New to London! Recommend me somewhere to get drinks!

[Taketheroad]

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!

Happy hour will be a bonus but not essential if drinks are high quality, I wouldn’t want pre mixed or watered down happy hour!

Mr Fogg’s apothecary

The gothic bar in the st Pancras hotel

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

Great choice, we were there some years ago.

We are happy to travel anywhere in zone one and the surrounds, very comfortable using the under ground lines.

Is there are dress code, will smart casual do?

There's some very good tapas bars/ pubs and restaurants in the farringdon/Smithfield/ Exmouth market area. EC1. Too many almost to mention or recommend!

Are there any real central London locals here, please?
Would rather avoid any chains, and new places very welcome

Zone 1 alone is 17 square miles, jammed full of bars.

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

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.

Bar Termini or Dram Bar.

Smart casual is fine

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

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.

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

Brilliant suggestions

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

https://www.pix-bar.com/

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

Larry’s bar in the basement of National Portrait Gallery