The UK’s best cocktail bars

Pizza and cocktails – what a dream combination! Chef Josh and his 24hr fermented dough cook up a storm here at The Keekle Inn in Cumbria. While the wood-fired pizzas are amazing (try the legendary Keekle Dragon), we’re here to talk about the cocktails, which are sensational. Quite often you’ll find seasonally themed drinks available, such as festive additions that included the Polar Expresso and Happy Grinchmas. If you’re into your classic cocktails then make sure you try the Espresso Martini here (it’s amazing). If you’re into trying new things though then look out for the Pink Resolutions cocktail – Strawberry Cream Liqueur with Raspberry Vodka.

Located within the heart of Brighton lanes, Coppa Club offers a relaxed, welcoming space that’s open all day, from early breakfast to late evening drinks. Featuring cosy lounges and al fresco dining surrounding the courtyard’s dolphin fountain, guests can eat, drink, socialise, work a little or just settle in with a good book. The cocktails here are brilliant, with an offering of classics and signatures. If you’re into your martinis then try the Crème Brûlée Martini: Havana Club 7 Year Old, Ketel One, vanilla, crème brûlée syrup, cream. Perfection.

The Craftsman Company is an independent coffee & ale house that roasts its own single origin coffee on-site, and offers 16 craft beer lines and over 40 gins on the back bar. This is a popular and unique venue in the heart of Aberdeen that does an incredible brunch, so if you’re partial to a cocktail or two with yours on a weekend, then this one’s for you. If you’re hungry we recommend you go for the Full Monty (a vegan version as well as a mini version are also available), which is a hearty plate of fry-up goodness. Choose from a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa, and you’ve got yourself a fine way to begin your day.

For late night fun and cocktails, consider 11th & Social in Norwich. Open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, here you can find a menu boasting a very impressive range, from signatures to hi-balls and classics. The hi-balls in particular should be tried. Easy Street is nice and fresh, made with Bombay Sapphire Gin and shaken with cucumber, elderflower and Amalfi lime tonic, while the Dark & Stormy is a no-nonsense mix of dark, lime and ginger beer.

The Mulberry Bar, tucked behind glass doors in The Celtic Manor resort’s exquisite lobby, is a stunning new bar and is the perfect venue to soak up luxurious surroundings. Sip on champagne or indulge in creative cocktails, shaken and stirred by a team of mixology experts. Whether you want to enjoy the atmosphere at the bar or head outdoors to the terrace with cosy fire pit tables, this is the perfect place to relax with your favourite people. The Mulberry Bar is a good excuse to dress up, sample divine cocktails, soak in an amazing atmosphere and enjoy some quality time with your nearest and dearest.

Renowned for its boozy burgers, Vandal & Co promises any burger and two cocktails for just £24.90. The team here invites you to come play with them and enjoy the best burgers around. Situated in the heart of Dundee, the menu is pure indulgence from mouthwatering burgers to sizzling steaks, hand-cut fries and scrumptious sides. The cocktails here are excellent. Try the Metallica: liquid metal, East London vodka, raspberry, pineapple and lime; or go for Skinny Dipping: El Sueno watermelon tequila, curacao, orange, agave, lime and foamer. There are plenty more choices to keep you going, too!