Once again, the Top 50 Cocktail Bars of 2024 sponsored by Franklin and Sons has been announced, with a who’s who of drinks writers, businesspeople, and influencers from across the UK deliberating, including our very own Aidy as host!
After much investigation and debate, the highly competitive list has been shortened to 50, and these 10 represent cocktail heaven. The full list is at the bottom of this page for your convenience, so you can find the nearest and greatest cocktail bars in your area... especially with Valentine’s Day coming up. For now, though, let the countdown begin...
10. Tayēr + Elementary, Shoreditch, London
Retaining its top ten spot, Tayēr + Elementary offers something of a dual experience. For high-speed, all-day premium ‘draught’ cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Elementary is where you want to be. But come nighttime, Tayēr awaits through the partition – a world of darkness, changeable exotic concoctions, and a rotation of guest bartenders. Renowned seasonal snacking, a commitment to drinks other than cocktails, brutalist décor and a warm service complete this unique offering.
Address: 152 Old St, London, EC1V 9BW
Website here (walk-ins only)
9. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
The second highest Scottish bar on the list, Panda & Sons is one you could be forgiven for missing. Stroll past on the hunt for libations, and you might just think it’s a barber shop, but enter, and you’ll be welcomed past the Prohibition face and into speakeasy bliss. Cabinets of curiosities and vintage furniture set in dim light make for a very seductive proposition, not to mention the ‘Chapters’ based menu. Currently, the theme is Transcend, dedicated to innovative freezing techniques researched for 5 years. An incredible science lab-cum-speakeasy experience.
Phone number: 0131 220 0443
Address: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4NF
Book here
8. AMARO Bar, Kensington, London
Rocketing up from 46th place last year is AMARO, a modern take on the classic cocktail bar. It only opened in 2021 with the former head mixologist at the Savoy Elon Soddu at the helm, serving classical twists like the Mango Bellini and Peach 76. Beyond that, more expensive vintage cocktails are available, the priciest of which is the 1980 Boulevardier at £190. The complete drinks selection is really expansive (particularly the whiskey) and the granite bar is stunning.
Phone number: +447745520816
Address: 15 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP
Book here
7. Swift Soho, Soho, London
The shelves at this Old Compton Street spot are bending under awards. With mirrors a-plenty, leather booths and a smorgasbord of unique cocktails, it’s no wonder it’s Top 10 yet again. A buzzing ground floor leads into the basement den where you can find live music, a rotating cocktail theme and over 300 whiskies! It all comes together magnificently.
Address: 12 Old Compton St, London W1D 4TQ
Book here
6. Blinker, Manchester
Into 6th from 41st last year, it’s Blinker in Manchester. Named after a forgotten classic (a cocktail of rye, grapefruit, and raspberry), this bar is all about seasonality and local ingredients. Expect a menu that changes on the monthly, with dedicated Martini and Old Fashioned sections standing out, as well as generous No-Lo serves.
Phone number: 0161 236 8225
Address: 64-72 Spring Gardens, Manchester M2 2BQ
Book here
5. Hey Palu, Edinburgh
The best cocktail bar in Scotland, say Hey to Palu. It’s quaint, intimate, and modern, with a focus on Italian aperitivo styles. Amari, Bitters and Vermouths are everywhere, all soundtracked by killer songs. Expect Negroni and Martini classics, as well as twists like the signature White Strawberry Negroni. Oh, and the bar team are award-winning in themselves! A complete cocktail offering.
Phone number: 0131 285 6752
Address: 49 Bread St, Edinburgh, EH3 9AH
Book here
4. Couch, Birmingham
Narrowly missing out on the Top 10 last year but now up to 4th it’s Couch in Birmingham. Behind the bar is the 2024 Bar Team of the Year, working hard so you can relax and enjoy their cinema-inspired handcrafted cocktails, for example A Bronx Tale with Malfy lemon, blood orange and Cocchi Di Torino Vermouth. Clean, spacious, relaxed and artistic.
Address: 1466 Pershore Rd, Stirchley, Birmingham, B30 2NT
Book here (walk-ins only)
3. Passing Fancies, Birmingham
Step onto the podium now with another Brummie spot – Passing Fancies. Climbing 29 places from last year, this laid-back spot only opened in 2022 but has already established a stellar reputation for its ‘kitchen at a house party’ style. As the name suggests, the team embrace themes and change, but generally specialise in fruity delights like Adult Ribena and Berry Cobbler.
Phone number: 07542 839882
Address: 30 Gibb St, Deritend, Birmingham B9 4BF
Book here
2. Satan’s Whiskers, Bethnal Green, London
In 2nd place, and the highest London finish of the entire list, it’s last year’s winner, Satan’s Whiskers. Rather than the swanky London style, it embraces a more unassuming character – think taxidermy, hip-hop, exposed brick, and unique décor. It’s famous for its community feel, with daily menu changes, expert mixology, and a famous atmosphere. Try the Bloody Mary with tacos and quesadilla if you go.
Phone number: 02077398362
Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, London, E2 9RA
Book here
1. SCHOFIELD'S BAR, Manchester
And it’s Manchester that takes the top spot! It’s Schofield’s Bar, the brainchild of famous Mancunian brothers, not Liam and Noel but Joe and Daniel Schofield. Their iconic venue sits on the corner of art deco beauty Sunlight House and offers reasonably priced classic cocktails and in house twists making use of their 25 years of bartending expertise. It’s such a distinguished bar and the literary themes pull everything together nicely. A worthy winner, and shimmering jewel of the North.
Phone number: 07311 777606
Address: 3 Little Quay Street Sunlight House, Manchester, M3 3JZ
Book here
The Franklin & Sons Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2024:
Schofield’s Bar – Manchester
Satan’s Whiskers – Bethnal Green
Passing Fancies – Digbeth, Birmingham
Couch – Stirchley, West Midlands
Hey Palu – Edinburgh, Midlothian
Blinker – Manchester
Swift Soho – London
Amaro Bar – Kensington, London
Panda and Sons – Edinburgh
Tayēr + Elementary – Shoreditch, London
Kwãnt – Mayfair, London
Speak in Code – Manchester
Three Sheets – Dalston, London
🔶🟥🔵 – Hackney, London
Murder Inc – Soho, London
Tabula Rasa – Leeds
Lab 22 – Cardiff
Filthy XIII – Bristol
Crossroads – Newington Green
The Connaught Bar – Mayfair, London
Project Halcyon – Manchester
SOMA – Soho, London
Eve Bar – Covent Garden
Side Hustle – Covent Garden
The Hideout – Bath
Little Mercies – Crouch End, London
Below Stairs – Leeds
Silverleaf – Spitalfields, London
Bar Termini – Soho, London
Seed Library – Shoreditch, London
Charlie Brown’s – Glasgow
Bramble Bar & Lounge – Edinburgh
Scarfes Bar – Holborn, London
Happiness Forgets – Hoxton, London
The Absent Ear – Glasgow
69 Colebrooke Row – Islington, London
Artesian – Fitzrovia, London
Callooh Callay – Shoreditch, London
Fox and Chance – Birmingham
The Milk Thistle – Bristol
Nauticus – Edinburgh
Public – Sheffield
The Gate – Glasgow
Nightjar – Shoreditch, London
Ojo Rojo – Bournemouth
The Wildcat – Edinburgh
Lyaness – South Bank, London
Pennyroyal – Cardiff
Bench – Sheffield
The American Bar – Auchterarder