Time Out has released its 2026 guide to the 50 greatest bars in London, with Café Kick at Exmouth Market taking the top spot. The Euro-chic sports bar, which opened nearly 30 years ago in 1997, is credited with popularizing the pedestrianized Clerkenwell strip's al fresco dining scene.
Top Bar and Category Winners
According to Time Out drinks correspondent Eloise Feilden, 'If the Spanish Riviera and old school east London had a baby, Café Kick would be it.' The list also names Waltz in Shoreditch as the best cocktail bar, Big John's Biltong Bar in Deptford as the best dive bar, Bonne Route in Harringey as the highest ranking wine bar, Ellie's in Dalston as the best neighbourhood bar, and Tramps in Islington as the best new bar, opened by artist Peter Doig and his gallerist partner Parinaz Mogadassi.
List Highlights
The guide features a mix of old and new, posh and divey, cheap and pricey venues, all with great drinks and atmosphere. Time Out also offers rankings of the best bars in Soho, Shoreditch, Peckham, and Hackney, as well as a guide to London's best pubs.
