Best & Cool Bars in Bayfordbury

"For a lunch date to remember, 155 meters high at the top of the famous ‘Walkie-Talkie’ building, the Sky Garden offers spectacular views of the city. But it’s the incredible tropical garden which makes this iconic London landmark a must-see. There are multiple restaurants and bars to choose from, but for informal yet stylish lunchtime dining, we highly recommend Darwin’s Brasserie to take in some of the best views of the city."

"A lush oasis from the chaotic pace of London, it will captivate children and adults alike. Spectacular 360-degree views, exotic plants and an array of dining choices await you, and admission is free!. Your visit begins with an online ticket reservation."

"With its zany prints and neon signs, The Parlour at Sketch feels more appropriate for cocktails than it does brunch, but its menu of breakfast dishes, served until 11am, suggests otherwise. The focus here is on eggs, and you can have yours in six different ways, including scrambled and served with feta cheese and sourdough bread, poached with streaky bacon and Hollandaise sauce or tempura with avocado, asparagus and ‘Sketchup’. There is also a selection of pastries and sweeter dishes, such as waffles, acai bowls and fruit salads."

"I don’t think I know anyone who has been to Sketch and not ‘grammed a pic, so it’s no shock that this is one of the best places to take photos in London. Every detail at Sketch has been thought through, so make sure you capture some of them. Of course, you can take a photo in the egg/space ship bathroom, but it’s been done before!"

"From artwork plastered on the walls to the egg toilets and that pink gallery room, this Maddox Street restaurant is instantly distinguishable amongst Londoners and tourists alike."

"This West End institution takes its name from market trader Josef Sheekey, who, in the 1890s, was granted permission by Lord Salisbury to serve fish and seafood in St Martin’s Court provided he supply after-theatre meals to Salisbury’s guests. More than a century on, it remains an established favourite with the capital’s glitterati, who you can often spot slurping oysters or tucking into the famous fish pie post performance. In 2008 it expanded to include the J Sheekey Atlantic Bar next door for a slightly less formal experience, featuring a buzzing open kitchen and ample outdoor seating for relaxed al fresco dining."

"One of London's properly iconic restaurants, Sheeky's have been serving up seafood to Londoners for over 100 years. The setting, tucked in an unassuming passageway linking Charing Cross Road to St Martin's Lane, means it's always been popular with London's theatre folk, popping in here post-performance as well as other A-listers. Here's where you'll find local thespians enjoying the restaurant's classic fish pie and oyster platters."

"If it’s enduring love you’re looking for, J Sheekey’s passion for prime seafood has burned for more than 100 years. The West End restaurant has hosted many a star of nearby stages over the last century, and images of some of those famous faces line the walls. The Champagne bar makes a glamorous spot for two to linger, accompanied by shellfish aplenty and J Sheekey’s famous selection of oysters."

"Leaning into the “substantial meal” clause as an opportunity to develop its hot food offering, a fine list of majority-central European natural wines, plenty of outdoor space and a ready supply of heaters makes this Ealing spot worth a visit."

"New Road Hotel has been designed with a hip, young clientele in mind, but there isn’t a whiff of pretension to the industrial decor. Bare walls, parquet floors, and iron-framed windows mingle with bright pops of color and '70s-style tilework. The light-hearted industrial theme carries through to the rooms."

"Head to East London and check into this trendy hotel in a former textile factory. New Road Hotel has a deluxe room featuring a terrace with a bubbling hot tub. Here, you can take in the city views and whatever the weather in London, the steamy tub will keep you warm as you relax and soak up the city."

"Bears is an Icelandic-inspired soft serve store where you can expect flavours like lemon curd with marshmallows and biscoff crumbs. Seasonal ice-cream flavours include things like Salted Pumpkin Seed Nougat or Blueberry, Lavender Jam Meringue Swirl or vegan sorbets like Passion fruit & Double Dark Chocolate Freckles. All the soft serves come with a choice of toppings that are dipped, rolled or smashed into the ice cream and they do ice cream cakes too."

"The audacity of the interior design - part temple, part Tudor (yes) manor, part set from a Bond film - announces that you're somewhere special, and you are. The main culinary influence is Thai, so you're spoiled for choice when it comes to fiery curries and the like, but flourishes come from all over Asia. The spring rolls, Vietnamese in derivation, are a particular delight, combining lightness and impeccable flavour combinations."

"American' isn't a term usually associated with the traditional British roast, but steakhouse STK pairs the two beautifully. Traditional roast vegetables are served alongside American sides including mac & cheese and parmesan truffle fries. The meat is spice rubbed rib-eye, but the centrepiece is the Empire State Yorkshire puddings — each larger than a dinner plate."

"The London Hippodrome opened as a musical hall in 1900, with a young Charlie Chaplin starring in the first show performed at the venue. It was later transformed into a nightclub called The Talk of the Town, which hosted a Who’s Who of 20th century musical legends: Frank Sinatra, The Jackson 5, Judy Garland and Ella Fitzgerald are just a fraction of the names who played there. Subsequent owners included Peter Stringfellow, before the lease was acquired in 2009 by Jimmy and Simon Thomas, who opened the casino in 2012."

"Calling upon punters from far and wide, the West End’s central point belongs to this celebrated casino. With doors open 24/7, the Leicester Square-placed casino boasts 20+ poker tables and an equally large number of roulette and baccarat seats. Additionally, there is more than enough room for modern slots and electronic versions of Craps and Sic Bo – all placed in high-ceiling halls with stunning décor."

"The Hippodrome is one of the more well known destinations on our list and is located in Leicester Square in the heart of London's west end. This casino has been open for over 100 years and is really impressive. You will be amazing by the size and entertainment available including a theatre, live music, burlesque, cabaret, 6 bars, restaurants and 3 floors of gambling."

"A grand sky-blue facade, a statement painted bar and a chandelier (a small one, admittedly) in the dining room – this pub has been well looked after. Fortunately, as much care is taken in the kitchen of the Drapers Arms, where comfort food gets a French-leaning European twist: lamb rump comes with cavolo nero and anchovies, while confit duck leg is served with Montbeliard and Toulouse sausages alongside white bean cassoulet. Until recently, the Drapers was home to a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, which it sadly lost it in the 2019 guide."

"This popular Islington gastropub has enveloped its lovely back garden with a marquee, added in heating and festooned it with lights, turning it into a Barnsbury idyll. To book a table in the Garden Room specifically, you'll need to call them on 020 7619 0348"

"It is home to Kirkaldy's giant testing machine that clocks in at more than 47 feet long, along with other smaller, modern pieces of equipment. The Kirkaldy Machine is kept in working condition at the museum. The museum is available to the public on the first Sunday of each month."