Cocktail hour: The best hotel bars in the UK

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.