Cinq à Sept: Things to Do
Back to ItineriesMake the most of those golden hours between five and seven with our recommendations below. Whether you fancy a cocktail, some shopping or simply somewhere beautiful to relax, the West End has plenty of ways to spend your cinq à sept.
For a relaxing rooftop: The Portrait Restaurant
Head to The Portrait Restaurant at the National Portrait Gallery for a cocktail overlooking Trafalgar Square. A great spot for watching the city move from day to evening.
For some retail therapy: Fortnum & Mason
Browse all floors of Fortnum & Mason, pick up something from the food hall, take in the atmosphere and take the lift up to the third floor for a drink at their intimate and relaxing speakeasy, 3'6 bar.
For a hidden gem: Archive & Myth
Want to know about one of the best hidden bars in town? Head beneath the Hippodrome to discover Archive & Myth, a hidden cocktail bar filled with an incredibly innovative cocktail menu.
For the view: 8 at The Londoner
Take things up a level at 8 at The Londoner. Set high above Leicester Square, it’s the place for cocktails, city views and a little glamour as day turns into night.
For a Mediterranean mood: Claro
Slow down with Claro’s Aperitivo Hour, inspired by the laid-back rhythm of Mediterranean afternoons. Think cocktails, sharing plates and plenty of time to chill.
For pre-theatre drinks: Ochre
Make your way to Ochre at the National Gallery for a drink before a West End show. Its cocktail bar and lounge make an easy starting point for an evening at the theatre.
For something polished: 45 Jermyn St
For something polished, settle in at 45 Jermyn St for cocktails in one of the West End’s more glamorous settings.
For agave lovers: The Perception at W London
Bring a kick of energy to your cinq à sept at The Perception, with tequila, mezcal and other agave spirits alongside Latin American-inspired bites.
For a French-inspired aperitif: St James Bar
Step into St James Bar at Sofitel London St James, where 1920s glamour meets contemporary cocktails.