The Best Bars on Liverpool Street

This place is all about keeping it classic and classy. You head down a little stairwell off the street, and suddenly you’re in this moody, mahogany-filled basement. Feels like an old-school members club – minus the actual members.

The menu didn’t have a single familiar cocktail in sight. Honestly, we kind of loved that. How many more pornstar martinis can we realistically pretend to enjoy? If you’re paying London prices, you might as well get something new.

We kicked things off with a drink called the Ray Gun which had tequila, kiwi, and a little Thai basil for that herby twist. Sweet but still gives you that instant oh yep, that’s alcohol moment. You know the one.

Warning: most of the cocktails lean gin or whisky, which definitely adds to that old-timer energy. But they do it well. No gimmicks, just really solid drinks that taste grown-up without being boring.

They also do DJs sets from around 9pm (double check the day though). So if you’re in the mood to move after a few, you’re sorted. 

Have to try: The “Petticoat Lane Punch” Cocktail
Perfect for: Catch up with friends, Dating
Approx price for 2: £60 (three cocktails each)

If the name didn’t already give it away, the vibe here is super casual. You’re looking at sofa’d booths, plush chairs, and that kind of “drinks at a mate’s flat” energy – but way better. It’s low-key, but the menu is where things take a turn.

First cocktail that practically shouted at us? One called “Prick” (we know). Mango, chilli, lime- so far, so normal, right? But then they go and throw in coffee. Sounds like chaos, but somehow it worked. Sweet, spicy, a little savoury, and totally unlike anything we’ve had before.

And that’s kind of the theme here. Every drink has a name that’ll make you double-take. The flavour combos look unhinged on paper but trust, they’re weirdly delicious. They’ve even got non-alcoholic options that are just as extra.

If you’re a few cocktails deep and starting to feel snacky, they also do a full-on tasting menu. 

Have to try: The “Volcano” Cocktail (jasmine, yuzu and wasabi)
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £60-£90

Rake’s Café Bar is where you go when you’re in the mood to be treated like royalty. Princess, king, whatever, this place is giving main character from the second you walk in. It’s luxury, but fun.

The drinks menu leans into the drama too, with names like “The Heir,” “The Marriage,” “The Madhouse” and so many more. Our top pick was definitely The Marriage which combined gin, sake, coconut, and lychee. It’s dangerously drinkable. You could knock back a few before realising you’ve basically had dessert in cocktail form. No regrets.

Also, it’s not just an evening spot. They’re open all day, so whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, or “I just need a bougie midday cocktail,” you’re covered. Plus, they do a happy hour every Monday, 5–7pm. Which we love (or more accurately, our wallets love).

Have to try: “The Marriage” cocktail with the buttermilk chicken pops
Perfect for: Fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £60-£100

You’ve probably seen SUSHISAMBA all over TikTok by now. But what most people don’t know is that their SAMBA Room bar and lounge is just as much of a showstopper. It has rooftop views you won’t want to miss. 

The cocktails take inspiration from Japanese, Peruvian, and Brazilian flavours. We’re not kidding when we say these are some of the wildest (and yummiest) flavour combos we’ve had in a while. The group favourite was definitely the Rhythm of Rio. Elderflower, grapefruit, lemon… just the right amount of sweet with a citrusy zing. 

Now, the drinks are on the pricier side. But when you look at the ingredients list, which goes on and on, it makes a bit more sense. 

The interior is sleek and stylish, so you would definitely want to dress up. You may as well go all out and attend one of their Friday sessions. There are DJs, live entertainment, and maybe even a little dance floor moment. 

Have to try: Mango Grove cocktail with the plantain chips
Perfect for: Dating, fun with friends
Approx price for 2: £60-£100

Yes, this place is just as fun as the name suggests. Hidden behind a fridge door in a diner, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town gives underground speakeasy energy with the brick walls, classic bar stools, and a cosy-but-quirky vibe. Basically made for winding down after work.

The cocktails are on another level. These aren’t your standard sips. Our favourite of the night was the Aristocat—rum, apricot jam, basil, pineapple, pink grapefruit, lime, and vanilla. Sweet, fruity, and confusing in the best possible way. There was also a “Peanut Butter Daiquiri” on the menu, which we didn’t quite work up the nerve for this time… but it’s firmly on the list for next round.

They’ve also got live entertainment, which really lifts the energy, Also, enjoy the tasty picky bits while you sip. It’s one of those bars that works just as well for a lowkey Thursday catch-up as it does for a birthday night out. 

Have to try: The “Aristocat” cocktail with the “Mayor’s Mezze Board” (hummus, feta, grilled artichokes)
Perfect for: Fun with friends, birthday celebrations
Approx price for 2: £60-£100

Black Rock is one of those classy, old-timer spots with whisky at the heart of it. The vibe is very much dark wood, dim lighting, and that “we know our drinks” energy.

Now, in all honesty, whisky isn’t usually our go-to. Maybe we just haven’t matured enough yet (working on it). But don’t worry- if straight whisky isn’t your thing, they’ve got loads of signature and classic cocktails too.

We tried the Bubblegum Martini, and yes, we know the name sounds a bit questionable. But don’t stress- it’s actually a dreamy mix of gin, lychee and passionfruit, and it goes down way easier than expected. Sweet, fruity, and no actual bubblegum involved, promise.

Something cool that a staff member mentioned but we didn’t get to try (but will next time) is their Tuesday whisky tastings. Each week, a different distillery comes in to show off what they’ve got. 

Definitely one to check out whether you’re a whisky pro or just whisky-curious.

Have to try: Botanist Rested Negroni
Perfect for: Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £40+

This one’s definitely a well-known spot, and for good reason. The Cocktail Club offers one of the biggest ranges of cocktails we’ve seen. Expect your go-to classics as well as some wild new ones you’ll probably end up loving.

They do happy hour every single day, which we absolutely love. Just a heads up: the times vary, so it’s worth checking before you go. Nothing worse than showing up expecting £7 cocktails and getting full-price heartbreak.

The interior is super sleek with just the right amount of dark so you feel like you’re out-out, but you can still actually see your mates. Definitely a go-to for birthday drinks, pre-drinks, or any excuse to get dressed up and have a few drinks. 

Have to try: Reggae Rum Punch
Perfect for: Fun with friends, birthday celebrations
Approx price for 2: £40+

Wine connoisseur? Or at least want to pretend to be one? Head straight to Humble Grape. It’s an absolute experience!!

They’ve got a seriously impressive wine list: reds, whites, rosés, sparkling… all of it. No wine snobbery here though. The staff are genuinely lovely, happy to talk you through each option and give solid recommendations on what pairs best with what. Just ask, they know their stuff.

Our top pick was the Chenin Blanc (say it out loud with confidence, instant wine cred). It’s a dry white from France that somehow went perfectly with almost everything we ordered. Speaking of food – they’ve nailed that too. For a place that’s all about the wine, the menu is not an afterthought. Everything we tried was spectacular

Fair warning though: once you’ve been here, that £6 bottle of Savvy B from the corner shop might not hit quite the same.

Have to try: Chenin Blanc (white wine)
Perfect for: Evening with the girls, dating
Approx price for 2: £40-90 (depending which wine you get)

If you’re in need of immediate relaxation, moody lighting, and just ultimate vibes, Ginger Lily Bar & Lounge is the spot. The contrast between the rowdy Liverpool Street outside and the calm as soon as you step in is insane!

The interior is sophisticated, but still feels homely. It’s the kind of place you could happily kick your feet up, if that were socially acceptable.

You’ve got to try the signature Ginger Lily cocktail: Lily flower-infused Tanqueray gin with jasmine & lily honey cordial. It’s super floral, so not the kind of drink you chug, but in a good way. The kind you actually sip and savour, like a grown-up. Loads of other cocktail options too if you want something less botanical.

Food-wise, they strike the perfect balance. Yes, you’ll see Oscietra caviar on the menu, but flip the page and there’s also a fried chicken sandwich. We love a bar that respects both our fancy side and our comfort cravings.

Have to try: The ‘Unique Connection” cocktail (rum, coconut, pandan leaf) with the truffle fries
Perfect for: Dating, Catch up with friends
Approx price for 2: £40-90

This is the ultimate post-work chill spot. Whether you’ve had a day full of meetings or just need to mentally clock out, Devonshire Terrace is where you need to go. Sip a spritz and pretend your inbox doesn’t exist – at least for a few hours.

It’s got that just right balance: beautiful interior that feels homely but still totally photo-worthy. You’ll want to sit back, loosen the top button, and stay for a few rounds.

It works for pretty much any occasion: Thursday drinks, birthday catch-ups, even the more chaotic hen do energy. Whatever you’re celebrating (or recovering from), it fits the vibe.

Oh, and they’ve got a solid food menu too. So you can stay put and graze while you drink, which is perfect because you won’t want to get up and leave!

Have to try: Hibiscus spritz
Perfect for: Catch up with friends, birthday celebrations
Approx price for 2: £40-90