Illicit sips in a hidden drinking den...what's not to like? Harking back to the Prohibition days, these gorgeous bars across the city are taking your evenings up a notch, courtesy of inventive cocktails, smooth jazz and vintage decor. Get a taste of the 1920's life with a look at the London speakeasies that are transporting you to another world.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 26th November 2024
If you're looking for luxury, BÓHA in Chelsea is always a top choice. This stylish venue can be found on King's Road, filled with pretty foliage and serving up a sumptuous menu or British and Irish cuisine. Head downstairs to find The Shibeen, a 1920s-inspired speakeasy bar that's known for it's late-night DJ sets, signature cocktails and selection of tasty small plates.
Shoreditch and Soho's Nightjar is transporting you back in time, courtesy of its Prohibition-esque interiors and live tunes. The menu will see you working your way through the eras, starting with stunning cocktails from the 1600s all the way up until early noughties' serves. This place is renowned across the world and has jazz performances to boot, so isn't to be missed.
Sibin Speakeasy is a secret bar at Great Scotland Yard Hotel - all you have to do is find it. Shimmy through the unassuming bookcase and you'll uncover this sexy drinking den, before getting stuck into over 170 whiskies from around the world or sipping cocktails.
From luxe interiors to artfully hand-crafted cocktails, The Luggage Room is all about Prohibition chic. Not only will the Mayfair bar provide you with a charming setting to relax in, but they'll also be playing jazz tunes to really immerse you in the era.
68 & Shanghai's cocktail bar is where Prohibition-era tipples meet modern mixology. This chic speakeasy-style bar in the heart of East London takes you on a journey back in time with its opulent interiors, dimly lit corners, and sultry atmosphere.
Perfect for those in the know, it's the ultimate spot for inventive cocktails profiling flavours from the vast regions of China paired with dim sum, and an unforgettable night out with a touch of mystery.
Head to Shepherd's Bush where this unique bar takes inspiration from the iconic Sherlock Holmes stories. Hidden behind an opticians at the West 12 shopping centre, it's home to some of the city's most exciting concotctions.
Meet Moonshine Minnie's: a slinky bar below The Blues Kitchen. Hit up the swoon-worthy Shoreditch haunt where you can enjoy classic whiskey cocktails, delicious southern American bar snacks, and all that hidden atmosphere you've been looking for.
The Arts Theatre Club is a glamorous members-only escape mixing up punchy libations in a Prohibition-era setting. Head to the Soho hangout with a pal and share a teapot concoction or some signature cocktails in luxury.
Venture below the streets of Soho where you'll uncover one of the best hidden bars in London. Basement State is specialising in sophisticated sips, with plush leather armchairs and low lighting paired with an unusual drinks menu.
It's not hard to see why Opium is widely considered as one of London's best speakeasy bars. As well as delivering a knockout array of oriental-themed cocktails, the Chinatown hotspot also houses a whopping three watering holes under the same roof.
Found hidden away behind a secret door in Earl's Court, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is the Prohibition-style bar offering up swish surrounds for date nights and get-togethers with friends alike. Expect American bites, live music and plenty of heady cocktails.
Find swanky speakeasy vibes in Bromley at Cocktail Akademia. Specialising in all things boozy, the crafted drinks menu is a sight to behold for lovers of quirky serves. Expect green chilli margaritas, smoked grapefruit negronis and much more. The drinks are best enjoy in their brooding tropical-themed bar area, featuring dip lighting and vintage sofas.
Discover London's Hidden Gem: Engel Bar Escape to the enchanting Engel Bar, a hidden speakeasy tucked away in the iconic Grade I-listed Royal Exchange. Just a stone's throw from Bank station, this 1920s Berlin-inspired bar boasts stunning Art Deco details, graceful arches, and cozy armchairs with courtyard views.
Only a short walk from Bank station, the venue provides a tempting snack menu serving the likes of frites, oysters and German charcuterie alongside a tempting cocktail menu. Try the likes of the Rémy Martin 1738-based Skandal or the Trüffel-Martini and thank us later.
The Natural Philosopher is a cool speakeasy with a twist - it uses locally foraged ingredients to make its signature sips. Owned by the award-winning bartender Josh Powell, the foliage-adorned haunt's menu is made up of clever concoctions that'll leave you wanting more. Try out the Equal Standing, made with Jerusalem artichoke aged rum and absinthe, or the lacto-fermented plum sake-based Hackney Hellbound.
The Lucky Pig is Fitzrovia is one of the best party palaces. Perfect for date nights and fun birthday celebrations, the venue has intimate cubby holes, dazzling drinks and a scrumptious food menu - think cheese boards and yummy pizza.
Taking inspiration from 1920s speakeasies is Lost Property Office, a cocktail-laden location hidden inside BrewDog Waterloo but with award-winning bartender Rich Woods at the helm. The drinks list echoes the Prohibition too, including a signature martini roulette - a trio of mini martinis, identical in size and colour, showing the cocktail's evolution over time with different twists and strengths.
A swanky speakeasy just a few steps from the Thames, The Bootlegger is a hidden gem in Richmond, bringing the 1920s vibe to 2024. Come down to this Prohibition-era-inspired venue to sip on classic cocktails, groove to jazz music, and savour deliciously inspired grub for a night to remember.
Radiant with intimacy and tiki flair, it almost seems a shame to lift the lid on this secretive basement bar on Portobello Road. Head inside to uncover a world of exotic drinks, kooky interiors and delightful Dim Sum bites. It's an ideal spot for a date or a catch up with your mate, and cocktails like the Banzai '45, Mr Yellow Belly and Dia De Los Muertos will have you back time and again.
For a dreamy 1920s jazz experience in London, check out 28-50 By Night. Your evenings come complete with a menu filled with European-inspired dishes, alongside a vast wine selection. Plus, you can sway and dance until 2am.
Nestled underneath Swift Borough, Back Pocket is an intimate speakeasy-style bar that you seriously need to have on your hit list. Make your way over to the basement drinking den for low lighting and leather sofas, not to mention heady cocktails galore.
@ The Candlelight Club on Various dates from Tuesday 31st December 2024
Inspired by 1920s-style glamour, The Candlelight Club is one of Central London's best speakeasy bars. This Prohibition-themed venue is the perfect stop-off for lip-smacking cocktails and three-course immersive dining experiences, which are accompanied by live jazz entertainment.
A cool basement cranny situated underneath Casita, Found is up there with London's best speakeasies. A hidden gem on the vintage scene, this bar is serving up a limited number of cocktails, but you can be sure that they're of first-class quality.
In amongst the hustle and bustle of the City, Demon, Wise & Partners offers a relaxed and refined atmosphere to help you recharge those batteries. Find this basement haven beneath The Arbitrager where exceptional cocktails await.
Whether you're a lager lover, a craft beer connoisseur, or someone who swoons over premium wines and spirits, The Black Horse has got you covered. A classic London pub downstairs and an oh-so-sleek cocktail speakeasy upstairs, this boozer caters for anything from group bookings, special occasions, private hire, and even that random "I deserve a fancy drink" moment; definitely not your run-of-the-mill London pub.
From the team behind the much-loved contemporary Indian eatery, Kricket, is SOMA Soho, a minimal and low-lit speakeasy. This gorgeous bar serves up refined cocktails with creative twists, like a chaat margarita, blueberry lassi and a cashew negroni.
The aptly-named Camden Basement Cocktail Bar provides a true speakeasy experience, where you bring a bottle of your favourite spirit to be turned into five bespoke concoctions tailored to your tastes by the talented mixologists. Across several exclusive areas named after icons like Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso, Louis Armstrong, and Pauline Sabin, you can enjoy these fantastic drinks and a number of tasty small plates while surrounded by opulent gold decor.
Inspired by the sultry speakeasy, Ginger Lily is an ideal spot for those illicit-style sips in the chic space. Located in Pan Pacific London on Liverpool Street, this pretty venue has a great deal of tasty concoctions and Singaporean food, which is sure to hit the spot.
