The top 5 coolest bars in London

A note on cheap bars in London

If you want cheap bars in London, then it is worth knowing they exist, even though they're usually off the beaten track. However, you won't find many of the coolest bars in London offering reduced prices or two-for-one deals. As such, choosing a cool bar in London usually means paying more for drinks. To mitigate this and save money, stick to just a few drinks or head to them earlier. Some – but not all – bars and pubs in London offer special deals outside of peak social hours.

To avoid the costliest bars, steer clear of hotel bars, especially luxury hotels in central London. Note, too, that pubs and bars are different. Pubs tend to serve draught beers, which are sometimes cheaper than bottled ones. All pubs and bars must have their price list displayed somewhere by the bar area. You should always be able to check prices before you buy drinks at any licensed premises during a UK staycation.

Bar Termini, Soho

Like Camden, Soho is packed with both pubs and bars. Bar Termini is a good pick because it is very distinct from the other establishments you'll find in the area. If cool bars in London are what you're after, then this place is ice-cold. It has an Italianate ambience and is a good place for a cocktail or two before striking on to another place. Located on Old Compton Street, it is in the heart of Soho, just a stone's throw from numerous cinemas and theatres.

Kioku Sake Bar, Whitehall

A Japanese-inspired bar, this establishment is certainly very cool. Although it is not very typical of bars and pubs in central London, Kioku Sake Bar is a big hit in Whitehall. So close to the seat of the UK's government, it is busiest on Fridays when parliament goes into recess. The internal décor is full of special touches but is best described as minimalist. The bar specialises in sake, as its name suggests. So, if you aren't into this Japanese tipple, then it probably isn't for you. It is also expensive. There may not be many cheap bars in London's Whitehall district, and this bar certainly isn't one.

FAQs about the coolest bars in London

Q: What area in London has the best bars?

A: Soho and Shoreditch are both go-to areas with some of the best bars in London. Soho and the nearby wider West End, in particular, have some of the best pubs in London. These establishments cater for those who enjoy both traditional English inns and modern, cool bars in London.

Q: What is the most beautiful London pub?

A: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but many Londoners agree that The Churchill Arms in Kensington is among the most eye-catching pubs in London. It is known for its impressive floral displays. Another contender is the Black Friar, near Blackfriars station, which is highly decorative on the inside.

Q: What is the coolest neighbourhood in London?

A: In North London, Camden is considered by many visitors to the city to be cool, especially the area around its famous canal lock. If you are in South London, then check out Brixton, which has a similarly cool vibe. Its market area has many good places to enjoy a drink. You could even manage both North and South on a round trip using the London Underground network.

Q: Where do most people go out in London?

A: The West End is London's traditional place to go out, boasting theatres, restaurants, bars and pubs. The South Bank is increasingly considered a good place to go out for many of the same reasons. You also get views of the Thames River if you spend an evening on the South Bank, near the Royal Festival Hall and Shakespeare's Globe.