50 Best Bars in the World: 4 London cocktail bars named among the best on the planet
From ritzy hotel bars to progressive cocktail bars with taxidermy animals, here’s a list of London’s best drinking spots - that are also among the best on the planet.
It will come as no surprise that London is home to some of the world’s top drinking spots. The UK capital is full of buzzy bars, lively pubs and iconic clubs that have shaped the world.
Now the annual World’s 50 Best Bars have been released, and some are right here in LDN (two of them even made the top 10!)
The winners were announced last week at a glittering ceremony in Hong Kong - further showcasing the worldwide appeal of these drinking spots.
So without further ado, these are the London bars named among the 50 Best in the World (and what the judges said about them). If you'd like to see the complete list, please click here.
Scarfes Bar, London
Scarfes Bar ranked as the 31st best bar on the planet. The classic Gentleman’s Club, located inside the Rosewood Hotel in Holborn, is famed for its roaring fire and inventive cocktails.
What the judges said: “The scene at Scarfes is hotel bar seventh heaven. The entrance alone is one of the most arresting in hospitality as the antique revolving doors transport you from High Holborn into a swish, leather-bound lounge of bookcases, fireplaces and spherical chandeliers – in here, guests feel every bit the British aristocrat. Director of bars Andy Loudon took the reins of the place last year, and he and his team have delivered their first menu. One Drawn Out Sip is inspired by Gerald Scarfe's memoirs – entitled Long Drawn Out Trip – with cocktails inspired by Scarfe's work in stage, film and political satire.”
Satan's Whiskers, London
Satan’s Whiskers is ranked as the 21st best bar in the world. Found in Bethnal Green (just a short jaunt from two tube stations), this quirky cocktail bar is truly one of a kind. With exposed brick, taxidermy animals and a daily changing menu, all set to the backdrop of a hip-hop soundtrack.
What the judges said: “In a bar landscape populated by ever-more esoteric themes, Satan's Whiskers is the antidote, standing plainly and proudly as a cocktail bar, nothing less, nothing more. In focusing on the fundamentals of the bar experience, Kevin Armstrong's now 12-year-old east London bar has become a beacon of how bars could – and to some, should – be run, with a cult following who adore it.”
Connaught Bar, London
In 6th place on the world’s list is the Connaught Bar in Mayfair. This ritzy hotel bar has appeared on the 50 Best bars list for 16 years and hasn’t missed a beat. With classic cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere, the Connaught truly is one of London’s best.
What the judges said: “This Mayfair sanctuary has become the quintessential hotel bar. No small part of its magic is in the David Collins-designed Cubist décor that provides the perfect setting for the poise of Agostino Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani and their affable team. The headline act is the bar's signature Dry Martini, which arrives by trolley and is made bespoke for each thirsty guest.”
Tayēr + Elementary, London
Rounding off the top 5 best bars in the world is Tayer + Elementary in Shoreditch. Judges describe it as the ‘blueprint for progressive cocktail bars’, combining modern techniques with old-fashioned practices.
What the judges said: “Now in its sixth year, Tayēr + Elementary feels as fresh as the day it opened while also becoming the blueprint for progressive cocktail bars. From its exposed, industrial aesthetic, ingredient-led minimalism and constantly evolving drinks list, the philosophy refined by co-founders Monica Berg and Alex Kratena has become bartending scripture.”