The Platinum List: The Best Bars in London

With extravagant eateries and nose-to-tail diners, quirky concept bars and seductive saloons, London’s cosmopolitan dining scene has something for all appetites. Satisfy your cravings while making the most of some capital nightlife.

Whoever said an evening need end with dessert? The London bar scene is one of the most effervescent in the world - and that's before you've ordered fizz. We've happily scoured the capital, sipping our way through chic hotel bars, experimental cocktail lounges and backstreet dens to bring you the crème de la crème of the city's drinking establishments. Whether you're seeking a seductive speakeasy for date night, a jazz-laced saloon for midweek merrymaking or somewhere sophisticated to clinch that business deal, we've got you covered.

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Nightjar Shoreditch

London, United Kingdom

A refreshing take on London's bar scene, Nightjar is located in the heart of Shoreditch. Jazz, blues and swing music provide the soundtrack to evenings filled with trailblazing and small bites.

Address

129 City Road EC1V 1JB

Lyaness

South Bank

On the ground floor of South Bank's iconic Sea Containers London, suave design, a marble bar and views across the Thames are complemented by a creative cocktail menu curated by award-winning mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana.

Address

20 Upper Ground, SE1 9PD

bar

Bar Termini

London, United Kingdom

Taking inspiration from Rome's eponymous train station, Bar Termini is a stalwart of Soho's heady nightlife scene. Innovative cocktails and beautiful charcuterie boards draw returning patrons time and time again.

Address

7 Old Compton Street W1D 5JE

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Scout

London, United Kingdom

Leading the charge for sustainable nightlife in London, Scout uses foraged ingredients, local produce and house fermentations to make unique cocktails catering to East London's cool crowd.

Address

224 Graham Road E8 1BP

bar

Swift

Soho

One for traditionalists, Swift specialises in whisky. With more than 250 drams, choose to drink it on the rocks or swirled into a chic cocktail. Come at the weekend for live blues and jazz.

Address

12 Old Compton Street Soho W1D 4TQ

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Callooh Callay

London, United Kingdom

As quirky as the name suggests, choose from dozens of intriguing cocktails at this Lewis Carroll-themed joint. Take your time perusing a menu of Jabberwocky Milk or an Off Duty Relaxer.

Address

65 Rivington Street EC2A 3AY

restaurant

Opium

London, United Kingdom

In the heart of vibrant Chinatown, this 1920s cocktail bar brings Shanghai to London. Choose between three oriental-themed bars, each with an individual cocktail menu and a menu of perfect dim sum.

Address

The Jade Door 15-16 Gerrard Street W1D 6JE

bar

The Gibson

London, United Kingdom

Housed in an Edwardian building near Old Street, this concept bar fuses art-deco with subtle modernity. Browse the lengthy cocktail menu or make the easy choice - it's not called The Gibson for nothing.

Address

44 Old Street EC1V 9AQ

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Coupette

Bethnal Green

Paris meets East London at seductive Coupette, a bar as coquettish as its name. Exposed-brick walls are offset by leather bar stools, decadent lights and a conceptual cocktail menu which attracts the industry's finest.

Address

423 Bethnal Green Road Bethnal Green E2 0AN

The Lowdown

THE LOWDOWN The Platinum Card Benefits

Now you know where to find the best tables in town, why not take the experience one step further? With The Platinum Card® in hand, you can enjoy perks such as meeting your culinary heroes, behind-the-scenes kitchen tours or a complimentary drink. Perfect for spontaneous dining or a well-planned celebration, Cardmembers have access to specially reserved tables across London - book yours at the click of a button through the Amex App, or give your 24-hour Concierge a call.

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