Best Drinks to Try in London This April (Spring Sips, Seasonal Specials & Where to Find Them)
April in London is that in-between moment.
It’s not winter anymore but it’s not quite summer either.
And that transition shows up clearly in what people are drinking across the city.
Heavy winter drinks start disappearing.
Fresh, lighter options take over.
And suddenly, menus feel completely different.
If you’re in London this April, this guide will show you:
what drinks actually make sense this time of year
what’s trending right now
and where you can try them
Why Drinks Change in April
April marks the beginning of spring drinking culture in London.
That means:
more outdoor cafés
lighter cocktails
seasonal ingredients
a shift away from heavy, warming drinks
Typical weather:
cool mornings
mild afternoons
slightly warmer evenings
👉 So drinks in April sit right in the middle:
refreshing, but not fully summery
light, but still comforting
1. Iced Coffee Starts Taking Over
This is one of the clearest shifts in April.
Even when it’s not hot, people start switching to:
iced lattes
cold brew
iced matcha
Where to try:
Grind
WatchHouse
👉 Outdoor seating + iced coffee = peak April London energy
2. Fresh Fruit-Based Drinks & Juices
Spring brings back:
fresh fruit juices
smoothies
lighter blends
Popular flavours:
strawberry
citrus
apple
These are common in:
cafés
juice bars
brunch spots
👉 A simple but very “April” choice
3. Light Spring Cocktails
Cocktail menus start shifting in April.
You’ll notice:
fewer heavy, spiced drinks
more fresh, citrus-based cocktails
Popular choices:
spritz-style drinks
gin-based cocktails
elderflower mixes
Where:
Soho
Shoreditch
👉 These are not full summer cocktails yet but they’re getting there
4. Matcha & Alternative Drinks
Another trend that’s strong in London right now:
👉 matcha-based drinks
iced matcha
matcha lattes
plant-based options
Also growing:
oat milk drinks
dairy-free alternatives
👉 Especially popular in:
East London cafés
health-focused spots
5. Lighter Beers & Outdoor Drinking
April is when pub culture shifts slightly.
Instead of:
heavy ales
You’ll see more:
lagers
lighter beers
And most importantly:
👉 people start sitting outside again
6. Wine in the Sun (Spring Version)
Wine becomes more popular again especially:
white wine
rosé
Why?
lighter
better suited for mild weather
Common spots:
riverside pubs
outdoor terraces
7. No & Low Alcohol Drinks
This trend continues into 2026.
You’ll find:
alcohol-free cocktails
botanical drinks
low-alcohol options
These are now:
👉 properly crafted not just substitutes
8. Easter Drinks & Seasonal Specials
April includes Easter, which brings:
chocolate-based drinks
dessert-style beverages
themed café menus
Popular examples:
hot chocolate variations
chocolate milk drinks
seasonal coffee specials
9. Spritz Culture
You’ll start seeing:
Aperol-style drinks
sparkling cocktails
Not fully summer yet but clearly starting.
👉 Especially in:
rooftop bars
outdoor venues
Best Areas to Explore Drinks in April
Soho
cafés
cocktail bars
variety
Shoreditch
trendy drinks
experimental menus
South Bank
riverside drinks
outdoor seating
Camden
casual drinks
street food + beverages
How to Choose What to Drink in April
✔ Go lighter
Heavy winter drinks feel out of place now
✔ Sit outside when possible
April is about atmosphere
✔ Try seasonal specials
Menus change — take advantage
✔ Mix it up
Coffee → juice → cocktails → pubs
Why Outdoor Drinking Changes Everything in April
One of the biggest reasons drinks feel different in April isn’t just the ingredients it’s the environment.
As soon as the weather improves slightly, Londoners start moving outside. Cafés bring out outdoor seating, pubs open up their terraces, and riverside spots become much more active.
This shift changes what people choose to drink. Lighter, more refreshing options feel more appropriate when you’re sitting outside, even if the temperature isn’t fully warm yet.
It’s less about the drink itself and more about the experience having a coffee in the sun, a casual drink by the river, or a relaxed evening on a terrace.
That’s what really defines drinking in London during April.
Final Thought
April isn’t about one specific drink.
It’s about the shift.
From:
warm, heavy winter drinks
To:
fresh, lighter, more social options
And that’s what makes drinking in London during April feel different.
London’s food and drink scene changes constantly and April is when things start getting interesting again.
For more London guides, food trends, and real insights, keep checking Londonyaar.com
👉 And if you’re in London this April these are exactly the drinks you should be trying.