London bars with the most aesthetic interior design
With so much to explore in London, it can be easy to forget about the beautiful interior design the city has to offer. It is full of beautiful cafes, restaurants, and hotels, but creative interior design really seems to surface in bars. London is packed full of aesthetically designed bars, from opulent chandeliers to warm wooden furnishings. Each bar has its own unique style, from traditional elegance to contemporary chic, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind with a drink after a long day exploring the city. With Valentine’s Day coming up, these are also great places to impress a date.
As an interior design lover (and a teetotaller), I am more attracted to the beauty of a bar than the seriousness of its drinks, so take my picks with a grain of salt. That said, here’s my roundup of the most beautifully designed bars in London.
Scott’s Richmond
Scott's Richmond is new on the scene in Richmond-Upon-Thames. The interior design boasts an elegant and timeless aesthetic, with plush velvet seating, antique mirrors, and warm lighting creating a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. Attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the design, from the intricate moldings and ceiling frescoes to the carefully curated art pieces and ornate chandeliers, making Scott's Richmond a true feast for the eyes.
Red Room at the Connaught
The Red Room’s artistic and romantic interior is uniquely beautiful, and no wonder it is insta-famous. I love the art and contemporary furniture mixed with the feminine design aesthetic.
Booking Office 1869, King's Cross
The sumptuous interior at St Pancras is befitting the Victorian Gothic brickwork of the building. Truly a place to feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
The Painter's Room, Claridge's
The Painter’s Room is another relatively new addition to the London bar scene and I love it for its art, especially the Annie Morris stained glass.
Lyaness, South Bank
Lyaness is a sleek and modern bar located in the iconic Sea Containers building in London. The interior design features a minimalist aesthetic, with clean lines, an open concept, and pops of color creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The use of natural materials, such as wood and stone, paired with the playful use of lighting, creates a warm and inviting space that is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening for two. Lyaness is a true reflection of contemporary design at its finest.
The Audley Public House
On the casual end of the spectrum, the Audley Public House is a pub in Mayfair with glorious ceiling painting by Phyllida Barlow.
The Coral Room
The Coral Room is a luxurious bar located in the Bloomsbury neighbourhood of London. The interior design features a vibrant and eclectic aesthetic, with bold colours, intricate patterns, and statement lighting creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. It makes me feel a bit like I’m travelling somewhere tropical for some reason—like an escape from the dreary colours of London.
Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour
The Mr. Fogg’s bars are well known and maybe slightly gimmicky, but the Gin Parlour is fashioned like an old Victorian living room and I love a period set. It makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the home of an eccentric older Victorian woman and personally, I am here for that.
Garden Room at Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings
The interior design at the Garden Room features a lush and green aesthetic, with natural light creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and feel surrounded by nature in the heart of the city.
Beaufort Bar at The Savoy
The Beaufort Bar is true luxury—this is a sexy bar. With dark interiors and gold accents, it’s a perfect hideaway.
Zetter Townhouse
Both Zetter Townhouses in Marylebone and Clerkenwell have gorgeous interior design and their bars are like stepping into the eclectic living room of a rich, distant relative that travels the world. Both also have afternoon teas which look charming.