For Seasoned Explorers of Life
Discover London: Where Hidden Gems Sparkle and Classics Never Go Out of Style
From dazzling West End shows to immersive cabaret nights, from sipping a pint in a historic riverside pub to indulging in bottomless brunches with prosecco—AL's Guide to London covers it all. Whether you're a curious tourist, a local explorer, or a weekend wanderer, discover the best experiences the city has to offer, curated with passion and insight.
Start exploring now and uncover your perfect London adventure!
Affiliate Disclosure
To help fund this site and keep the content free, some of the links on AL’s Guide to London are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend experiences, services, and products I genuinely believe will enhance your time in London. Thanks for your support!
Themed Bars & Restaurants in Holborn & The City
Where Suits Sip and Scholars Snack: A Toast to The City & Holborn
Welcome to the delicious crossroads of power lunches and post-work pints, where pinstripes meet pint glasses and briefcases are swapped for cocktail shakers. The City of London, with its gleaming towers and historic alleyways, is more than just the beating heart of finance—it’s also home to rooftop bars with skyline views, hidden speakeasies, and gastropubs that serve steak as seriously as they serve spreadsheets.
Just a short stroll west, Holborn offers a more cerebral kind of buzz. Nestled between legal chambers and literary landmarks, it’s a place where barristers brunch and bookworms break bread. Think oak-panelled pubs, elegant bistros, and wine bars that whisper secrets over charcuterie boards.
Whether you're sealing deals over sushi or unwinding with a negroni after navigating Chancery Lane, this corner of London serves up sophistication with a splash of character. So loosen your tie, sharpen your appetite, and let’s explore the spots where The City and Holborn come alive after hours.
Scarfes Bar
Scarfes Bar – Where Mischief Meets Mixology
Welcome to Scarfes Bar, the place where velvet armchairs, live jazz, and a dash of irreverence come together in perfect harmony. Tucked inside the Rosewood London, this isn’t just a bar — it’s a theatrical escape into a world of caricatures, cocktails, and candlelight. Named after the legendary satirist Gerald Scarfe, every wall tells a story, and every drink has a punchline. Come for the art, stay for the atmosphere — and don’t be surprised if your martini comes with a side of mischief.
The Bootlegger
The Bootlegger Bar – Shaking Up Lime Street Since Prohibition Was Cool
Step through the hidden door and into a world where the gin flows freely, the jazz never sleeps, and the only password you need is “fun.” The Bootlegger Bar is Lime Street’s worst-kept secret — a speakeasy-style haven serving up prohibition-era cocktails with a modern twist. Think candlelit corners, vintage vibes, and bartenders who know their way around a shaker like Capone knew Chicago. Whether you're here to sip, swing, or simply escape the ordinary, Bootlegger’s got your back — and your bourbon.
Engel Bar
Engel Bar: Where Berlin’s Golden Age Gets a London Accent
Tucked away on the mezzanine of the Royal Exchange, Engel Bar isn’t just a cocktail spot—it’s a time machine with velvet seating and a killer wine list. Inspired by the hedonistic glamour of 1920s Berlin, this Art Deco speakeasy serves up schnitzel, spritzes, and sass in equal measure. Think cabaret vibes, live jazz, and cocktails so pretty you’ll hesitate to drink them (but you will).
Whether you're indulging in a bottomless brunch with vintage coupes or nibbling apfelstrudel during afternoon tea, Engel is where the City swaps spreadsheets for sequins. It’s decadent, dramatic, and just a little bit dangerous—in the best possible way.
So if you’re craving a cocktail with character and a venue that whispers “darling, stay a little longer”, Engel is your angel.
Affiliate Disclosure
To help fund this site and keep the content free, some of the links on AL’s Guide to London are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend experiences, services, and products I genuinely believe will enhance your time in London. Thanks for your support!