“Let’s go on a massive crawl of all those amazing bars in Victoria” is not, we’ll admit, something that’s said very often.
But sometimes needs must – and whether you work nearby, missed your train, or just need somewhere to go before seeing Hamilton, there’s no need to make do with a lacklustre pub when you could be sampling wine from a giant vending machine, sipping rosé in a cobbled courtyard, or popping a magnum of Champagne by the fireside. And to do that, you’ll first need to do this: have a read of our guide to the best bars in Victoria…
Amie Wine Studio
Eccleston Yards is a secluded, zhuzhed-up courtyard just behind Victoria Station, home to a collection of independent businesses, a thriving weekend market, annnd this part wine bar-part gallery from Amie Wines. Their ‘wine studio’ is a gorgeously designed space showcasing work by up-and-coming artists – so be warned, after sampling a couple of the house wines you might just take a piece home with you.
Details: Eccleston Yards, SW1W | Open daily, no bookings
–
Blood Orange Bar
Somewhere to take a new squeeze: Blood Orange is a lively, low-lit bar slung below The Orange pub, furnished with cosy banquettes and solid drinks (figuratively speaking). The mood varies from night to night: they might have a match showing, a live band on or DJs playing vinyl. And it’s worth knowing that the pub upstairs is easily one of the loveliest in the neighbourhood, thanks to a warming open fire and decent grub.
Details: The Orange, 37-39 Pimlico Road, SW1W 8NE | Book Blood Orange
–
The Goring Cocktail Bar
The Goring Hotel has been shaking cocktails since 1910, meaning you’re in exceptionally safe hands here. The bar is everything you could hope a 5* hotel opposite Buckingham Palace to be, boasting deep red damask wallpaper, a roaring fire, a terrace for the warmer months and a resident pianist tickling the ivories. Signature cocktails here are made with over 100 herbs grown in The Goring’s own garden (yes, apparently there are more than 100 types of herb) and spirits which, like the hotel, hold a Royal Warrant. As you’d expect, that means they’re pretty eye-watering – and that’s just when you’re looking at the menu.
Details: 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW | Open nightly till 11pm, no bookings
–
Market Halls Victoria
Taking over an old Edwardian shopping arcade opposite Victoria station, Market Halls Victoria has not one but three bars, and a dinky rooftop terrace that shows off some of the grandiose architecture that’s usually blocked from view by the bus station. On top of that, there’s nine street food traders here slinging their wares, ranging from Malaysian at the legendary Gopal’s Corner to fluffy buns at BAO.
Details: 191 Victoria Street, London SW1E 5NE | No bookings
–
BAM Karaoke Box
An exceptionally OTT karaoke den where the decor has been inspired by ‘Nell Gwynn’s 17th century house parties’, which the history books won’t tell you were rife with jungle prints, neon-lit slogans, graffiti’d portraits and a suite of 22 individually designed (and equally lavish) private karaoke booths. Whether you’re here to sing or not, BAM’s perfect for when you find yourself in Victoria and don’t want the night to end – the live music stage and mini French Martini shots will see to that.
Details: 74 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6SQ | Book karaoke here
–
Boisdale
This Scottish eatery has gone way past the point of mere Highland fling, and is having a full Scottish love affair. Their Belgravia branch just behind Victoria station is a warren of drinking dens, dining rooms, a courtyard and cigar terrace; each liberally scattered with tartan and Scottish paraphernalia. Unsurprisingly, there’s a strong whisky collection behind the bar, and there’s also live music every night, spanning jazz, soul and blues (no bagpipes involved).
Details: 15 Eccleston Street, Belgravia, SW1W 9LX | No bookings
–
Flight Club Victoria
If Flight Club had opened its Victoria bar 150 years earlier, maybe Queen Vic would have been amused. It’s easily the liveliest place for a drink in Victoria, whether you’re booked in to play darts or not – the dazzling carousel-styled bar at its centre serves up the full 180 from cocktail slushies and house shots to sharing cocktails served inside giant winners’ trophies. It seems to be perpetually rammed (in a good way), but if you’re after a bit more space you can take a breather in the bar’s private terrace, strewn with eclectic decor including Ming vase stools and a red telephone box.
Details: 6 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ | Book darts or a table at Flight Club
–
Rail House Café
The Rail House Café (sibling to the Riding House Café in Fitzrovia) has somehow managed to take a cold, glassy corner of the Nova building and transform it into a rustically warm and inviting beach house. And like all good beach houses, it’s centred around a giant horseshoe bar where the team serve up draught & bottled beers; house cocktails like the Right on Thyme (with Champagne, thyme-infused vermouth, coconut & lemon); and a highly affordable aperitivo hour, 4-6pm Mon-Sat.
Details: 8 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ | No bookings
–
Vagabond
Sporting 140 bottles hooked up to futuristic taps dotted around the room, the Vagabond drinkeries are some of the more inventive wine bars in London – and their bar in Victoria is the indecisive wine-drinker’s haven. On entry, you’ll be handed a card to top up with your tab, which you’ll then be able to swipe at any bottle to taste either a sample or a full glass. Essentially, it’s a giant vending machine of wine – only with cheese and charcuterie platters to boot.
Details: Nova Building, 77 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0AJ | Book Vagabond
Partial to a tipple? Peruse our list of London’s best cocktail bars