From the timeless elegance of The Savoy’s American Bar and the refined artistry of The Connaught Bar to the creative flair of Scarfes Bar and the vibrant escapism of Kwānt Mayfair, London’s cocktail scene offers a journey through heritage, design, and boundary-pushing mixology.
Explore these iconic destinations — where history meets innovation, and every sip becomes a story — for an unparalleled drinking experience that captures the city’s enduring spirit of style and indulgence.
The Connaught Bar: Elevating the Art of Mixology
Since opening its doors in 2008, The Connaught Bar has redefined what it means to be a hotel bar, blending innovation with heritage in every detail. Instantly recognized as a leader in modern hospitality, this Mayfair gem has amassed numerous accolades, including a ranking of 6th in the “World’s 50 Best Bars 2025”. Known for its refined interior, exquisite cocktails, and world-class service, The Connaught Bar remains a beacon for discerning guests seeking a truly elevated experience.
Step inside and be transported into a world of understated glamour. Designed by David Collins Studio, the bar channels 1920s Cubism through a contemporary lens, with muted tones, clean lines, and candlelit intimacy. Here, under the expert guidance of Agostino Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani, each cocktail is a work of art, crafted with precision and served with the effortless warmth that has made The Connaught Bar globally renowned.
The menu is a curated journey of timeless classics, signature creations, rare vintages, and seasonal masterpieces.
Each visit to The Connaught Bar begins with the legendary Martini Trolley, a ritual that commands attention. This elegant mobile bar arrives tableside, bearing all the essentials to craft your personal take on the timeless classic — the Martini, one of the bar’s most celebrated signatures. The only decision left to you is selecting from an exquisite range of aromatic bitters to tailor your cocktail to perfection, creating a sip that is uniquely yours.
Cocktail menu Highlights also include No. 11 (£29), a refined mix of Grey Goose Vodka, Fords Gin, Martini Ambrato with Amalfi Lemon Oil, and a five-bitters distillate of Cardamom, Tonka, Ginseng & Bergamot, Lavender, and Coriander Seeds; BRB (£25), a bold marriage of Patrón Silver Tequila and Ilegal Joven Mezcal with Lutece French Aperitif, Melon Water & Liqueur, and Paprika Seeds; Sundown, a creative infusion of Patrón Tequila with Milk Oolong, Ilegal Mezcal, Homemade Cucumber Skin Liqueur, Muyu Vetiver, and Peach & Mango Water Kefir; and Hidden Park, a bright, crystalline cocktail blending Hendrick’s Gin, Riesling, Clarified Pink Grapefruit, and Basil & Szechuan Pepper Syrup, evoking the freshness of a high-altitude waterfall.
Pair your drinks with refined accompaniments, from Imperial Oscietra Caviar — an ideal ‘partner in crime’ to The Connaught Martini — to a canapé selection that includes Jamón Ibérico de Bellota on Crystal Bread (£25), Comté & Black Truffle Gougère (£25), Hash Brown with Caviar & Bottarga (£34) and more.
Beyond the bar, guests can take home a piece of the experience with the signature The Connaught Bar Gin or The “Connaught Bar” book, featuring 100 cocktails, expert tips, and stories from the heart of Mayfair.
Why Visit
The Connaught Bar is an institution of modern cocktail culture. From the artistry of its mixology to the romance of its interiors, every visit is a journey into timeless elegance. Whether savoring a classic Martini from the legendary trolley or discovering a bold new seasonal creation, guests are guaranteed a moment of pure Mayfair magic.
Address: The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday, 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Instagram: @theconnaught
Kwānt Mayfair: A Quirky Oasis of Modern Mixology
Nestled on a distinguished Mayfair corner just steps from Green Park station, Kwānt Mayfair has redefined the cocktail landscape since opening in the summer of 2023. Conceived by Erik Lorincz, the celebrated former head bartender of The Savoy, Kwānt quickly earned a spot among the World’s 50 Best Bars, bringing with it a fresh chapter to London’s nightlife.
The name Kwānt, a playful nod to the word “quirky,” sets the tone for an experience that fuses vintage reverence with modern craftsmanship. Each drink is a study in creativity, precision, and bold flavor combinations, offering guests a sip of something truly unique in the heart of the city.
Entering Kwānt feels like a feast for the senses. The wall artwork is hand-painted by the artist Rene Surda, while a lush, leafy installation on the back wall evokes a tropical escape. Chessboard-topped tables, bright yellow bouclé furniture, elegant upholstered seating, and ceiling fans infuse the space with effortless charm, while a striking steel bar serves as the stage for bartenders in crisp white jackets.
Intricate lighting softens the room, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere perfect for both quiet indulgence and lively evenings.
Every cocktail at Kwānt is a testament to imaginative mixology. The bar’s diverse menu highlights locally grown herbs and unexpected pairings, delivering flavors that are as memorable as they are unique.
Cocktail menu is divided into sections of flavor profiles and inventive combinations, where each creation is defined by its distinct character. MINERAL (£21) delivers a flinty, sharp, and crisp experience with Renais Gin, Olive Oil, White Chocolate, Apple, and Verjus, while SAVOURY (£23) brings sundried, salty, and yeasty notes through Ketel One Vodka, El Diablo, Sho Koj, White Miso, and Fermented Tomato. The ROASTY (£23) cocktail offers a nutty, lingering, and velvety sip with Flor de Caña Rum, Passionfruit, Mango, Banana, Coffee, and Aroma, and ASHY (£23) evokes petrichor, BBQ, and medicinal depth with Patrón Blanco, Binchotan Coconut Oil, and Tomato Cordial.
Signature serves include See Under the Sea (£22), blending Cygnet 22 Gin, Anchovies, Cocchi Americano, Seash Light, and Fino Sherry, and the Green Park Margarita (£22), a vibrant mix of Patrón Blanco, Avocado, Yuzu, Lime, and Agave.
To complement its cocktails, Kwānt serves an array of refined bites. We tried Barbers 1833 Vintage Cheddar, Brown Cheese, Carrot, Seabuckthorn (£12) and Coppa, Pickled Tomatillo, Pane Carasau (£12).
Why Visit
Kwānt Mayfair is a destination for those who seek the unexpected. With its fusion of tropical-inspired design, impeccable service, and inventive mixology, it’s an enchanting spot where each moment feels like a celebration.
Address: 52 Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LN
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 5:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Instagram: @kwantmayfair
American Bar at The Savoy: A Timeless Icon of Cocktail Culture
Steeped in history and sophistication, American Bar at the Savoy stands as London’s original cocktail destination — a beacon for aficionados and a living monument to mixology. Opened in 1893, this legendary bar inside the luxurious Savoy Hotel has played host to a dazzling roster of patrons, from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway, each leaving their own whisper of history in its storied walls.
Recognized among the world’s finest bars, American Bar continues to define the art of cocktail-. It earned the coveted title of Best Bar in the World at the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and consistently secures a place on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list. Here, tradition meets innovation: whether it’s an elevated twist on a classic gin and tonic or a daring, modern creation, every cocktail is a chapter in an ongoing story.
Seated at the gleaming bar, guests can watch master bartenders perform their craft with effortless precision. Evenings are punctuated by live music — from elegant piano melodies to sultry jazz — enhancing the timeless glamour that defines the space.
The American Bar at The Savoy offers a selection of signature cocktails that each tell a story of flavor and craftsmanship. New Heights (£24) combines Belvedere Vodka with Cherry Wine, Cocchi Rosa, and Blackberry for a rich, fruit-forward experience, while Turning 18 (£29) pairs Booth’s London Dry Gin with St-Germain, Mint, Raspberry, and Laurent-Perrier Héritage, creating a vibrant and celebratory sip. Since 1986 (£23) blends Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, White Port, Apricot, Lime, and London Essence Roasted Pineapple Soda with Saffron, delivering a tropical twist with subtle spice. For a more refreshing escape, Watermelon Bay (£28) brings together Patrón Silver Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, and Watermelon for a sweet and lightly smoky profile. Havana Blue Skies (£26) offers depth with Bacardi Ocho Rum, Appleton Rare Casks 12 YO, Campari, Eve Fig Leaf Liqueur, and Banana, resulting in a complex balance of bitter, fruity, and exotic notes. Finally, Five-o’Clock & Somewhere (£25) showcases Gin Mare Mediterranean Gin with Savoy Cocchi Dry Vermouth, Cocchi Americano Bianco, Tio Pepe, and accents of Basil and Tomato, making for a savory, herbaceous Dry Martini-style cocktail perfect for any hour.
A cocktail that epitomizes the legacy of the American Bar is the Hanky Panky — a timeless creation by celebrated head bartender Ada Coleman, who helmed the bar for 23 years. This signature libation marries Cygnet 22 Welsh Dry Gin with Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino, Cocchi Dopo Teatro Vermouth Amaro, and Cocchi Barolo Chinato, punctuated by the distinctive bitterness of Fernet Branca. Hanky Panky (£24)
To heighten the experience, you can pair your cocktail with refined accompaniments for an aristocratic flourish. We indulged in Oscietra caviar (30 g/£140; 50 g/£230), as well as a Selection of British cured meats (£36) — featuring Dorset air-dried ham, Suffolk red wine & pepper salami, oak-smoked Great Glen venison, and West Country port-cured beef, elegantly served with cornichons, chutney, and fresh rocket. A quintessentially British bite — Mini Yorkshire Pudding (£18).
Why Visit
American Bar is more than a cocktail bar — it’s an enduring stage for stories, where each drink reflects a moment in time. For those seeking to sip in the footsteps of legends, this is an essential stop in London’s cocktail scene.
Address: The Savoy Hotel, Strand, London
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Instagram: @thesavoylondon
Kinky: A Futuristic Cocktail Sanctuary
Hidden beneath the stylish Kinkally restaurant, Bar Kinky, launched in December 2023, is an intimate 17-seat cocktail haven that blends experimental mixology with a sleek, cosmic design. Inspired by the mountainous origins of Georgian khinkali dumplings, the interconnected spaces create a seamless immersive experience.
Founder Diana Militski and her team have meticulously shaped the interior: gleaming stainless-steel walls curve around terrazzo counters, while subdued purple and orange lighting casts an otherworldly glow. The design was created by the famous studio “Da Bureau” from Saint-Petersburg. Guests can choose to settle into plush, velvet-lined booths or sit front row at the bar and watch the team craft their creations. A carefully curated soundtrack completes the vibrant, futuristic atmosphere.
Kinky’s cocktail program is as imaginative as its setting, featuring daring ingredients like beets, peanuts, lavender, porcini mushrooms, and even blue cheese. Drinks are presented with minimalist, fully edible garnishes that never overshadow the flavors. Bartenders offer a bespoke experience, suggesting cocktails that align with each guest’s palate.
Among the signature standouts at Bar Kinky are the Twist (£16), featuring East London Vodka with raspberry, buckwheat, vanilla, and ginger; the Artist (£16), which blends Desi Daru Vodka with cherry, thyme, and goat cheese; the Shiva (£15), a creative mix of rum, miso, Greek yogurt, and Licor 43 Crème Brûlée; the Shadow (£17), crafted with Martin Miller’s Gin, vetiver, and milk oolong tea; the Dill & Chill (£16), combining El Rayo Plata Tequila with pineapple, dill, and melon; and the Crave (£18), an inventive cocktail of Renais Gin, roasted leeks, sage, and white cacao.
From the seasonal menu, Seasons: The Awakening features the First Shoot (£16): Monkey 47 Gin, Lillet Blanc, Melon, Bitters, and Pickled Asparagus.
Why Visit
Bar Kinky delivers an intimate and otherworldly cocktail experience in the heart of London. The space is designed for discovery, where every visit can be tailored to your tastes.
Whether perched at the bar watching the team craft their creations or tucked into a private corner, guests can expect a journey that blends creativity, flavor, and immersive design, making Bar Kinky an unforgettable destination.
Address: 43 Charlotte St., W1T 1RS, London, UK
Opening hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 17.30 – 00.00
Friday – Saturday: 17.30 – 02.00
Instagram: @bar.kinky
Scarfes Bar: Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Glamour
Tucked away inside the illustrious Rosewood London, Scarfes Bar is a masterclass in blending old-world charm with modern sophistication. From the moment you step inside, the inviting warmth of this space transports you into a world reminiscent of the exclusive gentlemen’s clubs of centuries past.
A roaring fireplace flickers beneath shelves lined with antique books, while velvet armchairs invite you to sink in and stay awhile. Overhead, subdued lighting casts a soft glow across an impressively long hardwood bar, where bartenders in signature white jackets and Scarfes’ iconic checkered trousers orchestrate their magic. In the evenings, the bar comes alive with live music, and on alternate Sundays, cabaret nights add a playful twist to the elegant setting.
The space is as much an art gallery as it is a cocktail haven. Named after British artist and satirist Gerald Scarfe, the bar’s marble walls are adorned with his sharp, humorous paintings. Scarfe’s irreverent spirit infuses the experience, inspiring an ever-evolving cocktail menu that fuses storytelling, theater, and inventive mixology. Each drink — playfully categorized as a “Hero” or a “Villain” — reflects Scarfe’s mischievous take on history and culture.
Among the heroes, the High Society (£22) marries The Botanist Gin with Tonka Vermouth and Manzanilla for a refined, aromatic sip. The Strawberry Fields Forever (£24), with Espolon Blanco, fortified strawberries, and lemon verbena, is a vibrant ode to whimsy. The Final Act (£20) — A bold and bitter-sweet creation blending the distinctive bite of Campari with the subtle tropical notes of Discarded Banana, lifted by refreshing Pear and the aromatic warmth of Black Cardamom Soda.
For the villains, Man on the Run (£24) blends Brugal 1888 Rum with peach wine, cherry blossom, and airy coconut, daring you to indulge. Laws of Motion (£22) — A refined mix of Bombay Premier Cru, accented with Sunflower & Grapefruit, finished with the elegance of Noilly Prat.
Why Visit
Scarfes Bar is more than a destination — it’s an experience. With its seamless mix of glamour, comfort, and creativity, this is where indulgence meets culture, and every cocktail tells a story worthy of a toast.
Address: 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 4:00 PM until late
Instagram: @scarfesbar
Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown: A Triumphant Return
Fifteen years after first opening its doors in 2010, Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown (ECC) reemerges as one of London’s most celebrated cocktail destinations. Following an extensive renovation, the two-story hideaway has reclaimed its place as a 1920s-inspired haven, blending opulence, music, and inventive mixology.
Designed by the acclaimed Dorothée Meilichzon, ECC’s interiors pay tribute to the vibrant heritage of Gerrard Street and the spirit of Chinatown. The mythical dragon weaves its presence throughout: textured scales appear in plush carpets and upholstery, mirrored 1960s screens, and intricate bamboo and wicker accents. Rich purples and warm browns envelop the space, creating an atmosphere where time seems to linger — ideal for intimate gatherings or moonlit rendezvous.
The soundtrack is as carefully curated as the cocktails, with playlists inspired by vintage vinyl celebrating hip-hop, soul, and R&B classics.
ECC’s menu is an ode to both tradition and experimentation. From timeless classics to bold signature creations and rare vintage spirits, each drink is crafted with meticulous attention.
The Old Cuban (£15) combines Planteray 3 Stars Rum with fresh ginger, lime, mint, Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne, and Angostura Bitters for a sparkling, aromatic sip. The Kota Ternate (£15) layers Planteray Original Dark Rum, Niko’s Spiced Tea featuring coconut, Ceylon tea, and spices, with Yaguara Cachaça, pineapple, lemon, and clarified whole milk for a rich and tropical profile. The Bar / Giani Gibson (£15) is a sophisticated mix of Belvedere Organic Vodka, Cocchi Americano Vermouth, Gonzalez Byass Alfonso Oloroso Sherry, Chinatown Bitters, and a Santa Bianca Aromi Spray of Elicriso accented with silverskin onion. The Pearl (£14) blends Broker’s Gin, Noilly Prat Ambré, Port Charlotte Whisky, Cointreau, Burlesque Bitters, and a touch of olive oil for a silky, complex flavor. Finally, Shikuza (£13) brings together Hayman’s Old Tom Gin, Kay Sake, the bright tang of Sudachi citrus, and the depth of Tempus Fugit Cacao for a delicate yet bold finish.
Snacks elevate the experience, pairing perfectly with ECC’s libations: Olives Nocellara (£5), Cheese Selection (£18) — Pont l’Evêque, Comté 12 Mois & Fromage de la Semaine, Mortadella & Stracciatella Sandwich (£13) and more.
Why Visit
Stepping into ECC Chinatown is finding oneself into a world of timeless elegance, where design, sound, and flavor converge. Whether for a refined night out or a quiet evening of discovery, this bar is a masterclass in modern cocktail culture.
Address: 13a Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PS
Opening Hours: Sunday–Monday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday–Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Thursday–Friday: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Instagram: @ecc_chinatown
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
