Less hipster and more hip, the East End has still got it! Here are the best bars in Shoreditch...
Shoreditch has elevated itself over the years into becoming one of the most frequented, bustling and bar-filled parts of the city and it shows no signs of slowing down. With a bar (or 5) on every street, it can sometimes be the place that we hate to love, but there's one thing we can assure you of, there's a bar here for every occasion, vibe and outing. The real question is which is the best? We've explored the hundreds of venues to concoct a list of the best places in Shoreditch to sip some tipple at, so get out there whilst the night is young- you've got a lot to get through!
Nightjar Shoreditch
129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
In the heart of Shoreditch, Nightjar is a modern speakeasy that beautifully melds the elegance of a swanky cocktail bar with the vintage charm of an old-school haunt. This hidden gem promises an intimate, dimly-lit atmosphere, live jazz and blues performances, and a prohibition-era ambiance. Entry is an adventure in itself, requiring a reservation, and a missed booking results in a charge. Nightjar's innovative cocktail menu, ranging from prohibition classics to post-war creations, is complemented by a selection of delectable nibbles. With a plethora of events, it's the ultimate destination for a captivating and unforgettable night in Shoreditch.
<> Callooh Callay
65 Rivington St, London EC2A 3QQ
Callooh Callay, a pioneer in Shoreditch's cocktail scene since its debut in November 2008, stands out as an approachable yet inventive cocktail institution. Their award-winning menus boast quirky interpretations of classics and cleverly named concoctions, all priced at £12. The bar exudes an Alice in Wonderland/Narnia aesthetic, complete with an innovative menu encased in a cassette tape and a hidden wardrobe door leading to a 70s-themed bar. While the quirky charm can be seen as playful or slightly cringy, Callooh Callay offers a haven from rowdy crowds. They also host cocktail masterclasses starting at £40 per person, allowing you to recreate their unique drinks at home, making for a wallet-friendly alternative to expensive nights out.
Black Rock
9 Christopher St, London EC2A 2BS
If you're a whisky aficionado, Black Rock is a must-visit destination. This cozy London basement bar has claimed the title of the UK's best specialist bar for four consecutive years, capturing the essence of a characterful Tokyo bar in its intimate setting. Located just a short stroll from Liverpool Street station, Black Rock, founded by Tristan Stephenson and Tom Aske of Whistling Shop fame, boasts a unique feature: a 185-year-old oak tree trunk with two intriguing booze-filled rivers running through its glass-topped surface. The 'Cherry River' on one side offers bourbon and morello spices, while the 'Table Whisky' on the other side features an ever-evolving house blend with a new label added weekly. This ensures a compelling reason to return and explore. While it may not be the place for Lychee Martinis, Black Rock more than compensates with its extensive whisky selection, making it a perfect spot to delve into the world of whisky craftsmanship. Additionally, they offer blending classes, allowing you to create your very own bottle of whisky to take home, making it a unique and enriching experience.
Golden Bee
Singer St, London EC1V 9DD
Golden Bee Lounge proudly declares itself an "oasis of excitement and elegance in London," and while that might be a tad hyperbolic, there's no doubt that it ranks among Shoreditch's top bars. Spread across three floors and featuring a strategically placed rooftop terrace within a short stroll from Old Street tube station, it offers a versatile space for all seasons. On weekdays, you can unwind on lounge sofas and snuggle under blankets. However, when the weekend arrives, Golden Bee undergoes a transformation into a vibrant cocktail bar and club, with DJs cranking up the music, keeping the tunes going into the late hours, and ensuring a lively atmosphere. Although it's more about setting the mood than focusing solely on drinks, Golden Bee offers a delightful selection of cocktails, beverages, happy hour deals, and comfort food to keep you going all night long.
Happiness Forgets
8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
Happiness Forgets, despite its name, is all about the essentials: crafting cocktails bursting with flavor that will leave you grinning, though you might find yourself losing track of time in the process. The drinks here are a masterful delight, paired with friendly service and a laid-back ambiance, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely weekend excursion. While the website might not reveal much, it's widely known that securing a spot here can be a challenge, so advance booking is strongly recommended. While the menu might appear limited, their well-stocked liquor cabinet ensures that the skilled bartenders can whip up a bespoke creation to match your preferences. With their motto of 'great cocktails, no wallies,' there's really no need for further explanation.
Tonight Josephine
39A Hoxton Square, London N1 6NN
Stepping into Tonight Josephine is like stepping into the ultimate pink paradise, where celebrity vibes meet unbeatable cocktails, and it's all about celebrating being fabulous. This sassy queen reigns supreme among Shoreditch's top bars, making it a perfect choice for a night out with a big group. The '80s-inspired decor, complete with neon lights, glitter, mirrors, and chrome, pays homage to the legendary party queen Josephine de Beauharnais, who could talk her way out of anything, even the guillotine. The cocktail menu features drinks with names like 'No Time for Napoleon' and 'Spill the Tea,' and the atmosphere is all about letting your hair down and having a blast. With a sister venue in Waterloo offering Britney and Moulin Rouge-themed bottomless brunches, Tonight Josephine is the place to be. Open until late, the party never stops here, and you'll find prices that won't break the bank, perfect for a fantastic night out in Shoreditch.
Simmons
104-108 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AH
Simmons Bar in Shoreditch is the place to be if you're on the hunt for a buzzing cocktail haven. With locations on Brick Lane, Old Street, and Curtain Road, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to fantastic tipples and quirky cocktails. They've got you covered with amazing deals, from 2-for-£10 mojitos on Mondays to an all-evening happy hour extravaganza every Sunday. As for the interior, it's super fun and their live DJ sets from Thursday to Saturday will keep you grooving.
Seed Library
100 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JQ
Nestled beneath the stylish 100 Shoreditch hotel, the subterranean gem known as Seed Library Bar is the brainchild of cocktail maestro Ryan Chetiyawardana, also known as Mr. Lyan, the mastermind behind the former #1 bar in the world, Dandelyan (which he reinvented as Lyaness). Here, classic cocktails take a delightful twist with unique ingredients, making it a must-visit for cocktail connoisseurs. This laid-back oasis in the heart of Shoreditch is the ideal spot to unwind after a long day or enjoy a vibrant night with great drinks and even better company. Seed Library's drink philosophy embraces a 'lo-fi, analogue' approach to cocktail crafting, paying homage to the origins of classic libations and the wealth of knowledge held within alternative flavor sources. Whether you're winding down or ramping up, Seed Library Bar's creative concoctions and warm atmosphere are sure to make it one of Shoreditch's standout destinations.
Old Street Records
350 -354 Old St, London EC1V 9NQ
If you're on the hunt for the coolest hangout in East London, Old Street Records is your spot. With its focus on delivering groovy tunes to the masses, this venue knows how to rock your night. Whether you're into EP launches, new bands, or established acts, you'll find a buzzing atmosphere and walls lined with vinyl albums. But that's not all - Old Street Records is also your go-to for killer cocktails, where the happy hours are the happiest with their 2-for-1 offer from 5-8pm every day. House cocktails won't break the bank, with most under a tenner, and they keep the party going into the early hours with regular DJ sets and live music events. Located right in the heart of Shoreditch's main nightlife area, it's a cocktail bar, nightclub, restaurant, and live music venue all rolled into one.
TT Liquor
17B Kingsland Rd, London E2 8AA
TT Liquor on Kingsland Road is the kind of place that turns an ordinary night out into a full-blown adventure. Housed in a former Victorian police station, this multifaceted establishment is Shoreditch's best-kept secret. With its unique setting and history, it offers a captivating blend of a liquor store, cocktail haven, cinema, mixology classroom, sun-soaked rooftop terrace, and even a subterranean cocktail den nestled in the former cells. As you sip on carefully crafted cocktails, you can bask in a wood-paneled drinking parlour or venture upstairs for supper clubs and movie screenings paired with drinks (think 'The Big Lebowski' and White Russians). The cocktail menu pays homage to various barmanship eras, with a gin-centric twist, but the expert staff can take your taste buds on a detour. TT Liquor is where history meets hedonism, serving up an unforgettable journey through time and spirits.