16 Best bars in Central London for a chill evening
Looking to wind down with great drinks in Central London? Whether you’re into expertly mixed cocktails, late-night energy, or happy hour deals that actually deliver, this guide covers the best bars in Central London for a night out that fits your vibe.
Whether you’re after a post-work drink, a Saturday night with friends, or something in between – here’s where to go.
Happy hour bars in Central London
1. Blame Gloria
Address: 20 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HP.
Opening hours: Mon – Wed 5 PM – 11:30 PM, Thur 4 PM – 11:30 PM, Fri 4 PM – 12 AM, Sat 12:30 PM – 12 AM, Sun 2 PM – 10:30 PM.
Quick facts: bottomless brunch, vegan-friendly.
Happy hour deals: 2 for 1 cocktails from 5 PM – 8 PM
A bold, retro-inspired cocktail bar in Central London, Blame Gloria pairs its neon-soaked interiors with party anthems and strong drinks.
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2. Be At One
Address: 23 Wellington St, London WC2E 7DA.
Opening hours: Mon – Tue 4 PM – 11:30 PM, Wed – Thur 3 PM – 11:30 PM, Fri 2 PM – 12 AM, Sat 12 PM – 12 AM, Sun 3 PM – 10:30 PM
Quick facts: live performance, more-than-100-drink menu list, cocktail masterclass
Happy hour deals: 2 for 1 cocktails until 6 PM on Saturdays, £6 drinks for students.
One of the most fun bars in Central London, Be At One is known for its upbeat music, huge drink selection, and crowd-pleasing happy hour. With over 100 cocktails and an always-lively vibe, it’s a go-to for pre-drinks and celebrations.
3. The Escapologist
Address: 35 Earlham St, Seven Dials, London WC2H 9LD.
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 4 PM – 12 AM, Sun 3 PM – 11 PPM
Quick facts: funky bar for dancing, bottomless brunch.
Happy hour deals: 2 for 1 deals from 4 – 9 PM on Mon to Fri, from 3 – 9 PM on Sundays; along with £25 bottles of Prosecco & £4.50 bottles of beer.
Styled like a Victorian drinking den, The Escapologist offers generous happy hour deals including 2-for-1 drinks and £25 bottles of prosecco from 4–9 PM (Mon–Fri) and 3–9 PM on Sundays.
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Bars in Central London that you cannot miss
1. Flute
Address: 45 Dean St, London W1D 4QB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 7 AM–2 AM (closed on Sundays)
Quick facts: Soho, Smoke-free.
Flute offers a refined atmosphere with an extensive selection of expertly crafted cocktails, making it a prime destination for those looking for an elegant night out. The interior here exudes sophistication with its plush seating and dim lighting, perfect for intimate conversations.
Check out this guide: Fitzrovia’s best bars: Your after-work drinks sorted
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2. Boom Battle Bar Oxford Street
Address: Ground Floor 70, Basement and, 88 Oxford St, London W1D 1BP, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon – Tue: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Wed: 11:30 AM – 12 AM
Thur – Fri: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Sat: 10 AM – 2 AM
Sun: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Quick facts: Oxford Street, AR games, karaoke nights.
A standout choice for drinks in Central London with a side of entertainment, Boom Battle Bar is one of the most charming bars on Oxford Street, offering an exciting and immersive drinking experience. Whether you want to challenge friends in augmented reality games or belt out your favorite tunes in a karaoke session, this venue ensures a fun-filled night.
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3. All Bar One Regent Street
Address: 289-293 Regent St., Greater, London W1B 2HJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon – Thur: 9 AM–11 PM (closed at 11:30 PM at Thur)
Fri – Sat: 9 AM–12 AM
Sun: 9 AM – 10:30 PM
Quick facts: Cocktail bar, bottomless brunch.
Known for its stylish yet laid-back atmosphere, All Bar One Regent Street is the go-to spot for casual cocktails and social gatherings. This bar features an extensive drinks menu, along with the bottomless brunch option, which makes it an attractive choice for daytime indulgence.
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4. Simmons Bar | Oxford Street
Address: 203 Wardour St, London W1F 8ZH, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon – Thur: 3 PM–3 AM
Fri – Sat: 3 PM–4 AM
Sun: 3 PM–12 AM
Quick facts: Near Oxford Street, Live performances, Happy hour drinks.
With vintage furniture, playful neon, and nightly happy hour specials, Simmons Bar offers a lighthearted take on nightlife. If you’re hunting for a happy hour in Central London that goes late, this one surely can step into your go-to list.
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5. sketch
Address: 9 Conduit St, London W1S 2XG, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Sun – Tue: 8:30 AM–12 AM
Wed – Sat: 8:30 AM–2 AM
Quick facts: Mayfair, 18th-inspired cocktail lounge
Sketch is an opulent bar that seamlessly blends art, gastronomy, and mixology to create an extravagant drinking experience. Its 18th-century inspired cocktail lounge features whimsical décor, plush seating, and an ever-changing art exhibition.
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6. The Groucho Club
Address: 45 Dean St, London W1D 4QB, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 7 AM–2 AM (closed on days)
Quick facts: Soho, Private members club.
Tucked away in Soho, The Groucho Club is where London’s creatives, media insiders, and tastemakers come to eat, drink, and soak up the vibe. It’s exclusive but effortlessly cool, with quirky bars, cosy lounges, and a buzzing late-night atmosphere.
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7. Ronnie Scott’s
Address: 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon, Wed, Thur: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
Tue: 2 PM – 11:30 PM
Fri – Sat: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sun: 12 – 11:30 PM
Quick facts: Soho, Jazz club, Basement bar.
For a night of world-class live music, moody lighting, and an electric atmosphere, Ronnie Scott’s is an experience every jazz lover needs. This iconic Soho venue has been the heart of London’s jazz scene for decades, drawing in legendary performers and devoted fans alike.
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8. Bradley’s Spanish Bar
Address: 42-44 Hanway St, London W1T 1UT, United Kingdom
Opening hours:
Mon – Tue: 5:30 PM – 11 PM
Wed – Sat: 5:30 PM – 3 AM
Sun: 12 PM – 4 PM, 6:30 – 11 PM
Quick facts: Oxford Street, Jukebox soundtrack.
Tucked just off Oxford Street, Bradley’s Spanish Bar is a tiny, vintage-style pub with a retro jukebox spinning ’60s and ’70s vinyl classics. With Spanish beers on tap and a lively crowd, it can feel like a slice of Madrid in London while you’re at Bradley’s.
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Some noteworthy bars in Fitzrovia Quarter
9. Selene London
Address: 4 Winsley St, London W1W 8HF, United Kingdom
Opening hours: 11 PM – 4 AM (closed on Sun – Tue)
Quick facts: Chic vibes, DJs.
Selene London is a high-energy venue with resident DJs setting the mood. Its sleek and modern interiors, combined with expertly crafted cocktails, make it a favorite for those seeking an electric night. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or enjoy a premium cocktail, Selene guarantees an unforgettable experience.
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10. The Social Little Portland Street
Address: 5 Little Portland St, London W1W 7JD, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Thur – Fri 4:30 PM – 1 AM, Sat 6 PM – 1 AM.
Quick facts: Walk-ins welcome, Basement club, No cash allowed
The Social is an intimate music-driven bar that combines a cosy basement club setting with an eclectic drinks menu. Known for its diverse music programming and welcoming crowd, it’s a great place for those who appreciate live music and underground club culture.
Explore more: Best bars & pubs on Great Portland Street
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11. The Cocktail Club
Address: 4 Great Portland St, Oxford St, London W1W 8QJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon -Wed 4 PM – 11:30 PM, Thur 4 PM – 1:30 AM, Fri 4 PM – 1:30 AM, Sat 3 PM – 1:30 AM, Sun 4 PM – 10:30 PM.
Quick facts: Happy hour deals, Karaoke nights
The Cocktail Club is one of the most visited bars on Great Portland Street. Featuring extended happy hours, theatrical bartenders, and fun karaoke nights, it’s an ideal spot for those who love an interactive drinking experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail or an experimental mix, this venue guarantees a thrilling night out.
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12. Rhum Tavern
Address: 48 Margaret St, London W1W 8SE, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Tue – Wed 5 PM – 12 AM, Thur – Sat 5 PM – 1 AM (closed on Sundays and Mondays).
Quick facts: Pirate-ship-inspired.
Known as one of the signature Fitzrovia bars, Rhum Tavern transports you to a maritime world with its pirate-ship-inspired decor and extensive selection of rum-based drinks. The dimly lit, wooden-clad interiors and lively atmosphere make it an immersive experience for cocktail lovers.
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13. The Oxford Market
Address: 11-13 Market Pl, London W1W 8AH, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon – Wed 11 AM – 11 PM, Thur 11 AM- 12 AM, Fri – Sat 11 AM – 1 AM, closed on Sundays.
Quick facts: Beer garden, Basement bar for private hire
The Oxford Market offers a laid-back setting, featuring a spacious beer garden and a stylish basement bar available for private hire. Whether you want to enjoy a casual pint in the fresh air or host a private event with bespoke cocktails, this venue provides them all.
Explore more: 10+ best bars on Oxford Street & nearby for your night out
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14. 1947 London
Address: 4 Great Portland St, London W1W 8QJ, United Kingdom
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 5 PM -11 PM, Sun 5 PM- 9 PM.
Quick facts: Indian-inspired cocktails, Intimate.
1947 London is a hidden gem that masterfully blends authentic Indian flavors with expert mixology. While some find the prices on the higher side, the overall ambiance, friendly staff, and remarkable wine ensure it remains a favorite among those looking for a touch of indulgence in Fitzrovia, perfect for a date night.
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What’s there to explore more in Fitzrovia Quarter?
Discover more of Fitzrovia Quarter, diverse dining experiences, and hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for live music, rooftop terraces, or underground speakeasies, Fitzrovia has something for everyone. Plan your next night out in this exciting, ever-evolving neighbourhood!