Take your pick through our selection of exemplary venues in the city courtesy of our recommended list of central London bars. From stylish DJ bars to charming pubs, our guide to central London bars is all you need to ensure a satisfying night out.
Whilst some may - for good reasons - be dubious of themed bars such as this, Albannach actually manages to shine thanks to its excellent balance between creating a Scottish air and keeping the bar laid back and unpretentious.
66 Trafalgar Square,
Trafalgar Square,
London,
WC2N 5DS
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All Star Lanes brings you London’s first boutique bowling alley.
Victoria House,
Bloomsbury Place,
Holborn,
London,
WC1B 4DA
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(27)
The Apartment offers extensive lists of champagne, wine, beer and spirits, also providing their very own expert mixologist.
Kettner's,
29 Romilly Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 5HP
A reliable chain bar on Great Windmill Street.
20 Great Windmill Street,
Soho,
London,
W1D 7LQ
Belgo Centraal is another great example of this chain getting it right.
50 Earlham Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2H 9LJ
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This gastropub keeps quality to a high standard while maintaining a style all of its own.
51 Eagle Street,
Holborn,
London,
WC1R 4AP
The Clarence is a traditional pub located opposite the Horse Guards sentry posts just off Trafalgar Square. They serve a selection of real ales and classic pub food.
53 Whitehall,
St James,
London,
SW1A 2HP
The funkiest option on Shaftesbury Avenue.
198 Shaftesbury Avenue,
London,
WC2H 8JL
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The Light Bar is a unique and breathtaking space that takes the concept of atmospheric lighting to new heights. People sit in a series of cosy niches that are bathed in warmly vibrant shafts of coloured light.
St Martins Lane Hotel,
45 St Martins Lane,
London,
WC2N 4HX
London Cocktail Club's latest venture sees them backed by culinary heavyweight Raymond Blanc. Taking over the basement space formerly known as Manouche Wine Bar, expect quality cocktails and tapas-style food.
Basement,
61 Goodge Street,
Fitzrovia,
London,
W1T 1TL
Quietly tucked away on Chandos Place lies this jewel in Covent Garden’s drinking crown.
51-52 Chandos Place,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2N 4HS
The Martini Bar is the pleasant antithesis to all the trashy, cheap tourist and party bars in the area.
Christophers American Bar and Grill,
18 Wellington Street,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2E 7DD
Mask Bar is one of the Strand’s best places for an after-work tipple or for relaxing at the end of a long day's shopping. The chic and stylish decor creates the perfect setting in which to enjoy a signature cocktail from our extensive menu.
372 Strand,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2R 0JJ
Milk and Honey is a sensational private members' club in Soho. Access is available to non-members by reservation until 23:00.
61 Poland Street,
Soho,
London,
W1F 7NU
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(10)
Adorned with over a million hand-strung pearls, Pearl Restaurant and Bar is one of the most glamorous options in central London.
Chancery Court Hotel,
252 High Holborn,
Holborn,
London,
WC1V 7EN
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An attractive pub in Bloomsbury. The Perseverance wouldn’t look out of place in a Dickens novel, albeit one with a modern twist.
63 Lambs Conduit Street,
Bloomsbury,
London,
WC1N 3NB
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Although attached to the traditional Westbury Hotel, The Polo Bar is an entity in its own right – and an upbeat, funky one at that.
The Westbury,
37 Conduit Street,
Mayfair,
London,
W1S 2YF
The Porterhouse in Covent Garden sells a varied range of ales, stouts and lagers.
21-22 Maiden Lane,
Covent Garden,
London,
WC2E 7NA
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The Seven Stars is a very old and historic pub in Carey Street that serves a variety of beers and quality wines.
53-54 Carey Street,
Holborn,
London,
WC2A 2JB
Vanilla is a stunning addition to Fitzrovia, offering a destination venue of choice for discerning drinkers and diners.
131 Great Titchfield Street,
Fitzrovia,
London,
W1W 5BB