When it comes to cocktail bars, London is a beautifully loud mix of the old, the new, and the damn right outrageous.

This is why we’ve taken on the strenuous task of exploring some of the best cocktail bars this great city has to offer…

Cahoots

13 Kingly St, London W1B 5PG

Step back in time to 1946 at Cahoots, a discreet cocktail bar hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of Soho. This immersive bar reignites the spirit of the Blitz period through authentic decor, in-character staff, and an elaborate menu of vintage-inspired cocktails. So if hanging out in a former WW2 air raid shelter, kitted out with vintage TFL paraphernalia, bunting and sandbags is your thing then this unique bar is for you.

Original Sin

129 Stoke Newington High St, London N16 0PH

Illuminated by funky 70s lighting and filled with old railway-carriage themed booths, Original Sin is an awarding winning cocktail bar which puts pioneering cocktails at its heart. Drinks are made with plenty of unusual and complex spirits such as white rye and mezcal. This unusual bar gets it right every time, maybe the real sin would be to miss it.

Oriole

Smithfield Markets, E Poultry Ave, London EC1A 9LH

Opening in November 2015 Oriole is an underground cavern of curiosities that draws on the adventurous spirit of all the ages. If you’re looking for a nice place to unwind and have a good confab, then don’t head to Oriole, you’ll be far too busy ooo-ing, ahh-ing, and uploading pictures to Instagram. With 39 cocktails be prepared for a long night, or a very short one.

Joyeux Bordel

147 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3QE

This atmospheric hang out has a name that literally translates to “happy brothel”, although in France the phrase largely means a “happy mess”.
Joyeux Bordel has muscled into the Shoreditch bar elite, with old rugs, little round tables, chairs draped in velvet and devilishly strong cocktails. So if you fancy taking your taste buds on a journey through time with 1950s Sloe Gin, Chartreuse Jaune from the 1980s, and Champagne Cognac from 1960 then get in line.

Artesian

1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA

Ever wondered what a cocktail at the best bar in the world tastes like? Well Artesian at The Langham hotel, was crowned the winner of The World’s 50 Best Bars awards for the fourth year in a row last year. Expect flawless oriental décor and experimental cocktails, such as “Join The Colony”, which is brought to the table on the back of a giant copper ant.

What are your favourite London cocktail haunts? Let us know in the comments below…