Looking for the best cocktail bars in Shoreditch? If you’re anything like me, you know a great cocktail bar isn’t just about the drinks—it’s about discovering a space that turns an evening into a story worth telling.
Shoreditch, East London’s creative heart, has evolved into a masterclass in mixology!
Behind unassuming doors and up candlelit staircases, you’ll find everything from sophisticated speakeasies to modern lounges where bartenders push the boundaries of craft cocktails.
Some nights call for a perfectly balanced classic martini, others demand something more adventurous (smoking cocktails, anyone?).
In Shoreditch’s drink scene, you’ll find it all.
The best part?
Each spot brings its own unique character to the table, from historic buildings turned drinking dens to sleek rooftop bars with London skyline views.
From hidden gems to local favourites, these are the 15 finest cocktail bars in Shoreditch that’ll make your evening unforgettable.
15 Coolest Cocktail Bars In Shoreditch At A Glance
- Barrio, 141-143, Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
- Tonight Josephine, 39A Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NN
- Ballie Ballerson, 97-113 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3BS
- Simmons Bar, 104-108 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AH
- Callooh Callay, 65 Rivington St, London, EC2A 3QQ
- Trapeze, 89 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3HX
- Q Shoreditch, 55-61 Tabernacle St, London, EC2A 4AA
- Seed Library, 34 Bethnal Green Rd, London, E1 6JY
- Nikki’s Bar, 39A Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NL
- Old Street Records, 350 -354 Old St, London, EC1V 9NQ
- Nightjar, 129 City Rd, London, EC1V 1JB
- Happiness Forgets, 8-9 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NU
- TT Liquor, 17 Kingsland Rd, London, E2 8AA
- The Book Club, 100-106 Leonard St, London, EC2A 4RH
- Avora London, 5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8GY
1. Barrio
Step into Barrio, where Latin American vibes meet East London edge. This vibrant spot serves up globally inspired cocktails and tapas-style bites in a space that feels like a slice of Rio dropped into Shoreditch.
By night, top DJs spin an infectious mix of Latino, reggae, hip-hop, and soul classics. But the real crown jewel is their La Isla Bonita bottomless brunch, where unlimited Prosecco and Sol beer flow alongside a Latin-inspired feast.
Add in some 80s Musical Bingo and lip-sync battles, and you’ve got yourself the most entertaining brunch in the neighbourhood.
Address: 141-143, Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE
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2. Tonight Josephine Shoreditch
Tonight Josephine, where retro glamour meets modern sass in Shoreditch.
Think pink neon lights, plush velvet seats, and an atmosphere that screams ‘main character energy.’ This is where after-work drinks turn into impromptu dance parties and girls’ nights become legendary.
The cocktail menu puts creative spins on the classics, and there’s always something happening—from themed parties to DJ nights that’ll have you dancing on cloud nine.
Pro tip: Hit up their Thursday and Friday Happy Hours for buy-one-get-one cocktails. Because the only thing better than one perfectly mixed drink is two of them.
Address: 39A Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NN
3. Ballie Ballerson
Ballie Ballerson in Shoreditch—where your adult responsibilities take a backseat to pure, unadulterated fun.
Imagine a grown-up playground where the usual bar scene gets a turbo boost with the whimsical addition of ball pits. Yes, you heard that right. This place is essentially the dream playground you didn’t know you needed until now!
Ballie Ballerson boasts over a million balls in its iconic ball pit, and if you’re feeling competitive, there’s often a bit of friendly rivalry going on, from who can navigate the ball pit most gracefully to who can stay afloat in the sea of plastic orbs.
You can’t actually take your drink into the ball pit, they keep the cocktails and other beverages in the designated lounge areas. This ensures that you can enjoy the ball pit without any spillages or accidents (because nobody wants soggy balls, right?).
But don’t worry—there are plenty of areas to kick back and chillax, sip your expertly crafted cocktail and maybe even grab a Neopolitan pizza while you watch the ball pit antics unfold.
Address: 97-113 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3BS
4. Simmons Bar
Tucked near Shoreditch High Street Station, Simmons Bar feels like stepping into your coolest friend’s 70s living room.
It’s a delightful hodgepodge of retro and eclectic furnishings, think red velvet armchairs, old-school desks, vintage wallpaper, and enough quirky knick-knacks to keep you spotting new details all night long.
The cocktail menu matches the playful vibe, mixing up both classics and creative signatures that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous. But here’s the real kicker—their legendary FIVE-hour happy hour might just be the best deal in Shoreditch.
With its warm atmosphere and chatty crowd, Simmons hits that sweet spot between a cosy hangout and a buzzing bar scene.
It’s the kind of place where one drink turns into five, and strangers turn into friends.
Address: 104-108 Curtain Rd, London, EC2A 3AH
5. Callooh Callay
Slip into Callooh Callay, and you’ll swear you’ve tumbled straight into a Lewis Carroll fever dream.
Named after the nonsensical poem “Jabberwocky,” this whimsical wonderland blends Victorian charm with modern mixology magic.
Behind an unassuming facade lies a playground of creative cocktails served in everything from teapots to tiki mugs garnished with edible flowers.
But the real magic?
Push through a vintage Narnia-esque wardrobe (yes, really), and you’ll discover JubJub, their secret bar-within-a-bar, where the drinks get even more experimental and the vibes more intimate.
Address: 65 Rivington St, London, EC2A 3QQ
6. Trapeze
The Trapeze bar is where your cocktail comes with a side of circus magic.
This isn’t your average Shoreditch spot—here, professional aerialists perform jaw-dropping routines above the bar while you sip expertly crafted drinks below.
The space masterfully balances thrilling entertainment with serious mixology. While acrobats defy gravity overhead, bartenders below craft innovative cocktails and pour perfect pints.
On any given night, you might catch live music, DJ sets, or a full circus spectacular—all while enjoying drinks that are as creative as the entertainment.
Address: 89 Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3HX
7. Q Shoreditch
Think Vegas pool hall meets London cool—that’s Q Shoreditch for you. This sleek hangout brings serious style to your game night with its collection of pristine pool tables and luxe lounge areas.
Behind the bar, mixologists shake up both classic cocktails and creative signatures that’ll make you forget you’re holding a pool cue.
Come for the competitive spirit, stay for the drinks and atmosphere—Q Shoreditch strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and luxurious.
Address: 55-61 Tabernacle St, London, EC2A 4AA
8. Seed Library
Hidden in the basement of One Hundred Shoreditch, Seed Library is Mr Lyan’s rebellious little sister to his famous cocktail spots. Think low-key luxury meets vinyl bar—where perfectly crafted drinks get a stripped-back, 70s-inspired makeover.
Master mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr Lyan himself) has created a menu that pulls off the impossible: drinks that are both innovative and approachable. The space feels like your coolest friend’s living room, complete with retro décor, mood lighting, and a vintage sound system spinning classic records.
Skip the fancy garnishes and pretentious mixology—Seed Library serves up clever cocktails without the fuss. You’ll be drinking creations from one of the world’s most awarded bartenders in a space that feels like a secret club rather than a stuffy cocktail bar.
Address: 34 Bethnal Green Rd, London, E1 6JY
9. Nikki’s Bar
Nikki’s Bar is where retro meets revelry in the heart of Shoreditch. This isn’t just another cocktail spot—it’s a neon-lit playground where ’80s and ’90s nostalgia collides with Instagram-worthy moments.
Think disco ball cocktails and drinks served in miniature bathtubs (yep, really!).
Every corner of this kitschy wonderland is designed for both your camera roll and your cocktail cravings. But the real showstopper is their weekend bottomless brunch, where drag performers keep the energy electric while you sip and feast for 90 glorious minutes.
Visit for the perfect social media shot, and stay for the dancing until your feet hurt.
Address: 39A Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NL
10. Old Street Records
Vinyl records line exposed brick walls at Old Street Records, where live music meets masterful mixology. This intimate spot strikes that sweet spot between cool and cosy—no pretentious vibes here, just genuine East London charm.
The stage hosts everything from sultry jazz to indie rock, with live bands and DJs keeping the energy high most nights.
But the real hook?
Their cocktail game is as strong as their music lineup. Catch their daily happy hour from 5-8 pm for 2-4-1 cocktails crafted by some of Shoreditch’s finest mixologists. Into classic vinyl? Craving craft beer? Looking for creative cocktails? Old Street Records hits all the right notes.
Address: 350 -354 Old St, London, EC1V 9NQ
11. Nightjar Shoreditch
Hidden beneath Old Street lies Nightjar, a portal to the glamorous world of 1920s speakeasies. As you descend the discreet staircase, dim lighting and plush velvet seating set the stage for one of London’s most celebrated cocktail experiences.
The real magic happens behind the bar, where master mixologists craft their legendary cocktails. Each drink is a theatrical performance—served with elaborate garnishes from edible flowers to smoking wisps, turning heads and capturing cameras across the room. Add the sultry sounds of live jazz, and you’ve got all the ingredients of a perfect Prohibition-era escape.
It’s no surprise Nightjar has earned its spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Address: 129 City Rd, London, EC1V 1JB
12. Happiness Forgets
Down the steps of Hoxton Square lies Happiness Forgets, a basement bar that proves world-class cocktails don’t need a world-class ego.
This understated gem has mastered the art of casual excellence—think intimate lighting, warm service, and some of the finest mixology in London.
No flashy decor. No gimmicks. Just a cosy space where the drinks do the talking. And talk they do—Happiness Forgets consistently ranks among the world’s best bars, yet keeps that laid-back local charm that makes regulars feel like family.
Rock up in trainers or stilettos; this spot cares more about your cocktail preferences than your outfit choice. It’s simply great drinks, served with a smile, in a place that feels like a well-kept secret (even though it’s not).
Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, London, N1 6NU
13. TT Liquor
Hidden gem alert! TT Liquor on Kingsland Road isn’t your average bottle shop—it’s a four-story playground for food, film, and seriously good drinks.
Downstairs, the TT Cellar Bar serves up seasonal cocktails in a cosy underground hideaway, complete with soul-stirring tunes. Above, the TT Cinema screens cult classics and indie flicks four nights weekly, with carefully crafted cocktails included in your ticket (movie night, upgraded).
The ground floor and rooftop transform into buzzing dining spaces Tuesday through Saturday, dishing out wood-fired sharing plates and daily specials that’ll make your taste buds sing. Early birds get the weekend treat—specialty coffee starts brewing at 8am, followed by a brunch menu worth rolling out of bed for.
From intimate film premieres to wrap parties, this Shoreditch spot has mastered the art of mixing drinks, entertainment, and atmosphere across every floor.
Address: 17 Kingsland Rd, London, E2 8AA
14. The Book Club
The Book Club isn’t your grandmother’s library—it’s a Shoreditch hotspot where literature meets nightlife in the most unexpected ways.
By day, creatives tap away on laptops, sipping perfectly crafted cocktails and tucking into their ‘delicious’ pizzas. By night, the space transforms into a playground of culture and creativity.
Think art exhibitions one evening, poetry slams the next, followed by DJ sets that keep the crowd moving until late. There’s even ping pong tournaments for those who like their culture with a side of competition.
And yes, you can actually read here too—though most people are too busy chatting about their latest creative projects or getting lost in the electric atmosphere.
What makes The Book Club special?
It’s a space that doesn’t make you choose between intellectual stimulation and good old-fashioned fun. Grab a drink, catch a live performance, or join one of their endless events—this Shoreditch gem turns ordinary evenings into stories worth telling.
Address: 100-106 Leonard St, London, EC2A 4RH
15. Avora London: A New-World Cocktail Experience
Ever dreamed of stepping into a world where cocktails aren’t just drinks but magical elixirs that transport you to another realm? Well, Avora London is exactly that kind of place!
Avora blends expert mixology with immersive storytelling, creating a multi-sensory journey where each cocktail plays a role in an unfolding cosmic narrative.
Your journey begins at Roscorp Laboratories. Suited up in futuristic gear, you’ll receive your first mission: a colour-changing cocktail infused with Luminol, a mysterious substance from the distant planet Avora. But that’s just the beginning.
Step through the portal and enter a bioluminescent wonderland. By day, Avorian guides lead you through an enchanted woodland filled with exotic flora, including a legendary magical bud that reveals itself only to the chosen few.
As darkness falls, the space awakens—glowing plants pulse with ethereal light, turning your cocktail expedition into a mesmerising spectacle.
Address: 5C, 127 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8GY
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Final Thoughts
From immersive alien worlds to Latin fiestas, vinyl-lined hideaways to sophisticated speakeasies—these 15 spots are the coolest cocktail bars in Shoreditch proving that East London’s drink scene is anything but ordinary.
Each spot brings something unique to the table, crafting experiences that go far beyond just serving drinks.
Ready to start exploring? Remember, the best nights often start with trying something new.
Save this guide, grab your friends, and make your way through these unmissable Shoreditch gems. Just don’t blame us if you can’t pick a favourite—we still can’t!
