mother kelly's se1
Ben Rowe
Ben Rowe

The best London bars to take dad to

Bonding with the old man? Treat dad to a drink in a London bar that’s right up his street

Laura Richards
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Spending some quality time with dad needn’t be a drag. Take him to one of these brilliant London bars where the atmosphere is set just right for parent-friendly pints. Or settle in for a very special martini or a wee nip of whisky with pa if you want to properly push the boat out. Go on, treat the old man.

  • Hotel bars
  • Strand
American Bar at The Savoy
American Bar at The Savoy

What is it? World-famous cocktail lounge where the legends of Hollywood have stopped by for a drink.

Why go? Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe have sipped on martinis and champagne here. Now it’s dad’s turn for a treat.

  • Cocktail bars
  • London Bridge
  • price 3 of 4
Atrium Bar at Aqua Shard
Atrium Bar at Aqua Shard

What is it? Sky-high bar within The Shard, known for stonking cocktails with views to match.

Why go? Let your old man show off about all his London knowledge or if he’s less acquainted with the city, show him the sights. Either way, it’s a captivating place for cocktails.

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  • Nunhead
  • price 2 of 4
The Beer Shop
The Beer Shop

What is it? A south-east ‘micro-pub’ with a stonking craft beer selection.

Why go? Grab an atmospheric pint with pa – or buy keg-fresh beer to take away and enjoy together.

  • Cocktail bars
  • Moorgate
  • price 3 of 4
Black Rock
Black Rock

What is it? A darkened whisky den serving scotch and bourbon in a unique way.

Why go? If dad’s go-to drink is the hard stuff, he’ll find a dram or a shot he won’t forget in a hurry.

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  • St James’s
  • price 3 of 4
Dukes Bar
Dukes Bar

What is it? The martini bar where Ian Fleming chose to do his drinking.

Why go? Your dad may not be the next Bond, but he deserves to drink as if he is.

  • Craft beer pubs
  • Homerton
  • price 2 of 4
The Gun
The Gun

What is it? A diddy Hackney boozer doing a strong line in craft beers and bar snacks.

Why go?  Cheese toasties, relaxed vibes and David Bowie on the airwaves. It’s a proper pub – what’s not to like?

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  • Cocktail bars
  • Soho
  • price 2 of 4
The London Gin Club
The London Gin Club

What is it? A bar dedicated to gin, with tasting menus and a stash of over 200 bottles to sample.

Why go? Let your father get obsessive over mother's ruin.

  • Cocktail bars
  • Blackfriars
  • price 3 of 4
Merchant House
Merchant House

What is it? A smart City cocktail bar with a strong line-up of spirits, especially whisky.

Why go? Staff are friendly, and will be happy to steer you on your boozy family outing.

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  • Craft beer pubs
  • Vauxhall
  • price 3 of 4
Mother Kelly’s
Mother Kelly’s

What is it? A craft beer mecca, with 33 beers on tap and plenty of bottles in the fridges.

Why go? Dads will be spoilt for choice on the beer front, and you can make a day of it, lazing on seats outside.

  • British
  • Bloomsbury

What is it? A wine bar and bistro serving interesting drops to a discerning crowd.

Why go? Work through wine in an unstuffy atmosphere. The sips are really special here and the atmosphere is very parent-friendly.

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  • Cocktail bars
  • Moorgate
  • price 2 of 4
Nuala Bar
Nuala Bar

What is it? An Old Street basement with a modern approach to drinking like the Irish.

Why go? Punch, whisky cocktails, beer and a serious buzz from live folk music. Because some dads love the craic.

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