London is home to some of the UK’s most exciting cocktail bars, from hidden Soho speakeasies to stylish South Bank venues and lively late-night spots in Shoreditch. For anyone planning a birthday, hen party, stag do, corporate celebration or special night out, choosing the right cocktail bar can make the evening even more memorable.
A party bus adds another level of excitement. Instead of travelling separately between destinations, your group can enjoy a shared journey through the capital before arriving at a carefully chosen cocktail bar.
At Champagne Tours London Party Bus, we know that a successful night out is about more than choosing somewhere to drink. It’s about creating an experience that brings everyone together. Here are some of London’s best cocktail bars worth considering when planning your next party bus adventure.
1. Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers, Soho – For a Unique Cocktail Experience
If your group enjoys unusual interiors and creative cocktails, Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers is an excellent place to consider.
Hidden behind a traditional-looking pawnbroker’s frontage on Dean Street, this Soho venue takes inspiration from the Victorian era. Inside, you’ll find intriguing decorations, curious objects and cocktails served in distinctive vessels.
It’s particularly suitable for birthday celebrations, smaller group gatherings and friends looking for something different from an ordinary London bar.
Why visit: Its unusual Victorian atmosphere makes it a memorable stop for photographs and pre-night-out drinks.
Group tip: The venue welcomes larger celebrations, with dedicated spaces available for private hire. Groups of 12 or more should contact the venue directly to arrange their visit.
Website: https://www.mr-foggs.com/mr-foggs-pawnbrokers/
2. Cahoots, Soho – For a 1940s-Themed Night Out
For something with plenty of character, Cahoots offers a completely different cocktail experience.
Inspired by 1940s London, its venues recreate the atmosphere of an underground station and traditional British pub. Expect vintage interiors, themed cocktails, entertainment and an experience that feels like stepping into another era.
The original Cahoots Underground in Soho is particularly interesting for groups who want more than just a place to sit and have drinks.
Why visit: The immersive vintage theme makes it a great choice for themed birthdays, hen parties and groups who enjoy interactive experiences.
Group tip: Cahoots offers private event spaces for different group sizes, including areas suitable for larger celebrations. Ask about the available spaces and entertainment when booking.
Website: https://www.cahoots.co.uk/
3. Lyaness, South Bank – For Cocktails with a Thames View
Located inside Sea Containers London on the South Bank, Lyaness is an excellent choice for groups who prefer a sophisticated cocktail experience.
The bar is known for its creative, ingredient-led cocktail menu and distinctive interior. Its location also makes it an attractive addition to an evening around the South Bank, where visitors can enjoy views of the River Thames.
It’s worth considering for corporate celebrations, special birthdays and groups looking for a more refined atmosphere.
Why visit: Its inventive cocktails and riverside setting offer something different from the busier bars around Soho.
Group tip: Contact the venue about group bookings or private events before planning your visit, particularly if you’re organising a larger celebration.
Website: https://www.lyaness.com/
4. Nine Lives, London Bridge – For a Relaxed Tropical Atmosphere
If your group prefers a relaxed setting with good music and a tropical feel, Nine Lives near London Bridge is another option worth exploring.
Located in a Victorian basement off Bermondsey Street, this cocktail bar combines colourful surroundings, cocktails and Mexican-inspired food.
It’s a good choice for groups who want to enjoy drinks and something to eat before continuing their evening elsewhere in London.
Why visit: The tropical-inspired atmosphere creates a more laid-back alternative to traditional West End cocktail bars.
Group tip: Nine Lives accepts birthday and group bookings for up to 20 guests in its designated area. Groups of 12 or more should enquire directly.
Website: https://www.ninelivesbar.com/
5. Lucy Wong, Fitzrovia – For Stylish Celebrations
For a stylish evening with friends, Lucy Wong in Fitzrovia offers a cocktail experience inspired by 1950s Hong Kong.
The venue combines atmospheric interiors, expertly prepared cocktails, Cantonese small plates and late-night music. It’s an appealing choice for groups celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions.
Its location on Rathbone Place also makes it a convenient option when planning an evening around Fitzrovia and the West End.
Why visit: The distinctive interiors and late-night atmosphere make it a lovely setting for a celebration.
Group tip: Lucy Wong accepts bookings for groups of up to 20 guests, with larger groups able to enquire about private event arrangements.
Website: https://www.lucywong.co.uk/reservations
6. Black Parrot, Fleet Street – For Rum Lovers
For something a little different, Black Parrot near Fleet Street is a cocktail bar worth adding to your shortlist.
This central London venue specialises in rum, with a collection of more than 700 bottles alongside classic cocktails and Caribbean-inspired creations.
It’s particularly interesting for groups who appreciate discovering new drinks and prefer a more intimate cocktail setting.
Why visit: Its extensive rum collection and knowledgeable cocktail team offer a distinctive experience.
Group tip: Black Parrot can accommodate up to 60 guests for private events. You can enquire about bespoke celebrations, curated cocktails and guided rum tastings.
Website: https://blackparrotbar.co.uk/
7. The Lucky Pig, Fitzrovia – For Music and Late-Night Drinks
If your group wants cocktails with a lively atmosphere, The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia is another venue to consider.
This late-night cocktail bar combines vintage-inspired interiors, live music, DJs and a selection of drinks and food. It offers private areas for group bookings, making it particularly appealing for birthdays and celebrations.
The venue also offers cocktail masterclasses for groups looking to add an activity to their evening.
Why visit: It combines cocktails, music and entertainment in one location.
Group tip: The Lucky Pig offers group area bookings for 2–80 guests and full venue hire for up to 120 guests. Check the current booking conditions and availability before arranging your visit.
Website: https://www.theluckypig.co.uk/
How to Plan a Cocktail Bar Tour Around London by Party Bus
Choosing the right bars is only one part of planning a successful night out. You also need to consider the route, timings and size of your group.
Here are some practical tips to help organise your London party bus experience.
1. Choose Bars in the Same Area
London traffic can affect journey times, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Rather than choosing venues scattered across the capital, consider grouping your destinations by area.
For example:
- Soho and the West End: Mr Fogg’s Pawnbrokers and Cahoots are worth considering for a themed evening.
- Fitzrovia: Lucy Wong and The Lucky Pig offer different cocktail experiences within the same wider area.
- South Bank and London Bridge: Lyaness and Nine Lives can form part of an evening around the Thames.
A well-planned route helps reduce unnecessary travel and gives your group more time to enjoy each destination.
2. Book Your Cocktail Bars in Advance
Popular London cocktail bars can become particularly busy at weekends and during peak celebration periods.
If you’re travelling with a large group, contact each venue before the event. Ask about group reservations, private areas, minimum spend requirements, deposits and arrival times.
Some cocktail bars have different arrangements for smaller and larger parties, so always confirm the details directly.
3. Allow Enough Time at Each Stop
Avoid trying to squeeze too many venues into one evening. Two or three carefully selected stops can create a much more enjoyable experience than rushing between several locations.
Allow time for guests to arrive, order drinks, enjoy the atmosphere and take photographs.
4. Plan Your Transport and Drop-Off Points
Central London has busy roads, restricted stopping areas and pedestrianised streets. Not every cocktail bar will have a suitable location for a double-decker party bus to stop directly outside.
Before finalising your itinerary, check suitable legal pick-up and drop-off points with your transport provider. Allow extra time for traffic and walking between the vehicle and each venue.
5. Make Sure Everyone Is Included
A great celebration should work for the whole group. Check whether venues offer alcohol-free cocktails, food options and suitable accessibility arrangements.
If you’re organising a hen party, birthday or corporate event, consider everyone’s preferences before confirming your destinations.
Why Combine London’s Cocktail Bars with a Champagne Tours Party Bus?
A cocktail bar visit is enjoyable, but travelling together in a luxury party bus can make the entire evening feel like a special occasion.
With Champagne Tours London Party Bus, your group can enjoy a shared journey through the capital while celebrating on board.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, hen party, stag do or corporate event, a party bus provides an opportunity to bring everyone together before heading to your chosen London destinations.
You can also include some of the capital’s famous sights along the way, such as the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Westminster, depending on your agreed route and journey time.
If you’re planning a longer celebration, explore our party bus packages to find an option that suits your event.
You can also discover our luxury party bus in London and learn more about our party bus hire in London.
Make Your London Night Out One to Remember
From the vintage atmosphere of Cahoots to the creative cocktails at Lyaness and the tropical surroundings of Nine Lives, London has plenty of cocktail bars to suit different celebrations.
The key is choosing venues that match your group’s personality, booking ahead and planning a practical route.
Want to turn your next night out into something special? Explore Champagne Tours London Party Bus and start planning a memorable journey through the capital with your friends, family or colleagues.
Ready to plan your celebration? Visit our London party bus hire page or contact our team to discuss your event.