Liverpool Street, technically still in The City of London (Bishopsgate), but nestling up against Shoreditch, is bursting with bars. The best Liverpool Street bars spread outwards from around the station up towards The Gherkin or down towards Brick Lane. There are cosy lounge bars and stylish rooftop ones, subterranean dens and exclusive cocktail terraces. There are Liverpool Street bars for everyone. We can’t possibly list them all, but here is a selection of our favourites.
1. The Arbitrager
Such a City bar, The Arbitrager doesn’t even open its doors at the weekends, but it’s calling out for City workers to pop in during the week. Quite characterful, housed in an old draper’s hall, the charcuterie plates showcase some of London’s artisan flavours brilliantly, and can be enjoyed alongside a great selection of craft beers.
2. The Tank & Paddle
If you want to enjoy a post-work pizza and drink then The Tank & Paddle in Bishopsgate is calling you. A favourite with many, expect a relaxed vibe with chilled out interiors. Maybe even enjoy a game of shuffleboard. It is cosy and an enjoyable place to unwind.
3. Victorian Bath House
Nicknamed ‘By Appointment Only’ and living up to that name, but well worth the effort, is this fabulous underground cocktail bar. You’ll find it, as its actual name suggests, under the Victorian Bath House, but of course make a booking first. The spirits available are infused in-house and the Arabic style décor is atmospheric to say the least.
4. The Alchemist London – Bevis Marks
For a cocktail bar that’s everything you’d expect of luxury London, this is one of Liverpool Street’s bars that is truly incredible. Bar and restaurant, it’s somehow quirky and classic at the same time, a touch theatrical and definitely memorable.
5. Dirty Dick’s
Yep, ok, join the throng of teenagers who stop to photograph the frontage, but head inside for a centuries old pub that offers you a good old fashioned watering hole. If you’re a beer lover then you’ll definitely want to try here out at least once, and if you’re looking for the quintessential London experience, then ordering a pint here is a rite of passage.
6. Mint Leaf Lounge
An Indian restaurant, you’ll be welcome here to enjoy a drink in the cocktail bar nestling up right alongside The Bank of England. The cocktails are exotic, created by the onsite mixologists, but we promise you you’ll almost certainly be tantalised by the smells of dishes heading by and want to move into the restaurant. It’ll be worth it.
7. Bierschenke Beer Hall
Yes, you’re in the heart of London but you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re actually in Bavaria! Really handy for Liverpool Street Station, Bierschenke is worth a visit at any time for some lederhosen-clad fun, but of course Oktoherfest is when the party is really kicking.
8. Dirty Martini – Bishopsgate
There are lots of Dirty Martini venues across the capital and the one in Bishopsgate is well worth your attention if you’re looking for an afternoon of rolling happy hours and brilliant cocktails. There are often half price Martini offers and usually a fun atmosphere, with the party often continuing until late.
9. The Folly
A ‘botanical bar and restaurant’ you’ll feel truly like you’re escaping the hubbub of city life by stepping inside The Folly. A sanctuary of calm, it’s only a short 10 minute stroll from Liverpool Street Station and their cocktails are delightfully different, that is if you can pull yourself away from the wine list.
10. Black Rock
A subterranean whisky bar, Black Rock is cool, contemporary and chic. Its dark atmosphere isn’t dingy, but instead allows you to feel like you’re part of something special. Not only are there 250 different bottles of whisky adorning this bar, there’s also a spectacular oak trunk which is 185 years old, serving as an interactive cocktail ageing system. It’s cool stuff.
11. Discount Suit Company
Another of the Liverpool Street bars which involves heading underground is the Discount Suit Company, funnily enough a repurposed tailor shop. It’s a relaxed environment here with background vintage rock and roll keeping you smooth.
12. Hawksmoor Spitalfields
Just about making it in, territorially speaking, to our list of Liverpool Street bars, is Hawksmoor Spitalfields. The art deco style is classy and chic and this revamped bar has a distinctly romantic and intimate feel to it. The cocktails are diverse, including old classics as well as brain shakers like the Nuclear Banana Daiquiri, and if you fancy it, the grub is pretty amazing too.
13. WM Barker & Co
A cocktail bar which comes pretty close to alchemy is WM Barker & Co – you’ll certainly get the sense of the alchemist’s skill for secrecy and innovation. This is a fun cocktail bar but with a classic edge. Not a bad place to impress a date.
14. Iris at the Gherkin
If you’re looking for a City bar which screams ‘London’ then you’ve got to experience Iris at the Gherkin. With foliage galore and views to marvel at, this bar is going to make its impression on your heart and your wallet. It’s popular and so it’s worth booking, but this is a London bar experience not to be missed. Not sure when to go? Try one of their aperitivo evenings.
15. Swingers
Who doesn’t love a round of crazy golf? And who doesn’t love the idea of doing it with a drink in hand? Perhaps it’s like pool and a drink or two will improve your swing. With lots of challenges and chances to win a drink, this is one of The City’s most fun bars.
16. Jin Bo Law
With iconic views and fabulous nibbles, we’re at a loss as to why Jin Bo Law isn’t a well-known rooftop bar. Frankly it should be, but for now it means that you can always take in the view without too much of a crowd. That is if you can look up from your plate of deliciousness or glass of salted pea cordial. It’s extravagant, but we love it.
17. The Lord Aberconway
A classic boozer and a perfect pub in which to unwind after a long day is The Lord Aberconway. With excellent top-nosh pub grub and a great selection of beers, you’ve got everything you want from a London bar.
18. Patch East
A place where Happy Hour spells good times and there’s always lots of fun to be had, Patch East reliably serves up a party night. Open late, and always promising a good time, be aware that your head will feel it in the morning. But for now, why don’t you blow off some steam?
19. Sushisamba – London Heron Tower
Head up Heron Tower and expect to be delighted and awed at Sushisamba with its orange-lit tree emerging from the bar. 39 floors up, expect to feel like you’re on top of The City, especially if you head into the outside lounge. The Japanese vibes will win you over and make this cocktail bar a favourite for you from now on.
20. Lounge Bohemia
Lounge Bohemia won’t woo you from the outside as you have to head beneath a Shoredtich High Street Kebab shop, but if you can get past that then underneath you’ll find an awesome cocktail bar. The communist-Prague themed interior is a showcase for bubbling, smoking, creative cocktails served up in things as diverse as light bulbs.
There are so many more Liverpool Street bars to choose from, but this selection should keep you busy for a while!
Want to stay in Liverpool Street? We have serviced apartments such as Shoreditch Square, Liverpool Street Quarters and Liverpool Street Residences. There’s something to suit your needs, whatever you’re looking for.
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