The best gin bars in London

The premium Whitley Neill gin is home at the City of London Distillery & Bar, the first and only gin distillery in The City in over two centuries. Visitors to this award-winning establishment can enjoy drinks in a cosy underground setting, surrounded by the distillery's vats and copper pipes. A tour of the production facilities, a chance to sample various gins, and even the opportunity to create a personalised gin are all available at this location.

Kraft Dalston is a collaboration between German Kraft Brewery, Jim and Tonic Distillery and changing kitchen residencies, located at the Kingsland Locke hotel in East London. The environmentally-minded venue offers unfiltered, unpasteurised beer, award-winning craft gins, and gourmet food. The award-winning Jim and Tonic Distillery crafts its sustainable urban gins onsite, and they're also available at other German Kraft locations.

For gin enthusiasts, a visit to The Distillery in Notting Hill is a must. This bar is spread across four floors and is a fully operational distillery that produces the renowned Portobello Road gin. Additionally, The Ginstitute, located within The Distillery, offers an immersive gin-blending experience that provides insight into the history of gin and allows visitors to create a personalised blend to take home. A gin masterclass is also offered.

Boasting more than 500 different gins, the stylish Gin Bar at the distinguished Holborn Dining Room houses the largest collection of premium gins in the capital. Combined with 30 different tonics, you can choose from a mind-blowing 14,000+ G&T pairings, from globally renowned brands to small-batch local darlings and even a limited-edition house gin. You can also book a gin masterclass to learn more about your favourite drink.

The hip and youthful East London Liquor Company, located in the industrial heart of the East End, is a distillery that produces a variety of whiskies, gins, and vodkas, while also importing some of the finest rums from Jamaica and Guyana. Customers can enjoy samples of their work in the well-stocked bar, where bar snacks are also available, or choose to participate in a behind-the-scenes tour or an in-depth masterclass.

Hidden below the Flour & Grape pasta restaurant, this cosy Bermondsey speakeasy boasts a collection of more than 100 gins from around the world, along with other spirits and tonics. The bartenders at this drinking den are skilled in mixing all sorts of cocktails, both classic varieties and house special. You can also try sampling different gins by ordering a gin flight. During the daily happy hour, double G&Ts and aperitivo cocktails are offered at enticingly affordable prices.

Situated at The Londoner hotel, Joshua's Tavern is an intimate bar that draws inspiration from Joshua Reynolds, an 18th century artist who once lived in Leicester Square. Beneath gleaming copper vats, the bar serves a collection of vintage gins from around the globe, Gintonicas, draught beers, and inventive bar snacks. Joshua's Tavern also features a diverse lineup of live music performances every week.

For those who love their gin in martini form, a visit to Dukes Bar is a must. The bar at the Dukes hotel inspired author Ian Fleming to concoct James Bond's signature Vesper Martini, and the martinis here are still widely regarded as some of the best in the world. For added flair, they're mixed on a trolley by your table while you relax on the plush velvet seating and take in the refined traditional ambiance with classical paintings on the walls.

With no fewer than 400 gins lining the shelves, not to mention 600 whiskies and another 400 rums, the award-winning Merchant House has long been a favourite with workers in the hospitality industry, but is sure to inspire every kind of drinker. In addition to the impressive array of gins and the many cocktails they can be put to use in, Merchant House offers masterclasses that include a welcome drink, four tasters, and a final taste of something fine and rare from the collection.

Located in an industrial estate in Walthamstow, the modern Mother's Ruin distillery uses locally-sourced and foraged ingredients in the creation of award-winning liqueurs and artisanal gins. You can purchase these award-winning spirits from their shop or enjoy them at their Gin Palace bar, where they are mixed to perfection. The inviting atmosphere is particularly appealing during sunny weather, when you can bask in the warmth while admiring the stunning mural outside and savouring a deliciously crafted cocktail.

Though it looks like a traditional British pub from the outside, this Covent Garden establishment houses a gin terrace and a rooftop bar, as well as funky function rooms. Dating back to 1763, the bustling pub in the heart of the capital offers more than 25 gins by both popular major brands and small-batch producers, all served with bespoke garnishes and tonics. You can also order up some hearty British pub grub while here.

Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour is a part of the Mr Fogg's group of bars, known for their distinctive decor, featuring walls adorned with eclectic trinkets and explorers' treasures, as well as comfortable and luxurious upholstered seating. The bar is renowned for its wide selection of gins, tonics, and botanicals, with over 200 varieties of gin, including rare and hard-to-find bottles. For gin enthusiasts, Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour offers various events such as gin masterclasses, which can be booked to elevate the drinking experience.

The Distillery is a must-visit destination for gin enthusiasts in London. This bar, located in a converted fragrance factory, offers an impressive collection of over 50 different types of gin to discover. For those who prefer something different, The Distillery also serves a range of expertly-crafted cocktails, international wines, and a variety of craft beers, including those on tap. The upscale, modern setting features an outdoor terrace, perfect for enjoying a drink on a warm day. The bar also welcomes group bookings, making it an ideal spot for celebrations or gatherings.

Set in an industrial space in Hackney, Martello Hall is a one-stop-shop for all things breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as drinks, hotdesking, and more. The bar also distils and bottles its own small-batch gin, which you can purchase to take home, or enjoy on-site in one of the expertly mixed cocktails. Martello Hall also has several sister venues around the city, each with its own vat.

Graveney Gin, situated in Tooting Market, uses a 30-litre copper still to create small, premium, organic batches of spirits. Each gin is handcrafted with fresh botanicals, giving it a unique and authentic flavour with every batch. In addition to the distillery, Graveney Gin also features a bar and bottle shop with seating in the communal market area. Visitors can enjoy a selection of cocktails, including G&Ts, Espresso Martinis, and other gin-based creations, all crafted with care and precision.

Jack Solomons Club is a hidden bar located in a former boxing gym. The glamorous old-school Soho bar offers a range of cocktails, including house specialities and classic options, as well as bottle service. However, the bar's major specialities are whisky and gin, with a huge selection of scotch and botanical spirits available, including flavoured gins. The venue also hosts regular events such as DJ sets, and offers private room hire.

The New York Bar at the Rubens Hotel combines a stunning ambiance with welcoming service, a lively vibe, and impressive presentation. They offer premium gin tasting sessions for two every day, with the resident experts guiding your taste buds on a journey from dry to citrusy or spiced gins, all paired with tonic water. Each session is accompanied by a sharing platter with delectable options such as soft-shell crab, steamed Peking duck buns, or roasted corn fritters.

The Other Gin Palace, situated within the esteemed off-West End theatre The Other Palace, transforms from a daytime café to a night-time gin parlour. Pop in during the day for a freshly brewed cup of coffee or indulge in a pre- or post-show gin and tonic in the evening. With over 25 gin options available, including a house signature blend, as well as an array of fine wines, beers, and other beverages, there's something for every palate.

Bucks Head is a fixture of Camden High Street with its weekly live music showcases, spacious venue, and all-day food menu. It's also a convenient spot to get into gin, as their gin menu comes with informative descriptions of the different gins they serve, as well as a handy chart for choosing the perfect mixer yourself, and even a Gin Lab experience, where you can experiment with different gins, tonics and garnishes right at your table. The familiar pub atmosphere will help ease you into the spirit as well, no need to go chasing copper vats right away.

Four Thieves is far from your typical pub, boasting an array of activities to enjoy while sipping on a beverage within its vibrant, neon-lit interior. While karaoke and comedy nights are always a hit, this establishment takes it to the next level with arcade games, VR gaming, and the exhilarating Moonshine Raceway RC car track. The Four Thieves also encompasses a weatherproof Gin Yard, where you can choose from among 250 G&T combinations. Medi-inspired pub grub and pizzas are served as well.

Once one of London's original gin palaces, this Victorian-era pub boasts impressive frescoed walls and a rich history. Although it's now a Fuller's establishment, its appreciation for gin remains evident with a growing selection of premium libations and a dedicated menu featuring an array of tonics and infusions to complement each unique blend, served with block ice.

The Hari Bar is an upmarket living room at the five-star hotel of the same name, serving as a warm, welcoming setting for lunches, meetings, or drinks with a touch of elegance. Their award-winning house gin is considered to be one of the best in the world. You can try it in one of the “Haritinis”, or in one of the signature cocktails inspired by art masterpieces. All-day dining menu available as well.

Although it's technically not a gin bar, at this hotspot in Brixton you can blend, bottle and name two of your own gins to take away, with the guidance of their distiller, Todd. You'll learn all about the fascinating history of gin, sample four mini gin and tonics each made with a completely different style of tonic to see which style you prefer and get to know the flavours and complexities of the range of botanicals you will be using to blend your own small batch gins. You'll then blend your chosen ingredients to create your perfect bottle, followed by bottling your gin, sealing and stamping it with wax and making a bespoke label so you can take it back home with you. 

Cosy Holloway pub The Swimmer at the Grafton Arms is a big hit with the locals. This friendly venue offers a broad range of drinks but gin is a speciality in particular. A wide choice of gins are on offer, including the highlighted Gin of the Month. Food is also available at this dog-friendly neighbourhood drinking spot.