London's vibrant bar scene has received global recognition, with an impressive 35 establishments from the capital being named among the world's elite drinking destinations in the prestigious Top 500 Bars list for 2025.
How the World's Best Bars Were Chosen
The selection process for this global ranking was remarkably comprehensive. According to the Top 500 Bars website, the list was created by aggregating data from over 2,000 different sources across the internet, spanning more than 20 languages. The methodology cleverly combined expert opinions with social media reviews and search engine data, effectively harnessing what the organisers describe as 'the wisdom of crowds'.
London's Top Performers in Global Ranking
Leading London's charge in the international rankings was the sophisticated Tayēr + Elementary on Old Street, which secured an impressive seventh place globally. This minimalist cocktail bar is co-owned by world-renowned mixologist Alex Kratena and his partner Monica Berg, known for their inventive interpretations of classic drinks.
Other London establishments achieving remarkable global positions include The Connaught Bar at 12th place, Scarfes Bar at 21st, and Satan's Whiskers closely following at 22nd position worldwide.
Notably, Time Out's own Best Bar for 2025, Equal Parts in Hackney, also featured on the list. This unique cocktail spot and listening bar secured 261st place globally and ranked 30th among London venues.
The Complete List of London's Finest
The full roster of London bars making the prestigious Top 500 list demonstrates the capital's diverse drinking landscape, from elegant cocktail lounges to trendy natural wine joints:
- Tayēr + Elementary (7th globally)
- Connaught Bar (12th)
- Scarfes Bar (21st)
- Satan's Whiskers (22nd)
- Lyaness (40th)
- Spy Bar (48th)
- Donovan Bar (55th)
- Seed Library (61st)
- Bar With Shapes For a Name (63rd)
- Nightjar (71st)
- Side Hustle (79th)
- Dukes Bar (85th)
- Nipperkin (86th)
- Oriole (92nd)
- Kwant (108th)
- Three Sheets Soho (115th)
- Kol Mezcaleria (118th)
- American Bar at the Savoy (128th)
- Bar Termini (130th)
- Swift (133rd)
- Callooh Callay (137th)
- Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese (144th)
- Artesian (151st)
- Viajante 87 (170th)
- Dram Bar (183rd)
- Vesper at the Dorchester (187th)
- Hacha Agaveria (212th)
- Three Sheets Dalston (222nd)
- Amaro Bar (259th)
- Equal Parts (261st)
- Happiness Forgets (310th)
- Beaufort Bar (316th)
- Soma (346th)
- Sexy Fish (439th)
- Coupette (463rd)
This outstanding representation confirms London's status as a world-leading destination for exceptional drinking experiences, offering everything from sophisticated cocktail dens to sweet wine bars and trendy natural wine joints to suit every preference.
