10 April 2026
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The absolute origin of the cocktail is, as with many of the beloved things we consume, a source of complex and passionate claims, but few will quibble with the fact that back in 1893, the American Bar at The Savoy imported a burgeoning craft popular in New York – the mixing of ice, spirits and other choice ingredients – and perfected it. In 1930, its most legendary bartender, American Henry Craddock, published The Savoy Cocktail Book, comprising 750 of his most popular recipes – creating not only a snapshot of the time, but what would become a seminal collection of knowledge for bartenders the world over.
True, in London, the cocktail bar may never quite be able to reach the insurmountable status of the traditional British pub, but it must certainly be noted that London is something of a cocktail powerhouse. From old-world to new-world flavours, classic combinations to creative concoctions, the hotel cocktail bars below carry forward this most high-spirited of British traditions. We open, of course, with the American Bar, which after 130 years, still remains at the top of the game.
American Bar at The Savoy – Strand
The true London original, once frequented by the great and the good.
The Three-Key Savoy, a legend in the world of luxury hospitality, has long been synonymous with opulence and grandeur. And within this prestigious establishment lies the equally illustrious, world-renowned American Bar, a truly fitting opening to this list. London's very first cocktail bar, it opened back in 1893 and was once frequented by the likes of Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemingway.
Blending this tradition with a little innovation, the 'Liquid Moments' menu offers a mix of vintage cocktails with new and signature creations. The 'Red Carpet', which brings together whisky, 30&40 Double Jus, Amaro Lucano, honey and cold-brew coffee, is inspired by a 1950s fashion show hosted at The Savoy, while the 'Tea O'Clock', crafted from vodka, Lillet Blanc, lemon, rose syrup, strawberries, cream and afternoon tea blend, is a nod to one of the hotel's longest established traditions. This is a place where every drink tells its own captivating story.
Artesian Bar at The Langham, London – Marylebone
Unusual food and ingredient themed cocktails in a classic setting.
Having opened back in 1865, the Two-MICHELIN-Key Langham is one of London’s original hotels, and as such it feels truly connected to London's history and character. Its Artesian Bar, named after a 360-foot well under the building, comes in deep purple hues and offers plenty of comfort, but it's here that tradition ends. Its drinks menu pushes the boundaries of traditional mixology, both surprising and delighting guests with its array of inventive cocktails. Even the format of the menu inspires, with its QR codes leading through to step-by-step recipes for each drink, and alternative non-alcoholic ingredients offered below many of the concoctions.
Divided in two, the 'Ultimo' section of the menu reimagines cocktails through the lens of culinary and preservation techniques. Each of the 16 drinks is inspired by a different ingredient, from golden beetroot to kelp; 'Cep', for example, plays on a classic negroni but adds the flavours of mushroom and stilton. The 'Classics' section then offers up a further seven choices, with names from 'Peas' (calvados, vodka, vermouth, peas, lemon and absinthe) to 'Pizza' (Everleaf Marine, raspberries, basil, soya and lemon). This is certainly the place to swing by if you're seeking something truly unusual!
Brooklands Bar at The Peninsula London – Belgravia
Where motor racing and aviation combine, from the décor to the drinks.
While the Three-Key Peninsula is a more recent addition to the city’s collection of luxury hotels, its traditionally romantic atmosphere and personalised service blend in perfectly with its exclusive surroundings. Within it, you'll find the Two-Star Brooklands by Claude Bosi, as well as the sleek Brooklands Bar – a tribute to the golden age of motor racing with its design drawing inspiration from the iconic Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, as well as the world of aviation.
The latticed ceiling is a reference to a 1930 twin-engine bomber, while the impressive chandelier replicates the blades of a Rolls Royce jet engine. These features – combined with vintage racing memorabilia, rich leather seating and polished wood – sit alongside sweeping views of London's skyline, meaning there's always something to draw your eye. Classic recipes are given a twist here, resulting in the likes of a bright and citrusy 'Sunbeam Blue Bird' comprising perilla seltzer, plum, yuzu and gin, or the truly luxurious 'Phantom', where high-end Lheraud 1988 Fins Bois cognac is blended with vermouth, triple sec, raspberry syrup and orange bitters.
Dean Street Townhouse Bar – Soho
Tradition and sophistication lead the way at this upmarket spot.A self-described "club for creatives", the Soho House Group's private members' clubs are known the world over as spaces to drink, dine, relax, work and exercise, but, as the name implies, it all began back in London's Soho, when in 1995 Nick Jones opened the original above his restaurant on Greek Street. Just four doors down from one of their more prominent addresses, 76 Dean Street, you'll find the Georgian-built Dean Street Townhouse, which exudes an air of sophistication and old-world charm, and provides the perfect refuge from the bustling streets outside.
Its bar of the same name mirrors this warmth courtesy of vintage furnishings, soft lighting and an open fireplace – an intimate, elegant yet comforting setting perfect for enjoying a traditional British cocktail or two. The drinks list features a selection of straightforward, well-crafted classics such as a gin & tonic or a negroni, which just feel right for the setting. While you're here, why not combine the experience with their popular afternoon tea? This is where proceedings take on a slightly more modern edge than you might expect.
Le Magritte Bar & Terrace at The Beaumont Hotel – Mayfair
Surrounding and cocktails inspired by 1920s New York.
This plush, Two-Key hotel might sit within the affluent district of Mayfair, but its heart belongs firmly to 1920s New York. Styled to evoke the glamour of a members' club, it offers unparalleled refinement, and its bar certainly doesn't disappoint. Le Magritte is a sophisticated homage to the classic American bars of the era, with décor combining dark wood, leather and classic art (there's even a René Magritte painting taking pride of place behind the bar).
This naturally feels like the perfect setting to sip on a bourbon or whiskey and, fortunately, they specialise in just that. However there's also plenty more to experience here, courtesy of a cocktail menu named The Great American Songbook. Sip on a 'Mr Bojangles' (bourbon, Cynar, limited release Scotch whisky and orange bitters) or a 'Luck Be a Lady' (pomelle aperitif, Chambord, blackcurrant and rose syrup, lemon juice and champagne) as you hum a lyric or two under your breath.
Lyaness Bar at Sea Containers London – South Bank
Nautical colours and water views come together with unique, intriguing cocktails.Sea Containers London sits on the South Bank and comes with views of the Thames like no other. Inside this brutalist edifice echoing the design of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, you’ll find Lyaness, a bar concept designed by one of world's most influential mixologists, Ryan Chetiyawardana – aka Mr Lyan. The nautical-inspired décor takes in electric blues and a green marble bar, and at the same time exudes a chic, modern vibe.
With a menu organised around unique and intriguing ingredients rather than traditional recipes, you are invited to explore the weird and wonderful in every glass, whether that's a 'Cosmo Salad' (vodka, pink sherry, bitterless aperitif, orange-sec and lemon) or a 'Lyan King' (whiskey, endless table sauce, gooseberry, jellyfish and citrus bitters).
Discover more riverside spots in our Best-Of Riverside Restaurants Guide.
Punch Room Bar at The London EDITION – Fitzrovia
Sample many different varieties of punch is this very social setting.Occupying a row of Georgian townhouses in the somewhat bohemian neighbourhood of Fitzrovia, The London EDITION has been given the luxury-boutique treatment by some of the biggest players in the game. Within its walls sits the Punch Room, a modern take on a 19th-century private club, where wood-panelled walls and plush seating create a cossetting environment.
Specialising in punch – naturally – their repertoire includes both traditional recipes and contemporary creations served in large bowls, making it the perfect spot for both sharing and socialising. The menu isn't called The Recipe Book for no reason, it also includes ingredients, preparation time and step-by-step guides for every cocktail, from the 'Gentleman's Agreement' (whisky, Cadello 88, lemon juice, orange juice, passion fruit syrup and strawberry yoghurt) to the 16-ingredient, berry-flavoured 'My Dear Fellow'.
Side Hustle Bar at NoMad London – Covent Garden
Mexican-inspired cocktails in a history-packed building.
The One-Key NoMad London blends the New York sophistication of design team Roman and Williams with British character and charm. The building was once a former magistrate’s court – the infamous place where Oscar Wilde was once detained – and its bar, Side Hustle, still retains its original high ceilings and wood panelling, transporting you back to its 19th-century origins.
The drinks list though, is decidedly new world, focusing on Latin American inspired cocktails that highlight agave spirits and plenty of innovative flavours. Discover everything from twisted classics such as a 'Sergeant Pepper Magarita' crafted from blue agave tequila, cachaça, green pepper, coriander, jalapeño, pineapple and lime to 'House Specials' such as a 'Curry On' comprising mezcal, umeshu, green apple, maple and curry leaf.
The Connaught Bar – Mayfair
Personalised drinks served from the legendary martini trolley.
There's not much need to introduce the icon that is The Connaught. A London institution since 1815, it stands as a symbol of timeless luxury and refined elegance, so it’s only natural that this Three-Key hotel's art deco inspired bar would follow suit. From their signature 'Masterpieces' like a 'Fleurissimo' of cognac, homemade Connaught bitters, violet liqueur, a sugar cube and champagne to rare 'Vintage Cocktails' such as a 'Silver Jubilee Rob Roy' of Macallan Silver Jubilee 1977, Martini Rosso Vermouth 1970s and Angostura Bitter 1970s – complete with a price tag of over £2,000 – there's something to suit every pocket and taste.
For pure experience though, the highlight has to be the Martini Trolley. Hand-etched crystal glasses are chilled using slow-frozen ice, then mixologist Agostino Perrone presents a collection of aromatic handmade bitters – tonka bean, lavender or bergamot & ginseng – for guests to select their own flavour profile. Finally, the blend is poured from a height as it’s spritzed with lemon, then finished with a spiral of citrus zest.
Related Read: Three Keys and Three Stars – London's Ultimate Luxury Icon.
Thirteen Bar at Chateau Denmark London – Soho
Inventive cocktails in plush, glitzy surroundings.
In the heart of Soho sits Denmark Street, a 100-yard-long road that was once the epicentre of the London music scene thanks to its guitar shops, recording studios and music publishers. Here, spread over various buildings, is the Chateau Denmark hotel, whose bold, quirky décor embodies the rebellious spirit of the area's rock ’n’ roll heritage.
Its cocktail bar, Thirteen, is no different, with its dark hues, plush furnishings and eclectic art all creating an entertainingly theatrical atmosphere. The bold, inventive cocktails provide the perfect match, with signature drinks including a 'Rocknroller' – rum, amaretto, pineapple, Angostura bitters and lime juice with ginger beer – or a ‘Guilty Pleasure’, a mix of mezcal, spiced tequila, clarified pineapple juice, Supasawa and cucumber syrup. Meanwhile, downstairs, the ultimate lavishness awaits at private hire room Dial8, a secret basement bar decorated in reds and greens.
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Hero Image: The opulent Thirteen bar at the rock 'n' roll themed Chateau Denmark hotel, one of London's best hotel cocktail bars. © Chateau Denmark
