Shoreditch is rejuvenating itself from the run-down place it was 20 years ago to a trendy hipster area. The East End London district has always attracted creative artists and a diverse culture. A movement that inspires its nightlife and transforms Shoreditch into one of the best nightlife scenes in London.
A night out in Shoreditch can acquaint you with some of the area’s history as you discover fun and stylish cocktail bars in basements and courthouses displaying art from local talent.
The Best Bars in Shoreditch
1. Found – Hidden in a Basement
Finding Found can be a challenge. It is discreet, hidden in the basement below the bars and cafes of Ravey Street. You need to look for the door with No. 5. Once you have found Found, you receive a warm welcome as you walk into the bar with a relaxed and cosy atmosphere.
It is a small bar, accommodating 60 over four rooms. The main bar is a mix of standing and seating, and the other three rooms have tables with service. However, it gives a fantastic ambience where you can have a conversation and enjoy great cocktails.
One recommended cocktail is the Tommy Goes to Thailand for £11.00, a drink mixed with reposado tequila, ginger, coriander, jalapeno agave, and lime.
Curious George is a hit for those with a sweet tooth at £11.00, made with bourbon, framboise, raspberry puree, lemon, and gomme.
If you want somewhere for good cocktails in Shoreditch, Found is a must-visit. In my opinion, it is one of Shoreditch’s hidden gems. It is ideal for a catch-up with friends, a place to unwind, or a date night.
Address: 5 Ravey Street, London, EC2A 4QW
There is an online booking form if you want to make a table booking.
2. Callooh Callay – Award-Winning Cocktails
Callooh Callay has been serving cocktails since 2008, when finding somewhere to sip cocktails in Shoreditch was challenging. Today, they are a multi-award-winning cocktail bar with a reputation for skilled bartenders serving inventive cocktails from an extensive menu.
The bar has funky decor, an eclectic mix of styles and textures, and a Lewis Carrol theme, with a dark wood bar and a wooden Narnia wardrobe door. The seating is a dark red leather look and vibrant-coloured stools. The artwork is a mix of psychedelic to street art. It makes for a chilled and fun atmosphere.
Cocktails include a Gastly for £13.00, made with Santa Teresa 1976 Rum, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Amaro Nonino, Peanut Butter, and Maple Syrup.
Or, how about a Vulpix at £13.00? Hendrick’s Gin, Hendrick’s Flora Dora Gin, Paragon White Penja Pepper, Watermelon Syrup, Lime, Franklin & Sons Soda. There is a non-alcoholic version available.
Callooh Callay has light nibbles menu available, and they hold a weekly Taco Tuesday and Margaritas. All margarita cocktails are £10.00, and your first taco is free with your first cocktail. After that, tacos are £5.00.
If you fancy being a mixologist at home, Collooh Callay holds Masterclasses where you learn the art of cocktail mixing. Packages are £40.00 for 90 minutes, making one cocktail behind the bar, and £50.00 for two hours making two cocktails. Both sessions include a cocktail on arrival.
Callooh Callay is one of the best bars in Shoreditch. Drawing from our expertise, it boasts a cool vibe, friendly service, and amazing cocktails.
Address: 65 Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3QQ
Telephone: 020 7739 4781
3. The Rooftop Bar and Terrace – At One Hundred Shoreditch
If you dream of escaping the hustle and bustle and relaxing in Palm Springs, California. The Rooftop Bar and Terrace concept is to take you there. Decorated in pink with large cacti and fantastic views across London, it creates a perfect space to unwind in a striking lounge bar while sipping cocktails.
The Rooftop offers drinks and a food menu, including weekend brunch, which can be bottomless.
Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Food options include Turkish Eggs for £13.00, with garlic yoghurt and aubergine. Or a Beef Rib Burger is £16.00, with chilli jam, jalapeño and fries.
There are two bottomless alcohol choices, £35.00 for prosecco, pineapple & coconut spritz or bloody mary. A premium bottomless is £75.00 for Laurent-Perrier, La Cuvée Brut, Champagne.
For a cocktail, The Rooftop has a Shoreditch Sunset for £13.50 with Kavka Vodka, Martini Fiero, Ginger, Orange Juice, Lemon, and Angostura Bitters.
Or a Californian Coffee £13.50 with Del Maguey Vida, Homemade Spiced Coffee Amaro, and White Chocolate Foam.
The bar continues the California theme, serving Tacos and Tostadas along with a selection of other small plates. A salmon Tostada is £11.00.
The luxury and travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards recognises The Rooftop Bar and Terrace as one of the best. Their well-deserved reputation as a top-notch club means you simply can’t afford to miss out.
Address: 100 Shoreditch High Street, Shoreditch, London, E1 6JQ
Telephone: 0207 613 9800
4. Ninety Eight Bar & Lounge – A Night Like No Other
Ninety Eight Bar & Lounge is wonderfully quirky and original. When you enter the bar, an eclectic mix of decor greets you. Some describe it as sensory overload, while others describe it as an Alice in Wonderland feel. Whichever it is, the decoration is like no other and a talking point.
The bar offers five areas:
The Main Bar serves unique concoctions and presentations from its cocktail lab. Order a Whisky Sour, and it will arrive in a closed suitcase. When opened will release smoke, which clears to reveal your cocktail.
The Piano Bar is home to plants and a 100-year-old piano.
The Superhero Room entices you to step into the world of Spiderman, Superman, whisky, and cocktails. It is also available for hire for whisky tastings, mixology classes, and business events.
The Tiki Tiki Room transports you to somewhere tropical, and if hired along with the Bandage Room, it is ideal for groups of up to 50.
A new addition is the Gallery Extreme displaying art exhibitions for local artists.
The Ninety Eight Bar does not have a dancefloor. Customers find themselves immersed in the great music playing, and the fun vibe soon has them bopping in their seats and even standing for a bit of a bop.
For a place entirely different, the Ninety Eight Bar serves some of the best cocktails in Shoreditch.
Address: Morrell House, 98 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3AF
Telephone: 07970 362 744
5. Jailhouse Bar – They Won’t Throw Away the Key
The Jailhouse Bar is in the former Police Station of the Old Street Magistrate’s Court. The striking architecture and tastefully remodelled holding cells have transformed a once imposing space into a relaxed, inviting lounge bar in Shoreditch.
The drinks menu at The Jailhouse Bar has the usual alcoholic and non-alcoholic selection, plus an extensive cocktails list.
They also have what they describe as a quintessential afternoon tea with a Shoreditch twist. A Courthouse Shoreditch Afternoon tea is £35.00 per person for a four-course afternoon tea menu. One option is,
- Mini Bagel with Chargrilled Summer Vegetables and Pesto,
- Followed by fruit scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream.
- A dessert option is Mint Carrot Cake
- A pot of tea or coffee
- To liven things up, add a glass of bubbly for an additional £5.00 or £10.00, depending on your choice of bubbles.
Other food options are available from 12 noon to 10 pm, including a Cheeseburger or a Vegan Burger for £17.50. Both burgers come with salad, mayonnaise and fries.
From the bar, cocktails range from £9.00 for a Caipiroska, which is Vodka, syrup, and lime, to £15.00 for a Champagne Cocktail, which is Champagne, sugar, Cognac, and bitters.
A bottle of Corona or Peroni is £6.00.
If you want a private hire venue with an added quirk, The Jailhouse Bar has function options, including private hire in the cells.
Overall, it is a fascinating and enjoyable bar in Shoreditch with an intriguing history. However, some customers say the staff could be more attentive and the afternoon tea was less fresh than they had hoped.
Address: 335–337 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LL
Telephone: 0203 3105555
FAQs: Going to a Bar in Shoreditch
What is the dress code for Shoreditch Bars?
Shoreditch is a laidback destination for a night out. Trainers are acceptable. However, sports gear generally isn’t. A shirt and tie are only a necessity if you want to dress to impress.
Why do people like Shoreditch?
It is a trendy area. It’s full of diverse shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, making it a fantastic night out.