The Do's and Don'ts of Visiting Cocktail Lounges in London

London’s cocktail scene isn’t just about drinking-it’s about rhythm, rules, and respect. From hidden speakeasies beneath Shoreditch’s vintage bookshops to sleek glass-walled lounges overlooking the Thames, the city offers some of the most refined drinking experiences in the world. But if you’ve never been to a proper London cocktail bar before, or you’re used to grabbing a pint at the pub, you might accidentally break a few unspoken codes. Knowing the do’s and don’ts can mean the difference between being welcomed back and being politely ushered out.

Do: Dress to Impress-But Not Too Much

London cocktail bars don’t demand tuxedos, but they do notice. You won’t see people in flip-flops or football jerseys at The American Bar at The Savoy or The Connaught Bar. That said, you also won’t see everyone in full suit and tie. Think smart casual: dark jeans with a button-down, a neat blazer over a tee, or a simple dress with heels. At places like Nightjar in Shoreditch or The Bar at The Ned, a clean, intentional look says you’re here for the experience, not just the free snacks. Locals know that London’s best cocktail spots value atmosphere as much as alcohol, and your outfit is part of that.

Don’t: Treat It Like a Pub

This is not the time to bellow your order across the room or try to get five rounds in before last call. London cocktail bars are designed for sipping, not slamming. Bartenders here are artisans-they measure, shake, stir, and garnish with precision. Don’t interrupt them mid-pour to ask for a whiskey instead of the gin-based cocktail you ordered. If you’re unsure what to pick, say so. A good bartender will ask you what flavors you like: sweet? bitter? herbal? smoky? At The Bar at The Savoy, they’ll even ask if you prefer your drink ‘up’ or ‘on the rocks’ before you’ve opened your mouth. That’s the standard.

Do: Learn the Basic Etiquette

Londoners don’t expect you to know everything, but they do expect you to try. Sit at the bar if you can-it’s the best way to connect with the bartender and understand the craft. Don’t pull out your phone the second you’re seated. Put it away. Look around. Notice the lighting, the music, the way the ice clinks. If you’re with a group, avoid dominating the conversation. These bars are intimate spaces. At Milk & Honey in Soho, the staff often engage guests in quiet, thoughtful chats about the history of the drink they’re serving. That’s not a sales pitch-it’s part of the experience.

Don’t: Order the Same Drink Everyone Else Orders

The Espresso Martini is popular, yes. But if you order it at The American Bar at The Savoy, you’re not standing out-you’re blending in. London’s top cocktail bars pride themselves on creativity. Try something unexpected. Ask for the ‘Bar Manager’s Choice’-they’ll craft something based on your taste and the season. At The Bar at The Hoxton, they once served a gin cocktail with black garlic and rosemary syrup. At Little Bird in Notting Hill, they’ve got a smoked tequila sour with charred pineapple. These aren’t gimmicks-they’re thoughtful, local twists. London bartenders take pride in reinventing classics, not copying them.

Do: Tip Thoughtfully

Tipping isn’t mandatory in London, but it’s appreciated. Unlike in the US, where tips are expected, here it’s a gesture of gratitude. If your bartender went the extra mile-remembered your name, explained the ingredients, or made you feel at ease-leave £2-£5 on the table. Or better yet, say thank you and ask for their name. Many of them have trained in New York, Tokyo, or Sydney, and they’re proud of their craft. At Nightjar, staff often write their names on the cocktail napkins. If you see one, remember it. You might run into them again.

Don’t: Show Up Late or Stay Too Long

London cocktail lounges don’t have set closing times like pubs-they close when the last guest leaves. But that doesn’t mean you can linger for hours. Most places expect you to spend 60-90 minutes. If you show up at 11:45 PM, you’re cutting it close. If you’re still there at 2:30 AM, you’re probably the last one, and the staff are already cleaning up. Bars like The Bar at The Ned open at 5 PM and close at midnight. Others, like The Connaught Bar, stay open until 1 AM. Check their hours. Don’t assume they’re open until 3 AM like some nightclubs. London’s cocktail culture is about quality, not quantity.

Do: Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots

Yes, The Savoy and The Connaught are legendary. But London’s real cocktail gems are tucked away. Try The Alchemist in Soho for theatrical drinks that change with the seasons. Visit The Lighthouse in Peckham for a hidden rooftop with views of the Shard. Head to The Clumsy Bear in Camden for a bar that feels like a 1920s jazz club, complete with live piano. These places don’t have big signs-they have word-of-mouth reputations. Locals find them through Instagram, blogs, or friends. Don’t be afraid to wander a bit. Some of the best bars in London aren’t on Google Maps yet.

Don’t: Assume All Bars Are the Same

A cocktail bar in Mayfair isn’t the same as one in Hackney. Mayfair spots like The Bar at The Berkeley lean toward classic elegance, with crystal glasses and velvet seating. East London bars like The Little Book Club in Dalston are cozy, dimly lit, and often feature local DJs or poetry nights. Some are quiet for business meetings after work. Others buzz with creatives after midnight. Know the vibe before you go. If you’re there for a quiet chat, skip the bar with the neon sign and loud bass. If you want to dance, go to The Windmill in Brixton after 11 PM-it’s a cocktail bar that turns into a club. London’s diversity is its strength. Match the bar to your mood.

Do: Ask About the Ingredients

London bartenders love to talk about what’s in their drinks. Ask about the gin. Is it distilled in London? (Many are-think Sipsmith, The London Distillery Company, or Beefeater.) Is the vermouth imported from Italy? Is the bitters house-made? At The Bar at The Hoxton, they use their own lavender syrup. At Nightjar, they infuse their own tea into the gin. Don’t be shy. These details matter. You’re not just drinking-you’re tasting a story. And in London, every cocktail has one.

Don’t: Bring a Large Group Without a Reservation

If you’re coming with more than four people, book ahead. Most cocktail bars in London don’t take walk-ins for groups. Even The American Bar at The Savoy requires reservations for parties of six or more. Walk in with seven friends on a Friday night, and you’ll be turned away. That’s not snobbery-it’s space. These bars are small. The tables are close. The lighting is low. They’re not designed for loud, rowdy gatherings. If you want a group night out, go to a pub. For cocktails, keep it small. Two or three people is ideal.

Do: Try a London-Specific Cocktail

London has its own signature drinks. The London Fog isn’t just tea and milk-it’s a gin-based cocktail with Earl Grey infusion, honey, and lavender, served at The Connaught Bar. The Gin & Tonic here isn’t just gin and tonic-it’s made with locally distilled gin, Fever-Tree tonic, and a twist of London-grown citrus. Try the London Calling at The Bar at The Ned: gin, apricot brandy, lemon, and a hint of black pepper. These aren’t tourist traps-they’re local traditions. Order one. Taste the city.

Don’t: Ignore the Weather

London’s weather changes fast. If it’s raining, don’t expect to sit outside at The Lighthouse unless you’re prepared to get wet. If it’s cold, don’t wear a thin coat and expect to linger at a rooftop bar. Many bars have heated terraces now-like The Rooftop at The Hoxton-but they’re not open year-round. Always check the forecast. And if you’re heading to a bar after work, keep a light jacket in your bag. Londoners do.

Do: Go Alone Sometimes

One of the best ways to experience London’s cocktail scene is solo. Sit at the bar, order a drink, and watch the city unfold around you. You’ll hear snippets of conversations in French, Polish, Mandarin, and Cockney. You’ll see bankers, artists, writers, and musicians all sharing the same space. Bars like The Bar at The Ned or The American Bar at The Savoy are perfect for this. You’ll be served just as attentively as if you were with a group. And you might leave with a new favorite drink-or a new friend.

If you’re new to London’s cocktail scene, start slow. Pick one bar, sit at the bar, ask questions, and let the experience unfold. Don’t rush. Don’t compare. Just drink. London’s best bars aren’t about the brand on the bottle-they’re about the person behind the counter, the story in the glass, and the quiet moment between sips. That’s what makes them unforgettable.