In London, bar hopping isn’t just about moving from one drink to another-it’s a rhythm, a ritual, a way to feel the pulse of the city after dark. Whether you’re a local who’s seen every trendy spot in Shoreditch or a visitor trying to navigate the maze of alleyways between Soho and Camden, the right sequence of bars can turn a night out into something unforgettable. And it’s not about how many places you hit-it’s about the vibe, the history, the local characters, and the drinks that make you want to come back.
Start in Soho: Where the Energy Never Sleeps
Soho is where London’s nightlife begins in earnest. Forget the tourist traps on Shaftesbury Avenue. Head instead to Bar Termini, a tiny, standing-room-only Italian-style bar that’s been serving espresso martinis and Aperol spritzes since 2007. It’s cramped, loud, and utterly essential. You’ll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with journalists from The Guardian, actors from nearby West End theatres, and expats who’ve lived here longer than they’ve admitted. Order the negroni sbagliato-it’s the house specialty-and soak in the buzz. When you’re ready to move on, walk two minutes to The French House on Dean Street. This is where Dylan Thomas drank, where the 1960s beat poets gathered, and where the last call is always a suggestion, not a rule. The jukebox plays Bowie, The Clash, and rare French chanson. The barman knows your name by the third round.Eastward to Shoreditch: Craft, Creativity, and Concrete
Cross the river and head to Shoreditch, where old warehouses have been turned into drinking dens with industrial-chic lighting and cocktail menus that read like poetry. Start at The Clove Club-yes, it’s a restaurant, but their basement bar, Shoreditch House, opens at 8pm with a rotating list of experimental drinks made with British foraged ingredients. Think sloe gin infused with blackberries from Hampstead Heath, or a gin sour with elderflower from Kent. Then walk five minutes to The Breakfast Club, a former 1980s video arcade turned bar. The walls are covered in vintage Pac-Man and Donkey Kong machines, and the cocktails are named after cult films: The Matrix (blue curaçao, vodka, lime) and Trainspotting (gin, lemon, sugar syrup, and a dash of absinthe). It’s kitsch, but it’s real. Locals come here after work to unwind, not to be seen.North to Camden: Punk, Pints, and Personality
Camden isn’t just about the market or the Lock. It’s about the pubs that have survived decades of gentrification. Begin at The Hawley Arms, where Amy Winehouse used to drink, and where the walls are still covered in handwritten notes from fans, musicians, and locals who’ve lost loved ones here. The beer selection is basic-Tetley’s, Guinness, Camden Hells-but the atmosphere is unmatched. Order a pint, sit at the bar, and listen to the stories. Then head to The Good Mixer, a tiny, no-frills pub with mismatched chairs and a back room that hosts live acoustic sets every Thursday. It’s the kind of place where the bartender will ask if you’re from around here, and if you say yes, they’ll slip you a free shot of sloe gin. If you say no? They’ll still give you the shot, but they’ll also give you a map of the best hidden bars in North London.
South of the River: The Hidden Gems
Most tourists never cross the Thames after dark, but that’s where some of London’s best bars hide. In Bermondsey, Bar Zaza is a speakeasy-style lounge hidden behind a fridge door in a wine shop. You need to know the password-ask for the name of the owner’s first cat (it’s Marmalade). Inside, cocktails are made with single-origin spirits from British distilleries like Sipsmith and The London Distillery Company. Next, walk 10 minutes to The Old Vic Tunnels, a network of Victorian railway tunnels turned into a bar and performance space. The lighting is dim, the music is low, and the cocktails are served in vintage glassware. This is where you go when you want to feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret society.West End and Mayfair: For When You Want Class, Not Chaos
Not every bar hop needs to be loud. If you’re dressed up after a business dinner or just want to sip something quiet and expensive, head to The Connaught Bar in Mayfair. It’s been ranked among the top 10 bars in the world, and for good reason. Their English Garden cocktail-gin, elderflower, cucumber, and thyme-is served with a sprig of mint plucked from the hotel’s rooftop garden. The bartenders know the history of every spirit on the shelf. Then, walk to The American Bar at The Savoy. It’s been serving drinks since 1893, and the cocktail menu still includes the original recipe for the Sidecar. Order one. Sit in the velvet booth. Listen to the live piano. This is London’s old soul.
Know the Rules: How to Bar Hop Like a Local
Bar hopping in London isn’t just about the drinks-it’s about the etiquette. Here’s how to do it right:- Don’t show up to a pub before 6pm unless it’s a late lunch spot. Most places don’t open until then.
- Never ask for a “shot.” Say “a measure” or “a double.”
- Tip by buying the bartender a drink. Say, “Can I get you one?” It’s more appreciated than cash.
- Use the Tube after 11pm-most bars close by 1am, and the Night Tube runs Friday and Saturday nights on the Central, Victoria, Jubilee, Northern, and Piccadilly lines.
- Don’t expect happy hours. London doesn’t really do them. Instead, look for “early bird” deals before 7pm or “last orders” specials after midnight.
And one more thing: if you’re offered a round, accept it. It’s not just about the drink-it’s about belonging. In London, a round is a handshake. A nod. A way of saying, “You’re welcome here.”
What to Skip
There are plenty of places that look like bars but feel like tourist traps. Avoid:- Any pub on Oxford Street with neon signs and “£5 cocktails” banners.
- “London Eye Bar” or any venue that markets itself as “the best view of the city.” The view is never worth the price.
- Chain bars like The Irish Pub or Wetherspoons unless you’re on a budget and need a warm beer and a pie.
Stick to the independents. The ones with no website. The ones that don’t have Instagram accounts. The ones where the door doesn’t open until you knock three times.
What’s the best time to start bar hopping in London?
Start around 7pm. Most bars open at 6pm, but the real energy kicks in after 7:30. By 9pm, the crowd has shifted from after-work drinks to full-on nightlife. If you start too early, you’ll be alone. Too late, and you’ll miss the best spots before they fill up.
Can I bar hop in London on a budget?
Absolutely. Stick to pubs in East London-places like The Good Mixer, The Ten Bells, or The Prince Albert in Brixton. Pints cost £4.50-£6.50, and many places offer £3.50 gin and tonics before 7pm. Avoid tourist zones like Covent Garden or Leicester Square. You’ll pay double for the same drink.
Is it safe to bar hop alone in London?
Yes, especially in central areas like Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden. London is one of the safest major cities for solo nightlife. Stick to well-lit streets, use the Night Tube after midnight, and avoid isolated alleyways after 2am. Most locals bar hop alone-it’s normal.
What’s the most unique bar in London?
The Bar at The Ned. It’s a 1920s banking hall turned cocktail lounge with a 100-year-old marble bar, stained glass ceilings, and a menu inspired by Prohibition-era cocktails. The gin selection includes rare British distillates you won’t find anywhere else. It’s not cheap, but it’s unforgettable.
Do I need to book a table for bar hopping?
Only if you’re going to a restaurant bar like The Connaught or The Clove Club. For most pubs and casual spots, walk-ins are fine. But if you’re going on a Friday or Saturday night, arrive before 8pm. Popular places like Bar Termini or The French House fill up fast.
