Best & Cool Bars in City of London

"20 Fenchurch Street was beautifully designed by renowned architect Rafael Viñoly. The building spans 37 storeys and rhubarb occupies the top three levels alongside the public space known as Sky Garden, which provides 45,000 sq ft of high level amenity space. Visitors can wander around the exquisitely landscaped gardens with 360 degree panoramic views of London and all of the flora and fauna they need!"

"Located on floor 36 of the iconic Walkie Talkie, the views from the Darwin Brasserie are pretty striking. Although Fenchurch Restaurant – one of Sky Garden’s other offerings – is higher, the Darwin Brasserie has better views thanks to its position further back from the Sky Garden’s atrium roof. A good option if you want to enjoy the sights without the flocks of camera totting tourists."

"Get the lift to the top of 20 Fenchurch Street and let your toddler explore London’s highest public garden. There are 360 degree views of the London skyline, gardens to run around in and a café where you can buy cakes and pastries. Cost – Free, but you need to prebook."

"We won’t lie to you, going to The Gallery at Sketch isn’t about the food. This central-London spot is all about the pink dining room. The service is theatrical while the toilets aren’t to be missed for a photo op."

"Sketch kept popping up (from other sites, friends, IG) but the site doesn’t seem to let me make reservation for one. were you traveling alone, and did you have that issue?"

"A real sought-after restaurant in Mayfair, Sketch initially grabs attention with its unique decor. Then the grub takes over. Is it an art gallery?"

"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."

"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."

"Soho has long been home to some of the best bars and restaurants in London and Six Storeys is no exception. Spread across six floors, the fashionable place to eat has a private members' feel, without the snobbishness."

"Cheese, cold cuts, sardines, carabineros, and boquerones are all available for click and collect from this Spanish tapas specialist in Bermondsey and Esher. There’s also a range of ready-to-eat and finish-at-home dishes like octopus with parsnip purée, croquetas, and a whole leg of suckling lamb for two."

"Despite its location on the Bermondsey Beer Mile, Hawkes is in fact London's first ever cidery. A brewery and taproom in the heart of the area, you'll find an excellent selection of Hawkes' homemade cider, a great line up of guests on the bar, alongside a tasty menu of wood-fired pizzas."

"Why: Joe Allen remains a Theatreland legend and pulls in punters who come for its buzzy atmosphere and menu of American comfort food. The likes of a Joe’s hot dog and a five-cheese mac ’n’ cheese are adequate, rather than amazing, but it’s Joe Allen’s unbeatable atmosphere and open-to-all feel that will keep you coming back for more.Where:Joe Allen, 2 Burleigh Street, Covent Garden"

"In the heart of Theatreland, this classic American brasserie has fed thespians hot dogs, steaks and chopped salads since 1977. Modelled on the Joe Allen on Broadway in New York, the London Joe Allen restaurant is also lined brickwork and posters and is known for hosting glitzy after-show dinners for leading West End stars."

"Opened in 1977 after the huge success of the original Joe Allen in New York’s theatre district, Joe Allen London is a magnet for many of theatreland’s stars who fill the tables post show."

"While The Lampery are churning out refined British dishes in the heart of the Apex Hotel City of London, it's their interiors that we're looking towards. Not only will you gush over the marble tables and the luxe seating options, you'll be bowled over by the foliage hanging over head."

"Good news for disorganised Londoners: most of the seats at new Brixton restaurant Temaki will be walk-ins, with only a few spots you can reserve. ‘Temaki’ means ‘hand roll’ in Japanese and this place claims to be London’s first hand-roll bar, so it’s kind of a big deal. Unsurprisingly, temaki sushi is the focus here – expect traditional combinations such as unagi eel or tuna with fresh wasabi and soy, as well as regularly rotating seasonal specials."

"In a nutshell: Handroll sushi bar in Brixton Market Where is it?. Unit 12 Market Row, Brixton, London, SW9 8LD Why should you care?. A top Japanese chef is promising to serve up some excellent hand rolls at this tiny Brixton sushi bar."

"The romantic powers of Julie’s are legendary – there is even a booth nicknamed “The G Spot” in homage to the amorous endeavours rumoured to have taken place in its enclosed nook. Having reopened and celebrated its 50th birthday last year, the restaurant is embarking on a new era with acclaimed chef Shay Cooper at the helm, but the low-lighting, ruby red banquettes and Neo-Gothic decor are all still keeping the passion alive. 135 Portland Road, W11 4LW, juliesrestaurant.com"

"A Holland Park institution for their modern British cooking, Julie's has had the clever thought to expand the capacity of their terrace in light of the current situation. Since 1969, it's been one of the most elegant terraces in London on which to socialise with loved ones over their utterly lovely food. It's on a quiet back street in west London that oozes charm and makes you feel like you're somewhere completely remote."

"One of the loveliest spots in West London reopens with a new chef-patron, Shay Cooper. 135 Portland Road, Holland Park, Holland Park, London, W11 4LW. Tube: Holland Park Station"

"Aussie-inspired spot Darcie & May Green welcomes brunchers on board all week long, allowing them to dine in the unique surrounds of a barge decorated by legendary pop artist Sir Peter Blake. Fresh flavours come in the form of sweetcorn fritters and poached eggs served with veggies including smashed avocado and corn ribs, as well as Graceburn feta and a habanero and almond puree. Meat-craving diners can tuck into The Bondi, a fry-up featuring chilli and fennel sausage and activated charcoal sourdough toast."

"Restaurants Global Paddington. A kid-friendly winner for brunch on the water, these two barges on the Grand Union Canal look like floating pieces of art. With owners from Down Under, it’s no surprise that there are flat whites and slices of banana bread for breakfast, plus a daytime menu of fair dinkum Aussie-inspired dishes."

"Elevate your weekend plans by climbing aboard Darcie & May Green's colourful narrowboat. Permanently docked on the Grand Union Canal in Paddington, this beautiful London brunch spot is known for its offering of Aussie-inspired cuisine and fruity tipples."

"Unsurprisingly, Crêpeaffaire know a thing or two about flippin' good pancakes. Whether you have a sweet tooth or fancy something savoury, you won't be disappointed with Crêpeaffaire's vast menu (including no-gluten options, winning!). From eggs Benedict to smoked salmon with cream cheese, channel your favourite brunch flavours in crêpe form with their winning savoury breakfast-inspired menu."

"Crepeaffaire is a popular chain for a reason, as it serves up delicious desserts that never disappoint. Whether you fancy a classic Nutella crepe or want to push the boat out with something more outlandish, you won’t find a better crepe in London. This is definitely one of the best desserts in London!"