Last minute Christmas: 18 post-work drink venues to get the festive spirit flowing

Artesian Bar at the Langham

Handy for the Beeb and Fitzrovia agency workers, the Artesian Bar has been voted ‘Best Bar in the World’ three times, so there’s no arguing about the venue, just perhaps about who’s paying the bill. This is the cocktail elevated to art-form.

Radio RoofTop at ME by Melia

New this year and one of the toughest bars to get into, but tenacity is well rewarded with amazing views of London. Call ahead to book a table, minimum spends apply and be sure to dress for the occasion because this smart bar enforces a smart dress policy.

Nobu Berkeley ST Lounge

Didn’t know you could go to Nobu for just a drink? You can, with a bar menu for grazing and of course, some of the best people watching in London. Call ahead to book your spot in the downstairs lounge, with DJ sessions every Thursday. Say yeah Japanese mojito.

Corinthia

All dressed up? Then, this is the place to go, with a choice of two beautiful bars serving world class drinks. Corinthia has firmly established it’s Grand Dame hotel status and these imposing bars offer agency drinks on a grand scale.

Sushi Samba Bar

What’s not to love about cocktails served at altitude? Quite apart from the stunning city views, the heated outdoor terraces will suit the smokers and the iconic orange tree somehow glows brighter at this time of year.

Punch Room at London Edition

Possibly one of the most secret bars in London, this wood panelled haven is perfect for winter nights, with fireside bowls of punch, including the signature ‘milk’ punch and seasonal specials. You must book a table in advance. If it’s suddenly late but you still want to party, shhh, there’s a nightclub in the basement.

Lounge Bar at Aqua The Shard

It’s all about descending the staircase in the heavens, with a stunning wall-of-window view of The City looking back. Perfect location for the new breed of London Bridge based agencies, such as Four Communications. Gather here to enjoy the excited hum in the skies above London.

Scarfe’s Bar

For a Phileas Fogg moment at the year end, head to Scarfe’s Bar at Rosewood London in Holborn. Those who remember newspapers will enjoy the satirical artworks of Gerald Scarfe. There's live lounge music every Thursday. Call ahead to reserve a space for larger team drinks.

Experimental Cocktail Club

Head to 13A Gerrard Street in China Town for this hidden den of cocktail perfection London outpost with a Parisian sibling, it’s a very chic choice. Perhaps not the easiest place to gain entry but definitely most worth it. Bookings only via email. Yes, it’s behind the door with the peeling paint.

Bar Termini

From the 69 Colebrook Row team, Bar Termini on Old Compton Street is Soho’s newest cocktail specialist - perfect stop off for a pre-agency party apperitivo. Very la dolce vita.

Old Tom & English

Not as old as you think, this basement restaurant and bar is already well appreciated for serving serious cocktails and anglo tapas sharing plates in stylish surroundings. This Soho venue is quite small so a call ahead is well advised to avoid the bore of a ‘no’ at the door.

Le Chalet

Between the heated terrace, big blankets, the cigar menu and hot choctail menu, Le Chalet by Q Grill sounds like the perfect spot for particularly festive end of year socials. Atop the roof of Selfridges it’s also rather handy for some last minute shopping. Other Q Grill pop-ups serving the choctail experience are Q Camden and Q-on-Ice at Canary Wharf.

Hoi Polloi

Not the venue for your 60-strong agency seasonal drinks session, but perfect for small agency and start-up teams to enjoy a few celebratory libations at the bar of this buzzing restaurant within the Ace Hotel. Work your way through the Polari themed cocktail list as you varda the eeks around you. Pin your Aunt Nell’s back and rest your weary lallies as your recap the year with your co-founders.

Spiritland

For music aficionados and lovers of vinyl, the Spiritland residency is the ongoing private-members-music-club-within-a-restaurant at Merchant’s Tavern. Possibly the smartest post-work drinks spot for those in tech city and certainly a favourite of The Modern Concierge.

Blacks Private Members Club

Being brought back to life as we speak, this is the forgotten-about members club which counted the Monty Python team as it’s founding members. Recently enjoying a gradual restoration and rejuvenation, call and politely request a table (as a prospective member you would of course like to experience the club) and with luck you’ll be enjoying Dickensian Christmas fireside drinks for your year end agency drinks.

Mahiki

Well, it was a surprise to us that Mayfair institution Mahiki on Dover Street, opens from 6pm. For a gently rocking round of drinks with colleagues or clients, this early evening tiki party is a rather jolly choice. Mind and look sharp because the dress code is applied from doors open plus photographic ID is required of all guests. Party on.

Jerusalem Tavern

We have loved this open-for-centuries pub for many years. The no TV, no music venue offers respite from the relentless Christmas rinse-out in almost every other establishment. Far from bah humbug, this ancient watering hole is a great choice for those channelling the festive team spirit. Let’s talk.

The CornerShop

Any pub at the junction of Old St, Shoreditch High Street, Kingsland Road and Hackney Road is probably always going to be busy. Favourite post-5-a-side boozer, the news is The Corner Shop serves great pizza, with regular live gigs in the basement music space. What we love most is that this is not a gastro-pub or cool concept bar, it is a local and unaffected boozer slap bang in the centre of Tech City.