London is host to the best cocktail bars, there are loads to choose from which can be tricky when trying to pick which one to take your date to. We found it very hard to choose our 6 favourites, from Soho to East, West and North London we have whittled it down for you to make it easier for you to impress your date.
Oriole
East Poultry Avenue, Smithfield Markets, London, EC1A 9LH.
This one is a sneaky hidden one. Oriole is based inside Smithfield Market, it isn’t your usual place for a swanky bar and if definitely doesn’t look like one from the outside. Once inside though, you’ll be impressed and so will your date.
You’ll walk downstairs to find parquet flooring (yep, we have been renovating and this is the type of thing that impresses us) blue leather seating and wooden chairs, with touches of gold around the bar. You will also find a piano and gold drum set where you can catch some live music.
The cocktails are just as impressive and swanky as the venue. Taking inspiration from around the world, if you get a cocktail which is Asia inspired you won’t just get the drink the glasses and the garnish will match to tie it altogether.
To avoid disappointment we suggest you book in advance.
Basement Sate
8 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 8HN.
Another underground bar, you’ll find an inconspicuous door leading you downstairs to Basement Sate. You will be greated by
These guys do cocktails and desserts, and although we don’t want sweet food when we’re drinking (give us all the savoury schnacks) we broke with that tradition and we’re glad we did. Check out their Instagram to get a real taste for all the treats that might be in store.
Ask for any cocktail (even not on the menu) and they are happy to make it, they know what they are doing.
SWIFT Soho
12 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4TQ.
Sift Soho get BUSY, so make sure you book and do not be fashionably late because they will give your table away (we learnt this the hard way).
The perfect place to have a cosy 1-1, with the dark lighting and the strong cocktails really setting the mood for some intimate chats.
The downstairs menu is particularly impressive, their signature cocktails are named after legends, but they include illustrations of each person associated with the drink. We would recommend the Shanghaied a cocktail based on Carmen Miranda and described as punchy, fresh and sharp.
Satan’s Whiskers
343 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9RA.
This guy looks like a dump from the outside, but inside Satan’s Whiskers you will find some random taxidermy (somehow they make it cool and not tacky) and some excellent cocktails.
The bar tenders who wear jazzy shirts (you’ll be jealous) are more than happy to tell you the best drinks on the menu. A chilled friendly vibe, anyone would be impressed.
FAM
Corner of Picton Place, 31 Duke Street, London, W1U 1LG
If you’re planning on going out in Soho or you have been mad enough to go shopping around Oxford Street then this is the bar you need to rest your weary feet, or have a few pre drinks before going out out or if you’re lucky, before you go home (wheeey).
FAM is a bit brighter than the others and kind of feels like a diner. But they have some great cocktails on offer and have Vinyls on sale too, so you can add to your record collection.
Happiness Forgets
8-9 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NU.
Their tagline is something we can get behind, ‘Great cocktails, and no wallies.’
Happiness Forgets is a small bar underground, just off Hoxton Square so you might struggle to get a seat unless you have booked.
Because it is so small, it makes for a cosy evening. We recommend you try the Swans Neck.
If you would like to let us know your favourite cocktail bars, we would love to hear them, leave a comment below.
If you liked this article why not check out our to do section of the magazine to find more inspiration.
Love Team Nonchalant x
Last Updated on 21st December 2022 by Nonchalant Magazine
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
