[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Article","headline":"13 Best London Hotel Bars: Personally Reviewed & Compared (2026)","description":"Personal reviews of London's 13 best hotel bars in 2026. Visited and compared by JP across 48 venues \u2014 with pricing, insider booking tips, and honest assessments of every bar.","url":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/london-hotel-bars\/","image":["https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Connaught-Bar-Counter.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Connaught-Martini-Bar.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Painters-Room-at-Claridges.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-SilverLeaf.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Donovan-Bar.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Aubrey-at-The-Mandari-Oriental.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Artesian-Bar-The-Langham-Hotel-.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/American-Bar-for-business.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Swift-Soho-Bar.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Lyaness-bar.webp","https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rosewood-London-Bar-scaled.webp"],"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person","name":"Jean-Paul Cavalletti","url":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/jeanpaul.webp","description":"JP has visited 48 hotel bars across London and reviewed 200+ hotels across 18 countries. All visits paid personally \u2014 no press trips, no free drinks."},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website","name":"DineWithJP","url":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/logo.png"}},"datePublished":"2026-02-08T10:00:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-17T10:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/london-hotel-bars\/","articleSection":"Hotel Bars","keywords":"best hotel bars London, London hotel bars 2026, Connaught Bar, Artesian bar, Scarfes Bar, Spy Bar London, hotel cocktail bars London"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the average cost of cocktails at London's best hotel bars?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most luxury hotel bars charge \u00a320\u201332 per cocktail. Happy hours at Silverleaf and Swift Soho bring cocktails down to \u00a312\u201315. Ultra-luxury experiences like The Aubrey omakase are \u00a385 per person. Velvet by Salvatore rare spirit tastings reach \u00a3320."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Which London hotel bars accept walk-ins?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Swift Soho, Silverleaf before 7PM weekdays, and The Painter's Room at Claridge's on weekdays. American Bar at The Savoy accepts walk-ins before 6PM on weekdays. The Connaught Bar, Artesian and The Aubrey omakase all require advance reservations."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the dress code for London hotel bars?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Smart casual minimum at all premium venues. Mayfair hotels \u2014 The Connaught Bar, The Painter's Room at Claridge's \u2014 enforce stricter standards. No sportswear, trainers or flip-flops. The Ritz requires a jacket for men throughout the hotel."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the best hotel bars in Mayfair London?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Connaught Bar (best martinis, World's Best Bar 2024), The Painter's Room at Claridge's (best atmosphere at golden hour), and Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel (best for whisky and a quiet, contemplative drink)."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the best hotel bar in London overall?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Connaught Bar for the most complete luxury experience \u2014 the martini trolley service, the Art Deco setting and the service standard are unmatched. American Bar at The Savoy for cocktail history and atmosphere. Artesian at The Langham if innovation and molecular mixology is the priority. Scarfes Bar at Rosewood London if you want a bar with a genuine local following and live jazz."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is The Spy Bar at Raffles London?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The Spy Bar is a basement speakeasy at Raffles London at the OWO on Whitehall \u2014 the former Old War Office where MI6 once operated. Entry requires covering your phone camera lens with a sticker. Cocktails from \u00a323. It is London's most distinctive hotel bar concept currently operating."}}]},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"The Connaught Bar","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Carlos Place","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"W1K 2AL","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7499 7070","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.the-connaught.co.uk\/mayfair-bars\/connaught-bar\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Connaught-Bar-Counter.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.8","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"The definitive martini experience in London. The theatrical martini trolley service \u2014 served in an Art Deco setting with silver-leaf ceilings, the bartender arriving tableside with botanicals and bitters \u2014 is genuinely unlike anything else in the city. The Connaught Martini (\u00a325) uses tonka bean-infused gin with cardamom essence, served at precisely -18\u00b0C. After three visits: this is the pinnacle of cocktail craftsmanship in London. Book Tuesday 6 PM for the most attentive experience."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"American Bar at The Savoy","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"The Savoy, Strand","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"WC2R 0EU","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7836 4343","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.thesavoylondon.com\/restaurant\/american-bar\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/American-Bar-for-business.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.7","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"A living museum of cocktail history. The American Bar at The Savoy maintains its 1920s Art Deco elegance \u2014 cream leather banquettes, white-jacketed bartenders with encyclopedic knowledge. The Savoy Affinity (\u00a326) is smoked Scotch with cocoa bitters and manzanilla sherry rinse. Live piano Thursday\u2013Saturday 7\u201310 PM. Walk-ins accepted before 6 PM on weekdays."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Artesian","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"The Langham, 1C Portland Place","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"W1B 1JA","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7636 1000","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.artesian-bar.co.uk\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Artesian-Bar-The-Langham-Hotel-.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.9","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Named World's Best Bar four times. The visible R&D laboratory showcases ongoing innovation. The Moringa (\u00a326) combines tequila, ant salt, herbal liqueur and lime air. The Frontier Series tasting menu (\u00a395) is worth booking in advance. Head bartender Giulia Cuccurullo is one of a too-small band of female bar bosses in London."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Donovan Bar","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Brown's Hotel, Albemarle Street","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"W1S 4BP","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7493 6020","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.roccofortehotels.com\/hotels-and-resorts\/browns-hotel\/restaurants-and-bars\/donovan-bar\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Donovan-Bar.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.5","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Named after photographer Terence Donovan, this intimate lounge at Brown's Hotel offers a contemplative drinking experience \u2014 library-like, hushed, focused on the glass in front of you. The Winston (\u00a325) is a tribute to Churchill's personal bourbon blend. Teal velvet banquettes, moody lighting, quarterly photography exhibitions worth seeing independently."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Silverleaf","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Pan Pacific London, 80 Houndsditch","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"EC3A 7AB","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7870 8600","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.panpacific.com\/en\/hotels-and-resorts\/pp-london\/dining\/silverleaf.html","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-SilverLeaf.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.6","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Nordic minimalist design at Pan Pacific London in the City. The rooftop terrace offers some of the best financial district views without a City salary. The Mango Saffron (\u00a321) demonstrates the Nordic approach to unusual combinations. Happy hour 5\u20137 PM weekdays brings cocktails to \u00a312 \u2014 the best value in this guide for quality per pound."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"The Painter's Room","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Claridge's, Brook Street","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"W1K 4HR","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7629 8860","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.claridges.co.uk\/restaurants-bars\/the-painters-room\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Painters-Room-bat-counter-at-Claridges.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.3","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Drinking inside an art gallery. The golden hour lighting between 4 and 6 PM \u2014 when the afternoon light catches the murals \u2014 creates an atmosphere that photographs cannot adequately capture. The C\u00f4te d'Azur Spritz (\u00a323) captures French Riviera flavours with elderflower, prosecco and Mediterranean herbs. Walk-ins possible on weekdays before 6 PM."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Lyaness","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"SE1 9PD","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 3747 1063","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/lyaness.com\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Lyaness-bar.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.7","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"London's only 3-Pin rated bar by the Pinnacle Guide. Zero-waste cocktails without compromising on quality. The Beeswax Old Fashioned (\u00a325) uses house-made beeswax spirit with fully traceable, sustainably sourced ingredients. 10 percent off for guests arriving by bike. Happy hour 5\u20137 PM."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Swift Soho","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"12 Old Compton Street","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"W1D 4TQ","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 3019 9221","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.barswift.com\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Swift-Soho-Bar.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.8","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"The best value for quality in London. The two-floor format \u2014 upstairs bar for walk-ins, downstairs cocktail lounge for reservations \u2014 works for both spontaneous pre-theatre drinks and a planned evening. The Seismic Collision (\u00a318) is a mezcal-based cocktail with complex smoke and citrus. Happy hour 4\u20136 PM daily from \u00a312. 15 percent off with a same-day theatre ticket."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"The Aubrey","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"SW1X 7LA","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7201 9600","servesCuisine":"Cocktails, Japanese","url":"https:\/\/www.mandarinoriental.com\/en\/london\/hyde-park\/dining\/the-aubrey","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/The-Aubrey-at-The-Mandari-Oriental.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.9","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"London's only cocktail omakase experience. The secret bookcase entrance leads to a Japanese-inspired bar where bartenders create a personalised five-course cocktail journey (\u00a385) based on your preferences. Reserve 60 days ahead. Allow two hours. The hidden bookcase entrance requires asking hotel staff to direct you."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Velvet by Salvatore","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Corinthia Hotel London, Whitehall Place","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"SW1A 2BD","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7930 8181","servesCuisine":"Cocktails, Rare Spirits","url":"https:\/\/www.corinthia.com\/london\/restaurants-bars\/velvet\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Velvet-bar-Corinthia-London.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.4","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-02-08","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Salvatore Calabrese's personal collection of museum-grade spirits \u2014 some bottles dating back over 100 years. This is a tasting room for people who treat spirits the way collectors treat wine. The Golden Moon Tasting (\u00a3320) offers access to rare spirits. The Salvatore's Legacy experience (\u00a38,100) is for serious collectors. Standard cocktails from \u00a328."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Scarfes Bar","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Rosewood London, 252 High Holborn","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"WC1V 7EN","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","telephone":"+44 20 7781 8888","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/www.scarfesbar.com\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Rosewood-London-Bar-scaled.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.7","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-03-17","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Named for political caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, whose originals line the walls. Scarfes has earned a genuine local following \u2014 lawyers from the Inns of Court and journalists from Holborn offices come here to drink, not because it is the closest hotel bar, but because it is actually good. Live jazz Thursday through Saturday. Cocktails from \u00a320. Walk-ins welcome but the bar fills by 8 PM on jazz nights."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"The Spy Bar","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"Raffles London at the OWO, Whitehall","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"SW1A 2EU","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","servesCuisine":"Cocktails","url":"https:\/\/theowo.london\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/American-Bar-for-business.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.8","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-03-17","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"A genuine basement speakeasy at Raffles London at the OWO \u2014 the former Old War Office on Whitehall where MI6 once operated. Entry requires covering your phone camera lens with a sticker provided at the door. London's most distinctive hotel bar concept currently operating. Cocktails from \u00a323. The concealed entrance requires asking Raffles staff to direct you."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Review","itemReviewed":{"@type":"BarOrPub","name":"Side Hustle","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"NoMad London, 28 Bow Street","addressLocality":"London","postalCode":"WC2E 7AW","addressCountry":"GB"},"priceRange":"\u00a3\u00a3\u00a3","servesCuisine":"Cocktails, Latin American","url":"https:\/\/www.hilton.com\/en\/hotels\/lonnenomad-nomad-london\/","image":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/American-Bar-for-business.webp"},"reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":"4.5","bestRating":"5","worstRating":"1"},"author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/about-jp\/#person"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-03-17","dateModified":"2026-03-17","reviewBody":"Latin America meets London at NoMad's bar in Covent Garden \u2014 brooding wood, dimly lit corners, tacos in corn tortillas and cocktails with a point of view. The Toreador (\u00a318) is a tequila-based cocktail that is what a margarita would be if it grew up. Non-alcoholic cocktails from \u00a311, alcoholic from \u00a312. The bar of choice during London Fashion Week when Somerset House is headquarters down the road."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"London Bars","item":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/category\/london\/bars-nightlife\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"13 Best London Hotel Bars 2026","item":"https:\/\/dinewithjp.com\/london-hotel-bars\/"}]}]