Best Bars on Oxford Street: Nightlife Guide

Oxford Street is London’s most famous shopping spine, but after the shops shutter, the street and its surrounding lanes transform into a nightlife corridor. This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the best bars on Oxford Street—from department-store rooftop lounges to late-night cocktail dens—so you know exactly where to go for a drink, whether you are on a shopping break or planning a night out. Every venue has been cross-checked against official operator pages, travel authority data, and neutral review platforms.

Last checked: 2026-06-14

Street Length: 1.2 miles · Number of Shops: Over 300 · Notable Late-Night Bar: Simmons Oxford Street (open until 4am) · Rooftop Bar: 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen at John Lewis

What Is Oxford Street Famous For?

Oxford Street runs through the West End of London and is one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets, with more than 300 shops spread over 1.2 miles. According to London City Hall, the street is currently the focus of proposals to become a pedestrianised destination. Historically, the area was heavily built up by the late 18th century, and department stores began to dominate in the early 20th century (Wikipedia).

Is Oxford Street the busiest street in the world?

While not the busiest globally, it is one of the most visited shopping destinations in Europe. Its central location between Soho, Marylebone, and Mayfair makes it a natural hub for both shopping and nightlife.

Is Oxford Street worth visiting?

For visitors to London, Oxford Street offers convenience and variety. The concentration of shops, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of four tube stations makes it a practical base for an evening out. The nightlife scene, while not as gritty as Soho’s, provides a range of options from high-end hotel bars to party clubs.

The bottom line: Oxford Street itself is a retail corridor, but its immediate neighbourhoods contain some of London’s most interesting bars.

Best Bars on Oxford Street

The following comparison table covers four of the most-talked-about bars on or immediately off Oxford Street. Data is drawn from operator websites, booking platforms, and user reviews.

Best bars for different occasions

• Late-night partygoers: Simmons Oxford Street — open late, affordable drinks, party vibe.
• Cocktail lovers: The Cocktail Club Oxford Circus — dedicated cocktail menu and seasonal promotions (The Cocktail Club).
• Rooftop diners: 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen — views over Oxford Street from John Lewis’s top floor.
• Shoppers in need of a break: The Bar at Brasserie of Light inside Selfridges — convenient for a midday drink or light bite during a shopping trip.

Price bands on Oxford Street

Most bar menus fall into three broad categories:

• £ (Budget-friendly): Simmons and other late-night spots offer cocktails from around £7–10.
• ££ (Mid-range): The Cocktail Club and 1864 Rooftop generally charge £12–16 per drink.
• £££ (Premium): The Bar at Brasserie of Light and other hotel-adjacent venues can exceed £18 per cocktail.

These bands are qualitative; no specific price list was verified at the time of writing.

Do Oxford Street Department Stores Have Bars?

Yes — two major department stores on Oxford Street operate their own bars. John Lewis houses 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, a dining and drinking space on the top floor with views over the street. Selfridges contains The Bar at Brasserie of Light, a brasserie-style spot inside the store. Both provide a break from shopping without needing to step outside.

John Lewis: 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

Located on the roof of the John Lewis flagship, this bar offers a full menu and a relaxed atmosphere. It is open to the public and does not require a store purchase.

Selfridges: The Bar at Brasserie of Light

The Bar at Brasserie of Light is situated on the ground floor of Selfridges. It serves cocktails and bar food in a bright, art-filled space. Neither venue has published specific operating hours online as of the preparation date.

The trade-off: department-store bars tend to close earlier than independent venues, so they work best for a late-afternoon or early-evening drink.

Rooftop Bars on Oxford Street

For a drink with a view, your best bet is 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen at John Lewis. It is the only confirmed rooftop bar directly above Oxford Street. Other West End rooftops (for example, those on the South Bank or near Covent Garden) are a short tube ride away but lie outside this guide’s scope.

1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen

Named after the year the building opened, this spot offers a dining and bar experience with views stretching across the West End. According to Oxford Street’s official site, it is a designated “rooftop bar.”

“Join us for a one-day event to showcase the potential of the Mayor of London’s bold proposals to transform Oxford Street, into a reinvigorated, pedestrianised destination.”

London City Hall, event copy (2025)

Pub Food and Fast Food on Oxford Street

While Oxford Street itself has lost many traditional pubs over the decades, nearby streets still offer food-and-drink options for those seeking a quick bite. According to a YouTube video discussing the street’s history, the number of pubs declined from 27 in the 1890s to just one today. That surviving pub—often cited as The Clachan near Liberty (Facebook community post)—remains a candidate for a traditional pint. For fast food, every major chain operates on or within a block of Oxford Street, particularly around Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.