Covent Garden, nestled in the heart of London’s West End, is home to a vibrant and eclectic bar scene that offers an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, beer enthusiast, or a wine lover, you’re sure to have a delightful evening of drinks in some of the best bars in the city.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the best drinking spots in the area. From trendy underground cocktail bars to historic pubs steeped in tradition, Covent Garden can cater to every taste and preference.
The Best Bars in Covent Garden
Mr Fogg’s Tavern – Beautiful Victorian Pub
Step into Mr Fogg’s Tavern and embark on a journey back in time to the Victorian era. This charming establishment captures the essence of a traditional British pub with its classic decor and cosy ambiance.
This bar boasts an extensive drinks menu, offering a wide range of beers, ales, and spirits to suit every taste. They also serve classic British pub food, such as fish and chips, should you feel peckish during your visit.
The punches from Mr Fogg’s Tavern are a must-try! You can order these unique mixes for up to four people to share. My favourite was the ‘Pirate Punch,’ a tantalising blend of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut syrup.
The service at this bar was outstanding; the bartenders excelled at recommending cocktails based on our preferences. This is a fantastic spot for any theatre-goers or art lovers, and there’s also a lovely outdoor seating area for the warmer months.
Address: 58 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4EA
Upstairs At Rules – Luxurious Cocktail Bar
Upstairs At Rules is a sophisticated cocktail bar located above the historic Rules restaurant.
This luxurious bar exudes an air of elegance; it was originally used as the private dining room of King Edward VII. Its classic decor and furnishings impart the feeling of a private members’ club, making this bar the perfect destination for a special occasion or a classy evening out.
The service at Upstairs At Rules is impeccable, featuring expert staff members who are not just competent but passionate about mixology.
The drinks menu is extensive, presenting expertly crafted cocktails and a diverse selection of spirits. Each cocktail is mixed to perfection, so while the prices may lean towards the higher side, the exceptional quality of the drinks and the overall luxurious experience certainly make it worthwhile.
Address: 34-35 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7LB
Mrs Riot – Fabulous Cocktail Bar
Mrs Riot is a quirky and vibrant bar, with colourful furnishings and unique artwork.
This cocktail bar boasts a diverse drinks menu, with a selection of creative cocktails and an impressive range of spirits. The atmosphere here is lively, complemented by friendly and efficient service, and outstanding DJs who will surely get you on your feet.
There’s a range of great events hosted at Mrs Riot, from their infamous Bottomless Drag Brunch to Kitty’s Karaoke. Be sure to check out the events page on their website to help plan your visit!
Address: 10 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8PS
Dirty Martini – Creative Cocktail Bar
Located on Henrietta Street, Dirty Martini is a popular cocktail bar known for its extensive martini menu. The bar’s sleek and contemporary decor, complemented by dim lighting and elegant furnishings, creates a chic and upscale ambiance.
Alongside their signature martinis, they offer an array of both classic and creative cocktails, making this an ideal destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
The bartenders here are supremely friendly; they are more than willing to recommend drinks and will go out of their way to assist you.
While the prices may lean towards the higher side, the superior quality of the drinks and the upscale atmosphere ensure this venue as a perfect destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Dirty Martini is an excellent choice for pre-theatre drinks or a night of celebration.
Address: 11-12 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ
Lady of the Grapes – Cosy Wine Bar
Lady of the Grapes is a cosy and welcoming wine bar in Covent Garden. This venue’s rustic decor, with its wooden accents and warm lighting, creates an inviting and intimate ambiance.
The drinks menu showcases an impressive selection of wines from various regions, offering a variety of different styles and flavours, notably those crafted by female winemakers. The sommelier here is both knowledgeable and passionate about wine, readily providing recommendations to assist you in choosing your next glass (or bottle)!
You may also wish to complement your wine with a delicious selection of French tapas and charcuterie boards, which prove to be a delightful addition to any evening.
Lady of the Grapes is an ideal spot for wine enthusiasts to savour their favourite vintages or to venture into tasting new wines from around the globe, while simultaneously supporting women in the industry.
Address: 16 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NJ
Covent Garden Social Club – Vibrant Underground Bar
Covent Garden Social Club is a trendy, underground bar exuding a contemporary vibe and a stylish aesthetic.
The drinks menu at this venue offers a combination of classic cocktails and innovative creations, such as the Solaro Sundae; a heady mix of Bacardi Coconut, mango puree, La Vida Tropica Liqueur, passionfruit syrup, and cream. Don’t miss their happy hour, where drinks are 2-4-1 every day until 8pm!
Moreover, Covent Garden Social Club hosts live music nights and comedy nights at their venue, making it the ultimate party destination. While the prices might be slightly higher, the vibrant atmosphere and brilliant events make this bar a standout destination.
Address: 6-7 Great Newport St, London WC2H 7JA
Blame Gloria – Lively Cocktail Bar
Blame Gloria is a funky bar that channels a retro vibe with a contemporary twist. This venue is adorned with vibrant decor, from retro artwork to funky furnishings, and bathed in neon lights – making it the perfect backdrop for your Instagram stories.
The drinks menu at Blame Gloria presents an array of inventive mixed drinks with unique flavour combinations, such as the Starburst Boogie, which features a delightful medley of vodka, Southern Comfort, amaretto, peach schnapps, and pineapple juice.
You’re always guaranteed a lively night out here, complete with great music and lots of dancing.
This spot can get very busy at peak times, potentially resulting in longer waiting times for service. However, if you arrive slightly earlier in the evening, you should be able to get your drinks served promptly.
Blame Gloria is the go-to place for a fun-filled night out. It’s a popular choice for special occasions, like birthdays and hen dos. The drinks may be slightly expensive, but the vibrant and lively atmosphere justifies the price.
Address: 20 Bedford St, London WC2E 9HP
The Lost Alpaca – Fun Latin American Themed Cocktails
The Lost Alpaca brings the lively essence of Latin America to Covent Garden. Expect South American tequila, Peruvian bar snacks, and Latin American soundtracks.
The drinks menu at Lost Alpaca showcases the bar’s expertly crafted cocktails, each infused with Latin flavours and spirits. My personal favourite was the Lima Negroni, a unique take on the classic cocktail, made with artichoke liqueur.
If you’re mindful of your budget, you can enjoy 2-4-1 on the cocktails here every Tuesday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm!
The Lost Alpaca is perfect for a casual evening with friends. It’s a great spot if you’re on the hunt for distinctive, exciting cocktails. They also host live Latin music on Friday evenings, so prepare for an unforgettable night filled with dancing.
Address: 14 Garrick St, London WC2E 9BJ
Punch & Judy – Iconic British Pub
Punch & Judy stands as an iconic pub in Covent Garden. Built in the 1700s, this venue offers scenic views of the Covent Garden Piazza. It exudes a traditional British pub feel, with its wooden interiors exuding classic charm.
The drinks menu features a good selection of beers and ales at reasonable prices. In addition, they serve a range of pub food for a quick, easy meal.
Punch & Judy is the perfect spot for a casual drink. On a sunny day, you can secure a seat on their balcony and savour your pint whilst overlooking the bustling Piazza.
Address: 40 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8RF
Plan Your Covent Garden Bars Hopping Experience
- Happy Hours: Be sure to take advantage of happy hour deals for the best value. For instance, Covent Garden Social Club offers 2-4-1 on drinks until 8pm daily, and The Lost Alpaca has similar offers from Tuesday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm.
- Special Events: Some bars host special events, such as live music or themed nights. Mrs Riot, for example, hosts a Bottomless Drag Brunch and Kitty’s Karaoke. Checking the events calendar on the venue’s website can help you plan a memorable visit.
- Cocktail Choices: When visiting bars with an extensive drinks menu, don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for recommendations. They’re usually happy to suggest something based on your preferences, such as at Mr Fogg’s Tavern and Dirty Martini.
- Try Local Brews: Many bars offer a selection of local or craft beers and ales. Give these a try for a uniquely British experience, as at Punch & Judy.
- Outdoor Seating: If you’re visiting in the warmer months, consider choosing a bar with outdoor seating to enjoy the vibrant street life of Covent Garden, such as at Mr Fogg’s Tavern.