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The Top 10 UK Cocktail Bars of 2024

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

tayer + elementary the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

panda and sons the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

amaro the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

swift soho the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

blinker the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

hey palu the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

couch the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

passing fancies the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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

satan's whiskers top 10 cocktail bars 2024 the three drinkers

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

schofield's bar the top 10 uk cocktail bars of 2024 the three drinkers

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:

  1. Schofield’s Bar – Manchester

  2. Satan’s Whiskers – Bethnal Green

  3. Passing Fancies – Digbeth, Birmingham

  4. Couch – Stirchley, West Midlands

  5. Hey Palu – Edinburgh, Midlothian

  6. Blinker – Manchester

  7. Swift Soho – London

  8. Amaro Bar – Kensington, London

  9. Panda and Sons – Edinburgh

  10. Tayēr + Elementary – Shoreditch, London

  11. Kwãnt – Mayfair, London

  12. Speak in Code – Manchester

  13. Three Sheets – Dalston, London

  14. 🔶🟥🔵 – Hackney, London

  15. Murder Inc – Soho, London

  16. Tabula Rasa – Leeds

  17. Lab 22 – Cardiff

  18. Filthy XIII – Bristol

  19. Crossroads – Newington Green

  20. The Connaught Bar – Mayfair, London

  21. Project Halcyon – Manchester

  22. SOMA – Soho, London

  23. Eve Bar – Covent Garden

  24. Side Hustle – Covent Garden

  25. The Hideout – Bath

  26. Little Mercies – Crouch End, London

  27. Below Stairs – Leeds

  28. Silverleaf – Spitalfields, London

  29. Bar Termini – Soho, London

  30. Seed Library – Shoreditch, London

  31. Charlie Brown’s – Glasgow

  32. Bramble Bar & Lounge – Edinburgh

  33. Scarfes Bar – Holborn, London

  34. Happiness Forgets – Hoxton, London

  35. The Absent Ear – Glasgow

  36. 69 Colebrooke Row – Islington, London

  37. Artesian – Fitzrovia, London

  38. Callooh Callay – Shoreditch, London

  39. Fox and Chance – Birmingham

  40. The Milk Thistle – Bristol

  41. Nauticus – Edinburgh

  42. Public – Sheffield

  43. The Gate – Glasgow

  44. Nightjar – Shoreditch, London

  45. Ojo Rojo – Bournemouth

  46. The Wildcat – Edinburgh

  47. Lyaness – South Bank, London

  48. Pennyroyal – Cardiff

  49. Bench – Sheffield

  50. The American Bar – Auchterarder