Umbrella Workshop, a hidden 12-seat cocktail bar tucked down a Shoreditch side alley, has been crowned the best cocktail bar in London by Time Out's latest guide to the capital's top 20 cocktail bars. The intimate venue, housed inside a 19th-century atelier workshop, is signposted only by three spray-painted symbols: a martini glass, an umbrella, and an arrow.
Time Out's Top Pick: A Hidden Gem in Shoreditch
Time Out's London food and drink editor, Leonie Cooper, described Umbrella Workshop as 'at once dramatic and extremely cosy', a combination that makes it 'perfect for an illicit liaison, were you that kind of person'. This unique ambiance, coupled with its secretive location, sets it apart from the city's more conventional cocktail spots.
The bar also serves as the test kitchen for nearby establishments Discount Suit Company, The Sun Tavern, and Parasol, meaning that the inventive drinks found on those menus often originate here. This behind-the-scenes role adds to its allure as a hub of cocktail innovation.
Signature Drinks: From Fish Sauce to Baklava
Beyond the classics, Umbrella Workshop's bartenders craft a range of truly unusual concoctions. The Sweet Child of Brine, for instance, is a twist on a gin and mezcal martini that incorporates a dash of fish sauce. Another standout is the Kohl's Law, a blend of mezcal, corn liqueur, pineapple, and red cabbage—a playful nod to coleslaw. For those with a sweet tooth, there's even a baklava old-fashioned.
These creative offerings highlight the bar's commitment to pushing boundaries, making it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts seeking something out of the ordinary.
How to Discover More of London's Best Bars
Time Out's full list of London's 20 best cocktail bars is available in their latest guide, which also includes the 50 best bars in London for 2026. In addition, a south London pub has been recognized as one of the best in the UK. To stay updated on the latest news, reviews, and events from the capital, readers can follow Time Out London's WhatsApp channel or sign up for their free newsletter.
