The United Kingdom is chockfull of places to drink. From centuries-old alehouses, swanky upscale lounges and subterranean speakeasies, the UK really does have it all. Clink a few glasses at any or all of these UK faves from Edinburgh to Cardiff. Here are the 25 best bars in the United Kingdom for 2020.
Best Bars In The United Kingdom
How do these rankings work?
1. Happiness Forgets – London
This vintage speakeasy is the best place to get your kicks in the UK. Housed in a tiny basement with a uniquely authentic Jazz-Age touch and delicious cocktails, it’s no wonder patrons come from near and far to experience Happiness Forgets.
Whether you’re out for an intimate tryst or clinking glasses with some friends, Happiness Forgets is the place to be. Start with their ‘bootlegger’ made with mezcal, chestnut, lime and whiskey barrel bitters.
2. Below The Stairs – Leeds
Whether you’re looking for craft brews, flavourful wines or house cocktails, Below The Stairs has it all and then some. Don’t let the sleek and sophisticated setting fool you, either; the bar is family-owned and is all about genuine service. We strongly recommend their ‘Charred I’m Sure’ made with charcoal whiskey, sake, cinnamon syrup and orange.
3. Original Sin – London
Edgy, vintage and chic are three things that perfectly describe the scene at London’s Original Sin. This underground bar is known for its incredible cocktails and skilled bartenders. The best part? Thanks to its basement location, there’s no phone service meaning you get to really unplug. Start with their Red Hook made up of rye, maraschino and punt e mes for a real treat.
4. The Milk Thistle – Bristol
Tucked away in an old historic building with a secret speakeasy vibe, The Milk Thistle sings a song of prohibition. Four floors of elaborate art deco, parlour style lounges and Gatsby-worthy cocktails are what really bring the place to life. Start with their ‘Journey of Brothers’ made with whiskey, cider, cream, celery, bitters and soda.
5. The Rising Sun – Southampton
The Rising Sun is one of the UK’s most adorable and welcoming pubs. Housed in a building dating back over 200 years, there’s no shortage of charm in this country pub. We recommend a real ale next to their crackling fireplace.
6. The Devil’s Advocate – Edinburgh
The Devil’s Advocate in the heart of Edinburgh is the place to be for whiskey lovers. At this old Victorian home, they offer a large variety of both Scottish and international whiskies to wet your whistle. We suggest starting with their ‘Twist & Sparkle’ made with rye whiskey, amaro, local honey and sparkling wine.
7. The Dead Canary – Cardiff
1920’s glam and unique craft cocktails are what The Dead Canary does best. Take a seat in their speakeasy esque lounge and sip on any one of their zesty handmade cocktails. We recommend starting with their ‘Totoro’ made with Jack Daniels rye, vermouth and apple tea.
8. Opium – London
In the heart of London’s Chinatown, you’ll find the 1920’s Shanghai dream that is Opium. Head to their ‘Apothecary Bar’ for cocktails modelled after Chinese remedies and a feng shui atmosphere that is out of this world. Don’t leave without trying their ‘The Visionary’ made with whiskey, dry sherry, banana, ginger, curry and yoghurt.
9. KIN – Edinburgh
Right on the corner of Broughton and Barony, you’ll find Edinburgh’s bumping KIN. Tucked away in an old basement, this cosy pub is known for it’s warm and funky atmosphere that serves up the best Manhattan in town.
10. The Connaught Bar – London
The Connaught Bar is trendy, intimate, sophisticated and a London classic. The bar is full of artsy touches like cubist mirrors and heavy textures in every shade of grey. We recommend starting with any of their gin drinks.
11. Nightjar – London
Slip away to the 1920’s post- Great War mecca inside London’s Nightjar. Here you’ll find a wide range of signature cocktails, live jazz and quirky touches like playing cards and swing dancing. Start with their ‘Toronto’ that perfectly blends Woodford reserve, pecan maple syrup, orange blossom smoke and candyfloss.
12. The Dove – London
The Dove has been a River Thames staple since the 17th century and is famous for its rich history. Drink where the likes of AP Herbert, Nell Gwynne and James Thomson have all been inspired and take in the charm. We recommend starting with any of their delicious wines.
13. Neighbourhood – Manchester
Neighbourhood is a slice of Manhattan in Manchester. It’s vibrant, it’s swanky, and the atmosphere just can’t be beat. You’ll also find a tasty variety of cocktails such as ‘Central Park’ made with sweet cascara vermouth and tonic.
14. Vice & Virtue – Leeds
West Yorkshire’s Vice & Virtue serves up some of the best cocktails, brews and spirits in the United Kingdom. Not only that, you’ll find that the craft cocktail gem also boasts a jazzy-flapper atmosphere that just can’t be beat. Start with their ‘Poppy Flip’ made with orange liquor, poppy, orange flower, orange bitters and egg.
15. Three Sheets – London
This cosy pub boasts an incredible seasonal cocktail list and is known for its laidback neighbourhood atmosphere. With a constantly evolving menu, you’ll always have something new to try. We recommend telling the bartender what you like and having them concoct something special.
16. Lyaness – London
This cocktail bar brings style and atmosphere to life with expertly designed plush furniture, old school marble bar and retro touches. Award-winning and known for its craft cocktails and river views, you can’t go wrong with a few drinks at Lyaness. We recommend starting with their ‘Soy Wax Old Fashioned’ for a unique spin on the classic cocktail.
17. Bramble – Edinburgh
Subtle yet sophisticated perfectly describes this Queen Street fave. This pub is a firecracker for its cocktails, unpretentious atmosphere and let loose music. Start with any of their 40 gin varieties or be bold and go for one of their signature mezcal cocktails.
18. American Bar – London
Constantly making lists for the world’s best cocktails, Savoy Hotel’s American Bar really is one of the best in the business. One of the oldest cocktail bars in Britain and set in a seriously charming space, you’ll find all your fave cocktails and more. Check out their ‘Savoy Songbook’ menu for classic cocktails inspired by iconic songs and musicians.
19. Orchid – Aberdeen
This microdistillery slash bar is famous for its artsy vibes and craft cocktails. Whether you’re out for date night or just looking to clink a few glasses, Orchid is the place to be. Start with their ‘Verdita’ for a citrusy, savoury, zesty kick.
20. Mr Foggs – London
Mr. Foggs can only be described as a firecracker of Victorian-era drinking and adventure. Knick-nacks from hither and yon fill the walls, and the cocktail list sings an old tune of gin parlours and the beloved belle epoque. Start your night off right with their ‘Die Tannenbaum’.
21. The Blue Bar at The Berkley – London
Few places come close to the style and charm that can be found at The Berkeley’s Blue Bar in Knightsbridge. Inside you’ll find a stunning design with 50 shades of blue and an even more impressive cocktail list. Start with any of their 16 carefully curated cocktails and stay awhile.
22. Oriole – London
Oriole describes their cocktail menu as ‘a trip around the world, covering Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Orient’ meaning you have a world full of options – literally. In addition to five-star cocktails, the atmosphere is unique and warm, and there is live music every evening. Start the night with one of their globally-inspired cocktails such as a ‘Cappadocia Julep’ or ‘Blackrock Martini.’
23. Lab 22 – Cardiff
This eclectic Cardiff fave is one of the best in the United Kingdom for its deliciously unique cocktails, good music and cosy atmosphere. Take your pick from their periodic table style menu with unique picks like ‘Crystal Cut Negroni’, ‘Ironbright’ and ‘Manhattan Project’.
24. Satan’s Whiskers – London
Satan’s Whiskers is the place to be for whisky cocktail connoisseurs. This understated and quirky taproom is known for its unique atmosphere and incredible music. Even better? Their cocktail menu is updated every day like clockwork, meaning a new drink to try every time. Pop in and request the current fave.
25. Jalou Newcastle – Newcastle
This cocktail bar slash nightclub is the place to be in Newcastle and one of the best bars in the UK. At this bumping party joint, you’ll find disco drinks and a great dancefloor. Start with the White Cosmo made with vodka, elderflower, white grape juice and lime.
