10 unique bars in London you have to visit
What’s a better way to enjoy London than by going out for a pint? Bars and pubs are a staple in the U.K, and the best part is that there are dozens of great ones all over the city. Here are 10 fun bars in London for a quality drink and experience.
Bar Gansa in Camden Lock
Bar Gansa is located in Camden Lock, and immediately became one of my favorite Spanish tapas bars.
The service was impeccable. Off the bat, my server was warm, hospitable and offered great recommendations like the garlic paprika chicken wings and mussels “al vino.” But let’s be real, no matter what you order here, you can’t go wrong.
As for drinks, the sangria was delicious. Not too sweet – which prefer. The same goes for the margaritas, which were generously strong, made with real lime juice and marg-mix free, as they should be.
There’s vibrant music and ambiance at Bar Gansa every night, but Sundays take the cake with mesmerizing flamenco dancing that transforms this already outstanding establishment into an immersive cultural experience.
Bar Gansa
2 Inverness Street
Camden, NW1 7HJ
+44 0207 267 8909
info@bargansa.co.uk
The 40 Elephants in Westminster
If you’re looking for lavish and luxe, head to The 40 Elephants within the Great Scotland Yard Hotel. Serving intricate and glamourous cocktails that are almost too stunning to drink, The 40 Elephants is named after the all-female shoplifting gang that took England by storm from the late 1800s to the 1950s. The 40 Elephants (or “40 Thieves”), was led by the “Queen of Forty Thieves,” Alice Diamond. She and her gang raided high-end stores all over the country from the late 1800s to the 1950s, stealing everything from dresses to diamonds.
The women also posed as maids for wealthy households and emptied their safes and closest the moment they had the chance. Unethical? Yes. Badass? Also yes.
I’d tell you the name of this cocktail, but it was custom-made by the bartender.
The 40 Elephants
3-5 Great Scotland Yard
London, SW1A 2HN
+44 0207 925 4700
The Prince’s Head in Richmond
Known as the Crown & Anchor on Emmy Award-winning series “Ted Lasso,” The Prince’s Head shines as a warm and welcoming pub in Richmond’s Paved Court. To say that I fangirled when I arrived is a gross understatement.
The place is high-spirited and the pints, ever-flowing. Order the halloumi fries to soak up the alcohol and you’ll be in heaven. The only thing that could top this experience is running into Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) and his humble, sexy mustache (yeah, you read right) as he defeats Richard Manion in a game of darts.
Barbecue Sauce.
The Prince’s Head
28 The Green
Richmond, Surrey, TW9 1LX
+44 0208 940 1572
princeshead@fullers.co.uk
The Alchemist in Hoxton
Bring out your inner witch or wizard at The Alchemist and choose from a variety of magically crafted cocktails that are sure to “bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses” (shout out, Severus Snape). These aren’t your average servers, bartenders and cooks, here. They’re “masters of molecular mixology and demons in the kitchen,” according to The Alchemist website. And it’s true because these smokey, bubbly, even fiery cocktails are sure to cast a spell on your eyes and your taste buds. The food ain’t half bad either. (It’s really good.)
The Alchemist – Old Street
145 City Road
London EC1V 1LP
+44 0203 976 7887
The Theodore Bullfrog in Westminster
Located in the heart of London and near the theatre district, The Theodore Bullfrog features the best of the best in traditional British pub fare, with infinite varieties of beer and wine, fish and chips, bangers and mash – you name it. Visit for a pint and a snack before the theatre (I suggest the Back to the Future Musical – amazing.) or create a tradition and stop by for your favorite sporting events.
Whether it’s a short time or a long time, at Theo’s, it’ll always be a good time.
Theodore Bullfrog
26-30 John Adam Street
London, WC2N 6HL
+44 020 7839 2697
theodorebullfrog@youngs.co.uk
The Churchill Arms in Kensington
Now, The Churchill Arms might look like another traditional British pub with traditional British fare – but underneath the extravagant decor and Churchill memorabilia, it’s a pub AND Thai restaurant with some quirky history.
The Churchill Arms was built in 1750, making it one of the oldest pubs in London. Winston Churchill’s grandparents were pub regulars – hence the origin of the name – and after World War II, the pub owners renovated the spot in honor of their Prime Minister.
The Churchill Arms still serves its many ales, wines and more, and its astonishing outdoor florals were even awarded at the Chelsea Flower Show.
The Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street
London, W8 7LN
+44 020 7727 4242
The Northall Bar in Westminster
Inside the elegant Corinthia Hotel is a taste of high-society London with high-quality cocktails. The Northall Bar is simply astonishing and will stop guests in their tracks with its chandelier alone.
The bartenders were attentive and wonderful, though I didn’t stay long – I couldn’t (I’m ballin’ on a budget here). But bar snacks were delicious, the champagne was ever-flowing and heavenly, especially with the strawberries on top, and the experience was first class.
The Northall Bar in the Corinthia
+44 20 7321 3100
restaurants.london@corinthia.com
PowerHaus / Dingwalls in Camden Town
PowerHaus Camden is first and foremost, a music venue, and a legendary one at that. The current PowerHaus pays homage to not one, but two historical music venues in London.
The first is the original PowerHaus, a 1989 Islington venue owned by the Mean Fiddler that hosted names like Radiohead, Suede, Henry Rollins, Primal Scream (who are amazing), and more.
The second is Dingwalls, the original business in the current PowerHaus building. Dingwalls opened in 1973 as a dance hall and has had London on its feet ever since. The building has gone through a variety of ownerships, musical tastes and renovations ranging from jazz to punk (punk season was booming in Camden in the mid-70s).
In its 35 years, the building has been a host to performances by Coldplay, Etta James, Foo Fighters, R.E.M, and Blondie. Through the punk era, Dingwalls regularly hosted The Clash, Sex Pistols and The Ramones regularly. I would have lost my shit.
All this musical history morphed together into the new PowerHaus. The vast venue includes the stage area and three different bars. There’s Blue Moon, an upper-level outdoor terrace overlooking the beautiful Camden Lock; The Canal Bar, with comfy booths and views of Regent’s Canal; and Lock 17, the upstairs loft bar with cozy couches and views of the Canal Bar below.
I visited Lock 17 on a cold day in late November and had the loft area all to myself. I curled up on a couch in the corner and indulged in a couple of pints,
PowerHaus Camden
11 Middle Yard
London, NW1 8AB
+44 1920 823 098
info@powerhauscamden.com
Elementree Bar & Restaurant in Cricklewood
Tucked away in London’s Cricklewood area, Elementree Bar & Restaurant is a cozy Italian restaurant with spectacular – and affordable – food and drinks. Order the restaurant’s signature “Elementree Kiss” cocktail, with rum, passion fruit syrup, elderflower syrup, passion fruit Juice, lime Juice. Or if you’d like something a little less sweet and a little more classic, the Aperol Spritz never fails. “Spritz” it up with Elementree’s white chocolate and pistachio parfait or chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Buon appetito.
Elementree Bar & Restaurant
108-110 Cricklewood Broadway
London, NW2 3EJ
+44 20 8830 9344
BYOB in Kew Gardens
You got me. This isn’t a pub or cocktail lounge, not even a restaurant. I don’t even know how appropriate suggesting this is and I don’t care. Do yourself a favor and stop at your nearest Tesco or Waitrose, grab snacks, grab wine and indulge at Kew Gardens. Words cannot accurately express how gorgeous Kew is. In each direction of its 300 acres, there’s something new and captivating.
Find some tranquility at the Japanese gardens and Chokushi-Mon (a.k.a. the Gateway of the Imperial Messenger), explore Kew’s greenhouses, climb up the Treetop Walkway, or keep it simple and walk through Kew’s breathtaking natural surroundings.
When you’re ready to feast, find a bench or comfortable spot in the grass, bust out that wine and those snacks, and treat yourself. Romanticize this moment. Sometimes, a little wine and a little nature is all you need.
Kew Gardens
Kew, Richmond,
London, TW9 3AE
+44 020 8332 5655
info@kew.org
No matter where you choose to lighten (and sip) your spirits, you’re in London so you can’t go wrong. Just bottoms up, be safe, and enjoy!
