London’s cocktail scene has once again proved its global influence, with a slate of the city’s bars recognised in the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars awards. London had more entries than almost any other city – but the top spot went to Hong Kong’s Bar Leone. Fittingly, this year’s ceremony was hosted in Hong Kong.
Leading the London delegation is Tayer & Elementary, ranked number five in 2025, behind Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy, and two Barcelona bars, Sips and Paradiso. The forward-thinking Old Street institution is co-owned by Monica Berg and Alex Kratena; while it slipped one place from number four in 2024, it remains firmly among the heavy hitters.
Close behind is The Connaught Bar in Mayfair, which is now at number six – up from the 13th spot last year, but slightly down from a top-five appearance in 2023 and successive number ones in 2020 and 2021. The art deco hotel bar is famed for its exacting hospitality and Martini trolley service under the long-time leadership of Ago Perrone and Giorgio Bargiani.
Meanwhile, Kevin Armstrong’s Satan’s Whiskers in Bethnal Green is now ranked at number 21. Known for its daily rotating classics, eccentric decor (read: taxidermy) and hip-hop soundtrack, the longstanding bartenders’ favourite is up from number 29 last year.
Finally, Scarfes Bar in Holborn’s Rosewood hotel has once again been praised for its plush, luxurious surrounds, jumping several spots to 31 from last year’s 37.
Despite London’s ever-changing array of new bars, the city has no new entries in the list, with heritage classics prevailing.
This year’s number one, Bar Leone, is built on the philosophy of “cocktail popolari” – or cocktails for the people – and pays tribute to the neighbourhood bars of Rome, where locals gather for coffee, aperitivi and casual conversation. Founder Lorenzo Antinori, who trained at The Savoy’s American Bar, said in a statement, “For me, it’s all about the team – that’s what I care about.”
Read the full list at theworlds50best.com.
