There’s no shortage of outstanding cocktail bars in London. No matter where in the city you find yourself, you won’t be far from a nice beverage and generally, the ambiance to match. There is, however, a new wave of establishments that are bringing a little something extra to the mix. Listening bars have started to crop up across the capital and fill a gap we might not have even been able to place a finger on. There’s a very refreshing quality in orienting your evening around something beyond what’s in the glass. These are places that are building a sense of community and shared experiences around music, often jointly selected by patrons or expertly curated by the house. Those with an appreciation for proper sound quality, design-forward atmospheres, and beautifully prepared drinks will find quite a lot to love about our top ten listening bars in London. Read on to discover the spots to try right now…
Goodbye Horses has a wonderfully warm and creative feel to it. It sits in the leafy enclave of De Beauvoir, surrounded by a sense of serenity. Inside they’ve filled the space with beautiful wood fittings with a hand-painted linen mural draped above the bar. There’s a whole lot of character here, alongside an excellent wine list, fabulous food, and of course, a stellar vinyl rotation. Those in the Islington area (or well beyond, for that matter) will not want to miss this one.
Notting Hill has long had a musical flavour to it, with record shops and street stalls peppering the place. Caia has carved out a clubhouse of sorts for those who appreciate that analogue charm, married with a top-notch sound system. The listening bar sits below their ground floor restaurant, helping guests to feel ensconced in the experience of enjoying a record front to back, as it was intended. It’s an excellent spot for the sort of dinner which stretches on deep into the night.
Brilliant Corners is no newcomer to East London’s nighttime scene. However, it still manages to feel fresh, with a concept that offers a welcome shift from the norm. The mood is set by low lighting and minimalist design, with orbs of light strung above for added effect. Book in for a top-shelf Japanese meal and stay into the evening for considerately selected music flowing from a sound system which will leave even the most ardent audiophile impressed.
Space Talk is a design-lover’s dream. The interiors are full of unexpected delights, executed with finesse for a polished yet casual feel. Creativity reigns supreme, with a convivial atmosphere that encourages connection over carefully selected music and perfectly prepared cocktails. We’d recommend checking what’s on to discover new sounds that just might inspire a lasting shift in your music taste.
Music is the key ingredient in any night a Bambi. It’s what guides the flow of the evening from drinks to dinner to dancing. True afficionados can grab a seat at the bar surrounding the DJ booth, where you just might get in a request or two to help steer the night. A menu of small plates and crisp drinks makes it an ideal spot for something light to fuel your fun.
In the grand scheme of listening bars, Nipperkin takes a particularly polished approach. It sits in the heart of Mayfair, hidden beneath NIJŪ restaurant. They’ve carved out an intimate, low-lit atmosphere through design, bringing it to life with a rotation of considerately selected sounds. If you’re looking for the perfect nightcap, this should undoubtedly be a top contender.
On the surface, Chiave is a sleek and small bar with gorgeous drinks and a steady stream of great music. If you get a little curious and wander downstairs, however, you’ll find a space where genre-bending DJs turn up the energy. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed chat upstairs or a proper dance down below, here you’ll be met with all the ingredients of an outstanding night.
Jumbi is a place humming with energy and hi-fi sounds celebrating the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. It’s a casual bar and restaurant that easily transitions between more laid-back listening and high-energy DJ sets. In any case, an intentional approach to music is guaranteed, making it a must-hit stop on an evening in Peckham.
Good design, pitch-perfect drinks, and a love of music come together at Seed Library in Shoreditch. The space is brimming with modern furniture and design objects that set just the right tone for tuning into some new sounds. The much-lauded Mr Lyan heads up the bar offering, bringing a twist of innovation and intrigue to each glass. Guests are left with the perfect pairing of bright flavours and peak-quality music.
Behind This Wall is a casual London bar that takes its music seriously. They’ve taken a vintage approach to their sound system, warming up the quality of the music and leaving all its character on full display. It’s a wonderfully welcoming space to come upon beneath the bustle of Hackney, and an easy one in which to very happily lose a few hours.
Text by Annabel Colterjohn
