From the UK’s first cocktail omakase to ‘smart drinks’, London’s drinking scene is always on the pulse. But nothing beats a classic, and the trend tides seem to be turning in favour of tradition. That’s right: martinis are having a moment. They’re appearing on menus everywhere, so narrowing it down is no easy feat. That being said... from long-standing establishments to hot new openings, these are our top spots for martinis in London right now.
In this article:
The Connaught Bar, Mayfair
Best for: tableside theatrics.
We don’t use the word iconic lightly, but as far as martinis go, The Connaught’s is iconic. As soon as the sleek Martini Trolley pulls up tableside, things get personal. Dirty or dry? Shaken or stirred? It’s up to you. The one constant is the sense of ceremony served with every cocktail. Your martini maestro will paint your chosen handmade bitters smoothly on your glass, pour it from an impressive height with almost impossible accuracy, and top it off with a twist tailored to your tastes.
the-connaught.co.uk
16 Carlos Pl, W1K 2AL
Julie’s, Holland Park
Best for: martini masterclasses.
You know a spot is going to be good when there are long-standing locals sipping martinis on their usual tables since it opened in 1969. And sure enough, this West London mainstay is a masterclass (literally) in muted maximalism and martinis. Whether you’re shaking and stirring your way through the seven-step masterclass or drinking your way through the dedicated menu, you’re in expert hands. ‘The Evolution and Revolution of the Martini’ starts with the old-school Martinez and ends with the Bond-approved Vesper – with plenty of stops in between (our favourite’s the Gibson).
juliesrestaurant.com
135 Portland Rd, W11 4LW
Whitcomb's at The Londoner, Leicester Square
Best for: an ‘adult happy meal’.
A martini with a side of fashion and fries? Sign us up. This new early-evening menu features five martinis, all of which are presented with a bespoke pairing of fries – from the Slick Chick with finger-licking fries, chicken butter, and crispy chicken flakes to the Smokin’ Hot with loaded cheese and ‘nduja fries. Here’s what you need to know about this cult pairing that’s being dubbed the ‘adult happy meal’: it’s available daily 5–7pm, £14 all-in, and launches just in time for London Fashion Week. The perfect post-show/pre-party pitstop.
thelondoner.com
38 Leicester Sq, WC2H 7DX
DUKES Bar, St. James's
Best for: time-honoured technique.
There are martinis, and then there are DUKES martinis. Since 1908, this discreet St James’s institution has perfected the art of doing one thing exceptionally well (spoiler alert: it starts with ‘m’) – and the ritual is half the magic. Served in frozen glasses, poured tableside, and made without ice, they’re as strong, clean, and uncompromising as their reputation suggests. There’s a two-martini limit for a reason. And when they’re this good, you’ll want to savour, not swig, every sip.
dukeshotel.com
35 St James's Pl, SW1A 1NY
Automat, Mayfair
Best for: a speakeasy-style experience.
How many dirty martinis (made with Tito’s Vodka, homemade olive oil, and pickle brine) can you drink in three hours? That’s the question to ask yourself at Automat, where we’re heading for its three-hour martini menu Tuesday–Thursday. The only other question to ask is: where is it? Finding this moody yet glossy NYC-style diner is strictly for insiders. Hint: it’s out the back of a luxury luggage shop on Mayfair’s Mount Street. Once seated, soak up your martinis with mid-century American classics by chef José Carlos Conde (ex-Noma).
automatdining.com
127 Mount St, W1K 3NT
The Dover, Mayfair
Best for: a sexy, sophisticated setting.
It makes sense that one of our favourite Mayfair restaurants does a damn good martini. And from the ‘sleepy pony’ to the ‘hot & dirty’, The Dover’s list is lovely and lengthy. The bar is first come, first served – no reservation required. So settle in for a cocktail or two before digging into your unpretentious plates of Italian comfort food. Inside, it’s a dimly lamp-lit, vinyl-soundtracked spot that drips with old-money New York vibes. We can’t imagine a more suitable (or sexy) setting to enjoy a martini in, to be honest.
thedoverrestaurant.com
33 Dover St, W1S 4NF
The Martini Bar at Hawksmoor, St Pancras
Best for: the coldest martinis in London.
A self-proclaimed ‘shrine to the martini’, this new spot is a bit of a swerve for Hawksmoor – but a welcome one. It has taken over the gorgeous, Gothic bar in St Pancras, and added some playful irreverence (as well as pinpoint pouring precision). The martini menu takes you from sub-zero serves (like the Pink Gibson and Vesper’s Vesper) to Duke’s-style direct martinis. Pair your pick with Hawksmoor’s indulgent bar snacks – Scotch olives, Reuben nuggets, caviar-topped hash browns – or saunter through to the restaurant for the full Hawksmoor experience.
thehawksmoor.com
Caption: St. Pancras, Euston Rd, NW1 2AR
One Club Row, Shoreditch
Best for: East London edge.
On the surface, One Club Row’s graffitied façade and shabby-chic interiors are undeniably Shoreditch. The vibes, however, are where Manhattan meets Le Marais. So it’s unsurprising its martinis are top-notch, too. In fact, its drinks menu is simply split into martinis and ‘not martinis’. From a classic to a tini ‘tini to a virgin, they come in all forms here, so there’s no excuse not to… Order the pork schnitzel or cheeseburger with a heap of French fries, and visit on Friday and Saturday evenings for live music.
oneclubrow.com
1 Club Row, E1 6JX
Noisy Oyster, Shoreditch
Best for: mini martinis.
This shiny, stainless-steel-clad Shoreditch spot (and unintentional tongue twister) does exactly what it says on the self-appointed tin: ‘seafood bistro & martinis’. You could go for a classic martini with an olive or lemon twist – but we recommend trying one or two of the three mini martinis. Our top pick is the ‘oyster’: Sapling gin, Otto’s Athens vermouth, fino sherry. And adding a classic Gilda (anchovy, guindilla pepper, olive) is a must. Order half a dozen actual oysters with raspberry shallot vinegar and lemon for the ultimate under-the-sea experience.
noisyoysterlondon.co.uk
2 Nicholls Clarke Yd, E1 6SH
Nina, Marylebone
Best for: tiny ‘tinis.
From mini to micro, Marylebone’s Nina (one of our favourite Italian restaurants) is serving martinis on an even smaller scale. These three-sip ‘tinis are short and sharp – designed to slot seamlessly before (or between) plates. But temperature matters, too – and at three sips, you can rest assured your martini stays ice-cold to the last. The Sterling, the house serve, is clean, punchy, and closer to dirty than dry. Nina's martinis aren’t downsized for gimmick – they're refined for rhythm.
nina.london
18 Thayer St, W1U 3JY
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Best for: Champagne martinis.
This Soho institution features in our roundups on where to eat caviar in London and the city’s best dishes for two. In short: it loves a trend – and always pulls it off in a sophisticated way. When it comes to martinis, there’s a special section in the cocktail menu dedicated to them. You probably know Bob Bob Ricard for its ‘press for Champagne’ buttons, so it’s unsurprising that its signature martinis are made with Champagne – Grey Goose vodka, Noilly Prat, Champagne, and spice mix avocado oil, to be exact. Yum.
bobbobricard.com
