It can get a little confusing. The “City of London” is the heart of and forms the oldest part of London. It was founded by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago! From there, the rest of London grew to be the city we know and love. There are all types of drinking establishments in its famed square mile, from wine bars, cocktail joints, and ye olde pubs.
Black Parrot
Don’t get scared if the man behind the bar snaps at you. He snapped at us. You have to take a seat or he just won’t serve you. For a tiny bar with a massive shuffleboard table taking most of it, it can be a little tough to find a seat, but it’s definitely worth the wait for that bar stool. He just wants to make sure every guest is comfortable and has enough room to enjoy their cocktail in peace. There is nothing wrong with that.
Black Rock
As much as Black Parrot is a haven for rum lovers, Black Rock is a destination for all you whisk(e)y lovers. Right behind Liverpool Street Station, you could easily miss Black Rock if you didn’t know it was there. Down a hidden staircase, you open the door to find a log! Yes, a big log taking up the centre of the tiny bar acting like a table.
Read more: How to Make a Great Whisky Cocktails
City of London Distillery
Down another staircase, this time in the shadow of St. Bride’s Church, is the City of London Distillery. Let’s just say they take their gin very seriously, and in the part of town that invented what we know of as London Dry Gin, that is very important.
Read more here: The Best Bars in the City of London
Silverleaf
I’m always happy when a bar brings me nuts to go with my cocktail (or popcorn for the matter), but these nuts were unlike any other. I was blown away and then I took one sip of my cocktail. WOW. What a team, what a bar, what cocktails. Silverleaf is set to conquer the City of London, if not all of London!
Read More: The Best Espresso Martinis in London
Trattoria Brutto
I wasn’t going to write about a restaurant bar, but I just can’t help myself when it comes to what Brutto. Opened by the late Russell Norman, Brutto is a tribute to the man himself and his love of Italian cuisine! here aren’t many places in London where you can find Select. For those who think there are only two red spirits: Aperol and Campari, well, I would like to introduce you to Select. Actually you can get the introduction better at Brutto than from me! Try their Select Spritz or their Brutto Negroni and see if you ever go back to the other red stuff! A
Read more here: The Best Bars in the City of London
Pubs
The City of London holds some of the oldest pubs in the city and if you haven’t even taken a glance inside, you have to stop and check them out. The Blackfriar is right outside the Blackfriars Tube station so you can’t miss this triangular building. It was plonked there in 1875 on the site of an actual monastery. Head instead to see it’s mosaics! Also If you are in London, it should be a law that you have to head down to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. It’s one of the oldest pubs in the city and a fave of Charles Dickens.
Read more here: The Best Bars in the City of London
Don’t Miss: The Best Bars of London’s South Kensington
The City of London is not only the best area in London to drink! Discover the best places to drink in London’s South Kensington and Chelsea, plus tips on what to drink at each!