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Original poster

New to London! Recommend me somewhere to get drinks!

37 replies

Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 16:52

Hi, anywhere in zone one or near to that will be fine.
I’m thinking somewhere buzzy with nice cocktails and perhaps some lovely nibbles, not into a big meal in the evening.
Thanks a bunch everyone!

OP posts:
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PamandBluebell · 15/03/2025 11:52

Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 17:59

like this! What time is it open until?

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It is open until midnight Tuesday-Sat and only until 5.30 on Sunday and Monday.

Vitrolinsanity · 15/03/2025 09:22

The Ned especially Saturday afternoon

ScoobyDoesnt · 14/03/2025 18:37

xmasdealhunter · 14/03/2025 16:55

If you fancy something a bit different then Cahoots have several different locations- all with different themes. Their drinks are really nice and food is good too Cocktail bar | Cahoots London | Soho | Borough

I was going to say exactly this - Cahoots is awesome. I most recently went to the one in Borough which is the Old Postal Office or something - was a fabulous fun night and great cocktails!

fromthevault · 14/03/2025 18:33

Pensionableperil · 14/03/2025 18:10

Gordon’s at Embankment. You have to either go through the terrace or look carefully for the door on Villiers Street. I swear Diagon Alley was based on this but this is way older. It’s great for people watching. Nearly everyone in there looks like they’re on a clandestine date. The food is good but they only do wine, water and orange juice. When I die, I shall haunt it.

I came to this thread to say this.

If you've not had at least one clandestine rendezvous in Gordon's, are you even a Londoner?

They do fab cheese / tapas platters too.

letshavetea · 14/03/2025 18:28

Also cafe Boheme. Original Soho House.

letshavetea · 14/03/2025 18:27

The American bar at brasserie Zedel. The bar at Sketch ( and the food). Ham Yard Restaurant and Bar. The Crusting Pipe for wine is in Covent Garden.

ConstanceMartensCat · 14/03/2025 18:26

Lyaness, but you’ll probably need to book.

CleanShirt · 14/03/2025 18:24

Swift on Old Compton Street

Ginmonkeyagain · 14/03/2025 18:23

Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market - get a French 75 and some nibbles. You're welcome.

Pensionableperil · 14/03/2025 18:10

Gordon’s at Embankment. You have to either go through the terrace or look carefully for the door on Villiers Street. I swear Diagon Alley was based on this but this is way older. It’s great for people watching. Nearly everyone in there looks like they’re on a clandestine date. The food is good but they only do wine, water and orange juice. When I die, I shall haunt it.

Original poster
Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 17:59

PamandBluebell · 14/03/2025 17:52

Larry’s bar in the basement of National Portrait Gallery

like this! What time is it open until?

OP posts:
Nina1013 · 14/03/2025 17:54

El Takoy Covent Garden

PamandBluebell · 14/03/2025 17:52

Larry’s bar in the basement of National Portrait Gallery

Original poster
Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 17:44

mamajong · 14/03/2025 17:08

Smart casual is fine

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Let me know please what the vibe is like in general? Mainly tourists staying at the hotel?

OP posts:
Original poster
Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 17:23

mamajong · 14/03/2025 17:08

Smart casual is fine

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That’s great to hear, I think we shall for sure do this one tomorrow
thank you

OP posts:
Original poster
Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 17:20

Maitri108 · 14/03/2025 17:08

Bar Termini or Dram Bar.

Brilliant suggestions

OP posts:
PrettayGood · 14/03/2025 17:14

Another vote for the Looking Glass - great cocktails. Also in Shoreditch, Simmons.

FastFood · 14/03/2025 17:11

The bar with no name (69 Colebrook row) in Islington. Not sure about nibbles though.

And agree with PP, go to Exmouth Market!
In terms of chains, Caravan or Grind should have what you need and they're everywhere.

AubergineSalad · 14/03/2025 17:09

The Nightjar in Shoreditch is good if you want a good atmosphere and showy cocktails. It’s pricey though!

mamajong · 14/03/2025 17:08

Taketheroad · 14/03/2025 16:56

Is there are dress code, will smart casual do?

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Smart casual is fine

Maitri108 · 14/03/2025 17:08

Bar Termini or Dram Bar.

VapeVamp12 · 14/03/2025 17:07

Okay hear me out - get the Wetherspoons app.

I know not all of them are great but some of them are really cool in London and there are a lot (new ones in Euston and Waterloo). You also won't feel bankrupt when you walk out because even in Central they keep the prices low in comparison to other places.

Ph3 · 14/03/2025 17:05

@Taketheroad zone 1 is huge. Maybe you could be a bit more specific so we could help?

Pinkypillow · 14/03/2025 17:03

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