The best cocktail bars in the UK for 2023 have been named – and it’s East London bar Satan’s Whiskers that is number 1.
It tops the ranking of the top 50 cocktail bars, with last year’s winner, Cardiff-based Lab 22, taking second place, and London’s Shoreditch-based Tayer + Elementary third. London dominates this year’s list with 23 pubs in the top 50, followed by beer-loving Yorkshire, which took five of the top 50 spots.
Chris Lowe, editor of Top 50 Cocktail Bars, said: “As London continues to dominate this year’s list, it is very exciting to see other major UK cities making their mark. The ever-growing interest in cocktails and bartending in the UK means we’re spoiled for choice on where to go, and this list ensures the best of the UK bar scene is put in the spotlight – and for consumers, hidden gems too. ‘ Scroll down for the full rankings.
No. 1 – Satan’s Whiskers, 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, Bethnal Green, London
“It’s playfully known as London’s bar pub and it’s not your cliché sposh London cocktail bar,” said the Satan’s Whiskers reviewers (above).
This modest cocktail bar climbed four places from last year.
The jury said: “The team pride themselves on providing excellent service and good music, the epitome of the ideal neighborhood pub.
It is jokingly known as London’s “Bartenders’ Bar”. It’s not your cliché sposh London cocktail bar, but it’s full of character, oozing with exposed brick, taxidermy and hip-hop music and unique decor.’
No 2 – 22 Labor, 22 Caroline St, Cardiff
Lab 22 ‘is a unique place in every sense of the word and offers a scientific approach to its cocktails’
Owned by Pajtim Tana Hasa and tucked away above a famous bakery, Lab 22 “has found its place among the best cocktail bars in the world,” according to the jury.
They add: “It’s a unique venue in every sense of the word, offering a scientific approach to its cocktails, with a wow factor in every drink mixed, shaken or poured.”
No. 3 – Tayer + Primary School, 152 Old St, Shoreditch, London
The team behind Tayer + Elementary are “two of the most influential people in the bartending world”
The jury said: “Tayer + Elementary by Alex Kratena and Monica Berg is based on London’s Old Street and is walk-in only.
“The location looks like a brutalist space with concrete and exposed steel pipes, but that doesn’t mean it’s cold and trendy. In fact, the team and the whole atmosphere of the venue is very welcoming.
“Kratena and Berg are currently two of the most influential people in the bartending world.”
No. 4 – Schofield’s Bar, 3 Little Quay Street, Manchester
Schofield’s Bar serves “classic cocktails and house stylings… along with beer, wine, champagne and some food too”.
Schofield’s Bar in Manchester is the brainchild of brothers Joe and Daniel Schofield who together have over 25 years of bartending experience.
The judges said: “In just one year, this impressive duo have battled their way up the top 50 cocktail bars, moving up 12 places into the top 5. Although some bookings are welcome, the pub itself is primarily a walk-in operation, open Wednesday to Sunday between 12pm and 1.30am.
“The menu consists of classic cocktails and house styles from Schofield’s, along with beer, wine, champagne and some food.”
No. 5 – Swift, 12 Old Compton St, Soho, London
What Lies Below: Swift has a cellar serving more than 300 whiskeys and a “busy” operation below
The jury said: “Swift is divided into two parts, with a looser, livelier layout on the ground floor and a relaxed – some would say sensual – lounge on the lower level.
‘The Cellar Room is open seven days a week with live music every weekend, over 300 whiskeys from around the world and opens from 5pm – booking a place is also recommended to avoid disappointment.’
No 6 – Panda & Sons, 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh
Panda and Sons has an extravagant feel. “It’s a wonderful experience,” said the judges
Don’t be fooled by the street-level barber shop exterior, Edinburgh’s Panda and Sons twilight bar awaits just behind a hidden door.
The judges said: “The fake look is part of the prohibition-style disguise. Once downstairs, the prohibition theme remains strong with witty curios adorning the walls and dim lighting. It’s a wonderful experience.”
NO. 7 – Three Sheets, 510b Kingsland Rd, Dalston, London
Three Sheets is a “clean and simple bar” serving cocktails with “interesting ingredients”
The judges said: “Retaining its place for the second year running, Three Sheets is a clean and simple pub with outstanding flavor profiles.
Multi-awarded, it’s run by founding brothers Venning – Noel and Max – who are both renowned in the cocktail world and beyond.
“The menu is well put together, with cocktails made with interesting ingredients. The drinks are seasonal though, so it’s always a surprise when you pop in.”
No. 8 – Speak in Code, 7 Jackson’s Row, Manchester
Speak in Code has an “industrial New York vibe” and offers “outstanding cocktails”
Speak in Code received the following praise from the jury: “With its first-class service, delicious food and of course excellent cocktails, Speak in Code is an exceptional venue in the North of England and a must-visit for people from far and wide.
“The award-winning bar brings an industrial New York vibe to the area and uses an extensive and imaginative list of ingredients for its exciting plant-based menu.”
No. 9 – “Bar with shapes for a name”, 232 Kingsland Rd, Hackney, London
The “Bar With Shapes For A Name” serves cocktails “prepared and served in the most beautiful way”
This bar has no name, but three “Bauhaus-influenced primary color shapes – a yellow triangle, a red square and a blue circle”. Which can probably be summed up as “forms”.
The idea is to “challenge drinkers to rethink what a bar actually is”.
Pretentious? Without doubt. But the judges ask you to stop by to buy “very reasonably priced cocktails” that are “prepared and served in the most beautiful way”.
No. 10 – The Connaught Bar, Carlos Pl, Mayfair, London
The Connaught Bar in Mayfair is where “experts shake tenders, mix and pour new and classic drinks to the delight of eager customers”.
The Connaught Bar “radiates class and sophistication from every millimeter of its structure,” according to the jury.
They added: “Conversation flows over sparkling glasses and candlelit tables as experienced tenders behind the bar shake, mix and pour new and classic drinks to the delight of eager diners.”
The martini trolley is highly recommended.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
