Luxury Cocktail Bars in London

Artesian

Award-winning Artesian at The Langham hotel boasts London's largest collection of rums, as well as an extensive champagne list. There's an inventive cocktail menu, featuring the signature Artesian Punch alongside some more unusual blends such as the Venus Flytrap. If you get peckish, order a light dish from the Artesian Tiffin menu.

Dukes

James Bond author Ian Fleming was a regular visitor to Dukes. He's said to have created the legendary line "shaken not stirred" while drinking martinis in the hotel's bar. You can still enjoy a martini at Dukes today, or learn to make a perfect martini cocktail (shaken, not stirred of course) at a martini masterclass.

Good Godfrey's

Good Godfrey's at The Waldorf Hilton is inspired by the glamour of the 1920s and its central location on The Strand makes it perfect for pre or post-theatre drinks. Choose from rum, vodka, gin or champagne-based cocktails created by the bar's award-winning mixologist, or try the hot gin punch – a sharing cocktail served warm in a teapot.

Wyld

Kate Moss and Primal Scream turned out for the opening of W London hotel, where the fashionable Wyld bar is inspired by London's rock'n'roll heritage. Apply for a place on the guest list if you want to join the celebs – reservations are essential and there's a minimum spend per table.

Mahiki

Mahiki is known as much for its celebrity crowd as its fabulous cocktail menu. Popular among London's rich and famous, this tiki bar brings a little touch of the Pacific to Mayfair. Try the Coconut Grenade, Honolulu Honey, Bikini Blast or the notorious Treasure Chest, a mixture of spirits and champagne served in a wooden chest.

OXO Tower Bar

For cocktails with a view, OXO Tower Bar is one of the best spots in London. From the top of the OXO Tower building, you can see out over the river Thames, St Paul's Cathedral and the London skyline. Drinks such as Room with a View, London Calling and Pleasure Boat are served alongside a menu of light bites.

Trader Vic's

Descend to the lower level of the London Hilton on Park Lane and you'll enter the tropical paradise of Trader Vic's. The bar serves legendary Victor "The Trader" Bergeron's signature concoctions, with a focus on rums of the Caribbean. Relax with a classic Mai Tai, or sample six mini cocktails with Trader Vic's Treasure Map selection.

Beaufort Bar

The Savoy's Beaufort Bar is one of London's most glamorous drinking spots. The plush black and gold Art Deco bar stands on a former cabaret stage where George Gershwin once performed. You can still enjoy live entertainment here today, along with a superb choice of cocktails and champagne by the glass.

The Blue Bar

As its name suggests, The Blue Bar is decorated in a striking Lutyens Blue colour scheme – from the walls to the chairs and carpet. Despite being a celebrity hangout, this luxurious bar aims to make everyone feel welcome. Try one of the delicious cocktails or select from a range of more than 50 whiskies.

Bourne & Hollingsworth

Named after an old West End department store, tiny cocktail bar Bourne & Hollingsworth evokes a bygone age, with floral wallpaper, old-fashioned pictures and vintage teacups. Cocktails include The Gatsby, Chimp's Fizz and Gardner's Tea Break. Look out for regular retro events such as Prohibition and Blitz Party.

Mews of Mayfair

Deep leather sofas, "Mad Hatter" Queen Anne chairs and 18th-century chandeliers give Mews of Mayfair a decadent feel. As well as an excellent cocktail list – from New Bond Girl to Royal Mojito – there's a choice of wine, champagne, light dishes and afternoon teas. The venue contains a fine dining restaurant and art gallery too.

The Bar at Café Royal

The exclusive bar at Café Royal serves a selection of cocktails, wines, spirits and bar dishes. Absinthe at the Bar offers cocktails and shots from an absinthe fountain, continuing the absinthe-drinking tradition of the bohemian guests that have frequented Café Royal over the years.