Top 5 Mixology Bars in London

London is a melting pot, and its food and drink culture reflect this. This means that there are plenty of top-notch cocktail bars to explore throughout the city, from swanky Soho spots like Connaught Bar to neighborhood joints that serve innovative creations.

The best way to experience all of this is to attend a cocktail masterclass, where you can learn the tips and tricks behind some of London’s most famous concoctions. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of the best in town.

Purl

Purl is one of London’s first speakeasy bars. Occupying a vaulted cellar in Marylebone, it’s an innovative bar that dabbles in molecular mixology.

Molecular mixology isn’t just about your taste buds; it also stimulates your other senses too, like your smell, sight and touch. The slick mixologists at this subterranean bar have mastered how to create drinks that balance between traditional mixing techniques and inventive, molecular methods that enhance every sip you take.

The slick, broody vibe and ever-growing collection of vintage wares make this a must-visit for any cocktail lover. It’s seating-only so make sure you book in advance.

If you’re looking for a special date night or something to do with friends, then Purl’s mixology masterclass is the perfect way to learn how to make your own cocktails. Under careful instruction from the mixologist, you’ll learn how to mix different ingredients that stimulate each of your senses in a delicious libation.

The Hide Bar

If you’re looking for a proper, old-fashioned cocktail for grown ups with some great flavour combos, then The Hide Bar is the place to go! It’s located on Bermondsey Street and the drinks are excellent.

It’s the latest venture from Ollie Dabbous and Hedonism Wines. The Hide Bar is a cosy and relaxed bar that is perfect for drinks and catching up with friends. It is also a great location for an early evening meal.

The bar is a hidden gem on Bermondsey St. The cocktails are amazing and the staff are friendly. They take time to make the cocktails and it makes for a really great experience!

The decor isn’t the best but it’s a nice place to visit. They have a good range of cocktails and you can get them at a fair price. They also have some good snacks. They have happy hour every Tuesday from 3-6 pm where you can enjoy some really cheap cocktails! If you’re visiting London on a budget then this is the place to go.

Homeboy

With modern Irish hospitality at the heart, bar owners Aaron Wall and Ciaran Smith (Callooh Callay, The Dorchester and Waldorf Astoria NYC) bring home comforts paired with delicious drinks and playful sinful food to Islington. It’s a winning blend of classic Irish boozer and contemporary cocktail joint, boasting perfectly poured pints of Guinness and world-class cocktails.

The drinks menu focuses on Irish producers, utilising modern techniques to create both contemporary and classics drinks. The whiskey menu is a highlight, with cocktails like the Wogan – a tartly sharp whiskey daiquiri – showcasing whiskey’s lighter side.

While a few of the cocktails are a little pricier than your average London bar, they’re worth it for their unique twists on standard serves. The Apple Fan for instance, combines Green Spot pot still Irish whiskey with Killahora Pom’o apple port and apple sherbet to really highlight its orchard notes.

Homeboy has two locations – the flagship in Islington and the brand new Embassy Gardens location, opening in May. It’s also a philanthropic venture, employing people who have graduated from the 18-month training program that runs through Homeboy Industries.

The Lucky Pig

Whether you’re looking for a night of late night London cocktails, a spot to get down on the dance floor or a venue to host your next party, The Lucky Pig is a great place to spend an evening. Their art deco inspired decor and the quality of their food and drink are sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.

The staff were lovely and very knowledgeable about all the products on offer. They were also extremely friendly and hospitable.

They do a variety of different drinks that you may not find at other bars in the area. They also have a nice range of wine and beer on offer.

I was here with some friends and it was a lovely evening out. The bar was buzzing and everyone was having a good time. The service was excellent and the bartenders were very attentive. I will be back here again soon!

The lucky pig is a symbol of good luck in a number of countries around the world. It is said that if you put a lucky pig in your home, it will bring you good fortune. It can also be given to people as a talisman or used as a New Year’s decoration.

The Alchemist

The Alchemist is a cocktail bar and restaurant that celebrates molecular mixology, alchemy and craftsmanship. Their masterful cocktails are served in all manner of vessels and set the scene for a flaming evening.

This wacky, imaginative and showy cocktail bar is perfect for a night out with friends or even a birthday bash. The drinks menu is as long as your arm and includes every ingredient – from smoke and fire to Zombie Mix and Fairy Liquid.

There are a few more traditional cocktails on offer too, like old fashioneds and daiquiris. But the Alchemist’s twists on these are really what make it stand out from the crowd.

There’s a variety of signature drinks, such as Cherry Poppins, which is raspberry gin, amaretto, strawberry shrub syrup and citrus topped with a cherry fog bubble. You can also try the Smokey Old Fashioned, a blend of Wild Turkey bourbon with maple syrup and oak smoke. And there’s the Bubble Bath, a combination of gin, Chambord and Aperol with apple and some secret ingredients that arrives frothing and bubbling bright pink.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency

If you’re a fan of speakeasy-style bars, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is worth checking out. Located on Earls Court Road, the establishment is inspired by 1920s American prohibition and offers delicious cocktails and tasty food.

The concept behind this bar is simple – find an interesting back story to tell the guard at the entrance and you can be granted access into the secretive establishment. The bar serves a variety of classic cocktails and is perfect for a night out with friends.

It’s an unexpected addition to Earls Court, but it’s definitely worth visiting. Whether you’re after a few drinks or a meal, this is one of the best spots to check out in London.

Having been to numerous speakeasy-style bars in the past, this is definitely one of my favorites. It has a great vibe and the staff was very friendly.

The bar’s interior is decorated with a lot of Prohibition-era props and furniture. It also has a speakeasy-style bar that’s designed to mimic a private detective office. The menu features a variety of cocktails and includes house infusions like maple bacon bourbon, which are definitely worth trying.

The Drift

The Drift is a mixology bar located at the base of Heron Tower. It is an impressive space with quirky collectibles, hidden alcoves and a fine dining nook. It is perfect for corporate drinks parties, team building events and product launches.

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The Cantina By El Cabron

The Cantina By El Cabron is a cute little fast casual Taco shop in the heart of downtown that serves some tasty Mexican fare and an original authentic Mexican experience. The food is a mix of the usual (cali burritos and tacos) but they also offer some pretty cool drinks and tequila and even have a big screen TVS on lock for those who enjoy watching sports.

The drinks menu features an impressive 30 varieties of tequila and a selection of mezcals in an array of flavors and styles. Their premium signature cocktails harken back to their roots in Mexico, including the tequila-driven martini and the more traditional mojito.

The Cantina By El Cabron has got to be one of the most fun places in town for a cocktail and foodie experience. The bartenders are some of the best in town and the tequila menu is a must for any tequila enthusiast. If you’re looking for something a little bigger and more substantial, the a la carte menu is worth checking out as well.