It’s (almost) the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no place quite as magical as Mayfair to truly embrace the festive spirit.

Lights go up, Christmas music can be heard on the streets, and menus are given a wonderfully seasonal makeover. And of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday without a Christmas drink or two. As far as drinks are concerned, you can forget all about mulled wine. Instead, head to one of the many venues in Mayfair that will spoil you with yuletide cocktails and festive atmospheres. Here, we round up a few of the best bars to enjoy festive drinks in Mayfair.

Best for Christmas drinks with wow factor: Mr Fogg’s Apothecary 

The inside of Mr Fogg's Apothecary showing two sofas and a table with walls covered in portraits

Mr Fogg’s Apothecary. Image credit: Johnny Stephens Photography.

Sip hot mulled wine and award-winning classic cocktails at Mr Fogg’s Apothecary bar in Mayfair. Enjoy drinks in The Drawing Room, a cosy and intimate space filled with quirky artefacts from around the world: think old grandfather clocks, apothecary cabinets, and portraits of botanists and scientists. Find Mr Fogg’s on Brook Street, opposite the iconic Claridge’s Hotel.

15 Bruton Lane, London W1J 6JD
020 7036 0608

Best for Christmas drinks in a unique setting: Mercato Mayfair

The outside of a church with four tall pillars and a man riding a bicycle past it

Image credit and copyright: Ben Broomfield. @photobenphoto

Enjoy Christmas drinks with a difference in the tucked-away crypt of Mercato Mayfair, a sustainable food hall that’s set within a grade 1 listed deconsecrated church. Head down into the basement wine cellar to enjoy festive drinks, and grab some food from one of Mercato’s two floors of food stalls that serve up everything from pizza to dumplings. It’s possible to book a table for groups of 10 or more.

Best for drinks with your colleagues: Scott’s

The outdoor terrace of Scott's restaurant with black awning and tables and chairs on the pavement

It’s hard not to be impressed by Scott’s glamorous history. While it first opened as an oyster warehouse in the 1950s, it went on to become one of London’s most revered seafood restaurants and bars, and has welcomed politicians, artists, film stars and writers over the decades. The perfect place to mix business and pleasure. Signature cocktails include the Jabberwocky (a mix of Wyborowa Vodka, Passion fruit, Lemon juice, Agave and Pineapple juice) and  the Bitters Bergamot Negroni (Beefeater Gin, Martini Bianco, Italicus Bergamotto).

Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, London W1K 2RN
0207 495 7309

Book your table here.

Best for a romantic date night: The Red Room at The Connaught

The lounge area of a bar with a chandelier, comfy chairs, and three artworks around a fireplace

Stepping into The Connaught’s Red Room, through a velvet-curtained doorway from the hotel’s Champagne Room, is akin to stepping back in time. Think a soft pink colour palette, majestic fireplace, pink onyx bar and art deco style furnishings. While away the hours sipping on vintage champagne or one of the bar’s eight signature cocktails, and admiring the curated art collection.

The Connaught, Carlos Place, London W1K 2AL
0207 499 7070

Book your table here.

Best for non-alcoholic cocktails: Jamavar

Four cocktails in different shaped glasses

Non drinkers needn’t be left behind this festive season. Indian fine dining restaurant Jamavar has an excellent selection of alcohol-free cocktails that perfectly tie in with its excellent menu. Favourites include The Lychee Cooler (Lychee juice, fresh passion fruit, fresh lime & vanilla) and Spring Garden (Guava juice, fresh raspberries, fresh lemon & white peach). Cheers!

8 Mount Street, London W1K 3NF
0207 499 1800

Book your table here.

Best for drinks with your family: Claridge’s Bar

The exterior of Claridge's hotel with Christmas trees above the door and a black taxi parked outside

If you’re planning a day of Christmas shopping with your family, you’ll no doubt be in need of a treat once you’re ready to drop. Whether you’re from out of town or a die hard Londoner, you simply can’t go wrong with the institution that is Claridge’s. In keeping with the hotel, the bar is an ode to all things art deco. While you’ll be spoiled for choice with rare champagnes and spirits, do ask the bartender to surprise you with a cocktail, and look out for the special food and drinks festive menus from 8th November onwards.

Claridge’s, Brook Street, London W1K 4HR
0207 629 8860

Book a table here.

Best for drinks with friends: The Lucky Cat Bar

If you’re after something a little less traditional than your average mulled cider, then The Lucky Cat Bar is for you. Part of Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant, it celebrates the spirit of Tokyo’s 1930s Kissa Clubs and Shanghai’s drinking dens. Hero beverages include the Shiso Smash and the Singapore Sling, but to be honest, the cocktail combinations are endless thanks to the well-stocked bar’s extensive list of bitters, gins and vermouth, so come in with an open mind and enjoy the ride. It’ll make for the most fun outing with friends.

The Lucky Cat Bar, 10 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP
0207 107 0000

Book your table here.