If you didn’t know it already, Black-owned bars exist – and there’s a lot of great ones in London. This guide has a perfect mix of casual and classy bar recommendations, many of them offering an irresistible food menu too. Whether it’s a midweek motive or a boozy Sunday brunch, here’s our list of 13 Black-owned bars in the capital.
This award-winning bar has been a hit on Portobello Road since 2003, with both their original cocktails and their takes on the classics.
177 Portobello Road, W11 2DY
Cocktail bar Hacha is an ode to tequila and mezcal, and also home to what Time Out has named the seventh best cocktail in the world: the Mirror Margarita.
378 Kingsland Road, Hackney, E8 4AA
Sip on world-class rums and cocktails as you peruse the tempting Caribbean dinner menu at this south London spot.
128 Gipsy Hill, Dulwich, SE19 1PL
Known for their unforgettable seafood boils, Fish Bowl also whips up refreshingly flavourful cocktails to match.
5 Atlantic Road, SW9 8HX
Prince Of Peckham landlord Clement Ogbonnaya says he wants to ‘redefine pub culture’, which is why this establishment is more dancehall than dartboards. Though not strictly a bar, their cocktail list is just one of many reasons to visit.
1 Clayton Road, Peckham, SE15 5JA
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This sleek Caribbean restaurant and cocktail bar is particularly popular for weekend brunch and private parties. Accompany your drink with something from the vegan-friendly menu.
7 Catford Broadway, Lewisham, SE6 4SP
From the team behind Caribbean restaurant Buster Mantis and cafe Stockton, The Watergate is their latest success on Deptford High Street. This natural wine and cocktail bar is open from 5pm onwards in the latter half of the week.
7 Watergate St, Deptford, SE8 3HR
Founded by two friends looking to create their own “breathing space”, INTERLUDEE is known for its cocktails, lively atmosphere and Instagrammable wall decor. It’s also a great space for live music, sports and shisha.
12 Leegate, Lee, SE12 8SS
Enjoy a glass of wine from their worldly collection, or a cocktail, while admiring the view of south London’s Brockwell Park. Food-wise, Park’s Edge’s hearty British gastropub menu is infused with rich Caribbean flavours: you might come here for drinks and leave with a belly full of food.
49–51 Norwood Road, Herne Hill, SE24 9AA
Iconic colourful cocktails, shisha and soul food, proudly run by Deptford locals. KickNMunch has more than a few celebrities on their Instagram posing by their artwork of Mandela, Oprah, Obama, and Nipsey Hussle – and they even have four cocktails inspired by the icons too.
189 Deptford High Street, Deptford, SE8 3NT
Tiki Bar boasts a taste of the topics, serving up the world’s best rums and Creole cuisine. Expect incredible Haitian rum cocktails and vibrant Caribbean decor.
15 The Vale, Acton, W3 7SH
A north London cocktail bar with DJ nights, live music and karaoke adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
18-20 Park Road, Crouch End, N8 8TD
A casual wining and dining spot serving burgers, wraps and chicken wings alongside strong cocktails. Issa Vibe gets you ready for the weekend like nowhere else.
181 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4TP
Your after-work drinks motive is now in Muswell Hill. Happy hour is every week from Tuesday to Friday – and if you want yours bottomless, just ask.
266 Muswell Hill Broadway, N10 2QR
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