Enjoy A Girl’s Evening With Cocktails At The Tower Hotel

 

 

There are few experiences as spirited as gathering your favourite people for cocktails in the heart of London. If you’re searching for how to truly enjoy a girl’s evening with cocktails at The Tower Hotel, you’ve landed in the right place. From glamorous riverside lounges under Tower Bridge to secret Soho gems, this is your inside track to a flawless evening – whether you’re visiting from afar or looking to elevate your night out as a local. The Tower Hotel, by Thistle stands at the very centre of it all, effortlessly connecting you with the city’s finest bars, restaurants, and skyline scenes.

26 June 2026 · 13 min read

 

Table of Contents

 

Why start at The Tower Hotel, by Thistle?

There’s much to love about London, but few settings compare with the iconic views you get at The Tower Hotel, by Thistle. Tucked between Tower Bridge and St Katharine Docks, this Central London hotel serves up vistas that are just as striking as the cocktails at VU From The Tower and Vicinity, its signature eateries and bars.

Begin your evening with a toast at the hotel bars, where the bartender’s Negronis are a perennial favourite. The tower-level terrace brings Tower Bridge and the Thames into crisp focus – it’s a sublime backdrop for photos and conversation before you head out to savour London’s cocktail culture.

Staying here isn’t just about location (though you’re within steps of the Tower of London, with transport options in every direction). The Tower Hotel restaurants makes sure no one’s sipping on an empty stomach. Vicinity’s open-plan lounge is known for garnished G&Ts, light bites, and lively but relaxed comfort. For group dining, VU boasts modern British classics served with the river and landmarks sparkling below.

Whether you’re planning a bachelorette, birthday, business wind-down, or overdue catch-up, organising your girl’s night from these hotel bars near Tower Bridge gives your evening a polished, easy start.

 

Vicinity: Where riverside energy meets vibrant cocktails

If you’re looking to keep the group together before exploring further afield, Vicinity is your answer. Few hotels in London offer this seamless mix of city bustle and riverside calm. Here, you’ll watch the glowing city unfold as bartenders craft strawberry spritzes, punchy Palomas, and Bellini’s worth bragging about. The setting is lively but never overcrowded, making it a smart spot for both casual and celebratory evenings.

Vicinity’s all-day menu supports every pace of night: small plates, stone baked pizzas, or sharing platters (perfect for grazing between rounds). As the sun dips, the glass-fronted lounge becomes golden – a perfect time for those social snaps. Vicinity’s crowd is balanced: business guests in for a post-meeting drink, local friends catching up, and visitors launching their evening.

Service is speedy and confident, with just enough local recommendations to fuel your next move. The convenience of being in the same building as your room means you can pop up, refresh, and never lose momentum.

Explore Vicinity here

 

VU From The Tower: Elevated views, refined sips

Move one floor higher and you’ll find the hotel’s not-so-hidden secret: VU From The Tower. This is where you shake off the day under London’s night sky, held between glass and the clouds. It’s hard to compete with a backdrop of the Shard, City lights, and historic bridges.

Here, cocktails lean classic but with an eye for detail: Old Fashioneds built slow, Champagne cocktails brightened with elderflower, and off-menu suggestions for the adventurous. VU is ideal for private celebrations – reservable for groups, with discreet corners and enough sparkle for any occasion.

With its calm energy, VU From the Tower attracts everyone from creative teams relaxing after a project to friends launching their night out with round after round of something special.

Explore VU From The Tower here

 

Stepping out: Cocktail bars near Tower Bridge and Tower of London

Leaving the comfort of The Tower Hotel, by Thistle unlocks a host of standout venues. Whether you want panoramic rooftop glamour or an independent spot with neighbourhood charm, you’re surrounded by options.

Savage Garden: Rooftop drama and playful cocktails

Just across the river, Savage Garden sits high above the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower Hill. Here, city girls and after-work crowds converge for theatrical cocktails and rooftop drama. The bar itself is a talking point – copper fixtures, bold neon, and views stretching from the Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The drinks menu is lively, with seasonal concoctions (think rhubarb martinis or rose-infused gin sours) and unexpected twists on classics. Order the ‘Dragon’s Margarita’ if you fancy a little smoke and theatre – quite literally. This is a smart pick for those who want their Instagram shots to include both cocktails and city lights.

Dress up a touch, and be aware it’s popular – you may want to reserve a table beforehand. Arrive on a Friday for a vibrant, social buzz that carries you into the weekend.

Find out more about Savage Garden here

Lyaness: Inventive cocktails and Thames views

Cross the river to the South Bank and step inside Lyaness, an award-winning bar set inside Sea Containers London. This is the playground of Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan), celebrated for developing some of the world’s most forward-thinking drinks.

Expect custom infusions and clever ingredients: the ‘Ultra Raspberry’ sour is a favourite, or ask for guidance if you’re feeling adventurous. The blue-and-gold bar offers prime views of the Thames – perfect for anyone seeking a more refined but creative experience. With plush velvet seating and a playlist pitched for conversation, it’s the antithesis of the cramped Soho scene.

Lyaness welcomes both walk-ins and reservations, and it’s ideal for smaller groups who appreciate a thoughtful pour.

Find out more about Lyaness here

Satan’s Whiskers: Neighbourhood charm east of the centre

For a more relaxed, local energy, head east to Satan’s Whiskers in Bethnal Green. Frequently topping expert lists, this gem serves flawless classics and seasonal specials with zero pretence.

The decor runs to taxidermy and 90s hip-hop, but the service is friendly and the crowd skew youthful but welcoming – ideal for wind-downs and spontaneous evenings that stretch late. If you’re tired of glamour and ready for genuine hospitality, this is your spot.

Find out more about Satan’s Whiskers here

Swift: Soho’s modern classic

Finish your evening in Soho at Swift, a favourite for both locals and visitors. The bar’s focus on impeccably balanced classics – negronis, sours, and Irish coffees – makes every round a pleasure. Downstairs is suited for intimate chats, while the main bar upstairs is bright and full of energy.

Swift always feels welcoming, making it a fine capstone to a tour of Central London cocktail bars. Go for one last toast or stretch out the night with classic drinks and light-hearted conversation.

Find out more about Swift here

 

Planning tips: Making the most of your girl’s evening

  • Organise travel early: Many of these hotels and cocktail bars near Tower Bridge are walkable from The Tower Hotel, but black cabs and ride-shares are plentiful. The Circle and District lines, plus Thames Clippers river services, keep you connected into the late hours.
  • Book where possible: Rooftop spots and hotel bars fill up, especially Thursday to Saturday. Book ahead for larger groups, and check policies on walk-ins versus reservations.
  • Mix leisure and business: If your group includes business travellers, suggest an early meet at Vicinity or VU Ffom The Tower, then make a seamless move elsewhere for a change of pace. Many Central London cocktail bars offer private event spaces for work/social crossovers.
  • Consider group packages: Some bars offer cocktail flights or fixed-price sharing menus – ideal for events or bachelorette nights. Ask the hotel concierge for recommendations tailored to your group.
  • Dress for the occasion: Most of these spots prefer smart casual. Rooftops may get breezy, so bring a layer even in summer.
  • Capture the moment: The Tower Bridge and river vistas at The Tower Hotel, by Thistle are unmatched for city night photography. Early evening light is best for group photos before you adventure onward.

 

Staying at The Tower Hotel: Your ideal base for a girl’s night out

Booking The Tower Hotel in London makes your girl’s evening, whether it’s bachelorette, birthday, or just-because, significantly smoother. You’ll never have to chase the last Tube or queue in the cold for a taxi. Instead, return to your room steps from the Thames, or extend the fun with late-night drinks at the hotel bar. Flexible check-in and out times, friendly service, and stunning views remove every stress from your celebration.

The hotel also hosts private dining, cocktail making sessions, and hotel restaurant London experiences for groups who want to personalise their evening. Speak to reception or the concierge for bespoke options, including recommendations for Cocktail bars near Tower Bridge and Tower of London bars that match your style.

Ready to craft your girl’s evening with cocktails at The Tower Hotel? Book your stay, reserve those terrace tables, and discover why this Central London hotel is the insider’s choice.

 

FAQ

  • For a group of friends looking to start their cocktail evening near Tower Bridge, beginning at Vicinity bar in The Tower Hotel, by Thistle offers the perfect combination of lively atmosphere, signature cocktails, and unbeatable views. From here, it’s easy to reach other notable cocktail bars near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, or simply enjoy a leisurely evening in one of Central London’s most iconic settings.

  • It’s strongly advised to make reservations at London’s rooftop cocktail bars, especially on weekends or with larger groups, as these venues are very popular and space is limited. Many offer online booking systems or concierge-assisted reservations, so plan ahead to secure the best views and seating arrangements.

  • Absolutely. The Tower Hotel, by Thistle is designed to accommodate both business and leisure needs. The hotel’s bars and restaurants provide adaptable settings for informal meetings, team celebrations, or post-conference drinks, blending efficiency with a sense of occasion.

  • Yes, The Tower Hotel, by Thistle can arrange cocktail making sessions, private dining, and bespoke events for groups. It’s best to contact the hotel in advance to discuss options and tailor the experience to your group’s preferences.

  • From The Tower Hotel, by Thistle, you can easily walk to nearby bars or use taxis, ride-shares, and public transport like the Circle and District lines. Thames river services are also a scenic and convenient way to connect with other parts of Central London for your girl’s night out.