See Inside London’s Most Instagrammable Bars
These days the seal of approval doesn’t just come from the critics, it comes from the endless hashtags, aspirational reels and influencers who walk through the doors. As soon as you’ve got a photo online of someone who is ‘in-the-know’, you’re set. Whether you’re looking for date recommendations or you just want to know where’s ‘hot’ right now, we’ve put together a guide of the most talked-about and Instagrammable bars in London. For even more noteworthy gems, take a look at London’s most Instagrammable restaurants and pretty cafes.
London’s most Instagrammable bars
CLAP London
Perched high above Knightsbridge, CLAP has London views that make you want to reach for your camera before you’ve even sat down. The rooftop terrace is a highlight, while playful details throughout include quirky action-figure chandeliers that give the space plenty of personality.
With striking interiors, a lively setting and a menu of Japanese bites to match. Their new Wednesday Wine menu makes it even more tempting, with rare bottles from the list available by the glass.
Where: Sixth and seventh Floor, 12-14 Basil St, London SW3 1AJ
Website: www.claprestaurant.com
Fitz’s Bar
Hidden inside the Grade II listed hotel, Kimpton Fitzroy London, the Fitz’s Bar has become renowned for its flamboyant interiors, iconic Jazz Age mirrorball and seriously delicious cocktails.
Head here to soak up the decadence, from the Ostrich feathers and crocodile-skin wallpaper to the dazzling mirrorball that cascades from the ceiling. The curated drinks list will make you want to sip late into the night, enjoy everything from spirits to sparkling wine.
KIMPTON FITZROY LONDON, RUSSELL SQUARE, LONDON WC1B 5BE
WWW.FITZS.CO.UK
Lyaness
There’s a reason that Lyaness keeps on winning award after award. Firstly, its interiors are impeccable – think mirrored tables, velvet seating and gold finishes. Secondly, it’s the brainchild of the award-winning Mr Lyan and is home to cocktails designed around the ingredients rather than cocktail type.
There’s a cocktail to suit every taste, from sweet fruity numbers to spiced and sharp. Pair them with views over the Thames and you’ve got yourself a date destination that you can’t fault.
SEA CONTAINERS LONDON, 20 UPPER GROUND, SE1 9PD
www.lyaness.com
The Berkeley Bar & Terrace
Conceived by Irish interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan, The Berkeley Bar & Terrace is inspired by old world glamour.
Every seat at this bar is special but if you can, try to book in for The Snug. The stunning face mural, painted by New York-based artist TM Davy, is the central feature here, alongside its own sound system and call-for-service button.
The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL
www.the-berkeley.co.uk
The Coral Room
By far one of London’s most Instagrammable bars, it’s hard not to include The Coral Room when it’s as bold as it is. The pinkish-red walls and jewel-lined bar stools are enough of a pull to this Insta approved venue.
Plus, you can’t fault the cocktails – the kitsch menus and names ensure that you are in for a whimsical experience.
16-22 Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, WC1B 3NN
www.thecoralroom.co.uk
Avora
One of London’s most unique immersive cocktail experiences, Avora allows you to discover a brand-new world engulfed in mystery and wonder, brought to life through awe-inspiring theatrical sets, sensory experiences and a cast of talented actors. With drinks that change colour, shimmers and smokes and a stunning set design that brings to mind the world of Avatar, this is one experience that will be forever etched both in your memory and on you Insta grid.
5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London E2 8GY
avora-experience.co.uk
The Painter’s Room, Claridge’s
Every ounce of Claridge’s is breathtaking and if you’re yet to visit, The Painter’s Room might just convince you. Inspired by the arty haunts in Provence and Italy, the art deco style bar is a cosy speakeasy. Expect tones of light baby pinks, velvet curtains and art lining the walls.
The cocktails focus on flavours of southern Europe, with a particular focus on fresh flavours from small-batch labels.
Claridge’s, Brook Street, Mayfair, W1K 4HR
www.claridges.co.uk
Booking Office 1869
Booking Office 1869 is the brainchild of hotelier and developer Harry Handelsman (Chiltern Firehouse, The Stratford). He worked with Parisian designer Hugo Toro, creating a muse inspired by the original 19th century St. Pancras ticket hall.
Seating 120, the room has huge dominating interiors, from the eight 8-metre tall palm trees and pendant lights to the 22-metre long bar.
EUSTON ROAD, NW1 2AR
WWW.BOOKING-OFFICE.CO.UK
Doña
Seriously, if pink is your thing, you’ll love how dreamy Doña is. Doña was an easy inclusion with its dreamy pink hues, sparky jazz club vibes and being hugely female-led.
Open Tuesday through to Saturday, the bar specialises in temptingly good Mezcal cocktails, and dangerously good vibes.
95 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB, London
www.bardonalondon.com
The Connaught Bar
Renowned for topping the charts on just about every ‘World’s Best Bar’ list, The Connaught Bar doesn’t disappoint. Inspired by 1920s English and Irish Cubism, expect every corner of the space to be stylish. Think textured walls in platinum silver leaf and a cool grey bar lined with just about every spirit imaginable.
Every single aspect of the bar and its offerings has been dreamt up, with cocktails just as Insta-worthy as the interiors.
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
www.the-connaught.co.uk
The Red Room at The Connaught
It’s hard to pick just one bar at The Connaught, so naturally we’ve included two. Reserved for only those in the know, the Red Room can be accessed only through a velvet-curtained doorway from the hotel’s Champagne Room.
Inside, the space will take your breath away thanks to Bryan O’Sullivan’s mastery. Think a red-flecked marble fireplace, dazzling pink onyx bar and the finest Italian craftsmanship.
Carlos Place, Mayfair, W1K 2AL
www.the-connaught.co.uk
The Glade, sketch
Renowned worldwide for its mesmerising interiors and pod-like loos, sketch is home to interiors you literally won’t find anywhere else.
Head inside the maze-like building and make sure to grab a table – or, at least, peek inside – The Glade. Regularly hosting installations and art collections, the woodland inspired interiors will make you feel as if you’re perched in the countryside, drinking and dining amongst nature.
9 Conduit Street, Mayfair, W1S 2XG
www.sketch.london
Cahoots
The speakeasy every Londoner knows about, Cahoots is inspired by the 1940s. Located in Soho, its interiors replicate an abandoned train station and is made up of three parts: The Underground, Ticket Hall and Control Room.
The Underground will see your step inside a vintage tube carriage, complete with underground signs and booth seating, while The Ticket Hall is now home to the black market for liquor and cocktails for all your scoundrels. The Control Room, set in the centre of the disused train station, is filled out with danger-marked levers, wires, switchboards and flashing lights. Oh and plenty of cocktails and shindigs too.
5 Kingly Street, Carnaby, W1B 5PF
www.cahoots-london.com
Sexy Fish
Beauty is in the name with this one, with Sexy Fish serving up one of London’s hottest must-visit bars.
The restaurant brought in giant international names like the Martin Brudnizki Design Studio team and architect Frank Gehry to create sensational underwater motifs across the space, from the giant fish gracing the walls of the dining room to the mermaids lining the deep pink-toned bar.
Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Mayfair, W1J 6BR
www.sexyfish.com
Waeska at The Mandrake
The Mandrake is filled with mystery and mischievousness. In the warmer months you’ll find The Handbook team sitting back at their hanging garden terrace, but in the cooler months, we’ll be perched on a pew at Waeska.
The hotel’s bar is renowned for its unusual creature that’s positioned above the bar. Named Fable, the half gazelle, half peacock hybrid just adds to the charm of this place. Excellent cocktails await you here.
20-21 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 1PG
www.themandrake.com
Bar Crispin
Located on Soho’s Kingly Street, Bar Crispin is from the brains behind Spitalfields’ all-day cafe Crispin, but of course, in bar form. Centred around the idea of sharing, the focus is on all natural wines and seasonal plates designed to be enjoyed in groups – expect small scale producers and sustainability to also play a part here.
Pitch up, order a bottle from their carefully curated list and dig into dishes packed with flavour, natural ingredients and colour.
19 Kingly Street, Carnaby, W1B 5PY
www.barcrispin.com
