Café Kick Named London's Best Bar for 2026
Time Out London's annual list also recognised top spots for cocktails, wine, and new openings.
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Café Kick, located at Exmouth Market, has been named the best bar in London for 2026 by Time Out. The publication's annual assessment of the city's drinking establishments placed the Euro-chic sports bar at the top of its new list. Café Kick first opened its doors almost 30 years ago, in 1997.
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The Time Out list also recognised other venues for specific categories. Waltz, situated in Shoreditch, was crowned the best cocktail bar in London. Big John’s Biltong Bar in Deptford received the title of best dive bar. For wine enthusiasts, Bonne Route in Harringey was identified as the highest-ranking wine bar.
Further accolades included Tramps in Islington, which was awarded the honour of best new bar in London. This establishment was opened earlier this year by acclaimed artist Peter Doig and his gallerist partner Parinaz Mogadassi.
Time Out's drinks correspondent Eloise Feilden described Café Kick as being akin to 'if the Spanish Riviera and old school east London had a baby'. The bar is credited with contributing to the popularity of the pedestrianised Clerkenwell street, initiating a trend for outdoor seating in the area.
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Questions this report answers
+Which bar won the best cocktail bar award?
Waltz in Shoreditch was named the best cocktail bar in London for 2026 by Time Out. This recognition highlights its reputation among the city’s top drinking spots.
+What makes Café Kick special according to Time Out?
Time Out described Café Kick as a breezy, Euro-chic sports bar akin to 'if the Spanish Riviera and old school east London had a baby'. It has also helped popularise outdoor seating in Clerkenwell.
+Who opened the best new bar in London?
Tramps in Islington, named best new bar for 2026, was opened by artist Peter Doig and his partner Parinaz Mogadassi earlier this year. The venue has quickly gained acclaim.
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