Mark the start of the weekend with drinks and nibbles at bars around the West End. From cosy corners, to activities and skyline views, there is a wide variety of great bars in and around Oxford Street – perfect for a date night or with friends. Why not make it a bar crawl and combine some of our suggestions together to really get the weekend started!
1. Long Bar
At the heart of the Sanderson hotel, situated between Oxford Street and Fitzrovia, the Long Bar should be on your radar for several reasons. Just as the name says, the Long Bar is rather long…at just under 25 metres, this is an impressive setting that makes a statement. Settle into a bar stool and watch the expert mixologists at work. We are big fans of the Pomelo, a blend of gin and rum with jasmine cordial, lime juice and orange marmalade – the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Tuck into the delicious bar snack menu, featuring a juicy burger, fresh Vietnamese summer rolls, lobster rolls and more. Head here for a memorable date or for a sophisticated catch up with friends. Book here.
2. Aqua Kyoto Spirit Bar
Inspired by the effortlessly cool cocktail scene of Japan, Aqua Spirit Bar is the perfect place to get together and sip on delicious drinks created by world-class, talented mixologists. Dark, sleek and sultry, the Aqua Spirit Bar transports you to a Kyoto night, where resident DJs and entertainers perform long into the evening – the place to be at the start of the weekend! Japanese inspired house cocktails – such as the ‘Kyōto Panchi’ made with rum, coconut cream, pineapple and Greek yoghurt and the sake and Caribbean spiced rum based ‘Big in Japan’ – are served alongside all the classics. The bar snacks don’t miss, with creative Japanese flare, tuna tataki with fermented tomato and shisho sorbet, rock shrimp tempura, chicken karaage, edamame and sushi. Book here.
3. 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen
Start the weekend off with views of the city on the 6th floor of John Lewis at 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen. A garden oasis with outside greenhouse inspired tables and inside tables within summer houses (because you can never rely on the British weather), this is a place to gather friends and sip on wine. Share Mediterranean crowd pleasers such as chorizo croquetas, heritage tomato salad with burrata, crispy friend chicken and more. The colourful setting is welcoming and large tables make it easy for everyone to catch up. Book here.
4. Punch Room at the London EDITION
A cosy, warm and inviting space, the Punch Room at the London EDITION provides the perfect spot for pre or post dinner drinks and immediately provides ‘start of the weekend’ vibes. Sip on craft cocktails in room designed to capture London’s 19th-century private clubs. Choose from 20 speciality punches, including the signature Milk Punch. Settle in for an evening of sophistication as the curated soundtrack of soul and blues, as well as impromptu live performances – the best way to welcome in the weekend in our opinion. Book here.
5. Boom Battle Bar
Get into the spirit of the weekend and battle it out in a variety of games with friends. Guaranteed to get your competitive juices flowing, there is endless fun to be had at Boom Battle Bar. Play shuffleboard, augmented reality darts and axe throwing, beer pong and crazier golf. All that playing is thirsty work, so order cocktails, wine and beer at the bar for a fun-filled evening and dig into street food bites, with crowd-pleasers such as halloumi fries, mac & cheese bites and chicken wings. So what are you waiting for? Your Friday plans are sorted – book here.
6. The Nest
On the 15th floor of the Treehouse Hotel you will find The Nest, a boho-chic bar with 360 degree views of the city. Start the weekend on cloud nine and feel right at home at this friendly and cosy bar. The cocktail menu is themed around times of day, and features an exclusive Treehouse Gin made in collaboration with 58 and Co. Order the ‘Ginny in a bottle’ and thank us later…with Treehouse Gin, dry vermouth and picked veg – simple and delicious. Book your table here.
7. Market Halls
A food hall with over 9 street food vendors, from posh kebabs to authentic Malaysian food – Market Halls is the place to go with a big group of friends. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply marking the start of the weekend, Market Halls provides delicious food, flowing drinks and live music every Friday and Saturday evening. And with Happy Hour every Friday between 3-6pm – Market Halls is the official venue to kick off the weekend, book here.
8. Swingers West End
Step into a Victorian seaside scene and launch yourself into the weekend with a round of crazy golf and old-school arcade games at Swingers. With two courses to choose from, as well as the new Carnival gaming area, Swingers provides endless fun times. Scan the QR codes for drinks to be delivered to you and order from a line up of the very best street food with pizza from Pizza Pilgrims, tacos for Breddos and burgers from Patty&Bun. Book here.
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