Essential Guide

London has a vibrant bar and pub scene. With over 5,000 pubs and bars, the capital has everything from traditional British public houses to cutting-edge and modern venues.

A traditional British pub can be found on virtually every street corner, for a truly traditional experience check out Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, reputedly one of the oldest pubs in London, or The George Inn, London’s only surviving galleried coaching inn.

London has an admirable and long-established tradition of letting its hair down with style. Home to the first British Martini, The Savoy's American Bar first opened in the late 1890s and has been attracting a stylish crowd ever since, and Trader Vic's is a taste of the South Pacific with an extensive tropical drinks menu, which includes a legendary Mai Tai cocktail. The Mandarin Bar is a popular meeting place for a smart, cutting-edge crowd, expertly mixed beverages are served in the bar’s own unique glassware or why not try the sleek and modern Long Bar, where you can prop yourself up at the impressive and unique 80 foot length bar.

Traditional British licensing hours are between 1100-2300, last orders will be called 10 minutes before closing time and there is a period of 20 minutes to finish your drink (pubs may close earlier on a Sunday). There are plenty of bars around the capital with late licences and most of these will be open until the early hours of the morning.

Two of London’s best areas for serious bar hopping are Hoxton and Shoreditch. These areas have seen an explosion in nightspots in the last couple of years and are now home to some cool venues like the Bed Bar and the Troy Bar. Expect to mingle with an arty and creative clientele in one of the most innovative areas of the capital. Dreambagsjaguarshoes is one bar that has managed to retain its reputation for cool. Two converted shops have walls covered with graffiti by some of the local artists and a loyal crowd who keep coming back for the well-priced drinks and innovative DJ’s.

If you want something more quirky and a little glamorous then make your way to Lounge Lover. An award-winning bar, enter and expect to see kitsch interiors, and hear great music. If you want to join the cool clientele and lounge in style make sure to call ahead first and reserve a table.

If you want to sip your cocktail in style check out one of the city’s world famous bars. The Blue Bar or The Met Bar are where the city’s celebrities entertain themselves. Expect top DJ’s, an impressive list of drinks to choose from and a hefty credit card bill!

If wine is more your tipple then discreetly located on London 's Greek Street is the friendly Soho Wine Bar. Gordon’s Wine Bar, also in the West End is thought to be the oldest wine bar in London alternatively for the ultimate wine bar visit the Wine Wharf at Vinopolis where you can enjoy a selection of wine from a choice of over 100.

Entry to pubs is free, although charges may apply to some bars after a certain time or if a live act is performing. The drinking age is 18 in the UK but children over the age of 14 are allowed into public houses and younger children will be admitted if there is a dedicated family area.