The best swanky bars in London are best for those nights when you just want to treat yourself or the person you're with. Whilst some may dismiss these bars as posh, the best swanky bars have a show-off factor which can't be found in your average upmarket bar. Prepare to be dazzled.
$ Grills and MartinisBe dazzled by the bright lights of this marvellous bar in Farringdon. Oh, and if you're peckish, the burgers are sensational.
333 MotherA Shoreditch fixture with young crowds dancing to soul, electro and all manner of unfashionable pop ditties. It's cool because it's UN-fashionable? You see?
This Victorian warehouse is now a swanky bar and art space in Shoreditch.
Crazy BearExquisite cocktails, red leather booths and beautiful dim sum. Oh, it's West End living all right.
26-28 Whitfield Street,
Bloomsbury,
London,
W1T 2RG
Embassy LondonDJ nights, a VIP area, celebrity chic and copious amounts of glamour make Embassy a major draw in the West End.
The Fifth Floor BarLuxury and intimacy guarenteed in this light and spacious setting on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols.
Harvey Nichols,
109-125 Knightsbridge,
Knightsbridge,
London,
SW1X 7RJ
read our review The Library BarA stunning bar within the Lanesborough Hotel with ornate and decadent interiors giving the impression that this venue has been here for centuries. In fact it used to be a hospital in the 1980s.
Lanesborough Hotel,
Hyde Park Corner,
Hyde Park,
London,
SW1X 7TA
read our review Long Bar(British)If Heaven has a bar, it will look like this; the sensational 80-ft long onyx is internally lit and surrounded with custom made silver bar stools to add glamour and luxury to proceedings.
Mint Leaf(Indian)More glamour and general swank at this gorgeous lounge bar in Haymarket with a fibre optic lighting system creating a striking backdrop to the 22 metre long cocktail bar. Nice.
Mo*vida(Modern European)We don't know about you, but we believe that an asterisk in an inapproriate place says 'swank' to us. So why not mosey on down to this stylish and funky celeb-magnet on Argyll Street in Soho?
No 5(Modern European)Stunning decor and a cocktail list as long as the Long Bar make No 5 the perfect choice for adding a touch of swank to your life.
Pearl Restaurant and Bar(French, Modern European)Put simply, Pearl on High Holborn is the venue for serious glamourpusses with its secluded walnut booths, signature cocktails and plush velvet seating.
Chancery Court Hotel,
252 High Holborn,
Holborn,
London,
WC1V 7EN
read our review The Polo BarImmerse yourself in this opulent Art Deco vision at the Westbury Hotel.