Gin is a classic spirit with a rich Londonian history. Once a down-and-outer drink, it has actually become a prime choice for locals and visitors alike.
So, where are the best places for gin connoisseurs and newbies to try signature cocktails? Here are the best gin bars in London and why you should visit them.
The Top Gin Bar London Options
Did you know that following the accession of William of Orange in 1688, gin became a popular alternative to French brandy?
Since then, the spirit has remained a favorite among people of all backgrounds; the reason why you can find renowned gin distilleries and excellent gin bars all across the city of London. These are our top choices for gin lovers.
East London Liquor Company
East London Liquor Company is a glue factory turned distillery, bar, and restaurant offering gin-based cocktails, top wines, and bites cooked by Leroy Shoreditch's Simon Shand.
Popular menu options include roast chicken and potatoes, lamb croquettes, and ratatouille galettes with aioli - all of which can be enjoyed even more with fragrant gins!
One consideration, though: If you want to drink gin here, make sure you book your London distillery tours and tables in advance, as these award-winning gins are very sought after.
Website: https://eastlondonliquorcompany.com/
Address: 221 Grove Road, Bow Wharf, London, E3 5SN.Opening hours: Thu: 5 p to 11 pm. Fri: 4 pm to 1 am. Sat: 12 pm to 1 am. Sun: 12 pm to 10 pm.
The London Gin Club
This award-winning gin club is nested in the heart of Soho and offers a curated collection of over a hundred gins, including Little Bird Gin, Tanqueray, Bombay Sapphire, G&T, and many more.
The friendly and warm neighborhood space is open every day of the week and runs renowned gin-tasting masterclasses in its tasting rooms, covering the origin and history of the spirit.
Do not miss the building's charming period features and the club's heritage displayed on the walls.
Website. https://londonginclub.com/
Address: 22 Great Chapel St, London W1F 8FR.Opening hours: Mon and Tue: 12 pm to 12 am. Wed to Sat: 12 pm to 2 am. Sun: 2 pm to 11 pm.
Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour
This Covent Garden parlor houses a plethora of over two hundred impressive gins, botanicals, and tonics, from popular brands to rare gins.
The quirky bar is super comfortable, with upholstered seats and trinkets all over the walls, and holds a regular gin-tasting masterclass and afternoon teas.
And, if you want to learn about the history of the spirit, you can try Mr Fogg's Gin Safari, which includes an excellent selection of tasters.
Website https://www.mr-foggs.com/mr-foggs-gin-parlour/
Address: 1 New Row, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4EA.Opening hours: Sun: 2 pm to 12 am. Mon and Tue: 5 pm to 1 am. Wed: 3 pm to 1 am. Fri: 2 pm to 3 am. Sat: 1:30 pm to 3 am.
The Gin Bar at Holborn Dining Room
The Gin Bar is a replaced and stylish locale offering one of London's largest gin collections; in fact, there are over 500 gins and 30 tonics and tonic pairings to choose from, from both international brands and local distilleries.
This stunning bar even has its very own gin, which was created in collaboration with Tarquin's, and offers a gin masterclass.
Website https://holborndiningroom.com/gin-bar/
Address: Rosewood, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7EN.Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 7 am to 10 pm. Sat: 7 am to 10 pm.
The Gin Palace
The Gin Palace is a quirky and elegant gin bar on the ground floor of the Strand Palace hotel.
The place offers a large array of spirits, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails, as well as herbal gins, American whiskies, and tonic water.
The bar is ideal for having an aperitif before going to the theatre, and it's open to walk-in guests.
Website https://www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk/restaurants-bars/gin-palace.html
Address: 372 Strand, London, WC2R 0JJ.Opening hours: Tues to Sat: 4 pm to 1 am.
Mother's Ruin
This bar is open on weekends and has both indoor and outdoor spaces. There is also a bottle shop if you want to purchase spirits directly.
Their Old Tom gin is created in their own distillery and has wonderful notes of nutmeg, orange, vanilla, and bay.
There are also other options made by gin experts using home-grown rose geraniums and pink grapefruits.
Mother's RUin gins have won several awards, making this a perfect place to reward your taste buds in the City of London.
Website http://www.mothersruin.net/
Address: Unit 18, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ.Opening hours: Sun: 1 pm to 8 pm. Fri: 5 pm to 12 am. Sat: 12 pm to 12 am.
The Four Thieves Pub
The Four Thieves is an eccentric pub with retro arcade games, a classic menu, house-brewed ales, and a good selection of gin.
The venue also offers a great range of activities, such as karaoke and music. The food is your typical pub classics, such as pizza and burgers.
Website https://www.fourthieves.pub/
Address: 51 Lavender Gardens, London SW11 1DJ.Opening hours: Sun: 12 pm to 10:30 pm. Mon to Thu: 12 pm to 10 pm. Sat: 11 am to 2 am.
Portobello Road Gin Distillery
Portobello Road Gin opened its doors in late 2011, when longtime friends Jake Burger, Ged Feltham, and Paul Lane founded The Ginstitute, one of the world's leading gin experiences.
Today, this award-winning distillery can tell you about the history of the spirit. There are also two bars to enjoy innovative cocktails created using gins and whiskies from around the world.
Website https://www.portobelloroadgin.com/
Address: 186 Portobello Rd, London W11 1LA.
Opening hours: The Resting Room: Sun to Fri: 12 pm to 1 am. Sat: 10 am to 1 am. The Malt Floor: Wed to Fri: 5:30 pm to 11 pm. Sat: 10 am to 11 pm. Sun to Tue: CLOSED.
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