The Best Bars in Canary Wharf

Now this is something different. Starting with a bit of a rogue one – not your typical Be At One, blaring music, questionable lighting kind of bar. And honestly, thank god for that.

Munich Cricket Club is a full-blown German beer hall right in the middle of Canary Wharf. The garden terrace is huge, and weirdly gives off “back garden BBQ” energy. That is, if your garden was in the middle of London and served steins the size of your head.

Not even going to pretend I’m a beer person (very much a wine girly), so not sure what possessed me to come here. But life’s about trying new things, right? We went for the beer taster board (only £14.95 btw) and honestly just learnt how tragic the beers we usually drink are.

If beers are not for you, don’t worry, they’ve got cocktails too. And no, not just a boring Aperol, but a fun list.  Ended up trying a few too many (as per).

They also do proper Bavarian food if you need something to line your stomach – highly recommend it. You’ll need it after those steins.

Have to try: Munich Cricket ‘Clubhaus’ beer paired with chicken schnitzel
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £60 (drinks + food)

Next time someone tells you to go outside, touch some grass, reconnect with nature – head straight for Pergola on the Wharf. And no one can say a word, because technically, you are surrounded by greenery. Just without the bugs, dirt, or sweating in the park.

This place feels like an enchanted garden dropped into the middle of Canary Wharf. It’s dreamy, florals everywhere, and best of all: the cocktails match the vibe. We kicked things off with the blood orange and peach sangria which was both fruity and floral- ugh delicious, thinking about it now!

If you’re here with a group (or just feeling bold), they do sharing versions of most cocktails from around £35. So if the prices scare you but you still want to feel that post-brunch buzz, this is your loophole. Let’s be honest – when was the last time you went somewhere in London and didn’t feel like you were just paying to sit down?

And if the greenery and nature vibe sounds a bit too chill for your Friday energy, don’t stress – they’ve got something called “Pergola Lates”. It’s every Friday, the DJ comes out and it’s just such good vibes!! You’re basically raving in a greenhouse.

Have to try: Pina Colada Spritz with the karaage chicken
Perfect for: Fun with the girls
Approx price for 2: £60–£80

You’ve probably heard of The Cocktail Club – and for good reason. It’s one of those spots that always delivers, bringing energy and chaos in the best way possible. 

Fridays and Saturdays are definitely the days to be there. Their resident DJ was on when we went, playing straight-up classics and throwbacks that had the entire place out of their seats. For once, you don’t feel like you need to take an extra shot to start dancing, there’s no awkwardness, just vibes!

But don’t worry if you’re after more of a relaxed, daytime thing. Their summer terrace is giving Aperol in hand, sunglasses on, soaking up Canary Wharf views.

Have to try: Jam Jar Daiquiri (strawberry jam daiquiri, trust me!!)
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £45–£60

There’s always that split in the group where half want the pub and half want the glam bar vibe. Rocket is the solution, catering to both these types. 

They’ve got an expansive cocktail list – dramatic ones for the drama queens and your usual marg or martini if you’re playing it safe. We tried something called the ‘Penicillin’ because of the fun name… turns out it’s very literal. Whisky, honey syrup, ginger, lemon. Felt like a warm hug and a slap in the face at the same time. 

For those who are just after a wine or a pint, there’s also a cute little terrace that’s got classic pub energy but with a view. Basically, it’s classy, but not trying too hard.

It’s technically a gastropub, so don’t come thinking you won’t order food. You will. You must. It smells too good not to. 

Have to try: Spiced Apricot Spritz with the Truffle Parmesan Fries
Perfect for: Friends, family
Approx price for 2: £65–£80

The Sipping Room is elegance, poise and grace… with a cocktail in hand. The vibe is calm, composed, and a little bit classy, but not in a snobby way. 

To give you an idea of the kind of place this is: they host hen dos, weddings, and baby showers. So yes, you can 100% get tipsy, but it’s all very civilised – until it’s not (no judgement, we’ve all been there).

They also do mixology classes which is a great activity for birthdays or just a cute plan when you want to do something a bit different. Also, the restaurant’s huge – loads of food options and the small plates are perfect with a glass of wine or a fruity cocktail.

Have to try: Espresso martini
Perfect for: Girly day out
Approx price for 2: £50–£70

Bōkan is where you go when you want classy, but not too classy. There is a smart casual dress code, but no one’s judging you for not knowing your wines off by heart.  The vibe is elegant, without being up itself, and just fun. 

Now let’s talk about cocktails because their list is seriously tempting. We tried the Mayan Heat which was a combination of rum, lime, sage chilli cordial, and agave. Also had the lychee and blossom one which was a bit more floral and light – too good!

The best part about Bōkan is that none of the drinks were those sickly sweet cocktails that taste like juice. These ones actually taste like cocktails- where you feel buzzy from the first sip.

The real showstopper though is the rooftop terrace. Nothing beats sipping a strong drink while overlooking the skyline of Canary Wharf. 

Have to try: Lychee and blossom cocktail
Perfect for: Dating, catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £60–£80

You’ve definitely heard of this one – The Alchemist is a staple for all. Every single drink here is a full-blown performance. The smoke, bubbles and colour changes means your phone will be out all night. Not ideal for catching up with friends, but great for your Insta story. Priorities.

We went for their Icons Cocktail Brunch, which is either £40 for three cocktails and one dish, or £50 for bottomless cocktails and a dish. You already know which one we picked. Just a heads-up though: the brunch cocktail list is smaller than their usual one, but still does the job. Tastes good, looks better.

The setting is moody and dark in the best way. It feels like you’re sipping cocktails in the future, if that even makes sense. It all adds to the drama. Feels like you’re on another planet (in the best, tipsiest way possible).

Have to try: Lime Light cocktail
Perfect for: Pre Theatre drinks, fun with friends
Approx Price for 2: £80–£100 if you go bottomless and get a couple of extras

If it feels like you haven’t had a proper laugh in ages, we’re talking like tears-in-your-eyes, belly-aching kinda laugh, run to Electric Shuffle. Grab your mates, your work crew, your neighbour’s dog, whoever… and go.

Their USP is shuffleboard, which sounds kinda random but trust me, it brings out the best (and worst) in everyone. Perfect mix of friendly competition and it’s the kind of game that keeps you busy enough without stopping you from sipping through their cocktail list –  which, by the way, is dangerously good. It has fruity, summery, tropical flavours that will have you thinking you’re somewhere far away, not deep in Canary Wharf.

They also do bottomless brunch, group bookings, and work socials. It’s the perfect place to soften the awkwardness of a team-building day or if you just need an excuse to get tipsy at 1pm. Loads of package options too so it doesn’t feel like you’re bleeding money every time you order something.

Have to try: Jungle Spritz cocktail
Perfect for: Work events, socialising, catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £60–£80

Let’s keep it short and sweet: views, vibes, and very good drinks. No 35. Mackenzie Walk might just be the prettiest bar in Canary Wharf with its floor-to-ceiling windows and riverside views.

They’ve got an impressively detailed wine list with all the tasting notes laid out (which we found especially helpful as it meant no more guessing). They also have a cocktail menu that’s basically every drink you’ve ever heard of and a few you haven’t. 

If you’re wanting breakfast, brunch, a Sunday roast or late-night cocktails, they’ll sort you out. You could literally spend your whole day here and no one would judge you.

The bar snacks are also so so good! The buffalo chicken bites and deep fried mozzarella are the ideal combo of greasy-but-not-regrettable. Enough to soak up your fourth drink and keep the night rolling.

Have to try: Lychee margarita with the buffalo chicken bites
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £70–£90