The Backyard

You'll find The Backyard tucked into the heart of Shoreditch, where the street pulses with creative energy and proper bars aren't hard to come by—but this one rises above. It's the kind of place where the bartenders actually know what they're doing, crafting cocktails with precision rather than pouring spirit-heavy nonsense into a coupe glass. The space has that effortless cool you want from East London right now: unpretentious but clearly thought-through, with enough buzz on a Friday night to remind you why you bother leaving your flat. Whether you're meeting mates after work or settling in for the evening, there's an easy confidence here that makes you want to stay longer than planned.