London has been declared the 'undisputed cocktail capital of Europe' after securing seven spots on the 2026 Europe's 50 Best Bars list, more than any other city. The ranking, revealed at a ceremony on June 30, features a diverse mix of London establishments, from lavish hotel bars to clandestine cocktail caves.
Connaught Bar Takes Top UK Spot
The Connaught Bar in Mayfair ranked 10th overall, earning the title of best bar in the UK. Known for its martini trolley and marble floors, the bar was praised by 50 Best for its consistency, with 'every detail from the ice programme to the pacing of service reinforcing its long-held reputation as one of London's benchmark cocktail destinations.'
Satan's Whiskers and Tayēr + Elementary Follow Close Behind
Bethnal Green's Satan's Whiskers came in 11th, described as 'refreshingly lowkey' with 'total mastery' over classic cocktails. Tayēr + Elementary on Old Street ranked 12th, lauded for building the 'blueprint for aggressively innovative drinks copied and replicated across the world.' The venue is split into two spaces: brighter all-day Elementary at the front and moodier Tayēr at the back.
Newcomers and Returning Favorites
Shoreditch's Waltz, which opened in May 2025, ranked 23rd and won the Best New Opening award. The Japanese-inspired bar was commended for its 'Japanese-forward, technique-driven seasonal serves' like the matcha old fashioned and sake gibson. Kwãnt Mayfair, which reopened in a new venue in 2023, came in 40th, offering an innovative menu focused on fermentation and unique distillates, including a martini made with gin, langoustine distillate, fino sherry, Cocchi Americano, and sea oil. Three Sheets in Soho ranked 41st, known for its 'acutely curated selection of twists on classics' such as the Sazzaquack, a Chinese spice-infused sazerac. Scarfes Bar inside the Rosewood London in Holborn secured the 46th spot, named after cartoonist Gerald Scarfe, with interiors and drinks inspired by his satirical drawings. 50 Best noted that the plush interiors and grand fireplace 'plunge guests into a drawing room of another era.'
