Bookmark these London bar recs
World Class, the mega annual cocktail competition run by Diageo that seeks to find the best bartender in the world, is coming to London for the World Class GB Final. Here ten of the finest bartenders in the land will be competing to take the title and represent Great Britain at the World Class Global Final in Scotland later this year.
Before they pit their cocktail creations against each other, we asked the World Class GB finalists where they’re heading for a drink once the competition is over. These are the bars they’re rating in London:
Chelsie Bailey
First bar I’m hitting up is Happiness Forgets. That little basement bar is my favourite bar in the whole world and in the 15 years I’ve been drinking it’s just consistently great drinks, great people and a real sense of comfort and true hospitality.
The second bar I’m hitting up is You Call The Shots in Hackney. Why would you not want to drink in a bar that makes banging margaritas and has leopard print carpet? For me it is an excellent example of what a neighbourhood bar is all about.
Alex Goacher
I’ve always been excited for new openings because they breed creativity and fresh ideas. Flipdog in Shoreditch appears to be doing some great things in a beautifully considered space.
Despite plenty of opportunities, I still haven’t had the chance to check Side Hustle at The NoMad out! Plenty of Agave and Latin American-inspired small plates. Say. No. More.
Yen-Cheng Chen
My first choice is Satan’s Whiskers. The vibe is right, the classics are solid, the kind of place where you just don’t want to leave. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s close to home.
My second stop is Waltz. Gento-san has built something really special. It’s quiet, precise, and every drink carries real weight. I just want to go and sit there slowly.
David Riera
Satan’s Whiskers because it’s the mecca for bartenders: great hospitality, atmosphere, music, and cocktails. That’s exactly what you’re looking for.
My other choice would be The Coral Room – attentive service, amazing cocktails, an elegant atmosphere, beautiful decor and great hospitality.
Rory Sorrell
That’s an easy one! The first bar I hit up when I touch down in London is Murder Inc. Looks like a dive bar, runs like a 5-star hotel and, most importantly, feels like home. Shout out to my fellow competitor and friend Oscar Perry who runs the whole operation!
I’m rarely in East London but as soon as I am, there’s only one place I’m headed…straight to The Cocktail Trading Company for easy drinking neighbourhood vibes with delightfully creative drinks. It helps that the team are all legends, too.
Oscar Perry
Lyaness. It’s just innately relaxing. Their menu is so well put together, and it never ceases to make me feel absolutely elegant and at ease in equal measure. The team are all stars, and the views over the Thames are so iconic.
I’d also definitely hit up All My Gods in Bethnal Green. Ice cold Martinis, motorbikes and bad behaviour. What else could I possibly get up to?! Always a great atmosphere and someone interesting to chat to.
Luke O’Toole
My favourite bar in London is Waltz. I think it occupies a space very few bars in town do; everything is so serene and intentional.
I’m very lucky to live a 5-minute walk from probably the best (and most affordably priced) whisky selections in London at Bar Lotus. It’s insane.
Carrie Smith
First bar I would visit is Nancy’s – newly opened, looks incredible and I’m Martha May’s biggest fan so wherever she puts effort in I’m gonna go visit.
Second bar would, of course, be Murder Inc. Home away from home with the big Scottish representation – not to ignore how incredible the service and drinks are.
Laurie Howells
Even living in London, Waltz is still one of those bars I’m always excited to return to. The creativity behind the drinks and the attention to detail in every serve constantly leaves me inspired as a bartender.
Kwãnt is a bar I keep finding myself drawn back to because the balance between world-class cocktails and genuine hospitality is so seamless. It always feels elegant, relaxed, and incredibly well executed.
Matt Arnold
Waltz is the most exciting bar in London at the moment. What Gento and the team are doing is a slice of authenticity in a very busy city.
The second is Bar Kinky. The Georgian impact and warm hospitality just makes the space so welcoming and worth the trip.
All ten of these bartenders will be competing in the World Class GB Final at The Ned from 1st – 3rd of June. You can get involved in the action by hitting up the World Class Cocktail Festival (running from right now to 7th June) and trying the seven exclusive cocktails created by last year’s World Class GB winner Emanuele ‘Lele’ Mensah.
Key Information
Dates | World Class Cocktail Festival, until Sun 7th June 2026
World Class GB Final Competition, Mon 1st – Weds 3rd June 2026
Address | 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ
For more information | thened.com
