London Local | 3 Must Try Cocktail Bars with Live Music

I am very particular about my drinks, and I think we all should be. I don't want to waste money on frills (save your paper umbrellas and glittery, edible flowers) but I don't want cheap sugary cocktails either. I don't need it to be some big reveal and theatrical display. And don't try to fool me into believing you have good drinks just because you have trendy decor (but if you look cool and have nice drinks, all the better). Look, I just want a good drink. And what makes a good drink? Simple: well-balanced, smooth, and not overly-priced. The places I have listed below are 3 tried and true spots for a good drink (and maybe a little boogie).

1. Discount Suit Company, Shoreditch (Average Price Range: £9 - £13 per cocktail)

I found this bar a couple years ago, and it remains my go-to when I want to grab an amazing cocktail without spending a fortune. I've introduced many friends to this small, underground Shoreditch spot. It's where I celebrated my promotion at work, have had many date nights with Caleb and deep chats with friends. It truly is a space I find myself returning to over and over again, and it's a space that never fails to warmly welcome me in.

When you approach, you might think it's just a suit shop that has closed for the evening, but if you step closer and follow the faint, orange glow from the door that's left ajar, you'll descend into a small, wooden staircase and peel back a curtain to reveal a dimly lit bar with an inviting atmosphere and the sound of the cocktail shakers making the most delicious, specialty cocktails.

Their menu changes each month (with the classics always available), so while my go-to is an espresso martini, I highly recommend trying one of their specialty cocktails to get a feel for what makes them so unique and so dang good.

They host DJs (which is surprising given how small it is), so be sure to visit on one of those nights. I have yet to experience a DJ night, so if you make it before me, let me know.

Book your next date night here: https://discountsuitcompany.co.uk/

2. Stereo, Covent Garden (Average Price Range: £10-£15 per cocktail)

Stereo is in the heart of Covent Garden making it an easy spot for friends from all over the city to get to. Their inspiration derives from the late night buzz of New York and London with hints of that effortlessly chic French je ne sais quoi. It's a perfect mix of edgy and classy.

I've had drinks and starters with my girlfriends here, and I've also been on a double date in this spot. It really does have a great vibe and stunning decor but not overly glamourous. They also host DJs and musicians on the regular, so be sure to stick around if you feel like dancing until the early hours. Note: they charge a £15 entry fee for dancing if you're trying to get in during peek days/time, so be sure to get in before they start charging and put that money towards a cocktail.

Book a night in New York here: https://www.stereocoventgarden.com/

3. Nine Lives, London Bridge (Average Price Range: £12-£15 per cocktail)

   Nine Lives and Discount Suit Company compete for the number one spot on my list of best bars. Nine Lives is ones of those bars where everyone and everything is just cool. The staff is friendly, chatty and happy to help you decide on what to drink. (Our server had to come back so many times because we just couldn't decide, and she didn't make us feel bad about it which was sweet because I know it was annoying). The drinks are well-crafted, smooth and strong (the Bananarama I got was one of the most amazing alcoholic-coffee cocktails my tastebuds have ever drowned in). The decor makes you feel like you're in a tropical, mid-century modern basement. The music is a mix of all the best songs on your Spotify playlists. They also have a £3 Taco Tuesday, which I think just adds to the cool factor (and always pairs nicely with a marg).

   
   
   

   

   
   
   

Book your next tropical getaway here: https://www.ninelivesbar.com/

Bonus Bars:

4. The Blues Bar

   

   While I wouldn't say their cocktails are legendary, the bar itself is a fun time. It's a very small, hole-in-the-wall kind of place. It vaguely reminds me of a bbq joint in my hometown... maybe that's why I like it? It's next to Carnaby Street where there's some great shopping and restaurants (I love Dirty Bones ... burgers and boozy milkshakes. DELICIOUS), so you can make an afternoon of it then end at the Blues Bar.

   *Walk-ins only (that's when you know it's a really good time)

   
   

5. Piano Works

Piano Works has two locations in London, and I don't believe they exist anywhere else in the country (though I am sure similar bars are out there). Regardless, it's such a good time out! Customers can request a song and the artist will play it on the piano, but often with a full band. One time, they did Mr. Brightside (classic night out tune), and every single person absolutely lost it. It feels more the kind of place people go to actually enjoy the music rather than hit on strangers at the bar (which probably still happens). The drinks are actually pretty decent, as well. I got an amaretto sour, which is very out of my norm, but I loved it. Haven't liked it elsewhere since.

Book here for a piano-led rager: https://www.pianoworks.bar/bars

There's a ton more bars I could mention, but I like to drip feed sometimes instead of giving all my secrets away at once. ;) What's a bar in London that makes your Top 3 for booze and boogying?