The London Bridge area has quietly transformed into a vibrant hub of exceptional bars. Once overshadowed, it’s now the stage for some of the city’s best-kept drinking secrets.
Imagine sipping on organic wines straight from the tap in a quirky wine bar. Or stepping into hidden speakeasies, shrouded in lush palms. All of that and more can happen in some of the area’s bars!
If you’re interested, good, because we’re here to help you raise your glass and your expectations. Let’s uncover the London Bridge bars where history, culture, and drinks converge in perfect harmony!
Gong at the Shard
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Location: Level 52, Shangri-La The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9QU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7234 8208
The most obvious reason Gong at the Shard stands out is that it has breathtaking, unobstructed views of London.
So as you sip your favourite cocktail, you’re treated to a 360-degree vista of the city, from Tower Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral and beyond. It’s like London laid out at your feet, and it’s truly a sight to behold.
The bar takes its inspiration from Asian culture, by the way, which is evident in its décor, choice of ingredients, and even in some of the cocktails themselves. It’s a unique blend of East and West, and it adds a distinct character to the experience.
Nine Lives
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Location: 8 Holyrood St, London SE1 2EL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7407 8226
Just a stone’s throw away from London Bridge station, Nine Lives proudly wears the badge of a ‘neighbourhood bar’, a place where they’re all about making your evening great while doing good for both you and the world.
Sure, you’ll find a few familiar classics here, but the real adventure lies in exploring their specials. Take for instance the “Tropicalifornication” – a quirky yet incredibly drinkable fusion of banana rum, pineapple rum, bitters, lime, and egg white.
While most nights at Nine Lives maintain a laid-back vibe, Saturday nights are when the place comes alive, and the party spirit takes over. Think cocktail jugs and spontaneous dancing – a recipe for a fantastic night out.
Atrium Bar at Aqua Shard
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Location: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3011 1256
While many distilleries these days are going all-in on modern twists and fancy botanicals, Jensen’s Gin at Bermondsey Distillery has taken a nostalgic route. They’ve set out on a quest to recreate the flavours and styles of 19th-century London gins.
For example, their “Old Tom” gin. It’s painstakingly created using an authentic 1840s recipe. Every sip takes you on a journey through time, back to an era when gin was a cherished part of London’s culture.
Jensen’s Gin
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Location: 55 Stanworth St, London SE1 3NY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7237 1500
One of the standout creations of Jensen’s Gin is the “Old Tom” gin, a masterpiece crafted from an authentic 1840s recipe. Each sip of this gin is a portal to a bygone era when gin wasn’t just a spirit, but a cultural icon.
Now, if you’re the curious sort, you’re in for a treat. Jensen’s opens its doors for distillery tours. And here’s the cherry on top – their distillery is conveniently located near the start of the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile.
So, after diving into the world of gin, you can explore the craft beer wonders right after. It’s like a double delight for spirits and beer enthusiasts.
Tap & Bottle
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Location: 64 Union St, London SE1 1SG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3179 2906
At Tap & Bottle, it’s all about the brews. Here, you’ll discover an eclectic selection of craft beers from near and far.
To accompany their impressive beer collection, Tap & Bottle offers gourmet snacks that take your taste experience to the next level. From artisanal cheeses and charcuterie platters to delectable finger foods, they’ve got you covered.
Call Me Mr Lucky
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Location: 11 Southwark St, London SE1 1RQ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7078 9634
Picture this: You stroll up to the unassuming entrance, and here’s the catch – you have to utter the secret phrase, “Feeling lucky”, to a staff member. That’s the only way you’ll gain access to this hidden gem.
Once you’ve dropped the magic words, a whole new world awaits. You’re led through a clandestine basement entrance, and suddenly, you’re transported to a space dripping in effortlessly cool vibes.
“Call Me Mr. Lucky” boasts a cocktail menu that’s as creative as it is diverse. And If you’re in need of a pick-me-up, the “A Melon Love Songs Later” cocktail is practically guaranteed to do the trick.
Hide Bar
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Location: 39-45 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7207 5921
Hide Bar takes “local” seriously. The majority of their drinks are sourced from within a mere two-kilometre radius, ensuring that you get a taste of the neighbourhood in every sip.
But here’s where things get exciting. Their cocktails draw inspiration from the city’s beloved haunts and icons. Take the “Chiswick Flower Market”, for instance. It’s a delightful medley of vodka, elderflower, lavender bitters, lemon, and honey cloud.
Sounds unusual? Don’t judge until you’ve tasted it!
Bar Tozino
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Location: Ropewalk, Lassco, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA, United Kingdom
Here, you don’t have to make that impossible choice between drinks or food. “Bar Tozino” lets you have it all, and that, my friends, is a beautiful thing. Because, as good as the drinks are, the tapas is something else entirely.
You see, tapas in London often end up being a lacklustre imitation of the real Spanish deal – a bit like a faded photocopy of a masterpiece. It loses all that zesty, flavourful appeal that makes Spanish food such a sensation.
Whiskey Ginger
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Location: 2 Green Dragon Ct, London SE1 9AW, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7407 3058
Right off the bat, “Whiskey Ginger” is a name that catches your eye. And it’s no accident! This bar is all about celebrating the harmonious marriage of whiskey and ginger in all its splendid forms.
If you need a crowd-pleaser, you can’t go wrong with their signature cocktail – the “Ginger Highball”. It’s a blend of zesty ginger beer, your choice of whiskey, and a twist of lime for that perfect citrusy kick.
Prosecco House
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Location: 1 Crown Square One Tower Bridge, London SE1 2SE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3034 1718
Situated at the iconic One Tower Bridge, this bar keeps things chic without going overboard. It’s all about Prosecco here and they take their bubblyness seriously.
The menu is a carefully crafted journey through the world of Prosecco, featuring both beloved classics and intriguing options like the sugar-free 26° Brut.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it, Prosecco House isn’t exactly a budget-friendly haunt. Prices here are on the “pointy end” of the scale. But let’s be real, after a glass or two of the good stuff, you’ll be floating in a bubbly cloud of bliss and those numbers won’t seem so daunting.
40 Maltby Street
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Location: 40 Maltby St, London SE1 3PG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8076 9517
You know you’re in for something special when a bar is owned by a winery. 40 Maltby Street doesn’t disappoint on the wine front, offering an array of exceptional vinos.
Now, hold onto your wine glass, because the food here is nothing short of spectacular. In fact, it’s so good that it sometimes manages to steal the spotlight from the wine (a rare feat indeed).
And here’s a little secret for you – if you happen to fall head over heels for one of their wines (a highly likely scenario), you can take a few bottles home with you. Just be cautious: that temptation grows exponentially with every glass.
The Boot & Flogger
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Location: 10-20 Redcross Way, London SE1 1TA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7407 1184
The Boot & Flogger has been a London Bridge legend since 1964, arguably one of the city’s first wine bars. But despite its stellar reputation, the prices remain surprisingly reasonable. So, you can enjoy that touch of luxury without breaking the bank.
Plus, this place has curated an exquisite selection that would impress even the most discerning sommelier.
Try to remember a few varieties to drop into conversation later and amaze your fancy friends when you go. The 2010 Valserrano Gran Reserva is a showstopper that’ll have them raising an eyebrow in curiosity.
Doodle Bar
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Location: 60 Druid St, London SE1 2EZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7403 3222
This London Bridge gem has been a favourite for over a decade, with a short closure in 2015 that only served to whet the locals’ and visitors’ appetites even more.
The good news? Doodle Bar is back and better than ever. Yes, you can still scribble on the walls, and they even provide the chalk.
But the fun doesn’t stop at doodles. There’s ping-pong for a bit of friendly competition, and, of course, there are drinks. The beverages here are not just tasty but also won’t break the bank. It’s the activities, though, that truly set Doodle Bar apart.
The Alexander Hay Pub
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Location: 1, 22 Battle Bridge Ln, London SE1 2HD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7407 4301
The Alexander Hay Pub is a slice of history that goes hand in hand with London Bridge itself. The interior is a visual treat, with arched ceilings that evoke the grandeur of the iconic London Bridge nearby.
But here’s the hidden gem – it has its very own petanque pitch. Picture this: you, a glass of wine, and a game of petanque (a boules variant) under the open sky. It’s the kind of experience that every Londoner should have on a balmy evening.
TwoRuba
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Location: 5 More London Pl, Tooley St, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3002 4300
First things first, the name – TwoRuba, it’s a play on the words “two” and “rubaiyat”, which, in ancient poetry, symbolise quatrains, or four lines. It’s a nod to the four sides of the bar, each offering a unique experience.
So, even the name tells you there’s more to explore here than meets the eye.
Now, let’s talk libations. Their best-selling “TwoRuba Signatures” include the “Smoked Old Fashioned”. It’s a mesmerising mix of whiskey, vanilla syrup, and bitters, infused with smoke for an extra layer of flavour.
El Vino
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Location: 5a More London Pl, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7403 0658
El Vino is a goldmine for people-watching. The terrace is the ideal perch to observe the vibrant tapestry of London life passing by.
And here’s a little secret – it stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the perfect starting point for a memorable night out in the city.
Plus, as much as we appreciate an upmarket spot, there’s something undeniably fun about a small, informal bar where you can be yourself, wear what you want, and savour a drink of your choice.
