Cheers, it's London Cocktail Month! Technically usually a week, this year the month of October has been taken over by the city's master mixologists to celebrate all things boozy. There's probably slightly more to it than that, but you had me at "cocktail". Considering how *ahem* turbulent this year has been, I can't blame 'em for extending it - safe to say we could all use a stiff drink. Anyway in honour of this momentous occasion I wanted to share some of my favourite Instagrammable bars in London. There's a little something for everyone, from the quirky to the downright extravagant, but they're all equally photogenic. Selfie sticks at the ready! (I'm joking, are those still a thing?).
Instagrammable Bars in London
The Coral Room
I normally avoid hotel bars like the plague - they're dimly lit, stiff affairs swarming with suits drinking overpriced drinks. However, a revolution is happening and The Coral Room, The Bloomsbury Hotel's orange-hued, plant bedecked offering, is leading the way in hotel bars you'd actually want to drink in. Its charm is easy to spot - large and airy with an impressive Art-Deco style bar, it's a photogenic spot that feels elegant but unstuffy. The drinks are equally sophisticated - don't expect any Pina Coladas on this menu, though I don't doubt that the bartenders are capable. It's a great spot to impress a date, or for a casual work meeting - and if you're hungry, head to the oh so photogenic Dalloway Terrace next door for food!
The Coral Room
16-22 Great Russell Street
Bloomsbury
WC1B 3NN
Cahoots
London is bursting at the seams with innovative drinking experiences, but if there's one that's completely unmissable it's got to be Cahoots, a tube carriage turned drinking den in the heart of the city that feels like being transported back to the 1940s, albeit a rose-tinted version of. Originally Cahoots consisted of just the speakeasy style downstairs Underground, but has now expanded to include a more casual upstairs "Ticket Hall" serving up drinks and light bites, and a moody basement "Control Room" with a whole new drinks menu and live music. Across the three venues you'll find cocktails served in old fashioned radios, bulldogs, and even a bust of Winston Churchill. It's not all for show though - drinks are carefully thought out and complex, fitting the theme but equally enjoyable on their own. In terms of photo ops, I challenge you to find something not worthy of a snap!
Cahoots
13 Kingly Ct
Soho
W1B 5PW
Read More: My London Soho Area Guide
Girlfriend Clapham
When it comes to Girlfriend Clapham, the name says it all. Decked out in millennial pink with velvet furnishings, faux blooms, and classic artwork defaced with neon paint, Girlfriend is without a doubt made for a girls' night out. It's kitschy and unapologetically fun, with plenty a grammable photo op. The drinks are just as gram-worthy, with picturesque garnishes on the bar's signature cocktails. Oh, and they're tasty too! The service is nothing to write home about, but if you can put up with the bartender's dour attitude it's still a cute spot. It's a bit of a trek down to Clapham Junction, but if you live South you've got yourself a great new local.
Girlfriend Bar
40 Battersea Rise
SW11 1EE
Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals
I know, I know, I'm forever waxing lyrical about Mr Fogg's, but c'mon, it had to make this list! It was tough to pick just one as all their venues are uniquely charming, but in the end the House of Botanicals takes number one spot. With plenty of natural light, the plant-filled room is an Instagrammer's dream. Plus, head up the spiral staircase to discover the upstairs, reminiscent of a favourite aunt's chintz and knick-knack filled living room, except far more refined. The drinks are, unsurprisingly, botanical themed, beautifully presented, light and refreshing with a bit of something for everyone. You can also get food, or if you're feeling fancy book in for their take on a classic afternoon tea in the Drawing Room, dubbed the Tipsy Tea (hint: it's alcoholic!).
The Residence, Mr Fogg's Mayfair home, is another photogenic spot at a slightly higher price point (it is Mayfair after all daahling), or if you're in Covent Garden you're spoilt for choice with the Tavern and Society of Exploration nearby.
Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals
48 Newman St
Fitzrovia
W1T 1QQ
Fitz's Bar
Another hotel bar makes the list! For someone who says she avoids them, I sure do seem to have found my way to a fair few... Anyway, Fitz's, found in one of Russell Square's swankiest hotels, the Kimpton Fitzroy, is oh so worthy of a spot in this guide. Named after Charles Fitzroy Doll, the architect of The Kimpton Fitzroy, it somehow manages the fine balance of being both sumptuous but also refined. Dark wood panelling, feather adorned velvet scallop sofas, and an elegant Art Deco bar come together to create a space that feels like stepping into the 1920s (with a hint of 70s thanks to a rogue disco ball). I love all things 20s so it's unsurprisingly a hit with me, but equally worth a mention for the lovely staff and cocktails (I last visited quite some time ago so can't remember the specifics, but they were good!). FYI at time of writing Fitz's is currently closed due to the COVID-pandemic, but keep an eye on their socials and website for reopening information.
Fitz's Bar
Russell Square
Bloomsbury
WC1B 5BE
Seymour's Parlour
For me, the best bars in London are more than just a nice place for a few drinks. They have a story to them, a theme or immersive element that makes the whole experience memorable. Especially in this age of social media sharing where so many venues are jostling to attract eyeballs, standing out from the crowd with a unique concept is so important. That's what connects pretty much all the bars on this list, and brings me to Seymour's Parlour, a cosy, dimly lit bar found at the Zetter Townhouse in Marylebone. According to the website, the bar is inspired by the lounge of a "Wicked Uncle Seymour", and every element of the interior decoration fits in perfectly. The knick knacks that line the shelves, heavy use of stuffy printed carpeting, and dark wood furniture would not feel out of place in the smoking room of a rich Uncle's country manor - the kind that hunts, has a double barrelled name and knows a few Lords. It may sound austere but the theme is playful - you most certainly don't need to be one of Uncle Seymour's cronies to drink here! On the topic of drinks, they're not for the faint-hearted or light-weight. Flavours are complex, with unusual ingredients and pairings. If like me you have a boyfriend who's a bit of a drinks snob and likes 'em strong, this'll be the place to take them!
Seymour's Parlour
28-30 Seymour St
Marylebone
W1H 7JB
Blame Gloria
Okay my photo doesn't really do it justice (it was hella busy when I went), but Blame Gloria in Covent Garden earns its spot on this list for its wild, wacky and definitely wonderful, if somewhat hallucinogenic decor. In traditional Adventure Group style (the folks who run Tonight Josephine and Bar Elba among others), there's a concept, if a very loose one. Something about a woman named Gloria who's reckless and fabulous and throws great parties, and apparently has very eccentric taste in wallpaper.
There's print clashes galore, neon strip lighting, and an equally wacky menu of equally picturesque, if a little watered down, cocktails. It is definitely more messy night on the tiles than dignified cocktail bar, but it's good fun. I'd also recommend Tonight Josephine, known for it's pink on pink aesthetic and neon signage - with venues in Waterloo and Shoreditch it's a joyful girl's night out spot.
Blame Gloria
20 Bedford St
Covent Garden
WC2E 9HP
I hope you enjoy checking out these Instagrammable London bars - do let me know if you visit any! Also I'd love to hear if you have any other suggestions I've missed, feel free to pop a comment down below or send me a DM via Instagram.
