London’s Best Sport Bars & Pubs

The Kings Sports Bar

5–6 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7NA

Over in Leicester Square, The Kings Sports Bar is a modern, 24/7 bar broadcasting global sport on big screens, from Premier League football to cricket, e-sports to NFL. Sponsored by Budweiser, expect sport in every direction accompanied by an American Sports Bar-inspired menu, and plenty of crisp Budweiser. thecasinolsq.com 

 

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Beechwood Sports & Kitchen

Worship Street, London EC2A 2FA

Rugby, football, NFL, tennis, basketball, boxing, golf, F1: if you follow it, Shoreditch’s Beechwood Sports & Kitchen more than likely screens it. So grab your mates, a refreshingly cold beer, order some tasty grub (it’s wings and nachos galore here), and settle down in front of the high-tech TVs. Book ahead to snag one of the outdoor spots. beechwoodsportspub.com 

 

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Speedboat Bar

30 Rupert St, London W1D 6DL

Inspired by Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown, Speedboat Bar is a late-night cocktail and food destination, with pool tables and large TV screening live sports year round, too. speedboatbar.co.uk 

 

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Bar Kick

127 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JE

Back to Shoreditch for the aptly-named Bar Kick sport bar, where a whopping 12 4k screens are placed across two floors – screening up to three matches at once – so you won’t miss a single minute of your game. Meanwhile, fuel up on mouth watering burgers, chicken wings and loaded fries, or play your own game of foosball. See exactly what’s on at barkicklondon.com 

 

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Big Penny Social

1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL

The vast Big Penny Social in Walthamstow marks almost every occasion you could imagine with special events ranging from family-friendly fun to film screenings to boozy quiz nights. They also screen live sport fixtures including English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Six Nations, World Cup and more. See the full line-up at bigpennysocial.co.uk 

 

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Greenwood

170 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5LB

Possibly the classiest sport bar in London, Greenwood screens all types of major competitive sporting events via two mega screens and a projector. We recommend upstairs where the true sports fans congregate; they also do bottomless brunch on the weekends for the perfect accompaniment to jeers and cheers. greenwoodlondon.com

Bounce

Venues in Old Street and Farringdon

Get some of that pent-up energy out by playing sports while you watch! London’s top ping-pong bar – with Wonderball, Beer Pong and Shuffleboard also available – is the top spot for sport lovers; the vast venues are also home to huge screens and incredible audio, screening all the big Premier League and European football games, with plenty of pizza and drinks to keep you fueled up meantime. See exactly what will be screened at bouncepingpong.com 

 

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The Charlotte

204 Union Street, London SE1 0LX

Play a round of pool pre- or post-match at The Charlotte, where nine giant indoor and outdoor HD screens are ready and raring to show your favourite sports. There are private areas for groups, a comprehensive menu of fresh snacks, and free-flowing beer, wines, cocktails and spirits. See exactly what they’ll be screening at thecharlottese1.com 

 

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Featured image: The Kings Sports Bar.

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Best Rooftop Bars and Terraces in London

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Best Rooftop Bars In Soho

Aqua Kyoto

Seek refuge from bustling Oxford Street at Aqua Kyoto’s new rooftop terrace, launched in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Housed on the fifth floor of the former Dickens & Jones building, the vibrant space features yellow and pink tones, with pretty blooms of flowers cascading over the tiles and walls. From here, diners can enjoy small plates inspired by Tokyo’s Ginza district, alongside champagne and Japanese cocktails mixed with seasonal ingredients.

5th Floor 240 Regent Street (Entrance, 30 Argyll St, London W1B 3BR, aquaspirit.co.uk

Alto by San Carlo at Selfridges

The Italian rooftop restaurant at the top of Selfridges is fittingly chic. A project from the famed San Carlo group, it comprises a restaurant with a retractable roof, plus an al fresco terrace and bar area, making it a lovely spot to visit year-round. The main dining room is a light-filled space set beneath a canopy of flowers, while the terrace offers skyline views. Amid this idyllic setting you can sip Aperol Spritzes and feast on Italian-inspired sharing plates like beef carpaccio, arancini and fried calamari. A taste of la dolce vita, bang in the middle of London.

400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB, sancarlo.co.uk

Tattu London

Manchester-born Chinese restaurant group Tattu recently made its first foray into London, opening a restaurant on the sixth floor of the Outernet building next to Tottenham Court Road station. It’s a cool, sultry spot inspired by a traditional Chinese ‘Courtyard House’, complete with aesthetic interiors and, crucially, a roof terrace. From here you can order equally photogenic sharing plates and cocktails, such as the popular Skull Candy, a sweet vodka tipples served in a skull-shaped vehicle and arriving amid a cloud of smoke. There’s also the Cherry Blossom Negroni, which comes with its own little pink tree, or the Jade Flower, a refreshing mix of vodka, lychee and sour cucumber.

The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St, London WC2H 0LA, tattu.co.uk

The Nest at Treehouse Hotel London

With its botanical design and jaw-dropping views, The Nest at the top of London’s Treehouse Hotel wins the award for the neighbourhood’s most Instagrammable rooftop bar. It’s decked out with green foliage and hanging lamps, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around terrace overlooking the city. In-keeping with the nature vibe, cocktails are seasonal and low-waste, with the spring menu focused around six flavour profiles: lemon balm, nettles, rhubarb, rosemary, radish and strawberry. These inspire drinks like Nettles in the Sky, a blend of Sapling vodka, nettle tea, citrus, blue curacao and egg white; and a rhubarb-infused margarita. 

14-15 Langham Pl, London W1B 2QS, treehousehotels.com

Soho Sky Terrace

This rooftop spot is something of a hidden gem, found at the top of the Courthouse Hotel on Soho’s Carnaby Street. A fun drinks menu includes cocktails like watermelon martinis and malbec sangria, plus buckets of beer, spirits and wine. Food-wise there are sharing nibbles, pizzas and wraps. It’s a popular venue for private events, with capacity for up to 80 people standing or 60 seated – though you can book for smaller groups, but be aware there may be a minimum spend. 

16 Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7HS, courthouse-hotel.com

Featured image: Tattu London

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The Best Champagne Bars in London

The Landmark

With its palatial interiors and grand feel, Marylebone hotel The Landmark is the perfect spot for a glass of fizz – particularly with its brand-new champagne bar. Part of a big refurbishment at the hotel, the new spot is housed within the central glass atrium, beneath a foliage-lined glasshouse. Glamorous interiors from Alex Kravetz Design feature a regal colour palette of rich blues, greens and golds, with plush sofas and armchairs to enjoy drinks on. The menu includes a diverse range of champagnes alongside seafood-focused small plates – think scallop ceviche, Brixham white crab, and caviar. Guests can also opt to have the High Seas High Tea, a seafood twist on afternoon tea featuring crab sandwiches, poached langoustine tartlets and hand-crafted pastries.

222 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 6JQ, landmarklondon.co.uk

London Calling at Selfridges

Moët & Chandon’s champagne bar at Selfridges, themed around our beloved capital city, is an absolute must-visit for lovers of fizz. The London Calling bar features a design inspired by the classic red telephone booth, alongside a photographic exhibition of 10 key moments in London from 1908 to the 1990s. Guests can enjoy a range of Moët & Chandon wines, including its iconic Moët Impérial and Rosé Impérial styles which have appeared at London’s most glamorous events over the years.

400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB; selfridges.com

Champagne Room at The Connaught

This hidden gem within The Connaught hotel is the place to go if you prefer a refined, intimate vibe to the big cork-popping celebrations. Even the most discerning guest will be impressed by the vintages and bottles on offer, all served in glistening bespoke Baccarat crystal glasses. The height of luxury.

Connaught, Carlos Pl, London W1K 2AL; the-connaught.co.uk

St Pancras Champagne Bar

Whether or not you’re Eurostar-bound, the St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys is a destination in its own right. The iconic location houses the longest champagne bar in Europe, and the glass ceiling, Art Deco furnishings and constant comings-and-goings below make for an especially romantic glass or two of bubbly. After a few, you may even be tempted to embark on an impromptu trip to Paris…

St. Pancras, St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL; stpancrasbysearcys.co.uk

The Ritz

There are few things more decadent than heading to The Ritz for your celebrations. The Rivoli cocktail bar is one of London’s finest, and its menu has an entire page dedicated to champagne, as well as one for caviar – a most perfect and natural of marriages. Go all out.

150 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9BR; theritzlondon.com

Laurent-Perrier Champagne Bar at the Royal Albert Hall

(c) Raphael Tomi, Unsplash

It’s all in the name. From crisp La Cuvée to the memorable Grand Siècle, Laurent-Perrier shows off its best bubbles in the eponymous bar on the Grand Tier of the Royal Albert Hall. Book a table before your chosen performance for a memorable evening out to the theatre, just as it should be.

Grand Tier, Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP; royalalberthall.com

Champagne Bar at Harrods

Harrods‘ exclusive champagne provider, the Hostomme family, has been established in the Champagne region for over three centuries. Head to the legendary department store’s hidden champagne bar to try the full selection – you won’t be disappointed.

87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL; harrods.com

Champagne + Fromage

Champagne and cheese: a slightly unconventional combination, but who’s complaining? With six London sites, you can get your fill of two of France’s greatest exports in the form of weekly tastings, masterclasses and fizzed-up afternoon teas, or just head straight to the bar to enjoy some of the finest grower champagnes around.

Various locations; champagneplusfromage.co.uk

Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Bar

F0llowing Harvey Nichols’ major fifth-floor refurbishment, the store’s flagship bar is back in business serving London-inspired cocktails as well as big-name champagnes befitting the Knightsbridge postcode. Mid-shopping pitstops ease into buzzy evenings here – especially when there’s a nine-litre Perrier-Jouët Salmanazar on the menu…

109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ; harveynichols.com

Vertigo42

Located at the top of Tower 42, London’s highest champagne bar offers unbeatable views of the city to accompany a glass of bubbly – the high-life indeed. Book a seat facing outwards to best take in your surroundings and order the Laurent-Perrier Champagne flight to help expand your palate. For a truly special event, go all out with a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.

Tower 42, 25 Old Broad St, London EC2N 1HN; opentable.co.uk/vertigo

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Best Beer Gardens in London

The Gatehouse, Highgate

If you find yourself further north, head to The Gatehouse, located in the heart of Highgate Village. Its pub garden is clad in lush greenery – a dream for any lover of biophilia ­– and makes for the perfect spot to enjoy tapas and cocktails while you soak up the best of the English summer.

1 North Rd, London N6 4BD, thegatehousen6.com

The Whippet, Kensal Rise

The Whippet’s garden has the benefit of having a retractable roof. So, you can enjoy an al fresco vibe without having to rely on the weather. Try and grab one of the tables with comfy sofas and heaters. It’s also available for exclusive hire – perfect for any celebratory drinks you might be planning.

64 Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JJ, thewhippetinn.com

Big Penny Social, Walthamstow

With a huge sun-soaked beer garden, this is one of your best bets to bag a seat on a particularly sunny day. While away your afternoon and sip pints underneath an array of twinkly fairy lights. The beer hall itself emulates a trendy microbrewery and you can grab some delicious bites from in there.

1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL, trumanssocialclub.co.uk

The Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch

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This Shoreditch spot used to be a strip club, but it reopened in 2013 as a pub – and has since become a local institution. The garden is huge, with an extensive menu featuring lots of craft beer and great food. You can reserve a spot online beforehand, but there’s also space for walk-ins.

226 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ, crownandshuttle.com

The Crabtree, Hammersmith

The Crabtree’s giant beer garden meanders down to a quiet stretch of the Thames between Hammersmith and Putney bridges. A BBQ grill operates from spring to autumn, with plenty of big tables for groups.

Rainville Rd, London SW6 6TY, thecrabtreew6.co.uk

Hope and Anchor, Brixton

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This spacious fairy-lit garden on Acre Lane is covered and heated, with 12 bookable huts alongside long wooden tables beneath the pergola. Looking to watch some sports while you’re there? Pick a hut with a private TV screen. Don’t miss the juicy burger menu.

123 Acre Ln, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5UA, hopeandanchorbrixton.co.uk

Princess of Wales, Clapton

This pretty East London haunt boasts views across the River Lea, offering a countryside feel in the heart of Hackney. Enjoy craft beers, wine and a menu of homegrown dishes.

146 Lea Bridge Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 9RB, princessofwalesclapton.co.uk

King’s Arms, Wandsworth

If you’re worried about the temperamental British weather, Wandsworth pub the King’s Arms has a completely covered beer garden with heaters. Craft beers and cocktails are the star of the show, but there’s also plenty of food available including an all-day brunch and patties from the Burger Shack.

94-96 Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4LB, kingsarmswandsworth.co.uk

The Canonbury Tavern, Canonbury

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George Orwell would often frequent this north London haunt – and it helped inspire Moon Under Water, his essay on the criteria for the perfect pub. Its beer garden is large and leafy, with an outdoor bar serving beers, wines and spirits.

21 Canonbury Pl, London N1 2NS, thecanonbury.co.uk

The Ship, Wandsworth

Much-loved South West haunt The Ship has been around for over 200 years, but still reels in the crowds at weekends. They have a big beer garden that’s practically on the water, with a Burger Shack sizzling up BBQ food and top notch curly fries. Feels a bit like you’re on a boat, in a good way. 

41 Jews Row, London SW18 1TB, theship.co.uk

The Magic Garden, Battersea

This Battersea pub does boho chic at its finest. The Magic Garden boasts live music and DJs from all genres, where creative south-west Londoners flock on weekends. With its laid-back Glasto vibes, the so-called ‘festival in a pub’ is the kind of place you’ll struggle to leave.

231 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LG, magicgardenpub.com

The Albion, Islington

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Arguably one of the most beautiful beer gardens in London, The Albion’s garden space is flooded with wisteria and flickering candles which make for endless Instagram opportunities. The French windows in the restaurant open onto over 450 metres of wisteria-filled English country garden – truly breathtaking.

10 Thornhill Rd, London N1 1HW, the-albion.co.uk

Duke of Edinburgh, Brixton

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The Duke of Edinburgh’s beer garden is legendary – and it’s one of the biggest in south London. With a large bar, BBQ pit and extensive seating, it’s made for a slow (and boozy) Sundays with friends.

204 Ferndale Rd, London SW9 8AG, dukeofedinburghpub.com

The Rose, Fulham

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Known as Fulham’s ‘Village Pub’, the garden at The Rose is typically quaint. Enjoy a refreshing drink as you listen to the gentle swell of the water features and admire the carpet of flowering shrubs. Just perfect for a lazy afternoon drink or meal with friends. Totally unique, the layout provides private and secluded areas perfect for a quiet (or not-so-quiet) afternoon.

1 Harwood Terrace, London SW6 2AF, therosefulham.co.uk

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Speakeasy bars first came about in 1920s America, when new laws meant alcohol was banned. But instead of its desired effect, prohibition resulted in the emerging of an illicit, underground drinking culture in the shape of secret bars requiring a password. A hundred years on they’re still around – but less for necessity, and more for fun. These days, speakeasies take on more of a sophisticated guise, with snazzy surroundings, jazz bands and well-crafted cocktails. London is filled with them, if you know where to look. Here’s our pick of the best, from the glamorous to the quirky.

Best Speakeasy Bars in London

• Lost Property Office
• Mayahuel
• Amazonico London’s Unnamed Bar
• Barts
• The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
• Nightjar
• Happiness Forgets
• Below & Hidden
• Discount Suit Company
• 69 Colebrooke Row
• Cahoots

Lost Property Office

Lost Property Office is a new speakeasy cocktail bar launched by award-winning bartender Rich Woods, aka ‘The Cocktail Guy’ who has shaped the cocktail menus of numerous leading London bars and restaurants such as Gold Notting Hill, SUSHISAMBA, and Duck and Waffle. The intimate space mixes comfort with classic styling and can only be accessed through a secret door within BrewDog Waterloo’s 27,500 sq ft venue. This hidden gem showcases classic cocktails, reimagined using modern culinary techniques. Creativity and unique flavour pairings underpin the menu, with the Martini Roulette serving as the bar’s signature experience. Exceptionally succinct with a well-appointed menu that features an intimate collection of cocktails, from a Full Flex (Manhattan) – Bourbon, Blended Sweet Vermouths, Cacao Butter, Ancho Chilli & Grapefruit Oils to a Lagerita (Reformed Margarita) – Hopped Tapatio Tequila, Clarified Lime, Blood Orange and Bergamot, topped with a Beer Cloud and seasonal micro flowers and leaves.

01 The Sidings, London SE1 7BH; waterloolostpropertyoffice.co.uk

Mayahuel

Mayahuel is a cocktail bar located in the basement of Cavita, the acclaimed Mexican restaurant in Marylebone. The speakeasy is an intimate space with artfully bare walls and details that pay homage to Mexico and its rich culture. For those who enjoy tequila and mezcals, agave flights showcasing only the best are available on the menu alongside wonderfully crafted cocktails. A small menu of bar snacks is also available from the kitchen upstairs including the Tuna Tostada with macha sauce, avocado purée and ginger vinaigrette and Esquites, a Mexican corn salad with chicken broth, jalapeno mayo.

56-60 Wigmore St, London W1U 2RZ; mayahuelmezcaleria.co.uk

Amazónico London’s Unnamed Bar

When it opened in 2019, Amazónico London gained overnight fame, regularly having over a thousand people on the waiting list for weekend tables. Lesser known, however, was the hidden club located beneath the restaurant. The space – which has never been named or publicised – was previously invite only, but it’s now being opened up to the general public. Travel down a golden-clad staircase to reach the speakeasy, which is inspired by South American cenotes (natural rockpools): think blue stucco walls, columns covered in sequins, and an opulent golden octopus hanging atop the DJ booth. The 40 covers are allocated on a first come first serve basis, with no reservations being taken.

10 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR; amazonicorestuarant.com

Barts

To find Barts, look for the black door inside the lobby of Sloane Avenue’s Chelsea Cloisters apartment building. Ring the bell, and before you know it a barman’s eye will appear in the peephole to check you look the part and ask for the secret password. Once inside, head to the infamous fancy dress box and get into costume, before spending the night drinking tipples from teacups. Décor is eccentric and unusual – think random signs and taxidermic stag heads, with scarlet red walls, styled like the apartment of fictitious gangster, Uncle Barts.

Chelsea Cloisters, 87 Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DW; barts-london.com

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town wins the award for London’s most interesting speakeasy entrance – you get in through a blue Smeg fridge. But it also wins the award for the most publicised so-called ‘speakeasy’ bar, with a blackboard directing you straight to it, somewhat defeating the purpose. Nevertheless, it’s a fun concept: head to the Spitalfields branch of The Breakfast Club and tell staff you’re ‘here to see the Mayor’ with a little wink. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping a Peat-Nut-Butter-Cup cocktail in the retro-style dimly-lit surroundings without a care in the world.

12-16 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LS; themayorofscaredycattown.com

Nightjar

Tucked away behind an unassuming door near Old Street, Nightjar is a speakeasy done right. Low-lit, slick and classy, the bar boasts an eclectic menu of well-crafted cocktails, ranging from the classic to the exotic, served in all sorts of fun creations – drinks here are as much art as they are beverages. There’s also live music every night, with a band playing swing and jazz, bringing a touch of New York glamour to London’s speakeasy scene. Be sure to book ahead, otherwise you’ll struggle to get a table.

129 City Rd, Hoxton, London EC1V 1JB; barnightjar.com

Happiness Forgets

Hoxton haunt Happiness Forgets marks itself apart from the run of London speakeasies, but it definitely has that vibe – albeit without the gimmicks. A small, unpretentious bar inspired by Burt Bacharach’s song Dionne Warwick, Happiness Forgets is sophisticated, with a focus on exceptional cocktails created by top notch bartenders. It’s pretty hidden, but when you see a staircase and a sign saying Happiness, you know you’re on the money. It was named in the 2021 World’s 50 Best Bars List too.

8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU; happinessforgets.com

Below & Hidden

No bigger than your average living room, Below & Hidden is an afterparty-style drinking den, tucked away beneath Bourne & Hollingsworth’s chic restaurant. Unlike it’s bright and airy sister upstairs, the basement bar is dark and cosy, with plush seating and tapestry-covered walls which vanish to reveal LED lights that spring into action late at night, along with the DJ.

42 Northampton Rd, Clerkenwell, London EC1R 0HU; bandhbuildings.com

Discount Suit Company

Located in a former tailor’s workshop, Discount Suit Company is hidden down an unassuming staircase on Petticoat Lane. With red leather armchairs, candles and low tables, it nails the speakeasy vibe, with a suitably wacky cocktail menu to match. The bar has recently released a new menu for spring, featuring tipples like The Bogan, an Aussie-inspired mix of gin sour, Brookies macadamia, fresh kiwi juice and vermouth. There’s also Mr Susan, a Japanese-inspired Pisco Sour made with plum sake, black sesame and crème de noyaux; a nutty liqueur made from cherry stones.

29A Wentworth St, Spitalfields, London E1 7TB; discountsuitcompany.co.uk

69 Colebrooke Row

A tiny cocktail bar self-styled as ‘the bar with no name’, this speakeasy is known by its backstreet Islington address. Being headed up by renowned cocktail wizard Tony Conigliaro, it’s no surprise drinks are exceptional. 69 Colebrooke Row is not the place for weird and wacky ingredients: here you’ll find original, classy cocktails using classic ingredients, mixed to perfection. There are only a few tables, giving it an intimate atmosphere, but also meaning you need to book well in advance.

69 Colebrooke Row, London N1 8AA; 69colebrookerow.com

Cahoots

Travel back in time to 1940s London at Cahoots, Carnaby’s worst-kept secret: an underground cocktail bar hidden beneath the streets of Soho. Once used as an air raid shelter, the venue has been transformed into a tube station, complete with vintage adverts, retro-style drinks and sandbags. They recently opened a sister speakeasy, this one overground and framed as an old ticket hall – think period train schedules, phone booths and ticket machines. Those in the know will venture through here to The Signal Station, a hideout which will play host to live entertainment, immersive movie evenings and cocktail masterclasses.

13 Kingly Ct, Soho, London W1B 5PW; cahoots-london.com

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London is renowned for its nightlife scene, with something for all types of partygoer – from glitzy cocktail bars to live music venues; under-the-radar speakeasies to filled-to-the-brim nightclubs. Each neighbourhood offers something unique – from Soho, the beating heart of the city where revellers spill out onto the streets night after night, to the edgier Shoreditch, home to countless alternative music nights and basement bars. Here we’ll share some of our top picks.

Best Nightclubs and Bars in London For a Night Out

The Cross

Best for: dinner that turns into dancing

Back in the ‘90s, everyone from Kate Moss to Robbie Williams was seen partying at The Cross, the famed nightclub in King’s Cross. The hotspot closed its doors in 2007 – but now it’s back, with a brand-new look. One of the original founders, Billy Reilly, is behind the revived venue, which is ‘a little more grown up’, with a great wine list and comfy seats. There’s a chic bar with velvet curtains and chandeliers, a subterranean club with music from DJs, and a restaurant called Wild, where you can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates. At the top, meanwhile, sits a roof terrace, which offers views of the city skyline.

Arches 27-31; York Way; Kings Cross; London N1 0BB, thecrosslondon.com

KOKO

Best for: a bit of everything

Over a century after it first opened, London’s KOKO in Camden has reopened following a £70m restoration after being closed for three years – there was a rooftop fire in 2019, then Covid hit. The original Grade II listed Victorian theatre remains the central hub for music gigs, but lots more has been added, including a members’ club, a speakeasy, a cocktail bar, a roof terrace and jazz club Ellen’s, which hosts late-night impromptu shows from stars big and small.

1A Camden High St, London NW1 7JE; koko.co.uk

Cirque Le Soir

Best for: circus-stye entertainment

Hidden behind an unsuspecting black door on Ganton Street sits one of London’s most eclectic nightclubs, Cirque Le Soir. Since its inception in 2009, the swanky venue has become known for its immersive entertainment – think sword-swallowers, contortionists, stilt walkers and magicians, all to the sound of internationally renowned DJs. Keep your eyes peeled for famous faces – Leonardo Di Caprio, Cara Delevingne and Rihanna have all been spotted there over the years.

15-21 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN; cirquelesoir.com

Archer Street

Best for: birthdays

With two outposts across Soho and Clapham, Archer Street is the perfect balance between club and bar. Both are stylish spots but with an added element of fun: bar staff will break into song and dance throughout the evening – they all double as professional performers from the West End. It’s a great spot for birthdays and celebratory events, with an impressive cocktail list and a buzzing atmosphere.

3-7 Northcote Rd, London SW11 1NG and 3-4 Archer St, London W1D 7AP; archerstreet.co.uk

The London Reign

Best for: a high-end clubbing experience

Another project from the team behind Cirque Le Soir, Reign opened in 2017 as London’s ‘first ever showclub’. That means you’ll be drinking and dancing alongside performance artists, stage shows, acrobats, musicians and more – with pyrotechnics and confetti canons thrown in for good measure. One to dress up for.

215, 217 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9HN; thelondonreign.com

Radio Rooftop

Best for: rooftop views

Perched atop ME London on The Strand, Radio Rooftop is one of London’s most glamorous rooftop spots. It’s open year-round: a magical winter terrace in the cooler months, an Ibiza-style hangout in summer. Spectacular views justify the high drinks price.

336-337 Strand, London WC2R 1HA; radiorooftop.com

Corsica Studios

Best for: late night partying

After starting its life as a nomadic party in the late 90s, Corsica Studios found its permanent home beneath the railway arches in Elephant & Castle in 2002. Since then, it has become the place to go in London for techno, electro and house music lovers. With just two rooms, it’s relatively small – but its huge sound systems draw in big name DJs from all over the world. One for the night owls, weekend nights here tend to stretch out to five or six in the morning.

4, 5 Elephant Rd, London SE17 1LB; corsicastudios.com

Colours Hoxton

Best for: an inclusive atmosphere

Hoxton Square’s new multi-arts bar and club Colours aims to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. It’s located where Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen used to be – a site which has stood as a live music venue for over a hundred years. Colours continues this legacy with its 300-capacity live music room, which hosts gigs from both local and global artists, with music spanning everything from hip hop to electro pop. Club nights, meanwhile, include residencies from the likes of house and techno party Naturalia and female-led immersive theatre collective Shotgun Carousel.

2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU; colourshoxton.com

100 Wardour Street

Best for: a Saturday in Soho

Soho is jam-packed with bars and clubs, but not all are made equal. One of the best is 100 Wardour Street, a multi-purpose venue where you can eat, drink and dance all at once. The ground floor is a relaxed, smart bar and lounge, while downstairs has a more club-like atmosphere, with late-night DJs in residence from Thursday through to Saturday.

100 Wardour St, London W1F 0TN; 100wardourst.com

The Piano Works

Best for: song requests

This late-night live music venue certainly knows how to put on a show. With branches in both the West End and Farringdon – the latter of which is a Victorian listed warehouse – The Piano Works offers evenings filled with fantastic food (brunch, lunch and dinner), artist-inspired cocktails (try the Gin It Jackson and the Elton Gin), and live music from a six-piece band which play songs at the audience’s request. Branded as ‘part party – part bar – part restaurant – part concert’, this very special venue has a little something to satisfy everyone.

113-117 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3BX and 47 Whitcomb St., London WC2H 7DH; pianoworks.bar

XOYO

Best for: an eclectic music line-up

Since opening in 2010, XOYO has established itself as one of the most well-respected clubs and gig venues in the capital. Rather than favouring one music genre, it plays a bit of everything: there’s house, techno, electro, garage, hip-hop, R&B – you name it. Spread over two floors, XOYO houses up to 800 revellers at once – though a long bar stretching along the side of the main room, which means you’ll never have to wait too long for a drink. Always a bonus.

32-37 Cowper St, London EC2A 4AP; xoyo.co.uk

MNKY HSE

Best for: Mayfair glitz

If you’re looking for great food and a party atmosphere, MNKY HSE on Dover Street is pretty near perfect. The Latin American restaurant headed up by Pablo Peñalosa Nájera (ex-Four Seasons Bogotá) strongly encourages its ethos of ‘eat, drink, play’. It’s flashy, club-like and at times exaggerated – but this is its appeal, and the reason it’s the location of choice for many a Fashion Week party. If you’re in the mood to go all out (and if you weren’t when you arrived, you certainly will be within the hour), order the BLUE MNKY cocktail which packs quite the punch with lashings of whisky, a £55 price tag and accompanying electric cigar.

10 Dover St, London W1S 4LQ; mnky-hse.com

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The Best Queer & Gay Bars In London

Retro Bar

Described as one of ‘London’s secret gems’, the Strand’s cosy Retro Bar is any music enthusiast’s place-to-be. Pop a song on the jukebox, admire the music-inspired art, and enjoy the eccentric 70s and 80s tunes.

VISIT: 2 George Court WC2N 6HH. retrobarlondon.co.uk

Heaven

This famous Soho bar – with its equally as famous club night, G-A-Y – is spread over three floors and draws young creatives to Old Compton Street for after-work drinks and weekend parties. Follow its Facebook page to keep up tabs on upcoming events.

VISIT: 30 Old Compton Street, Soho W1D 4UR. g-a-yandheaven.co.uk

Admiral Duncan

This buzzy venue is recommended by Damian Kerlin, founder and host of podcast Memories From The Dancefloor, which celebrates LGBTQ+ venues. ‘The Admiral Duncan is your typical local boozer, a friendly pub in the heart of the capital,’ says Damian. ‘Think the Queen Vic but queer. The vibrant bar staff match the eclectic range of customers, so they have something to every-bodies’ taste. Check out their social media for their range of event nights catering for anyone and everyone.’ 

VISIT: 54 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UD. admiral-duncan.co.uk

Halfway To Heaven

‘Loved and cherished by the LGBTQIA+ community since 1991, Halfway to Heaven is the perfect pairing of local bar upstairs and magical cabaret venue downstairs,’ says Damian. ‘This little gem is jam-packed with fabulous, flamboyant cabaret, seven days a week, from the best in the business.’

VISIT: 7 Duncannon Street, London WC2N 4JF. halfway2heaven.net

The Yard

Another Soho delight, The Yard has a cool, laidback and intimate vibe. Relax in the twinkling courtyard with a bottle of wine, lounge with a cocktail on the second floor furniture, and chat with an array of effortlessly cool, like-minded people on the balcony upstairs.

VISIT: 57 Rupert Street, Soho W1D 7PL. yardbar.co.uk

Eagle London

Head to Vauxhall’s LGBTQ+ hub The Eagle on a Sunday night when a stylish young crowd flock to dance and enjoy Horse Meat Disco, one of the best club nights in town.

VISIT: 349 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall SE11 5QY. eaglelondon.com

The Bridge

Petite and modern, this wine bar is a great option to take a date. Sit on a leather sofa, talk and dance the night away under the arch. On balmy summer evenings, meet friends for drinks in the outside area. Follow their Facebook page for extensive events.

VISIT: 8 Voltaire Road, Clapham SW4 6DH. bridgewinebar.com

The Glory

From performances to late-night disco, Haggerston’s The Glory is a vibrant setting for an unforgettable night out. The two-year old super-pub was the first in the UK to put on a gay Jewish night: Butt Mitzvah.

VISIT: 281 Kingsland Road, Haggerston E2 8AS. theglory.co

She Soho

She Soho is a London club dedicated to queer women, non-binary folk and friends. Spend an evening here enjoying live DJs, cabaret, drag king shows and more.

VISIT: 23a Old Compton St, Soho W1D 5JL. Stay up to date on their Facebook page.

 

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LICK

‘For women, by women’, LICK attracts queer and non-binary womxn to their legendary events, which often come to London. Expect incredible DJ’s, live music and performances, and generally incredible vibes.

VISIT: Stay up to date on Instagram. everythinglick.com

Dalston Superstore

Dalston Superstore hosts great nights with a fun friendly atmosphere and a packed-out bar. It welcomes straight people too so mixed groups can party together, acting as a cosy café during the day.

VISIT: 117 Kingsland High Street E8 2PB. dalstonsuperstore.com

Two Brewers

The place to go for cabaret. Two Brewers is a Clapham gem with weekend-only dance parties and beautifully colourful and well-curated interiors.

VISIT: 114 Clapham High Street, Clapham SW4 7UJ. the2brewers.com

Before you go…

…and enjoy your visit, if you don’t identify as LGBTQ+ it’s important to check how much space you’re taking up in these places – and we’re not necessarily talking about physical space. LGBTQ+ violence and hate crimes are rising in London, and these bars are safe places specifically designed and created for LGBTQ+ people. It’s wonderful for non LGBTQ+ people to go, experience the queer scene, and to take an interest. However, before you go, we recommend reading Stonewall’s tips on being an ally for the community. It’s all about being respectful and knowing your place as a visitor in that space.

Featured image by Alexander Grey via Pexels.

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The Best Gay Bars In Manchester

Canal Street

Damian Kerlin: Canal Street is a queer voyage with something for everyone, a street of queer watering holes where differences in gender expression and sexual orientation are not taboo.

Via

28-30 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3EZ

Chris Blackmore, Gaydio Afternoons: No list of the best LGBTQ+ venues in Manchester is complete without mentioning Via, the iconic cabaret bar right in the middle of Canal Street. A place with all bases covered, whether you’re after a quiet drink after work or a full-on Saturday night out, you can always expect a warm welcome and some of the best cabaret in Manchester alongside resident DJs playing camp bangers all night long. viamanchester.co.uk 

G-A-Y Manchester

63 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3WB

Damian Kerlin: An absolute institution – not only in Manchester but nationwide – G-A-Y takes centre stage on Canal Street, providing one of the most fun nights out in the entire city. Serving cheap drinks, cheesy tunes and a huge dancefloor for guests to cut some shapes on, G-A-Y is open ’til 4am, proving itself the late-night destination to be in the Village. @gaymanchester

 

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The Molly House

26 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3NB

Paris Munro (he/they), Gaydio Breakfast: Whether it’s a brew, bevvy, or a bite to eat, The Molly House in Manchester is great. It’s close to the Gay Village and one of the most sophisticated queer bars in the city. It’s classy, and it’s actually quiet enough to have a conversation! @themollyhousemanchester 

On Bar

46 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3WD

Damian Kerlin: If live entertainment is your thing, then On Bar is a must. With tons of drag shows, DJs and so much more gracing their roster on a regular basis, On Bar knows how to put on a show. @onbarmanchester

Hidden

2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN

Dave Cooper, Gaydio Breakfast: A multi-use creative space for arts and performance, Hidden is home to some of the best alt-queer clubbing in the UK, including Crossbreed, Homoelectric and he.she.they. For me, it’s got what I think a club should have and they do it by nailing the basics: up-for-it punters, great sound, and just the right amount of grot. Don’t go in your best trainers, but make sure they’re breathable and they’ve got ankle support – you’ll be dancing all night. @hiddenmcr

 

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The Church

37 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3HN

Damian Kerlin: I love The Church (formerly Churchills). It strikes the balance between local bar and nightclub perfectly, so you can transition through the night without having to go anywhere else. (This is not a skill known to most LGBTQ+ bars.) @churchills_mcr

Cruz 101

101 Princess Street, The, Manchester M1 6DD

Kriss Herbert, Gaydio Mid-Mornings: For me, it has to be Cruz 101. If a club has existed for as long as Cruz 101 has (since 1992), has featured in iconic series such as Queer As Folk, and has amazing celebs hanging out there, then it’s doing something right. It’s a venue where no one is judged. It has the best music in the village, in my opinion, and is just the best way to end a night out. With music from the ‘90s to the modern day, Cruz 101 attracts a broad range of a crowd, which also means I never feel too old! @cruz101official

 

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New York New York

94-98 Bloom Street, Manchester M1 3LY

Brett Harris, Gaydio Drivetime: One of my favourite LGBTQ+ venues in Manchester would have to be New York New York. It’s the place I aim to finish a night out in: good vibes and good company. Situated on Bloom Street, the minute you walk through the double doors you’re transported to an Oasis of Camp – resident drag performers, guest performances and back-to-back floor fillers; there’s a reason it’s known as the party palace! newyorknewyorkbar.com 

Listen to Memories From The Dancefloor via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or Google Podcasts. acast.com

Tune into Gaydio via DAB Digital Radio from London, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Bristol, Sheffield, Leeds and Portsmouth, or via FM Radio in Manchester (88.4FM) and Brighton (97.8FM). Or listen via the website, the Gaydio app, or ask your smart speaker to ‘play Gaydio’. gaydio.co.uk

Featured image by Ivson Laurenco.

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Where To Drink Margaritas in London

Daisy Green Collection

Aussie-inspired restaurant group the Daisy Green Collection has branches dotted all over the capital, and is renowned for its excellent brunch – alongside some killer cocktails. Margaritas have always been a highlight there, but now the offering is even better thanks to a brand-new menu, which includes an array of margaritas for just £8. Available on weekdays across most venues, the tequila-based cocktails are inspired by the folklore that surrounds the origin stories of the famed drink. The Daisy (tequila, fresh lime and agave), for instance, was around long before everyone was drinking margaritas in the mid-1800s, while The Rusty Thompson is a nod to partygoer Robert James ‘Rusty’ Thompson, who some say invited the margarita cocktail in the ‘60s at a party in Houston, Texas. 

Multiple locations, daisygreenfood.com

The Laundry, Brixton

Image by Jack Lewis Williams

This Brixton hotspot is part neighbourhood bistro, part wine shop, all thanks to award-winning hospitality entrepreneur and wine connoisseur Melanie Brown and her Antipodean collaborator Sami Harvey. Spilling out onto Coldharbour Lane, the Parisian-inspired terrace is idyllic in the summer – margarita in hand, of course. Order the signature cucumber marg for a mellow, sour, summery sip, and a bowl of Nocellara olives for the best in European vibes. Better still, cocktails are only £7 during L’Apero hour (Monday–Friday, from 5–6pm). While you’re there, dine from the wholesome all-day menu, featuring the likes of Crab linguine, Bavette steak, and specials on the chalkboard.

374 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 8PL, thelaundrybrixton.com

Los Mochis

This Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant in the heart of Notting Hill boasts an impressive collection of fine and rare tequilas, which are whizzed up into cocktails aplenty. Its Tommy Margaritas are some of the most popular margaritas in London, with the team mixing up around 200 a day, using a mix of 4 Tequila Altos reposado, organic agave nectar, cold pressed lime juice and a Mexican-Japanese spice mix. There’s also a spicy jalapeño version made with Tequila Altos blanco & reposado, cucumber-coriander cordial and jalapeño infused organic agave; or a shiso-infused alternative, which adds a mango passion fruit wine into the mix. Enjoy alongside small plates amid cool, low-lit interiors.

2-4 Farmer St, London W8 7SN, losmochis.co.uk

Decimo at The Standard

King’s Cross hotel The Standard is home to a number of food and drink spots, including cocktail bar Sweeties and American-inspired restaurant Double Standard. But if it’s margaritas you’re after, head up to the 10th floor to Decimo, where Michelin-starred chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesia works his magic, blending his Spanish heritage with a love for Mexican cuisine. There are five margaritas to choose from, including our top pick: the Horchata Punch, a mix of Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Horchata, Mexican key lime, almond and milk.

10th Floor, The Standard, 10 Argyle St, London WC1H 8EG, decimo.london

Hacha

This neighbourhood agaveria, which has outposts in both Dalston and Brixton, often features in lists of the capital’s best bars thanks to its stellar cocktail list and fun atmosphere. There’s an extensive list of 25 agave spirits, with the option to do a mini tasting experience, but if you’re more about the cocktails the margaritas here are excellent. The Mirror Margarita has won multiple awards, made with Patron Silver Tequila, a special Hacha sour mix, cane syrup  and grapefruit zest – but it’s the salted pomegranate and ginger concoction that really caught our attention. Sip while tucking into tacos from resident kitchen partner Tigre Tacos.

378 Kingsland Rd, London E8 4AA and 12 Market Row, London SW9 8LD, hachabar.com

Pink Chihuahua

Hidden beneath Soho’s lively Mexican restaurant El Camión sits Pink Chihuahua, an equally buzzy bar decked out in vibrant décor. A huge glass cabinet filled with hundreds of bottles of tequilas stretches across the wall, sitting alongside painted skeletons and psychedelic murals, with a suitably vibrant menu to match. Here you’ll find some of the best margaritas in London: spicy margs, pomegranate margs, mezcal margs and more, all crafted to perfection – just make sure you load up on burritos and quesadillas upstairs beforehand, as this is the kind of place you’ll end up staying for more than one.

25-27 Brewer St, London W1F 0RR, elcamion.co.uk

La Bodega Negra

With its cosy alcove booths, low lighting and surrealist furniture, Will Ricker’s speakeasy-style restaurant La Bodega Negra is the perfect place to while away an evening sipping margaritas. There are three to choose from here: the House Margarita, a classic blend made with El Jimador blanco and served on the rocks with salt; a hibiscus-infused version, or a jalapeño blend. Expect top-quality tequila and artfully presented cocktails, best served with small plates of tacos, fajitas and burritos.

9 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JF, labodeganegra.com

Haya

This charming spot in Notting Hill serves Mediterranean fare with an Israeli influence – but for its cocktail list, the restaurant looks to Mexico. Margaritas are the signature tipple here, with a large selection to choose from. Spice lovers will be suitably fired up by the jalapeño option; if you prefer something fruity go for either the melon or the pineapple concoction. Need a burst of energy? The Expresso Margarita is a cross between an Espresso Martini and a classic marg, made with coffee, Khalua and resposado tequila. 

184A Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2ES, haya.london

Side Hustle

Swerve the tourist traps of Covent Garden and head to Side Hustle, a fun Mexican bar hidden within the uber-cool NoMad hotel. Pull up a stool at the bar or sink into one of the comfy booths and prepare to be wowed by some seriously good drinks, which see Mexican classics spruced up with exotic favours and twists. Margaritas change with the seasons – at the moment, you can choose between a punchy mix of chicha morada, jalapeno, pineapple and lemon; or a unique concoction of tamarind, chillies, pale ale, chocolate and lime. Pair with a trio of chips and dips, plus tostadas and tacos.

Old Police Station Entrance, 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW, thenomadhotel.com

Featured image: Getty Images

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