London has a thriving gin scene and these are just 20 of the best places to go if you want to enjoy your favorite spirit served in a range of innovative ways.
What Makes Them Different - Harking back to the golden age of the cocktail, this is a classy joint that reeks of retro chic.
Atmosphere - Cosy yet classy, with a strong sense of the art deco era about its design and drinks menu.
Gins Available - Mainstream and obscure options alike, including Tanqueray, Slingsby, Nikka, D1, Brooklyn and many more.
Reviews - “This is the most incredible cocktail bar I have ever been to. We had a very warm welcome and were seated with water and pickles, then given advice on how to navigate the fantastic menu. Every cocktail we had was worthy of its description in the menu, served in its own unique vessel with accompaniments. This place is the drinking equivalent of the fat duck. Hats off to the pianist too.” - Alex Morgan.
What Makes Them Different - Combining a gin bar with a hotel, you can book a room and visit from out of town while choosing from more than 100 gin varieties.
Atmosphere - Classy yet comfortable, it has the up market feel of most Notting Hill drinking houses, but without too much pretentiousness in the atmosphere.
Gins Available - A global range of gins, served in Copa de Balon glasses.
Reviews - “The Ginstitute is the coolest spot for all gin-loving freaks like me. Learn everything there is to know about gin AND make your own unique blend- It was such a fun, educational class and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves gin and spirits-” -
Monique Karabach.
What Makes Them Different - Famed for its affordable gin punches, this centrally located bar is staffed by cocktail specialists who are happy to help you find the perfect drink to suit your tastes.
Atmosphere - Undeniably lively due to its position and popularity, you can expect to be packed in with plenty of other punters most nights of the week.
Gins Available - Choose from 180 options that run the gamut from classic London Dry to more outlandish botanically-enhanced gins.
Reviews - “Graphic bar is a cool and hip gin bar. Very skilled bartenders, but it is on the pricey side. The choice of gins seems endless and the cocktails are really nice. But it is very loud so only bring people you don't want to talk to :-p” - Tim Scholer.
4. 214 Bermondsey - London Bridge
What Makes Them Different - The low-lit interior of this vintage-inspired gin bar is littered with padded bench seating, worn wooden tables and wonderfully archaic glassware.
Atmosphere - Ideally suited to sharing a G&T with a small group of friends, it is a bar that invites intimate chatting over raucous behaviour.
Gins Available - Plenty of small batch gins from London distillers, with 50 or more available at any one time.
Reviews - “Great bar with a good variety of gins and cocktails. Very cosy and not over priced. Lovely place to chill and unwind for a while.” -
Martin Harrison.
5. The Library Bar at The Ned - Bank
What Makes Them Different - With its book lined walls and swanky sensibilities, this is an upmarket option for gin drinkers with a bit more cash to flash.
Atmosphere - Cushy seating and delightful gin cocktails combined with the sensibilities of a library, at least in terms of decor, give this bar a well heeled feel.
Gins Available - Popular options like Sipsmith, Fords London Dry, Hendricks Orbium, Tanqueray, Plymouth Navy Strength and Oxley are just some of the gins on offer.
Reviews - “Stunning martinis, apertifs and cocktails. Would definitely recommend the Gibson and Vesper.” -
Sandeep Chadda.
6. Coburg Bar - Mayfair
What Makes Them Different - Style and substance go hand in hand in this beautifully appointed Mayfair bar where every detail is carefully considered and every member of staff dressed to impress.
Atmosphere - A low key sensibility is cultivated, so if you want to avoid loud music and focus on the company, this is the gin bar for you.
Gins Available - Pick from lots of gins including Sacred, Plymouth, Tanqueray and Sipsmith.
Reviews - “One of the best bars in Mayfair-- Lovely wine and champagne list, if you are visiting London make sure to have a drink here.” -
Simone Artuso.
7. City of London Distillery - Smithfield
What Makes Them Different - Opened in 2012, this distillery has its own bar and serves some of the most mouth watering London Dry Gin in the capital, while also making room on its shelves for rival brands from other parts of the world.
Atmosphere - Friendly, fun, functional and full of life, there is a reason that this distillery’s bar remains a popular spot for drinking, eating and making merry.
Gins Available - The City of London Authentic Dry Gin is clearly the main offering of this bar, alongside four other in-house variations.
Reviews - “Had a great tour here. For £25, we got a gin and tonic and taste of 3 gins including the undiluted Square Mile. Also learned about the history of gin in London and got to see the stills up close. Plus, you get a small discount off the bottles. Sat down at the bar after the tour, and the cocktails are really inventive and tasty.” -
Carolyn Feng-Friberg.
8. Four Thieves - Clapham Junction
What Makes Them Different - With an outdoor setting for gin drinking, this pub is the place to be in the warmer months. There is even an arcade gaming section, complete with VR headsets for further entertainment.
Atmosphere - Always bubbling with life and laughter, this venue combines a pub ethos with a gin bar’s selection of drinks.
Gins Available - As well as distilling their own gin, you can sift through almost 50 different alternatives.
Reviews - “Great local boozer with a good selection of craft beers plus the usual brands, especially good fun for a party due to the gaming area upstairs and the Panic room.” -
Mike Barclay.
9. Rivington Grill - Greenwich
What Makes Them Different - If you want to drink gin in London more affordably, head to Rivington Grill to take advantage of their happy hour and outdoor terrace seating area.
