While a cocktail on a sunny rooftop may be out of sight, jet-off to somewhere tropical without setting foot out of the capital with this summer’s best indoor bars.
Words Annabel Fuller
Didn’t bag yourself a ticket to somewhere sunny this summer? You can still feel that summer heat with a pitcher of Pimm’s, exotic cocktails and a chilled cider. To do just that, we’ve rounded up the best bars London has to offer this soggy season.
Trailer Happiness
Soak up a bit of paradise in Notting Hill. Trailer Happiness is a Caribbean hideaway serving classic cocktails with a tiki twist. With Tretchikoff prints, beaded curtains and tropical fruit as decor, you’ll dance the rain away.
Ridley Road Market Bar
Part tropical bar, part apres ski lodge, Ridley Road Market Bar is effortlessly cool. London’s first cash-free bar boasts kitsch tropical decor and giant cocktails. Arrive early to skip the queue, then hit the dance floor, where the DJ spins the tunes until the early hours.
Trader Vic’s
Aloha, good times. Step into this Polynesian tiki-bar and take a trip to paradise. Here you’ll find London’s original Mai Tais amongst traditional Polynesian cuisine and interiors packed with exotic Polynesian patterns and tiki-carvings.
Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings
Bourne and Hollingsworth have a reputation for serving some of London’s most refreshing cocktails. It boasts seven different spaces including a greenhouse, cocktail bar and late-night underground drinking den, so whatever you fancy, get there early to bag a spot and you’ll be dancing ‘til dawn.
ICEBAR
Has the heat got you down? Head down to the UK’s only frozen cocktail bar. Throw on the provided quilted jacket and thermal gloves to keep warm in the underground cave. Ski shots all round in this winter wonderland where everything down to the glasses has been sculpted from ice.
12th Knot
12th Knot is an electric rooftop bar overlooking the River Thames and London’s skyline. It offers breathtaking views across the iconic skyline, cocktails celebrating seasonal ingredients, DJs and live music.
Sky Pod
Rooftop bars don’t come much better than Sky Pod. The indoor bar’s floor to ceiling windows bring the outdoors in. Arrive early to enjoy this all-day drinking and dining space, while willing the weekend away from a warm and dry rooftop.
Hacha Bar
Mexican-inspired Hacha transports its guests to a jungle retreat. Opened just in time for summer, Hacha serves specialist agave spirits alongside small plates, in the heart of Dalston.
Little Mercies
This classy but informal neighbourhood bar attracts crowds from afar. Serving a delicious pink menu inspired by the taste of summer, Little Mercies makes simple, tasty drinks, with no pretensions.
Oriole
Oriole is an oasis of warmth, mystery and magic. The bar showcases rhythmic, acoustic music from around the world. Expect everything from the early Jazz of New Orleans’ to international swing Jazz and 50’s Rhythm and Blues.
Flight Club
When it comes to quirky nights out, Flight Club is one of a kind. Renowned for its pizza, cocktails and brunches we doubt you’ve tried anything like this. Book an oche to try your hand at a game of darts alongside drinks. This summertime party venue has two locations to choose from; Bloomsbury or Shoreditch.
