The best cocktail bars London

A resolutely atypical and somewhat secret address in the Soho district: you're transported back to the 1940s in the heart of an abandoned post-war subway station, used as a shelter during air raids. The confined atmosphere is set off by period features such as wooden escalators, carts, vintage posters and furniture. The menu features a series of delicious cocktails. There's also electro swing, a piano bar and evenings of old vinyl. The perfect place for a drink out of the ordinary.

If you're looking for the hippest place to go out in the East, this is the address for you: The Book Club. The name comes from its vocation to host readings, debates and other conferences on a variety of themes. In addition to this literary aspect, The Book Club focuses primarily on the concept of bar and entertainment, offering a ping-pong table and a pool table with free access. As night falls, the bar transforms into a club, with themed evenings such as Abba and 1980s evenings regularly organized.

CellarDoor is a little cocktail bar like no other. Eccentric and intimate, it has been set up in the basement of a former public toilet. You'd think you were in a speakeasy in Prohibition-era New York. The fabulous nightly events, from burlesque to drag shows, are all gloriously decadent. Whether you're a lover of cocktails, unique atmospheres or eccentric entertainment, CellarDoor is the place to be for a memorable evening in London.

This cocktail bar concept, created by three childhood friends via their company, the Experimental Group, quickly gained momentum thanks to the excellence of its services. The very first establishment opened in Paris's Rue Montorgueil. In London, it opened in an intimate nest, nestled in a 1920s decor. It's an authentic mixology paradise, concealed above an Asian restaurant spread over several floors.

The English love beer, but they're also gin specialists. Just like this bar in Bermondsey, just off London Bridge, where you can try out another typical London spirit. There are more than a hundred varieties here (London, Scottish, Californian, Dutch, Indian, etc.), and the establishment naturally offers many cocktails based on this spirit, from the most classic to the most original. The house even makes its own ultra-refreshing tonic! Definitely a good address if you like gin.

In the cosy apartment of the imaginary Monsieur Fogg, a hidden bar houses potions, elixirs and other miraculous remedies collected by the traveler during his explorations around the globe. Affable and generous, he invites visitors to discover original cocktails served in medicinal flasks. The spirits are of excellent quality, but you'll also find some very good non-alcoholic cocktails, and a wide selection of beers and ciders for connoisseurs. There's no dinner on this menu, but plenty of options for nibbling.

This speakeasy, already well known to East End locals, has just opened a new address with the same concept: a menu divided according to three major periods in cocktail history: pre-prohibition, prohibition and post-war. The unrivalled creativity, the quality of the spirits and the atmosphere provided by musicians from 9pm to 11pm make this address a must-visit bar in London. Don't miss the chance to try their signature cocktail: the Nightjar Pisco Sour, with its interesting citrus flavor.