items like calves' brain. Staff provide warm, efficient service in the cozy space. The downstairs bar buzzes with character and friendly regulars.

Space is extremely tight with only eight tables upstairs, making reservations essential. The venue gets very crowded both inside and on the pavement outside. Some oysters can be small and underwhelming. Staff attitudes vary, with some visitors encountering unfriendly service at the downstairs bar that creates an unwelcoming atmosphere.

Visitors praise the authentic French atmosphere, excellent wine selection, and knowledgeable staff. Many appreciate the historical significance and intimate setting that encourages conversation. The oysters and French cheese boards receive consistent praise for quality and authenticity.

Common complaints include extremely cramped conditions, difficulty finding seating during peak hours, and higher prices than typical London pubs. Some find the no-draught-beer policy frustrating, and service can feel rushed during busy periods.

Exceptional cocktails and food create an outstanding dining experience. Live music ranges from Django Reinhardt-style guitar to Latin bands and jazz nights. Staff provides impeccable, attentive service with excellent drink recommendations. The dim-lit atmosphere is perfect for dates with a chic, welcoming vibe.

The main drawback is pricing - this is not an inexpensive place to drink or dine. While reviewers felt the quality justified the cost, budget-conscious visitors should expect to pay premium prices for the cocktails, food, and overall experience at this upscale venue.

Oriole offers a sophisticated jazz bar experience with atmospheric decor across two levels. Creative cocktails receive high praise, with standout dishes like octopus and truffle croquettes. Staff, particularly Leo, provide exceptional service with extensive menu knowledge. Live weekend music creates an intimate setting perfect for date nights or pre-show drinks.

Limited food menu may disappoint diners seeking full meals. Some cocktail quality issues reported, including overly diluted drinks served in inappropriate glassware. At £15 per cocktail, guests expect better execution and flavor concentration rather than watered-down beverages.

Guests praise the exceptional creativity and technical skill displayed in every dish. The intimate atmosphere and personalized service create memorable dining experiences. Many highlight the theatrical presentation and innovative flavor combinations that surprise and delight throughout the meal.

Some diners find the lengthy tasting menu overwhelming and the pace too slow. The high price point disappoints those expecting more substantial portions. A few guests mention that certain experimental dishes miss the mark despite the overall quality of the experience.

Historic pub near Spitalfields Market with Jack the Ripper connections offers great beer selection and amazing burgers. Just 10 minutes from Liverpool Street station, it provides friendly service and lively atmosphere. The outdoor standing area fills with crowds during nice weather, creating vibrant energy.

Service quality varies dramatically - some visitors encounter cold, dismissive staff who lack basic courtesy like saying thank you. Basic amenities can be lacking, with reports of missing toilet paper. The indoor space is quite small, which may feel cramped during busy periods.

Traditional English pub with fascinating Jack the Ripper history - staff point out original features. Upstairs offers more seating with great street views. Pleasant outdoor area perfect for people watching, good drink selection at reasonable prices. Friendly atmosphere with mixed clientele makes it ideal for meeting friends in popular Spitalfields location.

Limited negative feedback from reviews provided. Main concerns appear to be timing-related - can get crowded after 4:30pm on weekdays, suggesting earlier visits work better for comfort and finding good spots both inside and in the outdoor standing areas.

Visitors praise the authentic Victorian atmosphere and historical significance. Many highlight the quality gastropub food that exceeds typical pub fare expectations. The knowledgeable staff often share fascinating historical details about the building's past.

Some find the Jack the Ripper theme exploitative or uncomfortable. Occasional complaints about slow service during busy periods. A few visitors felt the prices were high for standard pub portions, and weekend crowds can make it difficult to enjoy.

Hidden speakeasy basement bar with gorgeous atmosphere and thoughtfully curated cocktails served in charming menu books. Features live jazz and blues bands creating wonderful ambiance. Friendly, attentive service from staff and door personnel. Small intimate venue perfect for discovering something special off the beaten path.

Service can be inconsistent with some waitresses being rude and pushy. Staff may try to clear unfinished drinks during timed reservations. The location is difficult to find, requiring persistence. Small size means securing a spot can be challenging, especially on busy nights.

Nightjar delivers exceptional atmosphere with stylish, vibrant ambiance that's perfect for date nights. The venue features live bands and talented singers that enhance the experience. Creative cocktails are beautifully presented with theatrical flair including flames and smoke. Bar seating offers entertaining views of skilled mixologists crafting drinks.

Cocktails prioritize visual presentation over substance, resulting in average-tasting drinks that lack the strong alcohol content cocktail enthusiasts expect. Portions are disappointingly small with high prices. Service can be forgettable with automatic service charges. Some drinks taste poorly executed despite creative presentation.

Visitors praise Nightjar's exceptional cocktail creativity and theatrical presentation. The knowledgeable bartenders receive consistent acclaim for their expertise and showmanship. Guests love the authentic speakeasy atmosphere and intimate setting. The unique flavor combinations and high-quality ingredients impress cocktail enthusiasts.

Some guests find the prices extremely high for cocktail portions. The small basement space can feel cramped during busy periods. Service occasionally slows when the bar reaches capacity. A few visitors consider the theatrical elements gimmicky rather than enhancing the drinking experience.

This historic pub features stunning marble and copper decor and appeared in Men in Black. Visitors praise the excellent beer selection, quality food including fish and chips, steak pie, and burgers. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for socializing. Staff is generally attentive and accommodating, even without reservations.

Service can be inconsistent with some unfriendly bartenders and slow food delivery during busy periods. The pub gets quite crowded, especially evenings, making reservations necessary for dinner. Food quality is described as standard pub fare by some visitors, though others found it exceptional.

This historic triangular pub from 1875 survived London's 1960s redevelopment and features striking architecture with ornate marble interiors. Friendly staff provide prompt service, and the food receives high praise, particularly the garlic mushrooms and steak and ale pie with perfectly prepared sides.

Poor staff hygiene creates an unpleasant dining environment that forces customers to leave without eating. One reviewer encountered a staff member with severe body odor that made the experience unbearable and raised concerns about overall cleanliness standards in the establishment.

Travelers consistently praise the stunning Art Nouveau architecture and unique bronze friezes featuring monks. Many highlight the excellent Fuller's ales and traditional British pub atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the historic significance and beautiful interior design, calling it a must-see London landmark.

Some visitors find the pub overcrowded during peak hours, making it difficult to appreciate the beautiful interior details. Service can be slow when busy, and the narrow layout creates bottlenecks. A few reviewers mention higher prices compared to typical London pubs, and limited food options during certain times.

Hidden speakeasy on Wentworth Street delivers exceptional cocktails at competitive prices (£10 per drink). Creative mixology, outstanding service, and intimate atmosphere with vinyl DJ sets. Cozy, dimly lit space feels like a well-kept secret. Signature drinks like Purple Noise and Bad Moon Rising showcase expert craftsmanship.

No signage makes the venue difficult to find, which is intentional but challenging for first-time visitors. Extremely limited seating in tiny space requires advance booking for tables. 10%% service charge added automatically to bills.

This hidden underground cocktail bar offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with exceptional drinks and welcoming service. Located behind an unmarked door down stairs, it features excellent cocktail recommendations and accommodating staff. The small space creates brilliant ambiance with good music, making it perfect for quiet conversations with friends or clients.

Poor customer service can spoil the experience, with staff sometimes rushing guests out before their reserved time ends. The tiny space fills up quickly, requiring advance bookings to secure tables. Walk-ins may only get bar seating even on quieter nights like Sunday evenings.

Visitors praise the creative cocktails and skilled bartenders who customize drinks to personal tastes. The hidden speakeasy concept and authentic vintage decor receive frequent compliments. Many appreciate the intimate atmosphere and quality music selection.

Some guests find the space cramped during peak hours and note limited food options. Occasional complaints about slow service when busy and higher drink prices compared to typical London pubs. The entrance can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Historic National Trust pub with fantastic atmosphere and multiple seating areas. Large outdoor terrace features screens for viewing. Good food including burgers, fish cakes, and sticky toffee dessert. Friendly staff and great beer selection. Quiet location near Borough Market and city center. Gallery seating overlooks courtyard.

Can get crowded making bar service difficult during busy periods. Limited dessert menu options. High calorie content on some menu items like fish and chips. Booking recommended especially for weekends due to popularity.

This historic pub offers unique galleried architecture as London's last remaining inn of its kind. The upstairs rooms provide excellent private party venues with friendly staff. The building maintains authentic period atmosphere with Dickens portraits and local scenes. When busy with tourists and workers, it creates a vibrant social hub.

Large sports screens dominate the courtyard, destroying historic charm. Football crowds bring bouncers, fights, and dodgy atmosphere on match days. Food is overpriced with limited fresh options. Service lacks warmth. Long waits for drinks and crowded conditions. The pub has lost its cultural identity under Greene King management.

Visitors praise the authentic historic atmosphere and well-preserved architecture. Many highlight the quality traditional British food and excellent beer selection. Staff receive compliments for friendly service and local knowledge. The unique setting and literary connections create memorable experiences.

Some guests find the food overpriced for portion sizes. Service can be slow during peak times. The historic building means cramped seating and limited accessibility. Tourist crowds sometimes detract from the authentic pub atmosphere that regulars prefer.

Excellent fish and chips stand out as crispy, fresh, and melting. Sunday roast offers generous portions with tender meat and rich gravy. Friendly staff including memorable bartender Charles create welcoming atmosphere. Two-level pub features well-lit patio upstairs and elegant rooms downstairs. Good beer selection with cask ales. Lively crowd of young locals and international travelers adds energy.

Limited negative feedback from reviews. Only minor note that sausages with mash, while good, didn't quite match the exceptional quality of the fish and chips. Some nearby pubs in the area tend to be quieter for those seeking more energetic atmosphere.

This traditional London pub wins over visitors with genuinely friendly staff and welcoming locals creating a warm atmosphere. The venue excels at private events with accommodating service and varied, delicious food that pleases all dietary needs. Tuesday quiz nights are popular and fun. The upstairs space works well for large groups with indoor-outdoor options.

Service can be frustratingly slow with 45-minute waits for food orders. When meals finally arrive, they may be lukewarm rather than hot with undercooked elements like potatoes. The dining experience doesn't always match expectations, leaving some guests disappointed with food quality and temperature.

Guests praise the exceptional food quality, particularly the Sunday roasts and seasonal specials. Many highlight the attentive service and cozy atmosphere. The wine selection receives frequent compliments, as does the fresh, locally sourced ingredients used throughout the menu.

Some visitors mention higher prices compared to typical pubs. Occasional complaints about noise levels during busy periods. A few reviews note limited vegetarian options and longer wait times for food during peak hours, particularly on weekends.

The Kernal Brewery offers world-class beers in a beautiful minimalist space with concrete and wood design. Staff like Russell and Maritz provide exceptional, passionate service. The 20-beer selection includes standout table beer, foeder, Australian hopped ales, and stouts. Quick delivery service impresses customers. One reviewer ranks it among top brewery experiences alongside Hill Farmstead and Jester King.

The reviews provided contain no significant negative feedback about The Kernal Brewery. All visitors expressed positive experiences with the beer quality, service, and atmosphere. No complaints about pricing, wait times, or facility issues were mentioned in these particular reviews.

Visitors praise exceptional beer quality and knowledgeable staff who provide detailed brewing insights. The authentic industrial atmosphere and direct-from-tank freshness create memorable experiences. Many appreciate the educational brewery tours and diverse beer selection.

Some find the industrial space cold and uncomfortable during winter months. Limited food options disappoint visitors expecting full meals. The bare-bones decor and minimal seating can feel stark for casual drinkers.

Excellent food quality with standout dishes like padron peppers, arancini, and Sunday roast. Attentive staff including Stephanie, Ella, and Lewis provide friendly service. Great outdoor seating with sunny atmosphere. Strong cocktails and healthy menu options. Perfect location near Columbia Market with good vibes and welcoming ambience.

Limited menu availability with items like French toast sometimes unavailable. Overpriced espresso martini that tastes artificial and overly sweet, possibly pre-made from bottle or tap. Large dessert portions may be wasteful if not shared. Can get busy during peak times affecting service speed.

Mare Street Market offers excellent pizza with crispy crust and fresh toppings. The chandelier room features beautiful decor. Cocktails and spritzes are refreshing. Staff provides friendly, fantastic service. The venue includes shopping options like a deli, record shop, flower shop, and art store all in one building.

Food feels overpriced for portion sizes. The breakfast burrito was disappointing at £15 for scrambled eggs in tortilla with beans. Pizza lacks sufficient mozzarella and has too much crust. Beer garden gets uncomfortably cold without heat lamps when sun disappears. Service gaps include missing straws.

Visitors praise the diverse food selection and quality from multiple vendors. The atmosphere receives consistent compliments for its industrial-chic design and lively social energy. Cocktails and craft beer selection earn high marks. Many appreciate the communal dining concept and friendly service across vendors.

Some guests find the venue overcrowded during peak weekend hours with limited seating. A few mention inconsistent food quality between different vendors. Noise levels can be excessive when busy. Several reviews note higher prices compared to similar food hall concepts in other London areas.

Guests praise the authentic jazz atmosphere and quality live music performances. The intimate setting creates genuine connection between musicians and audience. Cocktails receive consistent acclaim for creativity and execution. Many appreciate the venue's role in supporting emerging jazz talent.

Some visitors find the basement location cramped during busy shows. Limited seating means tables fill quickly on performance nights. A few guests mention inconsistent food quality and slower service when understaffed. The intimate setting can feel claustrophobic for some diners.

Exceptional cocktail bar with creative, unique drinks crafted by knowledgeable bartenders who customize based on preferences. Staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere where guests feel at home. Located in a cozy basement setting with perfect low lighting that creates intimate ambiance.

Location can be challenging to find since it's hidden in a basement level. While cocktails taste excellent, they lack visual distinction and creative presentation compared to other cocktail bars that offer more captivating and recognizable drink aesthetics.

Small intimate cocktail bar with exceptional, knowledgeable staff who provide excellent drink recommendations and attentive service. Clean, comfortable space with good bar snacks and welcoming atmosphere. Staff quickly notice customer preferences and offer replacements when needed. Great value for quality drinks.

Requires reservations due to no standing policy. One customer experienced poor delivery service and unresponsive customer service regarding a bottle order, with the owner refusing refunds after delivery issues occurred during the recipient's holiday absence.

Guests praise exceptional cocktail quality and knowledgeable bartenders who create personalized drinks. The intimate atmosphere and authentic speakeasy vibe receive consistent acclaim. Many highlight the impressive Japanese whisky selection and creative seasonal menu offerings.

Common complaints include limited seating causing long waits, especially on weekends. Some find prices expensive for drink portions. The basement location can feel cramped when busy, and service can be slow during peak times.