Top Bars in Covent Garden

Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, a cocktail aficionado, or just enjoy a glass (or two), Covent Garden offers the best bars in central London, overflowing with hideaways to spend date night or an evening catching up with old friends.

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SUSHISAMBA

The long-awaited opening of SUSHISAMBA in late 2018 was one for ages, Brazil had arrived at Covent Garden in true samba style. Walking into the decadent restaurant above the Market Building in an Instagram picture waiting to happen with an incredible painted staircase making way to an urban jungle wrapped around jewel toned seating.

The bar greets you as you walk in and is the perfect place for a pre or post-show drink, a catch up with friends or a destination to impress a date. Sip on signatures like their Sake Spritz or Little Pedro whilst snacking on green bean tempura and take in the sights of the Piazza below. Every month they have a different SAMBATINI, the perfect excuse to keep going back again and again.

→ SUSHISAMBA

VyTA

New to the Piazza and all the way from Italy is the latest opening in the Market Building; Vyta (pronounced vee-ta). Inside and out this truly opulent space is going to be a hot ticket in the summer and beyond.

→ Vyta
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Vyta (1)
The menu has everything from Aperol Spritz with a side of truffle pasta to fine Italian wine served with arancini to snack on. Their outdoor seating is adorned in emerald green cushions and surrounded by golden touches – perfection! The best part of Vyta? The upstairs bar where the opulent colours of burnt orange and green mixed with gold hardware make it a dazzling destination to drink and dine. Step outside to their terraces overlooking the West Piazza whilst sipping their exquisite range of cocktails and Italian wines.
Balthazar Covent Garden Cocktail Book 2

Balthazar

Transport yourself to downtown New York at Balthazar. Perch at the Parisian-style bar and enjoy a selection for carefully chosen wines alongside expertly mixed cocktails at the bar by the award-winning bartenders. House cocktails include Negroni Finis, a mix of gin, Cinzano Orancio, Campari, Byrrh and passion fruit and the Two to Four, a delicious combination of gin and champagne with Merlet Poire and lemon juice.

→ Balthazar
Henrietta

Da Henrietta

From the team behind the Experimental Cocktail Club, the Henrietta is one of Covent Garden’s best kept secrets. Guests can enjoy a dynamic atmosphere into the afterhours with a late night menu and cocktails available until 1am. The lights will be dimmed and the music turned up allowing guests to stay and play at their table, or head upstairs to the mezzanine bar. With an expert team and an ever changing menu of cocktails, it is one of the best cocktail bars in London’s West End.

→ Da Henrietta
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Grind

Known for their signature Grind Espresso Martini, the Covent Garden Grind on Maiden Lane offers all-day dining as well as innovative and experimental cocktails late into the evening. The recently refurnished and Instagrammable spot opens until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays; making it the perfect spot to catch up over a cocktail with friends.

→ Covent Garden Grind
Buns And Buns

Buns&Buns

From Miami to Covent Garden comes Buns&Buns, which from the name you might this place is all carbs and no cocktails but you would be very wrong. Sat right in the heart of the Market Building this cool and casual restaurant has a striking bar in the centre where you can perch, enjoy a bun or two and sip on cocktails all the while having a prime spot for people watching. Enjoy a Lychee Martini whilst snacking on a lobster roll and enjoy the Miami way of life in Covent Garden thanks to Buns&Buns.

→ Buns&Buns
The Savoy Photo Credits To Canon Photos (17)

American Bar

Perhaps the worst/best kept secret bar in Covent Garden, The Savoy’s prestigious American Bar – the world’s longest-surviving cocktail bar – is the best bar in the world. Originally opened in 1903, the first ever bartender was a lady named Ada ‘Coley’ Coleman, whose signature cocktail was the Hanky Panky, still a popular choice today. Ada’s successor was the inspirational Harry Craddock, who not only created a number of classic cocktails but who notoriously compiled these recipes into the legendary Savoy Cocktail book, still regarded today as the bartender’s bible. From cocktails such as Curtain Call, inspired my frequent guest of The Savoy Marlene Dietrich, all the way to First Impressions, which is based on the first time David Bowie and Elizabeth Taylor met in which Bowie kept her waiting for four hours.

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STEREO

Inspired by the vibrant late-night cultures of New York and London, complete with undertones of Parisian chic, Stereo will offer a masterfully curated mix of music, food and drinks. A place to arrive for an aperitif, stay for dinner and dance into the early hours.

→ STEREO
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The Escapologist

Brought to you by the brains behind Adventure Bar and Dub Jam, The Escapologist cocktail bar is the place to head for drinks with a difference. Come and escape reality in their basement bar where mind-bending cocktails, underground parties and late-night shindigs are all on offer.

→ The Escapologist
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Mrs Riot

An ode to Kitty Clive, a pioneering feminist who transformed the London scene in 1700s. This experience led bistro and cocktail bar offering mind-blowing live entertainment every day of the week. Interiors designed by Hollywood film designer Sonja Klaus, Mrs Riot is not only a feast for the eyes but the soul. Whether its signature cocktail or a curated wine, Kitty will definitely be returning for an unexpected curtain call.

On the carefully curated menu, you’ll find free-flowing drinks and show-stopping platters piled high with mouthwatering morsels, from fresh burrata and delicately sliced meat to salty bar snacks. Each visit is an experience as live acts perform every day, including a one-of-a-kind vegan cupcake drag brunch each Saturday.

→ Discover Mrs Riot
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