Hidden drinking gems in London
There is no doubt that London is certainly a great place for a night out. And you don’t have to go far to find a good pub, club, or bar. Tourists and locals alike flock to the big-name areas such as Camden, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. These are all great places for a fun night out, but some of the best bars in London are off the beaten track. If you haven’t heard of them, you won’t find them, so take note and remember their location next time you’re out on the town.
For cocktail connoisseurs, there are hundreds of cosy cocktail bars dotted all over the place, hiding some of the best cocktail menus the capital has to offer. One of the best is 69 Colebrooke Row – a tiny bar tucked away off Essex Road in Islington. An elegant bar, this is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the impressive array of cocktails on offer.
If you like your cocktail bars a little bit more lively, head over to Old Compton Street and LAB – a lively bar situated behind Covent Garden. The 120-strong cocktail menu is very impressive, if not a little daunting, but each one is expertly mixed. There is a full-on party atmosphere here too, making for a great night out.
There are also plenty of fantastic wine bars hidden away in the nooks and crannies of London; it’s just a case of finding them. Popular with creative professionals, Julie’s Wine Bar is a comfy and relaxed venue with over 40 wines to choose from. Situated in a quiet corner of Holland Park, this bar has elegant sofas and even a roof-top terrace to enjoy during the warmer months.
Another of the best bars in London which is well worth a visit is El Vino, a quiet and discreet place on Fleet Street. Boasting a 200-strong wine list and knowledgeable staff, this bar doubles up as wine shop. So once you find your favourite wine you can buy a bottle and even have it delivered.
Cocktail and wine bars are all well and good, but sometimes all you want is a good old fashioned English pub. As you may have guessed, there are plenty of these in London too. For a modern take on the traditional pub, try the Northcote, near Clapham Junction. This large venue has a bright and breezy decor while still managing to give the cosy feel of a local pub. It also has some unusual but delicious European beers on tap.
Another great pub that you might have missed is The Falcon, tucked away behind Clapham High Street. This is another fairly big pub and can get pretty busy on a Friday and Saturday night. But there’s no need to worry, The Falcon has a big front garden and an even bigger back garden, meaning that no matter how busy it gets, there always seems to be a spare seat somewhere. And when you’ve had enough of sitting down, you can always get down on the impromptu dance floor that always seems to emerge.
