Best Bars in South West London

Someone making cocktails in one of the best South West london bars

The 10 Best Bars in South West London

South West London is known for its stylish and chic shopping options; for Londoners looking for the same opulence from the bars they frequent, we have curated a cover-all list of the 10 best bars in South West London. Knowing what makes a bar appealing to every reveller is unique, we have catered to all preferences by including the most elegant cocktail bars, classy wine bars and one of the best breweries in the district.

Someone pouring cocktails and one of the best East London bars

Humble Grape in Battersea – ££

Here to prove that not all wine bars are pretentious is the Humble Grape in Battersea. With over 400 wines from around the world on the menu, you can sample the wine menu by the glass until you stumble on a firm favourite and buy by the bottle. Proud to call itself a local wine bar, you can always expect a warm welcome when you venture to the oasis of continental calm. 

Each week for Tasting Tuesday, Humble Grape runs a mini-tasting session, where you can sample four wines for just £16 per person. If you prefer to head down to the wine bar for a bottomless brunch session with your friends, leave a space in your diary for a tasting session on Saturday. For three small plates and bottomless wines, it is just £40 per person.

Address: 2 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1ED 

WC in Clapham Junction – ££ 

If you are looking for the definition of a hidden gem, WC in Clapham Junction is the epitome of one. Formerly a public toilet, the hidden-away bar, which rests underneath the Clapham Common Tube Station, comes with a rich history that you can revel in when you descend the steps and appreciate the 19th-century architecture that lends itself incredibly well to the stylish aesthetic. 

The wooden stalls have been repurposed into booths; they aren’t the only charmingly archaic fixtures that still remain in the quaint subterranean wine bar, which is also renowned for its classy cocktails and charcuterie boards filled with meat and cheese. Don’t worry, it is more than sanitary after 30 derelict years lay between the water closet days and the bougie bar revival. 

Address: Clapham Common South Side, London, SW4 7AA 

Mr Fox in Croydon 

Mr Fox in Croydon easily finds itself a place on the list of top bars in South West London. It has the unique USP as an independent neighbourhood public house which supports British producers and farmers by selling their organic food via seasonal menus. Mr Fox may not boast a Michelin Star, but it’s a highly-rated eatery with a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options to fill up on before having your fill of creative cocktails. 

For cocktail fans, there is a two-for-one happy hour deal on all classic cocktails from Wednesday to Friday between 5 and 7 PM. Mr Fox is also highly rated for its wide selection of low and no-alcohol options, so whether you’re cutting back or alcohol-free, you won’t be short of options. 

Address: 34 Surrey Street, Croydon, CR0 1RJ 

Student bar in London with people walking outside

The Boathouse in Putney – ££

Just a stone’s throw away from Putney Station, the Boathouse has a slightly more laidback and cosy pub vibe, but it more than deserves a spot on this list for the stunning views of the River Thames. During the colder months, you can kick back and relax in front of the open fire by the bar or brave the elements under the balcony heaters. 

The Boathouse is the perfect location if you don’t want to worry about finding somewhere to eat before or after your drinks. The seasonal British menu transcends the general standard of gastropub cuisine with its seafood twist. After trying the homemade battered fish, you will never think of the traditional fish and chip dish in the same way again! 

Address: 32 Brewhouse Lane, London, SW15 2XJ

Incognito in Kingston – £££

Incognito is a relatively new addition to South West London’s bar scene and is already lauded as one of the craziest. If you added outlandish opulence that breaks the monocultural mould to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, you still wouldn’t come close to what the speakeasy cocktail company has achieved in their Kingston premises. 

If there is anything as eye-catching as the exotically eccentric décor that is tinged with art deco/Victorian glamour, it is the cocktails, which are always poured with a touch of polymath alchemy. The bar is themed around the legend of a cat-faced globe trotter who sailed around the world before Easy Jet made it commonplace to do so and collected fantastical ingredients. The jungle-themed décor and gilded ceilings do more than pay an ode to the mystical traveller. 

Address: The Griffin Centre, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1JT  

The King of Ladies Man in Clapham

The King of Ladies Man is named after an iconic line in the bar-centric US sitcom Cheers, and the novelty of this joint certainly doesn’t end there! It is the sister venue to the iconic eatery The Breakfast Club, and it is one of the best-kept secrets in South West London – until now. Many passers-by are fooled by the fake laundrette entrance, which conceals a 1970s-style cocktail bar, where you can rest assured that you will be mixing with some of the coolest cats in London. 

Even though the location boasts retro bachelor pad vibes, the Speakeasy cocktail bar welcomes everyone! The disco-themed drinks and cocktails are complemented by a less-than-artisan food menu, which gives revellers the option between the signature macaroni and cheese ‘pot noodles’ and pulled pork sliders. Even though there’s a nice and sleazy approach to the décor and the menu, The King of Ladies Man is an inviting place – so much so that you will spot solo drinkers there enjoying the atmosphere! 

Address: 5 – 9 Battersea Rise, London, SW11 1HG 

Sugar Cane Bar in Clapham – ££

Even though Tiki Bars are less of a trend in London these days, The Sugar Cane Bar in South Clapham is still going strong and drawing crowds searching for a little slice of paradise. Whether you want to plan a party, fill up with a Tiki-inspired bottomless brunch or take a cocktail masterclass, there are few destinations more recommended than the Sugar Cane Bar. 

With DJs providing the soundtrack to your unforgettable night out and one of the best rum menus in London, there are plenty of reasons to book a visit. If you think you can handle it, the Zombie cocktail is highly recommended, although they are strictly limited to two per person, giving you an idea of how strong the alcohol content is! 

Address: 247 / 249 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 1JW

The Half Moon in Putney – £

If you love a bar with a lively atmosphere and live music, The Half Moon in Putney may just become your new favourite local. In its heyday, The Rolling Stones, U2 and The Who played here, but it has carried on rockin’ and rollin’ from the 60s to the 21st century. 

When bands aren’t plugging in their amps on the stage that appears to have been ripped straight out of a scene from Twin Peaks, the staff are serving from the daily menu and pouring fine wines, craft beers and cask ales. 

Address: 93 Lower Richmond Road, London, SW15 1EU

Buses coming through the street in the night time

No 17 Dickens Yard in Ealing – ££

For barflies to prefer a modernist atmosphere to a retro vibe, No 17 Dickens Yard in Ealing provides the perfect ambience. The Indie bar strives to be the ultimate destination for socialising, whether you want to grab a late-night drink, early morning coffee or celebrate the end of a long day with your collages.

The menu covers everything from brunch to breakfast to Sunday roast dinners. Regardless of which time of day you hit the trendy two-storey bar that provides outdoor seating for al fresco drinking and dining, you will be listening to a bespoke playlist that sets the laidback mood. As it is such a popular South West London Bar, booking is essential. 

Address: 17 Dickens Yard, Longfield Avenue, Ealing, W5 2TD

The Craft Beer Co. in Hammersmith – £

Last but certainly not least is The Craft Beer Co. in Hammersmith, which constantly mixes up which international beers are on tap. Impressively, there are 20 Keg Lines, 6 Cask Pumps, and over 50 different bottled and canned beer options. While there are always firm favourites on the menu, there is something new to look forward to on the menu. 

The website is continuously updated with the craft beer of the day. However, if you are serious about sampling the menu, book a tasting session. For just £20 per person, you can taste five keg and cask beers, or you can go for gold with the gold tasting package, which will introduce you to six new international beers from around the globe for £30 per person. 

Address: 17 – 18 The Broadway, London, W6 9YD  

People walking outside a busy pub in South West London
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