Cocktail hour: The best hotel bars in the UK
12 March 2024
Few traditions are as cheeringly elegant as cocktail hour...
And when it comes to a perfectly mixed drink, the UK’s leading luxury hotel bars are not only top destinations in their own right but also consistently set the trends for new taste sensations and serving styles.
In fact some of the world’s best mixologists work their magic in the chicest hotel bars in the UK, which offer a tantalising selection of both classic and trending cocktails, in addition to impressive wine cellars and premium beers from around the globe.
We’ve handpicked the best hotel bars in the UK for the most memorable gin o’clock gatherings, vodka-infused sundowners or cocktail parties for special celebrations.
Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Cumbria
When in Cumbria and thirsty, make your way to Farlam Hall Hotel & Restaurant. This country house hotel, situated in a peaceful spot in the town of Brampton, is the epitome of understated elegance with exquisite, individually designed guest rooms and a reputation for fabulous Michelin-starred food and delicious drinks.
The bar: After a long day exploring the Cumbrian countryside, The Cocktail Bar is a delightful haven with staff poised to mix up handcrafted drinks for every occasion. You’ll find all the classics on the cocktail menu plus some inspired creations, unique to Farlam Hall. If you love fizz, you’ll find exclusive vintages, and the extensive list of wines, beers, spirits and liqueurs is also impressive.
The vibe: With its light modern decor, the bar is a buzzing place to gather and for more laid back drinking there’s also a cosy lounge next door…
Signature drink: Sample the hotel’s very own Farlam Hall Gin, with flavours inspired by Chef Patron Hrishikesh Desai, and created by the multi-award winning Hawkridge Distillery. There’s a classic citrusy London Dry and a Raspberry & Cardamom variety made with berries from the hotel’s on-site kitchen garden.
Bovey Castle, Devon
As befitting of a fairytale castle hotel, hospitality at Devon’s celebrated Bovey Castle is fit for royalty. Situated in Newton Abbot near Dartmoor National Park, this celebrated hotel with spa, golf course and fine dining restaurant is the perfect place to relax and unwind after fresh air adventures and hikes on the moors.
The bar: Enter The Oak Room — arguably the best hotel bar in Dartmoor — and you’ll find a lavish bar that exudes the best of old world charm. Here, you can relish the perfect G&T, sample a selection of more than 90 whiskies or savour some superb cocktails from a vast menu of traditional favourites and cheeky new concoctions.
The vibe: Get ready for your close up — this bar wants to “make you feel at home and feel like a movie star at the same time.”
Signature drinks: The friendly staff here are an inventive bunch and love to mix it, literally. Ask them to share their special cocktail creation of the day.
Palé Hall, Snowdonia, Wales
Prepare to be treated to the warmest of Welsh hospitality at picture- perfect Palé Hall, the beautiful Grade II listed Victorian property situated on the edge of Snowdonia National Park. The ultimate in country house chic, this hotel offers award-winning cuisine and a feast of outdoor experiences from e-biking to fly fishing.
The bar: In keeping with the hotel’s architectural heritage, The Huntsman Bar is named after the notable style of traditional and highly ornate bars that were popular in Victorian times. This inviting haven also features a Bistro for informal but delicious drinking and dining.
The vibe: Relaxed, warm and dog-friendly — think lively chatter, Barbour jackets and sleeping Labradors.
Signature drinks: The new and exclusive Palé Hall limited edition whisky created in collaboration with award-winning Welsh distillery Penderyn — a premium tipple with aromas of warm spiced apples, hints of citrus peels and spiced honey finish.
The Relais Henley
Watering holes by the riverside don’t get much more sophisticated than the five-star drinking and dining opportunities at this boutique hotel. The Relais Henley is a honeypot during the annual Henley Regatta and an inviting haven for luxury breaks year round.
The bar: The Clip Bar — one of the best hotel bars in the UK —is the perfect place to meet for an early evening aperitif and enjoy the riverside views – choose from a selection of crisp sparkling wines and champagnes curated by the renowned Mosimann’s of London or sip on a martini, shaken or stirred, served with locally distilled gin, Mr Hobbs.
The vibe: With a welcoming fireplace, restored wood panelling and comfortable furniture, The Clip Bar feels like an elegant drawing room.
Signature drinks: Artisan G&Ts with ice and a slice or classic Pimms when the boat racing begins.
Ellenborough Park Hotel & Spa, Cheltenham
As one of Cheltenham’s most stylish hotels, Ellenborough Park Hotel & Spa is a classically beautiful British manor house located close to the famous racecourse. Situated in stunning grounds, Ellenborough Park’s chilled out spa and chic interiors are perfect for glamorous gatherings.
The bar: Sidle up to the Horse Box Brasserie Bar where you’ll discover a talented team of mixologists have created a carefully curated collection of classic and bespoke cocktails that pack a real punch. And you can also sip your way around the world thanks to the extensive wine list or hang out and enjoy chilled beer.
The vibe: Buzzing but elegant with a quintessentially English sense of boho chic.
Signature drinks: Don’t miss out on the perfectly paired Aperitif & Appetisers menu and try the new Taittinger Champagne Flight & Canapés experience comprising three delectable canapés matched with three glasses of Taittinger Champagne, served in the hotel’s beautiful Great Hall.
The Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Newbury
Home to an extraordinary 30,000 bottle cellar, The Vineyard Hotel & Spa is the ultimate destination for wine enthusiasts seeking the finest vintages and a luxury hotel stay that is all about indulging — with award-winning spa treats on tap. This stylish modern hotel in Berkshire is also celebrated for its superb art collection.
The bar: The Vineyard's bar is the hot spot for wine tasting masterclasses along with fine dining tasting experiences at The Tasting Room, there’s more than one watering hole — the hotel is designed with multiple locations, rooms and nooks for sips and tipples, including cocktails by the pool, and the bar in the spa.
The vibe: California sunshine whatever the weather — with some serious talk about grapes.
Signature drinks: Vino, naturally. 30,000 bottles. 3,000 bins. Over 50 by the glass. And it’s ever evolving as the hotel’s expert sommeliers are always sniffing out new and interesting wines to add to the incredible collection.
The Hari, London
For a top notch bolthole in Belgravia, check into The Hari, one of the finest luxury hotels in London. Thoroughly modern and on trend, The Hari is renowned for its sleek designer bedrooms, sophisticated but vibrant Italian restaurant, and its fabulous luxury hotel bar.
The bar: The Hari Bar is one of the best hotel bars in London — a cosmopolitan but dynamic spot to eat, drink and socialise in this smart enclave of the city centre.
The vibe: Understated elegance is the name of the game, making it a great choice for lazy lunches, or a welcoming oasis for thirst-quenching cocktails after a hectic day.
Signature drinks: The Hartini Experience is the latest collection of “Haritinis” each featuring the hotel’s bespoke booze, The Hari Gin, at its heart. Choose from Classico, Gin ‘n’ Jam, Hot to Handle, and The Secret Lover.
Grantley Hall, Yorkshire Dales
Fancy lounging in a stately home and sipping fine wines while soaking up sensational views of the Yorkshire Dales? Grantley Hall is an inviting abode in this beautiful region of England and the ideal place for a countryside escape with first-class dining and drinking.
The bar: The fabulous Norton Bar, one of the best hotel bars in Yorkshire, invites you to sink into deep leather armchairs and revel in a lavish space decked out with rich Italian marble and dark wood décor with an eclectic array of books and antiques. And on warmer days, the adjoining outdoor terrace is the perfect spot for a mid-afternoon tipple or an aperitif.
The vibe: Rich, opulent and eclectic - the epitome of old school English elegance with a modern twist.
Signature drinks: Classic cocktails and fine whiskies.
Thurlestone Hotel, Devon
For a refreshing seaside retreat, check into The Thurlestone, a luxury hotel with a spa situated near to Salcombe on the South Devon coast. This gorgeous country estate has been lovingly run by the Grose family for over 125 years, and is famous for its exceptional hospitality.
The bar: When it comes to hotel bars in Devon with stunning sea views, Thurlestone Hotel’s Terrace Bar, with its two elegant outside terraces and a cosy indoor conservatory, is among the most celebrated hotspots. Here, you can enjoy a chilled glass of fizz or a crisp rosé and feast on the locally sourced catch of the day, including succulent seafood platters while gazing out at the surf rolling into Thurlestone Bay.
The vibe: Quiet luxury with sand in your toes.
Signature drinks: Fine wines and cocktails for memorable sundowners from Aperol Spritz to Negronis.
The Torridon, Scottish Highlands
If you’re looking for a great Highland fling of a weekend getaway with the chance to work your way through some seriously good whiskey and cocktails made with the local spirit, it has to be The Torridon. Situated in Wester Ross on the shores of Loch Torridon, this five-star retreat is one of the finest hotels in Scotland.
The bar: The Whisky Bar is one of the best hotel bars in Scotland for whisky lovers, offering an intoxicating choice of no fewer than 365 classic and rare malts —with resident experts on hand to host tasting sessions, tell you all about the history of whisky making in the region, or simply help you find your new favourite.
The vibe: This gem of a hotel bar oozes character and is the place for those who love to hunker down by a roaring log fire and share tall stories.
Signature drinks: Make it a single malt, of course.
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