The 5 martini bars shaking up cocktail hour in London
By Shivani Dubey | 23 April 2026 | Food & Drink
Whether you like it shaken, dirty, dry or with a twist, these martini bars in London are sure to add a spark to your cocktail hour
A martini is one of the simplest drinks to make, and delicious to sip on at a summer terrace or a rooftop bar. And with brighter days ahead, there is no better occasion to round up your friends and head out to your nearest martini bar for a cocktail or two. Whether you prefer it shaken, dirty, dry or with a twist, we have rounded up some of the best martini bars in London that even James Bond would approve of.
Bar Antoine, Park Lane
This May, Bar Antoine at the Four Seasons Hotel London Park Lane is reimagining the flavours of the French table in liquid form with its new cocktail menu: Savoir-Boire. Drawing inspiration from France’s indulgent ingredients, rituals and culinary culture, the cocktail menu pairs emblematic French ingredients with the best of British produce, blurring the line between kitchen and bar. Hero serves include the Croissant Old Fashioned with croissant-infused cognac and Byrrh; the Cornichon Martini with olive oil vodka; the Peach & Mustard Margarita with tequila, peach eau-de-vie and mustard tincture; and the Fig-Affair Paloma finished with a delicate Comté tuille garnish. A new food menu has also been designed to accompany the cocktails, featuring classic French ingredients and playful riffs on popular bar snacks. So grab your friends and head over to Bar Antoine for a martini with a twist.
The K Bar, South Kensington
The K Bar at the Kensington Hotel just might be the go-to destination for a glass (or three) of martini. Introduced just last year, the bar’s martini trolley offers delightful tableside theatre, inviting guests to experience the timeless elegance of the martini, expertly crafted by The K Bar team. The Mini Martini flight gives guests a tiny taste of three popular martinis: dry with a lemon twist; dirty with an olive; and a Gibson with a pickled onion. Having tried the martini flight, I can safely say it is the easiest way to be inducted into the world of martinis for the seasoned and the novice connoisseurs. Enjoy your drinks with a menu of elegant bar bites (the chicken sandwich is a stand-out) and toast to a night you won’t forget.
Bob Bob Ricard, Soho
Have you ever wanted to try the world’s coldest martini? Head over to Bob Bob Ricard in Soho, who have unveiled the world’s coldest martini, which is chilled at a refreshing -22°C and served from a frozen bottle, ensuring sub-zero precision in every pour. The frozen pour is the result of meticulous experimentation, where science meets mixology in perfect harmony through temperature control and balanced spirits. The result is a cocktail of remarkable texture – offering a silky, crystal clear martini, unwavering from the first sip to last. Upon ordering, guests will be served the liquid from the frozen bottle directly with a tableside service into frozen martini glasses, completed by white-gloved waiters. Garnishes are kept to a simple twist or olive, allowing the liquid to speak for itself. 
The Gin Bar, Holborn
Set within Holborn Dining Room at Rosewood London, the copper-topped Gin Bar is a relaxed yet elegant space dedicated to the art of gin. Showcasing one of London’s most extensive collections, the bar features over 320 gins from celebrated international distilleries and small-batch local producers alike. And no drink has earned such an enduring reverence as the classic gin martini. Whether you like it dry, dirty, shaken/stirred or with a twist, the vast menu has something for everyone to enjoy.
Sale e Pepe Mare, Marylebone
Newly opened at The Langham in Marylebone, Sale e Pepe Mare hosts a line up of martinis, best enjoyed at the bar or table, including their signature drink, Shaken Dirty which is described as the ultimate savoury cocktail. By adding smoked olive brine to a chilled vodka base, it creates a drink that is salty, umami-rich, and incredibly smooth. It’s the “comfort food” of the martini world – satisfying, weighty and bold. Whether you’re on a date or just out with your friends, this is a great new spot for a cocktail or two.
