A wine bar showing off the greats — French, Italian, Spanish — plus vibrant small plates to further whet the whistle. The place is robust and lively. Great for an indulgent get-together with old mates or yourself and a great book in the afternoon hours.
5 William IV St.
London, WC2N 4DW
+44-207-036-0660
There are multiple locations throughout London, but the coffee is unadulterated across the board. The mini chain has a big following for its finely crafted espresso beverages and filter brews, and quick and friendly service.
1 Harbour Exchange Square
London, E14 9GE
Panoramic city views are hard to beat. The dining room at The Shard makes the most of its altitude (on floor 31) with a three-story atrium bar where guests gather to ooh and ahh the urban jungle while sipping sophisticated mixed drinks or taking afternoon tea. Note: A dress code is in place (no flip flops or shorts, please).
31 St. Thomas St.
London, SE1 9RY
+44-203-011-1256
Botany, alchemy, food science: It's all happening in one perfectly executed cocktail after another at Dandelyan, a sleek bar in the Mondrian London run by award-winning bartender Ryan Lyan.
20 Upper Ground
London, SE1 9PD
+44-203-747-1063
A fun bar celebrating a fictitious gentleman by the name of Fogg, an eccentric adventurer with the booty to prove it. The warmly lit drinking establishment is brimming with mementos, curious, and knick-knacks from his international travels. The place has a well-worn feel and libations that make the world (and your head) spin. If in the area, try the tavern in Convent Garden.
15 Bruton Ln.
London, W1J 6JD
Located at The Star (one of the oldest family businesses in Soho), the bar serves more than 130 of the best gins in the world. Come thirsty: The gin cocktail menu is extensive and staff will answer your every question. Book a table before you go.
22 Great Chapel St.
London, W1F 8FR
+44-207-494-2488.
Start the day with a cold-pressed, organic, super green juice (coconut water, cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, swiss chard and parsley). Refuel in the afternoon with an almond mylk (almonds, coconut water, dates, Himalayan salt and vanilla bean).
32 Dover St.
London, W1S 4NE
+44-203-627-3190
The subterranean cocktail bar is the latest addition to the the oldest whiskey shop in London. Specially sourced ingredients (like Japanese matcha tea, Creole shrubb, and tomato water basil bitters) go into stand-out cocktails. Upstairs, one can drink by the glass or buy nearly every brown liquor under the sun.
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3 Greek St.
London, W1D 4NX
A basement parlor in Soho evoking bygone speakeasies with red wallpaper and plush sofas. The cocktail menu has playful themes ("the guest that never leaves," "big boy drinks"). If you can't get a reservation, try the new outpost on Shaftesbury Avenue.
61 Goodge St.
London, W1T 1TL
+44-207-580-1960
A grand and glorious spot for a drink, especially if you're hopping the Eurostar to the Continent. It feels like you've stepped back in time, from the ornate, Victorian-era ceilings designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, to the speciality cocktails and chef Marcus Wareing's refined bistro menu.
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Rd.
London, NW1 2AR
+44-207-278-3888
A classic English pub made modern, where speciality local ales accompany incredible food. For added privacy and charm, try to snag one of the cozy nooks known as "snugs."
115 Charterhouse St.
London, EC1M 6AA
+44-207-250-1300
The ultimate place to have a glass of Champagne, for the impossibly large selection of bottles and for the glamorous surroundings. Also lovely for afternoon tea.
Brook St.
London, W1K 4HR
+44-207-629-8860
Upstairs is an impossibly grand restaurant sumptuously decorated to evoke bygone train travel. The menu is classic Russian and English cuisine, and every booth has a Champagne call button. Downstairs, Bobby's Bar is a great evening hideaway. The big copper ship is a model of the one owner Bob once worked on.
1 Upper James St.
London, W1F 9DF
+44-203-145-1000
The legendary jazz club books artists from all over the world and has a great in-house band. The late sets ("second house") on Fridays and Saturdays go from 11 p.m.- 3 a.m.
47 Frith St.
London, W1D 4HT
+44-207-439-0747