21 of the best hotel bars London has to offer

Hotel bars are increasingly becoming must-visit destinations for cocktail lovers, often thanks to significant investment in their drink menus. In fact, most of the cocktail bars and lounges on this list have some big-name mixologists behind them, some of which are known all over the world for their inventive, boundary-breaking approaches to cocktail making. And, more often than not, cocktail menus at hotel bars will highlight rare and unique ingredients that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

The fact remains, however, that hotel cocktail bars have a bit of a bad rep in the capital, with many assuming they're quiet, stuffy places lacking the lively energy you’ll find at more grungy, raucous bars elsewhere. On the contrary, while it is true that hotel bars can be a little pricey, the idea that they're overly formal, intimidating spaces, reserved only for hotel residents or an older crowd, is a thing of the past.

London’s best hotel bars warmly welcome tourists and locals alike and serve up some seriously good sips. Over the last couple of decades, London's best hotel bars have been optimising their spaces to offer intimate corners for relaxed conversation, alongside vibrant areas with live music or DJ sets. And though some might argue with this, we’ve seen that lots of London’s hotel cocktail bars offer a more holistic, sensory approach to drinking complemented by luxurious, design-led interiors, moreish small plates, and exceptional service. It’s this attitude that has seen many hotel watering holes land amongst the very best bars in London.

In addition to their drink offerings, whiskey tastings, and sometimes themed cocktail menus, many of London's top hotel bars on this list come with carefully curated snacks and small plates that elevate the overall experience. And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll find several hotels in London come with truly incredible views of the city. Read on to discover our top picks.

The New York Bar, Victoria

What: The Rubens at the Palace has plenty of options for a late night tipple (The Leopard Bar is equally worth a visit) but The New York Bar delivers for those looking for old-school glamour and seriously impressive interiors. Every inch of the space is decked out with rich reds and touches of gold, making it an ideal stop for post-sightseeing drinks that feel a little more special. Cocktails here are led by director of bars Silviu Stan, with a menu that pays homage to Britain’s history. ‘The Swan’ blends gin with St-Germain, cucumber, and citrus, whilst ‘The Seventh Duchess of Bedford’ combines orange vodka with cointreau, lemon curd and Earl Grey tea.
Hotel: The Rubens at the Palace
Where: 39 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 0PS
Book now: The New York Bar

PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace, Aldgate

What: Fashionable east London cocktail bar PocketSquare can be found on the 9th floor of Hyatt London City East, where it combines art-deco interiors, expertly-crafted cocktails and fantastic views of the city below. On the menu, you’ll find signature cocktails inspired by the bold spirit of East London, like the Hackney ‘Beardtail’ which sees butter-fat-washed vodka mixed with blueberry syrup and kombucha, or the Greenwich ‘Meridian’ which includes vermouth, Hendricks gin, cucumber bitters and a dehydrated fish skin garnish. This one’s also great for non-drinkers, thanks to an inspired selection of tasty zero-proof drinks using Everleaf spirits.
Hotel: Hyatt London City East
Where: 9th Floor Hyatt Place, E1 1DU
Book now: PocketSquare Skyline Bar and Terrace

Savage Garden, Tower Hill

What: Savage Garden is a dramatic rooftop bar known for its bold, neon-lit interiors and panoramic views of London landmarks like The Shard and the Tower of London. The atmosphere is high-energy and decadent, with plush velvet, marbleized floors, and a party vibe heightened by resident DJs on weekends. Drinking here is all about experimentation and temptation, crafting unique cocktails that evoke sensory experiences in line with the site’s mantra of ‘respect the classics, twist the rules’. Its cocktail crossover series, for example, blends several favourites, such as the ‘Espresso vs. Amaretto Sour’ or the ‘Margarita vs. Hemingway.’
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London - Tower of London
Where: 7 Pepys Street, EC3N 4AF
Book now: Savage Garden

Stables Bar, Kensington

What: Stables Bar offers a refined yet inviting atmosphere, blending dark wood panelling, green leather banquettes, tartan-clad furnishings, with stunning equestrian art by Elie Lambert. The space is both cosy and elegant, with moody corners and a bright conservatory area. Bar Manager Angelo Lo Greco, an award-winning mixologist, leads the creative cocktail program, crafting inventive drinks that play on nostalgia and comfort. The offering is seasonal, but has previously included a ‘Cloud & Crackle’ number with vodka infused with cacao nibs, tonka syrup, and a Guinness foam, among others, like the ‘Kaos’ which blends Nuet Aquavit, clarified tzatziki, mastiha, and basil oil to create a Mediterranean experience.
Hotel: The Milestone Hotel
Where: 1-2 Kensington Court, W8 5DL
Book now: Stables Bar

Flute, Soho

What: Putting up an incredibly strong fight as one of London’s most gorgeous rooftop bars, Flute is a relatively new addition to the drinking scene in Soho. You’ll find it in full glam, decked out in chalk pink tones, vibrant turquoise, and plenty of gold. But we’re here to drink, and Flute delivers on that front too. Whether outdoors on the alfresco terrace or cosied up in the bar, expect to enjoy some fantastic Soho film inspired tipples in full view of the London Eye. The ‘Look of Love’, for example, blends Don Julio Blanco tequila with pineapple, fennel pollen and chamomile into an homage to the 2013 film.
Hotel: Broadwick Soho
Where: 20 Broadwick Street, W1F 8HT
Book now: Flute

Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar, St. James's

What: Looking for a classy cocktail in the heart of Westminster? Pull up a seat at the bar at Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar and let the expert bartenders shake up something special. Situated within The Trafalgar St. James, the hotel bar is smart and sophisticated, with cushioned high stools, gleaming glassware, and tasteful brass touches. The signature Sofia cocktail, with limoncello liqueur and Patrón Reposado Tequila, is a popular choice, or there's a fantastic selection of wines, spirits and beers, if you'd prefer something more classic.
Hotel: The Trafalgar St. James
Where: 2 Spring Gardens, SW1A 2TS
Book now: Rockwell Bistro & Wine Bar

Donovan Bar, Mayfair

What: Donovan Bar, located within Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, exudes a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting, plush velvet seating, and walls adorned with iconic photographs by its namesake Terence Donovan. The bar’s creative direction is led by renowned cocktail maestro Salvatore Calabrese, with director of mixology Federico Pavan and a skilled team executing inventive menus like the 'Our Way', celebrating the bar's identity. Drinks might include a ‘Be(e) Champagne’, which offers a floral, honey-spiked take on the classic or the ‘Pupetto Nacional’, complete with a twist on the Cuban version. Top tip: if you can, try to bag a seat in the bar’s ‘Naughty Corner’.
Hotel: Brown’s Hotel
Where: 33 Albemarle Street, W1S 4BP
Book now: Donovan Bar

Le Magritte, Mayfair

What: Taking cues from its namesake surrealist artist, whose Le Maitre d’Ecole painting hangs behind the bar, Le Magritte is a cosmopolitan cocktail bar that invites you to indulge your curiosity. Along with a curated selection of classic tipples, you’ll find a menu of themed cocktails that changes frequently. At the time of writing, cocktails at Le Magritte reference ‘The Great American Songbook’ stretching from well known tunes like a ‘Volare’ blend with botanical gin, white vermouth and moscato, to a more tropical ‘Come Fly With Me’ which sees banana peel rum, bacardi, lime, and chocolate bitters combine to form a sun soaked sensation.
Hotel: The Beaumont
Where: 8 Balderton Street, Brown Hart Gardens, W1K 6TF
Book now: Le Magritte

Blind Spot, Covent Garden

What: This one’s a little bit of a secret. It’s hidden away behind a boutique tea counter, but if you enter the door with a golden hand, you’ll find a romantic speakeasy-style bar serving up globally inspired cocktails drawing on flavours from Turin, Cairo, Paris, Britain, and more. The ‘Oaxaca’, for example, sees mezcal and cenote blanco combined with chipotle liquor and guacamole, while a ‘Kingston’ number offers up bacardi with mango liquor, Guinness, mango and hibiscus soda and coconut milk. There’s plenty of international nibbles to act as the perfect pairing for your cocktails, with everything from jerk chicken and pineapple relish to crispy gnocchi with tomato and mozzarella.
Hotel: St Martins Lane London
Where: 45 St. Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX
Book now: Blind Spot

The American Bar, St James’s

What: The fact that this is one of London’s oldest surviving American bars is reason enough in our books to make a reservation. But if that alone isn’t enough to motivate you, you might want to know that big-name mixologist Salvatore Megna and bar director Benoit Provost have had a hand in this offering. American bar classics include a ‘Moriarty’ cocktail with Enemigo tequila cristalino, mezcal, grapefruit, agave, and Champagne; while a separate menu covering ‘The Art of Old Fashioned’ offers an intriguing Mezcal Old Fashioned interpretation and others made with premium whiskeys. The menu is extensive, so you can guarantee there’ll be something to your taste.
Hotel: The Stafford London
Where: 16-18 St James's Place, SW1A 1NJ
Book now: The American Bar at The Stafford

Flo Bar, Fulham

What: Found on the first floor of the new Fulham Pier complex, Flo Bar is well-suited for relaxing drinks, whether you've come straight from the riverside path or some pre-dinner drinks before an evening by the river. The bar itself boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, showcasing the site's prime riverside location. At the centre of it all is the cocktail list, curated by in-house mixologist Stefano, who brings a playful edge to classic techniques, taking inspiration from botanicals. Opt for the ‘Royal Bramble’ adding jasmine and peach soda to gin, Champagne and cassis, or opt for the ‘Golden Mango’ which blends tequila, brandy, mezcal and mango vodka. Flo Bar shares its home with Brasserie Constance, both led by Michelin-starred Adam Byatt, so you can expect some serious bar snacks - think oysters with apple cider mignonette, lamb and mint skewers and smoked haddock croquettes.
Hotel: Fulham Pier Hotel
Where: Fulham Pier, Stevenage Road, SW6 6HH
Book now: Flo Bar

Perola, Battersea

What: Set below the fabulous Portuguese restaurant JOIA, Perola stands as one of the most thoughtfully decorated bars in London. Thanks to pink tones, lamplit tables, and views of the power station, it’s also one of the prettiest. With live music, DJs and various events from Friday to Saturday, this is a great spot to enjoy a selection of drinks inspired by artefacts across the globe. Choose from ‘The Sun Stone’ with tequila, mezcal, mango and black pepper cordial and soda; the ‘Golden Stool’ with rum, peanut butter, banana and coffee or the ‘Mask of Tutankhamun’ with Woodford Reserve, sesame, fig, pomegranate and fenugreek - it’s a drink fit for kings.
Hotel: art'otel Battersea Power Station
Where: 1 Electric Boulevard, SW11 8BJ
Book now: Perola

The Pine Bar, Mayfair

What: Just moments from Grosvenor Square, The Pine Bar boasts a rather luxurious backdrop for sitting back with a couple of drinks, perfect for those looking to unwind in one of the capital's most exclusive areas. The 'Synthese' cocktail menu takes guests on a journey, showcasing an eclectic, and particularly creative selection of drinks inspired by the elements and their ancient wisdom. The 'Artisan' is an earthy concoction of mezcal, beetroot and turmeric cordial, walnut liqueur and white chocolate foam, whilst the 'Solar Flair' offers something more fiery, with tequila, papaya, mint and black pepper. 
Hotel: The Biltmore
Where: 44 Grosvenor Square, W1K 2HP
Book now: The Pine Bar

Artesian, Marylebone

What: Perhaps one of the most well-known hotel bars in London, Artesian has been stretching the limits of mixology since it first opened. It’s consistently creative, updating menus regularly to offer the newest, most exciting drinking experiences. The Ultimo menu, for example, is the third volume in the site’s trilogy of inventive drinks, focusing on one single ingredient in each drink, innovative techniques and technology in its creations. While the ‘Cep’ puts a spin on the classic Negroni, pairing gin, vermouth and sherry with cep mushrooms and stilton. Elsewhere, the ‘Currant’ pairs tequila with raspberry, hibiscus, currants, and a touch of fizz.
Hotel: The Langham
Where: 1c Portland Place, W1B 1JA
Book now: Artesian

Sky Bar 9, Wembley

What: Found in the heart of Wembley, Sky Bar 9 offers a rooftop retreat for those looking to escape the bustling streets below - especially on game days. Make the most of this foliage-filled terrace, boasting 360-degree views of the area, whilst you enjoy a drink or two. Behind the bar, you’ll find a crowd-pleasing selection of cocktails from around the globe, from Pina Coladas and Long Island Iced Teas to Old Fashioneds and Vodka Martinis. Plus, if your go-to isn't on the menu, the team can make it anyway - just ask. Beyond cocktails, an impressive spirits selection spans the likes of Monkey 47 and Sipsmith gins, Grey Goose and Belvedere vodkas, and a considered whisky line-up including Glenlivet and Johnnie Walker.
Hotel: Hilton London Wembley
Where: Lakeside Way, HA9 0BU
Book now: Sky Bar 9

GONG at The Shard, London Bridge

What: One of London’s swankiest hotels is bound to spawn a bar that’s just as luxurious, and Shangri-La have done it with GONG on the 52nd floor of The Shard. The space is separated into two main areas: the cocktail bar and the Champagne bar. If you opt for the former, there’s a new ‘Nature & Earth’ cocktail list that pays tribute to the lifecycle of plants, each drink focusing on a single ingredient rooted in Asian heritage. Raise a glass with the ‘Chrysanthemum’ which blends gin with chrysanthemum honey, clarified citrus and a touch of Champagne, or the ‘Mango’ packed full of tequila, mezcal, citrus, sesame and oriental spices.
Hotel: Shangri-La The Shard
Where: 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 90U
Book now: GONG by Shangri La The Shard

The Wigmore, Marylebone 

What: Yes. This one is technically a pub, but it’s tricky to ignore the magnetic pull of a dolled-up boozer in the buzzing heart of London, especially when they serve a footlong cheese toastie that’s got one of the best cheese pulls in the capital. To match your three cheese XXL toastie, you’ll also find a couple of hoptails (that’s cocktails with beer), like the ‘Japanese Mule’ which combines vodka, Tanqueray infused with lime leaf, St Germain, and Sapporo lager along with jasmine and bergamot. You’ll also spot a range of tavern signatures that use techniques that date back to the 17th century.
Hotel: The Langham
Where: 13 Langham Place, Upper Regent Street, W1B 1JA
Book now: The Wigmore

The Coral Room, Fitzrovia

What: Whilst many will be familiar with the striking floral decor of The Bloomsbury Hotel’s restaurant, Dalloway Terrace, you may be less acquainted with The Coral Room - the hotel’s equally striking bar. Hidden just off Great Russell Street, this design-led bar feels like central London's best kept secret, with Art Deco prints, warm coral tones and glittering chandeliers. The drinks here are equally artistic, inspired by Richard Crosbie and his adventures as the first Irishman to make a manned flight. Expect drinks such as ‘La Reine’ which includes cognac, tonka beans, and Champagne, or the ‘Silver Nymph’ which showcases vodka, cucumber and dill, greek yoghurt and lemon - a Cypress-flavoured milk punch.
Hotel: The Bloomsbury
Where: 16-22 Great Russell Street, WC1B 3NN
Book now: The Coral Room

Waeska, Fitzrovia

What: The Mandrake's botanical bar Waeska is a treat for the senses from the moment you walk through the door. Peruse its unique collection of artefacts and objets d'arts, including a fantastical creature that is half-gazelle, half-peacock mounted on the wall. The cocktail menu, meanwhile, is based around the principles of ethnobotany - the study of a region’s plants and their uses. Example cocktails include Mangosteen-infused Patron tequila with chipotle agave, lime juice and jalapeno vinegar, and the ‘Flores Sana’, which sees white truffle washed vodka with passion fruit, lion’s mane mushroom, and lime.
Hotel: The Mandrake
Where: 20-21 Newman Street, W1T 1PG
Book now: Waeska at The Mandrake

Good Godfrey's, Covent Garden

What: Tucked just off the lobby of The Waldorf Hilton, Good Godfrey's takes guests back in time with its 1920's setting and a room that's steeped in history. Wood-panneled walls, striking pillars and marble-topped tables set the scene, providing an elegant backdrop where you could easily linger for a couple of hours with a well-made drink in hand. The cocktail list feels equally considered, with a selection of signature sips that have been curated by the site's Bar Managers. The 'Will and Won't' mixes together tequila, Aperol, pear, jalapeno and honey, whilst the 'Cup of Kindness' offers a refreshing blend of Champagner, Grand Marnier, lemon earl grey and orange.
Hotel: The Waldorf Hilton
Where: 22 Aldwych, WC2B 4DD
Book now: Good Godfrey's

Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese, Charing Cross

What: Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese is an opulent cocktail and Champagne bar draped in rich crimson and blue velvet. It evokes a glamorous, intimate, and theatrical atmosphere reminiscent of Golden Age Hollywood. Overseen by legendary bartender (aka ‘The Maestro’) Salvatore Calabrese, Velvet’s drinks program is an artistic affair, inspired by great art over the centuries. As such, you might find the likes of a 'Pearl Drop', which combines Beluga Noble vodka, hibiscus and rose, and saffron-infused honey as an ode to Johannes Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’. If you’re in need of a hit of luxury, this one is certain to do the trick.
Hotel: Corinthia Hotel
Where: Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
Book now: Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese

For occasions that demand more of a date night atmosphere, you'll probably want to check out our guide to the most romantic bars in London.