8 London Gin Bars Putting the 'Great Time' into G&T

A Self-Guided Tour of London's Best Gin Bars

Are you hot for Hendricks? Giddy for Gordons? Tickled for Tanqueray?

If you're a gin lover heading to London and you don't want to pay for an overpriced, overrated gin tour look no further!

We present to you the HostelsClub self-guided tour of London's best gin bars so that you can try the best gins the city has to offer without breaking the bank!

This article includes directions to and from 8 of the best London gin bars as well as directions to our hostels closest to each bar, because it's never cool to pass out in the bar toilets...

We aim to get you from point A to point B in the quickest way possible so we have included complete walking instructions to each bar and hostel as well as public transportation options for distances that will take you longer than 10 minutes to walk.*

Since you won't be able check the conditions of the road when drunk, we recommend checking the road conditions before you depart on the bar crawl. Remember to keep your wits about you if you use the walking instructions and always take another route if you come across any obstacles!

In the case of public transportation failure we have also included the numbers of registered London taxi services at the bottom of this article, so you have plenty of options for getting your gin fix!

Without further ado, we give you the HostelsClub self-guided tour of London's best gin bars! Click on the HOSTELSCLUB SELF-GUIDED GIN TOUR ROUTE to get started!

We wish you the best of luck and many merry shenanigans on your journey!

(Photo Credits:@londonginclub_Instagram) I know which direction you're going in...

1- The London Gin Club, Soho

(Photo Credits: The London Gin Club Gallery)

Start your night off strong in this gin lover’s paradise. The celebrated London Gin Club is an absolute must-go on your London gin bar bucket list and it has the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence to prove it.

Not only does the club boast an assortment of 350 different gins it also claims to have ‘one of the best gin and tonics in London’ (The London Gin Club), a declaration too important to ignore!

So what are you waiting for? Knock back one of these renowned G&Ts and see for yourself!

(Photo Credits: The London Gin Club Gallery) Check out these cracking G&Ts

We don’t know how you handle your booze. Maybe round one has you defeated or maybe you chose to indulge in one of London Gin Club’s infamous tasting menus. In any case, if you find yourself ready for bed early along our gin-fueled journey, SoHostel accommodation is only a 3 minute walk from The London Gin Club.

We encourage you , however, to make it a little further so that you can see the other amazing gin bars that we have in store…

2- Graphic, Golden Square, Soho

(Photo Credits: Graphic Gallery)

See, we told you it was only a little further!

Walk just 8 minutes from The London Gin Club to our next bar where gin and art collide.

Graphic is a fantastic combination of industrial, urban architecture and colourful modern art fused perfectly together by its impressive selection of gins.

Experience the youthful atmosphere that Graphic has to offer while enjoying London’s traditional poison in their innovative house cocktails. Roger the Farmhand (which is served in a teacup!) or the Soho Soda are both worth a try!

If you’re lucky, you’ll even be able to join in on one of Graphic’s enticing monthly gin socials for only £5. Check out their fantastic drinks menu here!

You will feel at least 10% more hipster and 20% more tipsy after a stop at this stylish London bar.

(Photo Credits: @graphicbar_soho_Instagram) It doesn't get more British than drinking gin out of a teacup...

We hope that at this point you will be basking in the warm buzz of the lovely gins you’ve tried thus far. But if you’re feeling a little overheated SoHostel remains your best place to crash for the night since its only a 7 minute walk away from Graphic!

3- Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour, Covent Garden

(Photo Credits: @mrfoggsgb_Instagram)

Now you have two options: you could muster strength and trek 11 whole minutes to our next stop or you could take the tube from Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square and arrive at our next bar in only 7 minutes. That gives you 4 extra minutes of gin drinking. I know which option I would choose…

Either direction you take, you’ll find your way at Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour, a posh, Victorian inspired gin house with a twist (and sometimes on the rocks). This eccentric lounge will make you feel as though you’ve entered some kind of juniper-fuelled 19th century dream world. Enjoy an eclectic array of unusual gins and botanicals in the home of Mr Fogg’s Aunt Gertrude.

If you’ve gotten an early start on our gin tour, or you’re feeling extra bougie, indulge in Mr Fogg’s G&Tea which combines a traditional British afternoon tea with a gin cocktail tasting.

(Photo Credits: @mrfoggsgb_Instagram) So pretty you almost won't want to drink it... almost...

Feeling foggy and need a kip? Hotel Strand Continental is only a 9 minute walk or a 9 minute bus journey on the 176 bus route. Or, if you’re already staying at SoHostel, it is only an 11 minute walk and an 11 minute bus ride on the 24, 29 and 176 bus routes.

But try not to bow out just yet… our next stop is one of the most innovative gin bars in the city…

4- City of London Distillery, Bride Lane

(Photo Credits: @cityoflondondistillery_Instagram)

At this point on our London gin odyssey we suspect you will be feeling quite merry. If you need a breath of fresh air, or perhaps a greasy kebab in order to push yourself along, enjoy the leisurely 22 minute stroll to our next stop. Or if you need to recuperate and put your feet up before chugging a few more cocktails, it's only a 13-15 minute ride on the 11, 15 and 76 bus routes.

Our next bar is for gin enthusiasts and chemists alike.

The City of London Distillery is an active gin distillery producing five different types of gin. Not only do visitors have the opportunity to tour the Distillery and taste the gins produced, they can also design a bottle of their very own gin with the Gin Experiences on offer.

Feel yourself transported into the 1920s in the Distillery’s bar which will make you believe that you have stumbled upon a speakeasy.

The incredible view of the Distillery’s copper stills from the bar and the speciality G&Ts made from their award-winning sloe gin and Fever Tree Lemon Tonic make this popular bar a must-go. In fact, we would recommend any drink made from their delicious sloe gin.

If you love gin the unique experience offered by the City of London Distillery simply cannot be missed.

(Photo Credits: @cityoflondondistillery_Instagram) I want to paint every room in my house the colour of this Sloe Gin Negroni...

Now, you may be feeling groggy from all the gin in your system and may consider it the right time to settle down for the night. In this case, Clink78 is only a 13 minute bus journey from COLD on the number 63 bus or a 27 minute walk if you need fresh air to sober up. If you’re already staying at the Hotel Strand Continental you are only a 13 minute walk or bus ride away on the number 76 and 26 buses.

But don’t quit just yet! We are only half way there…

5- The Viaduct Tavern, Newgate Street

(Photo Credits: The Viaduct Tavern Gallery) Who do I have to marry to become the queen of this gin palace?

Walk six minutes down the road to arrive at our spooky next stop! Let's be honest, you probably need the fresh air...

The Viaduct Tavern stands out amongst the many great London gin bars for its extraordinary architectural preservation. Open since 1869, this historic bar is an original Victorian gin palace that was used to sell gin for medicinal purposes!

The Tavern’s original frescos, glass etchings and 19th century mirrors are just what the doctor ordered if you’re looking for an authentic London gin experience.

However, this bar isn’t just famous for its beautiful decorative features. In fact, it has a history darker than a barrel-aged gin martini...

Rumour has it that the cellar of the Tavern used to be a prison where inmates were kept before they were publicly executed just outside of the bar. Some claim that the ghosts of the executed haunt the Tavern to this day…

But as far as we are concerned, the only thing supernatural about this bar is the paranormally good gin menu! The Tavern is particularly well known for using chipped block ice and matching garnishes in order to compliment unique pairings of gins and tonics perfectly.

(Photo Credits: The Viaduct Tavern Gallery) A sight for sore eyes

If you're feeling tipsy and a little tired Hotel Strand Continental is an 18 minute walk and 15 minute bus journey away from The Viaduct Tavern on the 26 and 76 buses. Alternatively, Clink78 is also a 15 minute bus ride on the 17, 45 and 46 buses or 23 minutes by foot.

But don't stop now! We are approaching our final three stops!

6- Ask For Janice, Farringdon

(Photo Credits: @ask_for_janice_Instagram)

Walk 5 minutes from The Viaduct Tavern to our lively next stop!

Ask For Janice is the refreshingly fun hangout spot that you never knew you needed. Think cosy-cafe-meets-hipster-graffiti kind of fun. After taking a drink here you’ll want to make this Farringdon bar and restaurant your regular Central Perk (except with gin instead of coffee obviously).

Ask For Janice specialises in local gins so you can enjoy your drink knowing that you’re supporting local businesses. Pat yourself on the back as you take a second or a third drink to be extra supportive of the locals. Well done you good citizen. Check out their list of over 50 local gins and their menu of delicious dishes while you’re at it.

What’s more, this quirky bar is the perfect stomping ground day and night, with a basement late bar to accommodate for your nighttime antics.

Just a word of warning: anyone who enters here WILL want to return again and again for the youthful atmosphere, mouth-watering food and fantastic gin. Whether you’re looking for a tasty meal, casual afternoon drinks or a fun night out Ask For Janice will not fail you.

(Photo Credits: @ask_for_janice_Instagram) A jammy good cocktail

By now it is very possible that you have succumbed to the hiccups. Fear not, you can nurse yourself back to health in The Keystone House Hostel which is only 12 minutes away from Ask For Janice if you take the tube from Barbican Station to Kings Cross on the Hammersmith & City line or walk for 28 minutes. If you’re already staying in Clink78 you are only 13 minutes away on the 63 bus or a 21 minute walk away.

Congratulations! You've made it to the penultimate round. For those strong enough to continue, we encourage you to Keep Calm and Carry On in true British fashion to make it over to our next stop...

7- The Gibson, Old Street

(Photo Credits: The Gibson Bar Gallery)

We know that by now you’re probably struggling to walk straight but we encourage you to go full steam ahead for just 8 minutes to our next stop… you won’t want to miss this one...

Celebrate the evolution of the cocktail with a journey through time and space at The Gibson! This fantastic place was named one of the World's 50 Best Bars of 2017.

A self-proclaimed ‘Edwardian Time Machine’ (The Gibson Bar) The Gibson’s calendar menu allows you to choose from a selection of cocktails classified by seasons. Whatever season you choose determines the time period in which you’re drinking be it past, present or future… Regardless of the season you go for, The Gibson will not fail you if you're looking for outstanding cocktails with top-notch aesthetics.

Although The Gibson is not a gin bar per-say, gin lovers cannot miss out on this bar's imaginative assortment of gin martinis such as the classic Gibson Martini, the Pink Panda Martini and the Indigo Martini.

The selection of gin cocktails are equally impressive and beautifully artistic. Choose from cocktails such as the Electric Earl or the Voodoo Lady for drinks that please the palate and the eyes alike. Find out about the other cocktails on the menu here!

(Photo Credits: @thegibsonbar_Instagram) We're totally bewitched by the Voodoo Lady

If its time to head home for the night we don’t blame you, in fact we compliment you for getting this far. Walk 18 minutes to The Dictionary Hostel for a nightcap or take the number 55 or 243 buses to arrive there in just 13 minutes. If you’re already staying at the The Keystone House Hostel take the tube from Barbican to King’s Cross on the Metropolitan or Circle Line to arrive at the hostel in 16 minutes. You could also take the tube from Old Street to King’s Cross on the Northern line for 16 minutes or you could walk 29 minutes to the hostel if you're awake enough...

Although you might be seeing double at this point THE END IS IN SIGHT... struggle on friends, crawl if you must… we’re almost there!

8- The Whistling Shop , Worship Street

(Photo Credits: Drink Up London)

Keep going… its only a 15 minute stumble or 13 minute ride on the 55 and 243 buses if your legs can't take it anymore...

At long last you’ve made it to our final stop, The Worship Street Whistling Shop!

This acclaimed, Victorian-style gin bar has featured in the World's 50 Best Bars list three years in a row and it does not disappoint!

The Whistling Shop brings a sense of adventure to the art of cocktail-making. You will feel like an explorer after taking a cocktail from the bar's new trade route inspired drinks menu which incorporates the spices, fruits and grains of Victorian trade into delicious, innovative cocktails. Try the Lost Angeles, the Phineas or the Ibaraki cocktail to satisfy your wanderlust and gin cravings simultaneously.

For gin novices who want to improve their knowledge of their favourite liquor or gin experts who want to celebrate their love of their spirit of choice, the Whistling Shop is now offering gin masterclasses with plenty of cocktails to fuel the session.

The excellent reception, one-of-a-kind cocktails and wonderful master classes make the Whistling Shop a simply smashing bar for gin lovers of any level.

(Photo Credits: @whistling_shop_Instagram)

And thus we have completed our tour of the 8 best London gin bars! We hope that you have enjoyed our journey together with many shenanigans and lots of mischief along the way. To end our tour, make your way back to The Dictionary Hostel for the night in 12 minutes on foot or 13 minutes on the 149, 242, or 243 buses.

Now go home. You’re drunk.

*Please note that all of the directions you can find in this article were generated by Google Maps. All forms of public transportation mentioned in this article are subject to individual timetables. Whether or not the recommended transportation is available is dependent on the individual timetable of each service and does not account for any changes in timetable. The quickest public transportation route may vary depending on the time of day and the timetables of individual transportation services. In case the services we have recommended are not available please use the taxi services below:

One-Number Taxi: (+44) 0871 871 8710

Computer Cab: (+44) 0207 908 0207

Dial-A-Cab: (+44) 020 7253 5000

Radio Taxis: (+44) 020 7272 0272

The above taxi services were recommended by Transport For London.