Oriole Bar in City of London, Westminster

Tried Prelude by Oriole during their 3-month pop-up, and were made to feel very welcome by Sam, Marco, and Jacob. Interesting food and cocktails, as well - where else can you eat a mushroom meringue?

Great food, friendly service, a real gem of a place. Amazing what they produce from the tiny kitchen.

What a wonderful little cocktail bar! Just like a good cocktail, it leaves you wanting more and it’s so very fitting that this is just the warmup to the opening. Prelude has a lovely cozy vibe and atmosphere with very enjoyable live music. The cocktails are marvellous and I especially appreciated the personal touch of them making me a unique non-alc one. The service in general is really spectacular, attentive and friendly in a genuine way. Jacob & Marco are wonderful. I was also surprised by the food - I particularly recommend the sando. In a city as crowded by cocktail bars as London, it takes something special to stand out and Prelude by Oriole has it. I cannot wait until the grand opening itself!

Excellent service, food and cocktails.

Didn't expect that food was this top quality! Loved the chips and pumpkin dishes.🙏🏻 Their service was also just amazing. The guy sitting next to us split my wine when he was trying to pass by, they immediately came with papers and offered another drink. Read my food blog for a full experience.

We came during one of their opening nights and while we enjoyed the cocktails, the small plates didn't blow us away. The service was very attentive and helpful. It's a nice, intimate setting, complemented by live music, so I'll definitely return for that experience!

Benjamin makes incredible spicy margaritas! They’re so good that it’s impossible to have just one! ;)

This used to be a basement speakeasy, but now it's located on the first floor of the Hoxton. They had great cocktails and live music. Nice bar!

Very chic cocktail bar with an ambiance to match. I appreciated the bartenders’ attentiveness and the quality of my old fashioned :).

My happy place and the best dirty martini in town! Highly recommend you go for the oyster happy hour and stay for everything else. Unfortunately they do have a staff issue (everyone is new as they have a high turnover), all my favourites have moved on, which is such a shame - they really made you feel like family and gave that added service that made me go back every week/month! Service is a let down but, who can be sad whilst sitting on a sunny rooftop with an oyster in one hand a dirty martini in another!

The atmosphere and the music was incredible. However, the drinks are about two sips until empty and are mainly filled with ice.

Some scenes of the well-known Netflix series obsession were filmed here

Great cocktails and just the best service. We had a really good time. Would recommend to all and visit again!

This establishment is the epitome of class! Loved every visit. Much love to the owners, entertainers, and patrons for creating a first class experience. Great drinks, great music, great ambiance!!!

The live music was fantastic! Drinks and service were also great - they customised one of the drinks to accommodate a peanut allergy which was very kind.

Great cocktails & art deco vibe

Colonial style prohibition bar. One of the best in London. Great cocktails, fabulous atmosphere, live music. A little on the expensive side, but worth it!

We were fortunate to attend a live jazz night with an incredibly talented female lead singer and fantastic band. Creative and delicious cocktails to compliment the interior and entertainment!

Fun atmosphere and fantastic cocktails.

Amazing experience!!! Best cocktail bar I have been in ages Extremely attentive staff with tasty food and innovative cocktails Also they got live music Can't wait to be back Thank you guys

Don't think it. Just book and bring your partner here ❤️👍

Great bar, staff really nice. A star lost because the bouncer made a point of pretending not to let us in, which apparently he had done to everyone, not a great start to the visit.

Amazing cocktail bar! Atmosphere is great, staff are lovely and cocktails are on top level!!! Really recommend to try their signature cocktails! 10/10 ;)

I have been in the Oriole bar twice (before and after the pandemic). I always like the contrast between the dodgy-looking outdoor context within the same building of the Smithfield market (but not actually dodgy) and the Oriole bar location. The bouncer at the door was a bit cold but I think it is the speak-easy concept of the bar trying to keep the vibe as a secret place. The location is very lovely and calm designed as a warm place with some inspiration from Japanese interiors. I was sitting on a table in the small corner beyond the counter and I thought that was a kind bit more private area but it was next to the waiters' hub and close to the gents' toilet (but was not actually very annoying). I would suggest as to ask for the tables right next to the entrance on the small podium in case you want the quietest spot. The cocktail menu is a very nice list to explore, I had one from the menu, the D'arrigo, which was nice and well presented (I love the cocktails with the one single big chunky ice cube) and a Negroni that was perfectly executed! Service was very good but a tiny little bit too pressing from different members of the staff, I'd rather prefer one single person following for the whole evening. There was live music with a single piano-voice artist playing classic piano bar hits. I really appreciated the staff members met greetings me on my way out. The bill was a bit pricy (£63 for 4 drinks and service charge) but considering the entire experience I think it's within the high average band, and actually worth the entire experience. I would definitely come back again.

Great bar, food, service and live music. The bar will close at the end of 2022 and relocate in London.

I was lucky enough to get here on my birthday as a walk in. The cocktails were just AWESOME and Michael's service was literally GREAT, thanks a million for taking care of us. 12 out of 10!!!

Perfect autumn hideaway, great service and atmosphere, mixologist shakes up a storm

This cozy, stylish lounge is perfect for date nights. Nice atmosphere and drinks, the jazz performances are well worth the cover charge!

This cozy stylish lounge is perfect for date nights. Nice atmosphere and drinks, the jazz performances are well worth the cover charge

Lugar acogedor con vistas fantásticas y dónde se come muy bien. También hacen unos cócteles muy buenos. Pero nosotros cenamos muy a gusto

Nice cocktails and a cool Mediterranean feel.

Lidt af en oplevelse, super betjening men desværre var det som om, at musikken var sekundær.

Aside from the live Jazz band that wasn't abusively loud, and stylish decor, the staff were fantastic - on an anniversary night, especially Michael made it with such attention to detail, explaining the cocktails and personally determined to find the best one. I'd hire this person as he'll go far with such a personable and pleasurable nature which is just natural. Great way to celebrate - this place is 5* for sure

All the vibes in this cool, dark cocktail hub.

The jazz night was ok , however what made this place great was the service and the bar staff who were just so amazing and friendly and made you feel very taken care of. The old fashion cocktail was also just incredible and I could drink that again and again. Thank you all x

Excelente lugar para quem gosta de alta coquetelaria. Cardápio inspirado na rota de migração do Oriole, com releituras de drinks clássicos.

I love the Oriole Bar. Great food and even better drinks. Live Music on the weekend, Saturdays band is really good. The cocktail menu is always updated but they are happy to make anything you like!

Great speakeasy tucked away in the most unassuming of places. Really tasty cocktails 🍹 and lovely live music. The vibe of the place is perfect to unwind and relax after a busy day in London. Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to explore the speakeasy scene in London. 🦩

Great music, delicious food and wonderful service.

Accueil sympathique, cocktails au top avec des saveurs originales, une belle soirée et une serveuse très agréable.

Celebrated our anniversary there. Amazing music and SUPERB cocktails and food! Impeccable service...

Una experiencia sensacional, tuvimos una gran cena con un buen espectáculo. Oliver el camarero que nos atendió fue super atento y de lo mejor de esa noche 100% recomendado

Until recently this was a bar called The Cock Tavern which severed the workers of Smithfield Market when their shift were done and this a very poor replacement. On the face of this bar should do well - great historic location, lots of punters leaving restaurant wanting a few more drinks but it misses the mark so badly. Doorman - huge fuss about getting in ‘have you booked, we’re busy tonight’ lots of radio back and forth with the ‘management’. When finally allowed in the place is half empty?!?! Service and drinks I was wondering how to use my powers of invisibility it took so long to be served! When I was served I ordered an Old Fashioned - simple standard cocktail that they decided to insert a shot of port and top with a brownie. Keep the basics basics!! Cover charge - we took friends visiting from the US , who just wanted to stay a little longer and chat _and not drink - but we’re slapped with a £6 ‘cover charge’ for the music?? It’s a long time since I have seen a cover charge All in all it’s a bit of tourist trap that is in the wrong part of London. It has the potential to be a really great late night spot but has missed the mark and misjudged the typical Smithfield customers Sorry to say, I won’t be back Ps out ad a party of 7 only 4 people had a drink and 50% of tue bill was a cover charge

Great cocktails and at times you have a live music band. Staff is really friendly and knows their cocktails! The cocktails are categorised according to countries/regions and the corresponding alcohol. Really enjoy going there and would definitely recommend. 10/10

Loved this place. Great variety & quality of coctails. Food is not bad either. Music was awesome too.

Friday night £50 each for high quality food including a cocktail and then great music from the Jake Leg Jug Band. The sound needed some adjustment- they didn’t turn up the main mic and the sound was lost - but really good band, friendly staff and lovely atmosphere.

What a fantastic place! Cocktails are unusual and interesting! Service was 5* - Michael was very friendly and helpful the whole time. Would highly recommend if you are looking for an unique experience with equally unique cocktails!

Went here for my birthday and it was a lovely experience. Ambience was lovely, the live jazz music was so good and the set menu was really good too. It would have been nice if they'd paid attention to my booking which mentioned it was for my birthday celebration and maybe surprised me with a small dessert plate as many restaurants do this, but not kicking a fuss about it. Overall great place and would revisit.

Outstanding staff! Great selection of drinks and cool music and atmosphere!

Great experience overall, very delicious cocktails, and perfect ambience with live music on. However the food was average at best. The wait for the food was too long, but they offered a Prosecco on the house, which somewhat alleviated it.

Great atmosphere, fantastic musicians and an amazing selection of cocktails. Good food on the menu, but some options need improvement.

Secret find. Cocktails bar and opened until 2am. Loved the garnish on the cocktail. I'll go back for the live music next time.

I visited this bar with my sister after having thoroughly enjoyed the drinks at its sister bar Nightjar. The drinks at Oriole did not disappoint - the menu was extensive and well-researched, with lots of unique options that it was tricky to pick! We both loved the drinks we selected. The live music was really enjoyable too, however we were seated at a table right in front of the live music so it was difficult for us to speak to one another whilst the music was playing. Additionally (and this is the reason I did not give it more stars), we were not made aware until the bill came around that we were charged a cover fee of an additional £10pp. Were we to know, we may have ordered differently. It is a reasonable fee to pay, however we strongly wish we were told about this in advance.

Well located near Farringdon, this local gem is uniquely situated at the Smithfield Market with a spacious basement. Their menu is pretty creative showcasing different regions of the world and the cocktails are tasty and well presented. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks!

I’m from Toronto but next time I come to London I am coming back. I came alone but all the staff made me feel so welcome. Everyone was so lovely. I came early and they accommodated for me, got a seat right in front of the stage. Now the drinks were absolutely incredible. I enjoy going to different bars a lot but Oriole really had some of the most innovative flavour combinations I have had in a very long time. I also really loved that they had an edible garnish with their drinks. I tried the Reunion and Daintree Collins and was recommended the Acadia. And oh wow the Acadia was so lovely. Definitely never expected to like peanut butter in my drink. Not to mention the live band was great. Anyways, long story short, would definitely recommend it here.

An absolute gem of a cocktail bar. The staff are super attentive and their list has some excellent choices that you can tell, the mixologists just love creating. Live music and excellent service make for a great night and 5 hours fly by! Highly recommended.

Incredible atmosphere! Great drinks, service, food and music. Just the best 😎

Interesting and really delicious offbeat drinks. Really some of the best Cocktails I’ve had

Been there for a Saturday night drink and show menu. Delicious cocktails, wonderful music, and above all, superb service.

Nice atmosphere and service. They have their unique, world themed cocktails but too much going on in one cocktail. Hard to get characteristics of the drinks. Enjoyed time here but not my type of cocktails.

Lovely underground fancy jazz bar. The decor is nice and old-school. Cocktails are a little extravagant, but nice. The stand-out for me was that all the staff were so lovely and accommodating. They had great knowledge on the menus too. Great date spot.

Kind of amazing that this place has still got the same shine it had when it opened 10 years ago. The cocktail menu is of course the star and most cocktails are liquid delights without being overwrought. The ambiance is more comfortable and less themey as it has worn in. They serve a limited range of food which is on par with the better restaurants in the area.

Ever heard of Nightjar? Then you should ho to his little brother, Oriole. Speak easy, amazing live music, great cocktails and enticing food tasters to accompany your drink. Try it!

I ve had the most amazing cocktails in this bar! Here you don't get the standard mojito, cosmopolitan but real different flavour combinations that's either floral, sweet sour, salty ... impressive.they really play with the senses also the smell. Food is also good, I've had the best fried squid ever! The waiters/ waitress are great.they really can advise you well

This is a music venue with a small M. It is almost certainly a restaurant thats main purpose is to sell food and drink to make money that happens to have music in the background. A shabby venue that’s showing it’s age and an unwelcoming place for music lovers.

Very funk bar with lots of interesting people and artefacts. Great place for post City drinks and easy to find location.

Great vibes, nice and qwerky drinks. Cater for allergies

Loved the jazz and the vibe. Plus their cocktails are interesting. Had a great time!

Cocktails are on the pricey side but the experience was top-notch, with a fantastic live band performing from 9pm. Hands down to Axel who was the most professional and entertaining waiter 🙌🏻

Was lucky enough to get a spot without a reservation. The food and drink offerings were exceptional! But the staff was even more impressive. Friendly, helpful, enthusiastic.

Amazing service from staff explaining the drinks, and great music band

cómodo, divertido, buenos cocktails y, aunque la carta es corta, los platos están bien, aunque el ceviche es muy justito, quizá no pega tomarlo ahí. Bien atendido y casi todos los días con música en directo con buena acústica, se oye bien y se puede hablar con el de al lado. cocktails a 15 € aprox, cena de dos con bebida 140 € aprox

Very nice place, unexpected surprise after entering the rather discreet door at the market, wonderful menu of cocktails, and some small bites, not as good as the great drinks but ok, didn't taste the main dishes, live music from 9pm with a fee. Expensive but worthwhile.

I have to be honest. The service is 5 stars. Staff were very professional and friendly. The band is good. They are amazing musicians playing jazz, blues and soul (I was there on a Friday night).I have not tried the cocktails. I was having wine. The downside is the food. It's pricey because the portions are really small, and the taste is not good. I mean, it is ok but it doesn't taste like fresh food. Also, I believe the sound was a bit too loud. It could be a little lower so we could talk while they are playing. Overall, I liked the experience but I think it's a bit pricey and the food is definitely not the thing there. Maybe people go only for drinks.

Magnificent place for special cocktails and live music. The band was grand, and the performances were all marvelous. Nice mood for a Friday evening. Would recommend the whiskey cocktails, extremely well done, without subduing the peaty flavors. The food was good enough but nothing to crave for later - just a pretty good foundation for the amazing drinks.

Really nice cocktails and live music! The old menu was better but still, the best cocktails in London.

Un bel locale dove ascoltare musica dal vivo in una atmosfera davvero piacevole a Londra

A perfect place with a chill atmosphere! Live music made the whole place even better. The drinks were very good and perfectly balanced. I recommend you to visit Oriole Bar whenever you are in London

I'm a regular at the Oriole. After years in London, I can tell there's no such a place the combine high standards, class and unpretentiousness. Cocktails are outstanding and so is finger food, staff is polite, and the atmosphere with exotic pieces absolutely cool. The selection of music bands is appropriate and of quality.

Nice bar with a great vibe. Amazing cocktails and staff were great.

Great vibe, great service and live music. Comfortable seating in an underground bar with live jazz music and innovative cocktails

Having been to Oriole before for drinks, and loving the ambience, we decided to go ahead and book a table for dinner. Upon arrival, 5 minutes late for our reservation, we were refused entry as if we were trying to get into a nightclub that we hadn't booked (!) and kept at the top of the stairs for a further 5 minutes before the "bouncer" would let us in. I've never experienced that when I've had a table reserved for dinner before. I mentioned this to the host who, credit to them, did try to improve the extremely bad first impression by offering a free welcome drink. Personally not keen on sugary pineapple with lots of ice, but one of my friends decided to have one. Service was quite good - we moved to a larger table because our orginial one was too small for 4 people to comfortably eat at. I had expected that dinner tables would be a little back from the band, to enable conversation, and that there would be a dance area in front of the band - I would really recommend they do that, because it was impossible to converse over dinner, making for a rather weird meal. The food itself was, sadly, really bad. Again I did mention this to the waiter who took my dessert off the bill but then told me they're not a restaurant - yes, I agree, it's not a restaurant. On the basis of this experience I would not return, certainly never for a meal. If you're looking for a cocktail it's great - I wish I'd left it at that.

Some of the best cocktails of my life.

Fantastico bar. Cocktail e musica. Uno dei migliori a Londra

Live Jazz, very crafty cocktails

One of nicest places I've been for ages. Wonderful staff - the waiter who served us was incredible. Amazing cocktails, lovely décor and nice music. Really could not fault it. Thanks for a lovely evening.

The drinks and the presentation are out of the box . The taste of all the cocktails that we had were fantastic. The food was also goods especially finger pick foods with the drinks . Overall it was a great experience.

A classy find with solid cocktails and lovely live music (£10 discretionary charge though which we found worth it).

Cocktails were amazing and service excellent. Will definitely be going back.

Good cocktails, the staff is very friendly and the place is wonderfull... The Oriole Bar is like El Bulli Restaurant (Ferran Adriá) but in drinks. Awesome!!

Great drinks and polite friendly staff.

Really nice experience had in Oriole! We didn’t make reservation but the staffs are so nice and welcoming, they squeezed us in and switched a even better sit later. Really good service! Drinks are also remarkable, the menu is super creative. The atmosphere and jazz live is just as vibe as I imagined! Would definitely recommend and come back!!!

My favourite place for cocktails in this part of London. Music is always good and the cocktails are sublime. Lovely atmosphere and decor

Beautiful place, interesting cocktails and superb music. A real treat!

Staff know what they are talking about. Drinks were wonderful and the live music was great. Fab for a date night!

This place is amazing. It has live music every night I think. The band that was playing while we were there was great fun and played a great mix of music. The cocktails are something else - they are so beautifully presented and are very quirky. I didn't have the food but saw what others tables had and it looked and smelled really good. I will definitely be back

Divine live jazz music, singing and great selection of cocktails

Boasting an exotic tropical Mediterranean decor, Oriole was an exquisite and glamorous surprise that exceeded my expectations. The band playing was lovely, the cocktails had an unexpected twist to it but was very enjoyable, the food was savoury however the only downside was it took ages to be served (so food for thought: don't come in when you are hungry) All in all, this has become one of my favourite spots to wine and dine to live music. Special commendations to the lovely staff as well. Cheers!

Five years ago when I came here it was amazing. Beautiful vibe and incredible mocktaiks - I don't drink alcohol so finding bars that make delicious mocktails (and not just a mix of juices and sodas) is very hard, and Oriole were one of the places that did lovely mocktails. Fast forward five years and I'm not sure if it was due to the pandemic or time has worn it down, the experience was nowhere near as good as it was before. The mocktails did taste like juice but the biggest dissapointment was the live music. It was lovely but not the kind of jazz we were expecting; it's a shame they don't share on the website who will be playing, had we known the style of music we wouldn't have picked that night to attend. As such it ended up being a disappointed night.

Such a fun space! Really enjoyed the atmosphere and the range of cocktails. A bit disappointing that not all the seats face the stage, which made for some uncomfortable sitting, but a very enjoyable experience overall.