156 Best Bars in England

Thankfully, by booking online, nonmembers can gain entry to this legendary West End open mike, musical theater, and private members' club off Tottenham Court Road. Frequented by a colorful crew of West End thespians, writers, and critics, you might catch a raunchy burlesque, see a theater star belt out power ballads on the open mike, or be captivated by a fascinating monologue from a seasoned Hollywood movie legend. 

One of the United Kingdom's most ubiquitous pizza chains also runs an acclaimed jazz venue in Soho. Established in 1976, the dimly lit basement restaurant hosts both established and emerging British and international jazz acts every night, with food and pizzas available about 90 minutes before stage time. The thin-crust pizzas are always popular, but it's the intimate live jazz sets that draw in London's hip jazz aficionados.

Named after a collier ship, this is one of London's oldest riverside pubs, dating to around 1520. Although a regular for Dickens, Pepys, Samuel Johnson, and the American artist James Whistler, once upon a time it was called The Devil's Tavern because of the lowlifes—sailors, smugglers, footpads, and cutthroats—who congregated here. With a 400-year-old flagstone floor and ornamented with pewter ware and nautical objects, this much-loved boozer has a terrace with views of the Thames, from where boat trips often point it out.

Try and snag a seat in the cozy wood-paneled and open-fire Punch Room (open from 5 pm Tuesday through Saturday), located within the London EDITION hotel. The bar's reinventions of traditional punches (the type favored by pirates and privateers) are a revelation. Visitors to Ian Schrager's hotel are spoiled for choice when it comes to bars. High ceilings, eclectic artwork, and innovative cocktails can also be found at the all-day Berners Tavern and in the Lobby Bar, which opens in the evening.

Britain's most famous jazz club has attracted the biggest names—from Stan Getz to Ella Fitzgerald—since opening nearby on Gerrard Street in 1959 (moving to its current location in 1965). It's usually hot and crowded, and thankfully the food and table service are up to par. Bathed in the light of table lamps, the ultracool James Bond vibes can't be beat, despite the sad departure of the eponymous founder and saxophonist, Ronnie Scott, who died back in the late 1990s. A full program of free-form jazz sets and shows takes place every night, with additional late gigs on Friday and Saturday. Reservations are recommended.

This cozy little micropub, set within a 17th-century pump house, offers eight (mostly local) beers on tap. The bar staff is friendly and chatty, and there's a real communal vibe to the place, with most drinkers sharing tables. Tasty pub snacks are available; try the pork pie with mustard and chutney.

Named after renowned London-born artist and caricaturist Gerald Scarfe (whose work adorns the walls), the Rosewood’s seductively glamorous bar is one part Edwardian gentleman's club to two parts Downton Abbey drawing room. Recline on sofas by a roaring log fire or sink into velvet armchairs and explore the bar's impressive collection of fine wines, cocktails, and spirits (there are more than 180 single malt whiskies alone to choose from). Bar snacks are restaurant-standard dishes, and there's complimentary live music six nights a week.

One seat never looks like the next at this downright extraordinary collection of esoteric living-room bars off Savile Row. The exclusive Parlour, a patisserie during the day, exudes plenty of rarefied charm; the intimate East Bar at the back is reminiscent of a sci-fi film set; the Gallery is a golden-yellow wonderland; and in the Glade it's permanently sunset in an enchanted forest. The space-age dinosaur egg–pod-shape restrooms are definitely London's quirkiest.

Book ahead to avoid the lines at Soho's top-ranked bar and cocktail lounge on Old Compton Street. Split into two distinct areas, head through the ground-floor aperitivo bar to the infinitely more sexy speakeasy in the basement, where there are lambent brass lamps, antique mirrors, dark red leather booths, and an array of world-class theme cocktails, ranging from a rum-based Josephine Baker to a vermouth and orange bitters–tinged Dita Von Teese.

The beauty of this sublime old chapel and its impressive multicultural not-for-profit programming make this spot one of London's best musical venues, especially for acoustic shows. A variety of star names have played here in recent years (including Elton John, Björk, and Coldplay's Chris Martin) along with alternative country, world music, and jazz performers. There are also poetry and literary events, film screenings, and stand-up comedy gigs. Tickets are only available online.

Discretion is the word at this under-the-radar cocktail lounge on the first floor above Rules, London's oldest restaurant (established in 1798). In rooms where King Edward VII used to clandestinely dine with his socialite mistress Lillie Langtry, old-school bartenders serve traditional classic cocktails, from Manhattans and Hemingways to sidecars and martinis (which are stirred, never shaken). The decor reflects a bygone era, with impressive royal portraits, mounted antlers, patterned carpets, and copious Edwardian hunting scenes.

Off Deansgate, this venue plays retro, indie, sing-along anthems, and classic rock, with Manchester's proud musical heritage at the fore.

Established in 1976, this Chelsea jazz club embraced speakeasy style long before it became a nightlife trend. Buzz the door near the far end of King's Road and you'll find a basement venue showcasing mainstream and contemporary jazz by well-known U.K.-based musicians. Alcohol can only be served if you order a "substantial meal" as well, so allow for an extra £30 for gastropub staples. Reservations are advisable. Lunchtime jazz takes place on select Sundays; call ahead.

In a multipurpose, fairly intimate and stripped-back space this venue hosts club nights—from electro and live music to poetry. There's also a pizza menu available Wednesday to Sunday.

This long-established live music venue off Carnaby Street hosts largely local blues musicians and bands as well as some notable international names, that squeeze onto the tiny stage. It's generally hot and sticky, and there's decent bar food of the chili-and-gumbo variety. On most weekday nights, there's no cover charge.

With late-night jazz and hip-hop and a trendy crowd, Alberry's Wine Bar is one of Canterbury's coolest nightspots. At lunchtime they serve a fine burger, too.

A church transformed into a luxurious bar, Alma de Cuba has a huge mirrored altar and hundreds of dripping candles. It also serves a popular Sunday brunch with a live gospel choir and samba afternoon teas.

The front patio and wood-paneled bar of this traditional pub next door to Charles Dickens's former residence is invariably crowded, especially after work, but the restaurant to the rear is comfortable and more peaceful. Dishes range from elevated pub classics like cider-battered fish-and-chips to more sophisticated offerings like roast partridge with pommes Anna or beef Wellington with celeriac puree. Standards, of both the cooking and the selection of beer and wines, are high. Service is friendly, if occasionally erratic.

This sophisticated bar on Level 31 of The Shard is worth a visit for the phenomenal views alone. The cocktail list is pretty special, too—big on fruit purees and unusual bitters. Window tables are bookable with special "Starry Night" packages (£65).

Music, art, and science events are all in the mix at this long-standing venue reinvented as a creative space and bar.

This famous venue has a reputation for hosting both established and pioneering acts.

This elegant faux-speakeasy might be London's tiniest cocktail lounge. Book one of the handful of tables or perch at the cozy bar and get ready to discover the delights of a cocktail menu that is part classic cocktails, part inventive twists on the classics. Service is friendly and diligent, but never overbearing.

Owned by 600 local beer fans as a cooperative, the Bell Inn has regular live music—jazz, blues, and folk—on Mondays, alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Sunday lunchtime, as well as a selection of real ales and good food. The fireplace is used in winter, and should you need to catch up on your laundry, there's even a self-service laundry.

Located on the much quieter upper concourse of St. Pancras International's splendidly renovated Victorian station, this pub provides a haven from the hustle and bustle below. Inside, there’s a cozy warren of rooms or you can grab a seat on the concourse terrace and watch Eurostar trains come and go. A fine selection of ales, as well as some superior pub fare, is on offer.

Located between the British Museum and the West End, this pretty Victorian-era pub with its stained-glass windows and varnished wooden floors and paneling is the perfect place for a pit stop. Legend says it was the final watering hole for condemned criminals en route to Tyburn gallows at Marble Arch. A good selection of pub fare is served all day.

Open throughout the day, this upscale café-bar really comes to life after dark. Its Champagne Late Lounge has great cocktails and live DJs every Saturday night, while the roof terrace is ideal for warm seaside evenings. The venue also offers one-hour cocktail masterclasses on request; it's £40 per person for a group of up to eight, with a welcome drink and three cocktails included.

This popular High Street pub offers well-kept beers, good pub grub, and a friendly crowd. While the half-timber building only dates from 1906, a pub has stood on this spot since the 16th century.

Perfect for a midafternoon pick-me-up or late-night drinks, this quirky, friendly bar has a continental feel and a sporty vibe. Soccer memorabilia and bank notes from across the globe line the walls while formica furniture and not one, but two foosball tables fill out the space. World beers and cocktails are the drinks of choice (the caipirinhas are legendary), and simple but tasty pub fare is served all day.