When King Writes

Here are 4 of the coolest, quirkiest bars in London:
1. Nightjar Carnaby: for a classy speakeasy with a live jazz band
2. Cahoots Underground: for a quirky underground bar
3. Alma: for an upscale hangout and dinner
4. Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary: for adventurous drinkers

A proper London experience means at least one visit to a pub—or these days, a bar! So every time I visit the city of grey skies I try to discover bars I’ve never been. 

The bars I share here aren’t places where you have just a pint. Rather, these are cool, unique hot spots where the drinks and the vibe are genuinely worth the experience.

Whether you wanna get drunk asf in London or you’re keen to experience the city nightlife, here are four bars in London I deeply enjoyed.

Disclaimer: Apologies for the blurry low quality photos! Wild nights = no good snaps. These are just screenshots from the few videos I took.

4 Bars in London for Drinking and Vibing

1. Nightjar Carnaby

49-51 Kingly St, Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, London W1F 9PY

Best for: jazz lovers and anyone who enjoys a classy speakeasy atmosphere

The cocktail menu at Nightjar is a time machine for your taste buds, with four categories taking you through history:

• Pre-Prohibition: 1600-1920
• Prohibition: 1920-1933
• Post-War: 1940-2000
• Nightjar Signatures

We ordered a few drinks from each era and got an amazing selection of creative cocktails that looked cool and tasted good. They not only taste incredible, but their presentation is like art. Some of them are served in a decorative jar.

Granted, drinks aren’t cheap but reasonable considering the quality. We were tempted to stay until we’d had one of each. 😅

I also appreciated the ambiance. Nightjar felt like stumbling into a 1920s time capsule. There was a jazz band serenading us at the front, cozy little tables tucked into a dimly lit room, and an intoxicatingly vintage vibe impossible to resist. It’s dark, sultry, and perfect for an unforgettable night out. 

A self-proclaimed old soul, I couldn’t get enough of the old-school charm. If you love jazz, cocktails, and being whisked away to another era, this is your spot.

2. Cahoots

13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

Best for: themed experiences and groups looking for something unique

Usually, I’d dive straight into the drinks, but with Cahoots, the entrance itself deserves an entire paragraph. There was this unassuming door, dimly lit, and looked like it led to a plain old stock room. If not for the muscular bouncer standing guard, you might walk right past it.

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A post shared by Cahoots London (@cahootslondon)

Once inside, I was even more intrigued. We descended the narrow stairs, made our way through a small hallway, and suddenly, voilà—we were granted entry into a lively underground bar that felt like a 1940s time warp. 

Set in a disused tube station, Cahoots nails the theme with quirky details like vintage underground signs, furnishings, and decor that scream nostalgia. You could easily spend half the night just appreciating the vibe.

The staff was absolute legends. The moment we stepped in, they were in character and fully committed to making our visit unforgettable. 

Even the menu was an experience. Instead of a plain old list of cocktails, we found a menu cleverly disguised as a newspaper on the table.

The drinks are just as creative as the setting. Funky presentations, delicious flavors, and yes, they’re pricey—but so worth it for the experience. We may have overindulged a little, but that worked in our favor because the staff surprised us with free shots! 🤣

3. Alma

47b Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JP

Best for: laid-back evenings and mingling with London locals

Alma might not be the most elaborately themed bar in London, but it doesn’t need to be. Its charm lies in its simplicity—a sleek, upscale spot for enjoying good company over dinner and drinks.

The quality of the ribs was a pleasant surprise for a bar. So good, it went straight to my belly and forgot to take a photo. 😅 Perfectly cooked, beautifully presented, and downright delicious—proof that Alma is more than just a place to grab drinks. 

Speaking of drinks, while the menu is not as flashy as Cahoots and Nightjar, some cocktails were served in crafted bottles, adding a subtle touch of creativity to our experience.

I also appreciated the ambiance. The DJ played great music and the volume was just right—not too loud—which made it easy to have actual conversations without shouting over the bassline.

The space is large enough to accommodate big groups and assemble to long tables. So even if it doesn’t scream “Instagram-worthy,” Alma is the place to be for a good drink, good food, and a laid-back evening with amazing people.

4. Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary

Basement, 34 Brook St, London W1K 5DH

Best for: adventurous drinkers who love a good whimsical theme

Last but definitely not least is the most memorable Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary, where I almost died from absinthe. 🤣

Word on the street is lots of people flock here for the vibe, but we arrived an hour before closing time, so it wasn’t too crowded anymore. This worked in our favor as we appreciated the atmosphere even more.

Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary, an eponymously named bar in Mayfair,  is a Victorian-era themed apothecary, complete with an extensive collection of potions and elixirs inspired by Phileas Fogg’s adventures.

Walking in, we were greeted by a majestic grand staircase that led down to an impressive long bar. It was stocked to the rafters with an extensive drinks collection—all looked like potions and remedies.

Honestly, I don’t remember the menu anymore as I’m only writing from memory—and by the time we got here, we were already pretty smashed, so very Foggy memory (pun intended).

BUT I remember how much I adored the staff—dressed in eclectic, Victorian-inspired outfits, they were as charming as the cocktails they served.

We trusted their recommendations and sipped on inventive concoctions that felt like they’d been brewed in a mad scientist’s lab. Then came the absinthe. Given my drink count from earlier in the night, my brain decided to check out for the evening after one sip of that poison. 🤣

So yeah, if you’d like to experience something different and enjoy a comfy seat in a basement establishment for hours, visit Mr. Fogg’s Apothecary. Marvel at the decor, sip on wildly creative drinks, and lounge on a cozy U-shaped couch in what felt like our very own mini cave.

I left with fun, blurry memories. ✨

Tips for Bar Hoppers

Check the reservation policy: Some of London’s top bars, like Nightjar and Cahoots, are immensely popular and often require reservations, especially on weekends. Book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Check the dress code: Most bars are pretty casual, but some upscale spots in Mayfair or Chelsea have dress codes.

Check the price before you go: London bars are known for their creative cocktails—and their prices. Expect to pay £13–£25 per drink at high-end spots.

Explore different neighborhoods: Each area of London has its own vibe. For quirky and artistic bars, head to Shoreditch. For classy speakeasies, try Soho or Mayfair.

Tipping: Not mandatory in the UK (thank the heavens), but it’s appreciated. 💸

Bar Hopping vs. Pub Crawl: Is there a difference?
Yes! Bar hopping is informal and spontaneous. You move on from one bar to another based on your mood or what looks appealing in the area.

A pub crawl is often pre-planned. As part of an organized event, you usually have a specific route, theme, or even a guide. Like Halloween pub crawls or St. Patrick’s Day events.

And the obvious: bar hopping explores a mix of venues, while pub crawls stick to pubs.

Final Thoughts

London’s bar scene is truly one of a kind. Next time you’re in London, don’t be lazy!! I recommend skipping the ordinary pint and diving into the extraordinary. 

I promise you, there are so so so many choices. Just pace yourself—you don’t want to forget it all by the next morning! 🙂