Underground Bars in London

All the very best secret basement bars in London have a good back story, and The Escapologist is no exception. Part Masonic lodge, part Gentlemen's club, the themed bar is filled with hidden coves, psychedlic art and 90s tunes which would certainly make their Victorian inspiration, master party-goer and criminal Baron Von Took, proud. 

Devilishly rich and decadent are the pervading themes of hidden underground bar Basement Sate, a dessert and cocktail bar in Soho. Discover the Parisian in you - sink onto a leather-clad chaise longue and pick delicately at one of the deliciously French desserts while sipping something fruity.

After an underground hub? Lucy Wong is a real stand-out. The vibrant atmosphere of this place is brought to life by its 1950s theme and Hong Kong-inspired interiors. And if you're looking for something to tantalise your taste buds, the Chinese food and drinks menu will hit the spot.

Cavernous and cool, not only is Burlock one of the best places to enjoy a little downstairs intimacy, it also boasts one of the best rum collections in London. Head on down to this fun little basement spot for strong drinks and vintage vibes aplenty. 

Finding secret speakeasy Found, is all part of the fun when it comes to drinking at this underground cocktail bar. The search is well worth it though; the bar's philosophy is quality rather than quantity, resulting in a choice of 12 perfectly mixed cocktails. 

Tucked out of sight at The Brewers Inn in Wandsworth is Jones Cellar Bar, a secret basement bar offering an alternative from the more formal atmosphere upstairs. Set against an exposed-brick-wall interior, visitors can order a tailored charcuterie or cheese platter to enjoy with one of the pub's excellent wines.

Tucked away under the London Bridge Breakfast Club, this speakeasy bar offers Trump-mocking cocktails and plenty of cosy nooks to hideaway in. Fun, friendly and lit with colourful cocktail lanterns this underground cocktail spot is a perfect escape from the bustling London Bridge foot traffic. 

Look for the neon lights guiding you down to the industrial-feel W M Barker & Co, a basement bar in Bishopsgate. It's all about the underground cocktails here, with bartenders shaking up everything from a classic margarita to a Victoria Beckham from the celebrity-inspired list. 

Look behind the paintings, search a few of the bookcases and you might stumble across the hidden bar at Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings. Serving a range of quirky cocktails and having hosted a variety of different events, this is the ideal spot for anyone that's not ready to call it a night. 

We know what you're thinking. How could somewhere that boasts so much colour and creativity be found in a London basement? One of the most unique underground bars in the city, head on down for a rich and intimate menu of cocktails from B&H. 

This rocking little hideaway tucked away behind Shoreditch High Street is one of the best underground bars in the area. The music is loud, the bartenders are skilled and the party is always on. 

Both brewing their own creations and offering the best produce of London's most iconic breweries, the Temple Brew House has firmly established itself as a leading figure in London's craft beer circles. The venue sits below street level in Holborn and couples the great line-up of craft beer with an equally great menu of traditional British dishes. Think hearty roast dinners, topping-heavy burgers and fresh fish dishes.

When it comes to secret basement bars in London, there's no better than the Mayor. Hidden behind a fridge and granted only to those who know the right password, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is a hidden treasure of cocktails and strong whisky led drinks. 

Hit up Reverend J W Simpson, a totally unique basement bar in Fitzrovia, to fill your boots with a range of delicious drinks. Think classic cocktails, as well as a whole range of seasonal delights, crafted using foraged and little-known ingredients, alongside obscure spirits and the like.

This underground London bar on Portobello Road is one of the best finds in the area. With offbeat decor and a buzzing atmosphere it's one of the best quirky bars in London.

As far as the best basement bars in London go, Old Street Records has got to be a contender. Jazz nights, EP launches and DJ sessions keep revellers rocking every night and to help get the party started there's a cocktail Happy Hour every day - need we say more?

An underground bar near Bank Station, The Libertine is a stunner. Enjoy a wide range of food from fresh oysters and blackened chicken to plant-based burgers and much more. Or tuck into a few bar snacks, alongside signature boozy bevvies.

We know that cocktails taste that much better when they are in a cool underground space, so be sure to check out Tequila Mockingbird in Covent Garden. Not only do they serve some cool drinks from Disney-themed bevvies to pun-believable concoctions, but they also have fabulous interiors.

Found hidden beneath The Megaro Hotel, Hokus Pokus is a basement drinking den that's a little wackier than the rest. Not only does it boast unusual interiors, from the odd creatures to the vintage utensils, but it also slings out a mega menu of molecular cocktails.

Wine lovers rejoice - tiny, intimate-feel Humble Grape in Battersea is the underground bar for you. With low lighting and simple wooden interiors, the bar is date-perfect; the wine list is more than impressive, with a focus on biodynamic and organic bottles.

Camden Basement Cocktail Bar provides a unique experience, tucked away behind a hidden door on Camden High Street. This prohibition-inspired spot invites you to bring a bottle of your chosen spirit, where the talented bartenders will create five delicious drinks across two hours to suit your tastes. There are scrumptious small plates on the cards too, across intimate areas named after historic figures like Charlie Chaplin, Pablo Picasso, Louis Armstrong, and Pauline Sabin.

Head beneath Covent Garden and find a place of temptations and indulgent drinks, Eve, with delicious cocktails with a theatrical touch served in refined surroundings.