Just up from Oxford Street you’ll find a whole host of watering holes worth exploring. Fitzrovia’s bars are lively places to drink – whether you’re into mind-blowing cocktails or down-to-terroir glasses of wine, and it’s a tiny bit more chill than nearby Soho. Choose from lively drinking spots with bargainous happy hours or cosier, classier hotel bars in a part of town that’s got a real buzz.
RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Fitzrovia.
What is it? Down in the basement of Georgian restaurant Kinkally, this stripped-back cocktail den is all moody metals and concrete, livened up by sultry red lighting.
Why go? With only six or so seats at the bar, it’s as intimate as it gets. Allow the bartender to walk you through a menu of bold, playful cocktails with unlikely flavour combinations.
What is it? Smart, wood-panelled hotel bar serving pretty punch cocktails.
Why go? It’s quite simply one of the best cocktail bars in the capital – drinks pack a serious punch.
What is it? A nightlife hub with a basement club and a laidback bar on ground level.
Why go? For gigs, talks and DJ sets from some of the most innovative artists in the UK.
What is it? A cosy bar just off Warren Street championing offbeat wines from small producers.
Why go? Branch out from your standard cab sauv. Visit on Mondays for bargain bottles.
What is it? An old-school London bar with a twee look – expect doilies, lace and wonky lampshades.
Why go? Drink cocktails from china teacups.
What is it? A former rectory transformed into a comfortable cocktail bar.
Why go? Absolve yourself from the stresses of the day – Rev JW is a popular spot for post-work cocktails.
What is it? Party-ready basement bar with hyperactive bar staff.
Why go? Fast-paced cocktails and good-time tunes – happy hour is where it’s at.
What is it? A small, divey and dark bar lit by red neon and themed around ‘gangster noir’.
Why go? Stiff whisky cocktails by the barrel-load, an absinthe drink on tap and a banging happy hour list.
What is it? An underground drinking den with a semi-speakeasy look.
Why go? Live blues to go with your liquor.
What is it? A bar filled with quirky modern art – and with cocktails that are also masterpieces.
Why go? Sit in a palm-filled indoor terrace and sip with a fashionable crowd.
What is it? Another bar in the Mr Fogg’s family, this time with a botany theme and plenty of foliage.
Why go? Great for a green-fingered catch-up, you can sip posh cocktails on the bar’s first floor in among the palms and plants.
What is it? Beneath popular restaurant Roka you’ll find this graffiti-filled den dedicated to Japanese spirit shochu.
Why go? Get better acquainted with this interesting tipple, mixed into cocktails bursting with flavour.
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