Where to Celebrate National Spritz Day in London
There are few drinks that capture the spirit of summer quite like a spritz. Light, bittersweet and unmistakably Italian, it's become the unofficial cocktail of rooftop afternoons, leisurely lunches and golden-hour aperitivo across the capital. Whether you're soaking up the sunshine on one of London's best terraces or settling into an elegant cocktail bar, a perfectly chilled spritz has become synonymous with summer in the city.
With National Spritz Day falling on 1 August, bars and restaurants across London are celebrating the occasion with everything from classic Aperol Spritz serves to inventive seasonal twists featuring tropical fruit, elderflower and rosé. Whether you're a traditionalist or keen to discover your next favourite cocktail, these are the best places to raise a glass this National Spritz Day.
Looking for more places to enjoy a drink this summer? Explore our guides to the Best Rooftop Terraces in London, Best Happy Hour Deals in London and the Best Bars in Mayfair.
ALFI, Spitalfields
Best for: Pizza and spritzes in East London
If there was ever a day to embrace the Italian tradition of aperitivo, ALFI is making a convincing case. To celebrate National Spritz Day on 1 August, the Spitalfields favourite is serving any pizza for £10 when ordered alongside any spritz from its vibrant drinks menu. Known for its 48-hour fermented Neapolitan pizzas, ALFI has built a loyal following thanks to its light, airy dough and quality ingredients, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely summer lunch or early evening catch-up.
The spritz menu goes far beyond the classic Aperol. Alongside the ever-popular original, guests can choose from a Rosé Spritz, Sarti Spritz with Sicilian blood orange, mango and passion fruit, a playful Pornstar Spritz, plus a selection of white, orange and red sangrias. If you're looking for one of London's best National Spritz Day offers, this is an easy place to start.
Where: Spitalfields Market, London
Novikov Italian, Mayfair
Best for: Luxury aperitivo on a Mayfair terrace
For those looking to celebrate in style, Novikov Italian brings the elegance of Italian aperitivo culture to the heart of Mayfair. Every day between 5pm and 7pm, guests can enjoy unlimited Aperol Spritz, Negronis and Bellinis alongside a generous selection of Italian aperitivo bites, all served on the restaurant's inviting outdoor terrace.
At £35 per person, it's an experience designed to be savoured rather than rushed. Whether you're meeting friends after work or beginning an evening in Mayfair, Novikov offers one of the capital's most refined ways to celebrate National Spritz Day.
Where: Berkeley Street, Mayfair
Riding House Café
Best for: Creative twists on the classic spritz
If you prefer your cocktails with a little experimentation, Riding House Café has created two refreshing alternatives to the traditional Aperol Spritz. Available across its Fitzrovia, Victoria and Bloomsbury restaurants, the Guava Rose Spritz blends prosecco with pomegranate liqueur, guava, rose, lemon and bitters for a floral, fruit-forward serve that's perfect for warm afternoons.
Meanwhile, the Tangier Spritz combines East London Gin, Aperol, prosecco, tangerine, pomegranate and lemonade for a brighter, citrus-led take on the Italian classic. Both cocktails prove there's plenty of room for creativity while still honouring the spirit of the spritz.
Where: Fitzrovia, Victoria & Bloomsbury
Bar Thirteen at Château Denmark
Best for: A contemporary spritz in Soho
Hidden inside Château Denmark on the legendary Denmark Street, Bar Thirteen offers a more contemporary interpretation of the spritz with its refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Spritz. Combining Garden Swift Gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Double Dutch Cucumber Watermelon Soda and prosecco, it's crisp, lightly floral and perfectly suited to a summer afternoon or early evening cocktail.
The stylish setting makes it an excellent destination before dinner or after exploring Soho, offering a more elevated alternative to London's classic spritz bars while retaining the drink's easy-going charm.
Where: Château Denmark, Denmark Street, Soho
Raise a Glass to National Spritz Day
Whether your ideal spritz is a timeless Aperol enjoyed on a sunny terrace or a contemporary twist infused with tropical fruit and elderflower, London's bars and restaurants are embracing National Spritz Day in style. From authentic Italian aperitivo in Mayfair to pizza and spritz pairings in Spitalfields, there's no shortage of places to celebrate one of summer's favourite cocktails.
If you're planning a day out, why not make an afternoon of it? Start with a leisurely lunch, continue with a spritz or two, and round off the evening at one of London's best cocktail bars or rooftop terraces while the summer sun begins to set.
Continue Exploring London
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