London Drinking Haunts: Off The Beaten Track

Looking for the coolest bars in town? In partnership with Gogobot, presenter and model Izzy Lawrence tells us her favourite London underground drinking haunts...

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track
London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Looking for the coolest bars in town? In partnership with Gogobot, presenter and model Izzy Lawrence tells us her favourite London underground drinking haunts...

Where: 69 Colebrooke Row, N1 8A

69 Colebrooke Row

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

What: A great spot for cocktails run by award winning bartender Tony Conigliaro. He says his inspirations for the cocktails come from perfumes, designers, scientists and chefs... intrigued? It's definitely worth a try. The decor is really fun I love the mix of Fifties-style cafe with New York drinking haunt.

69 Colebrooke Row

69 Colebrooke Row

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

What: A great spot for cocktails run by award winning bartender Tony Conigliaro. He says his inspirations for the cocktails come from perfumes, designers, scientists and chefs... intrigued? It's definitely worth a try. The decor is really fun I love the mix of Fifties-style cafe with New York drinking haunt.

Evans and Peel

Evans and Peel

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: 310c Earls Court Road
What: This speakeasy bar has the facade of a detective agency. On entering the dimly lit set you will be asked which case you are working on and not which table you booked. In classic detective style the bookcase turns into a door and you enter one of London's best cocktail bars with a mac and cheese that is out of this world. I love it, highly recommended and really fun.

Experimental Cocktail Club

Experimental Cocktail Club

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: 13A Gerrard St, Soho
What: 
I recently visited the ECC in Paris, the original home for the cocktail bar. However, I have to say the London version is definitely a rival. With a hidden door and an assertive guest list, the atmosphere is fun and eclectic. The music is '50s inspired and the cocktails are exceptional, it's the perfect late night drinking haunt and conveniently located.

Somerset House

Somerset House

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: Victoria Embankment, Westminster
What: For a chilled night out... 
Film 4 Summer Screen at Somerset House. It's an outdoor cinema so you can watch your favourite films under the stars. Its running from August 16 - 27 and is the perfect place to have an after dark chill out. I'm particularly looking forward to Hitchcocks 'The Birds'.

All Star Lanes

All Star Lanes

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place
What: Now this isn't so under the radar, but the fact is, it's still great! Now it's been refurbished the All Star lanes is back on my map of fun places to have a drink in central London. It's best for big groups of friends and the decor and atmosphere is great.

Galvin At Windows

Galvin At Windows

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: 22 Park Lane
What: Forget paying to go on the London eye if a friend is visiting London and you want to show them the sites then take them to Galvin at Windows Bar on the 28th floor of the London Hilton, Park Lane. The panoramic views are breathtaking and you can enjoy a cocktail whilst sat in their thirties inspired furniture.

Frank's Café

Frank's Café

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: 10th Floor, Peckham multi storey car park, 95A Rye Lane

What: Random Surprise! When you first arrive to the derelict car park that leads up to Frank's you may wonder why I have suggested this bar. However, as soon as you go in there and soak up the atmosphere and the view I am sure like me you will be so happy you made the effort. Frank's was created by Paloma Gormley and is an open air boat shaped bar which is a great spot to watch the sunset and a really fun crowd.

The Alibi

The Alibi

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: 91 Kingsland High St
What: The getting your groove on...
 In my opinion one of the best tiny night clubs in London. There is a particularly good night to watch out for called Yeah Maybe, you're guaranteed to be dancing non-stop on the smallest dance floor.

Scooter Café

Scooter Café

Scooter cafe

Where: 132 Lower Marsh, Waterloo, SE1 7AE
What: My hidden treasure....This is one of my favourite London haunts. It is a tiny two floor bar that has decor inspired from a weathered Italian cafe. My favourite is the Vespa themed memorabilia and the paintings that hang precariously from the walls. Like so many great bars in London it is difficult to find, the only thing that identifies it is the Vespa in the window.

St Moritz

St Moritz

London drinking haunts: off the beaten track

Where: 161 Wardour St
What: Every Thursday there is a great night at St Moritz in Soho called Gaz's Rockin' Blues. They spin rocksteady and jive and have live bands, its especially fun if you go the extra mile and dress up all vintage.

Izzy Lawrence has compiled this guide in partnership with Gogobot, the world s leading source of trusted travel advice.

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