Secret Bars In London

Look behind the paintings, search a few of the bookcases and you might stumble across the disguised bar at Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings. Harking back to the secret basement haunts of years gone, Below & Hidden serves a variety of different cocktails and potent drinks. This is an intimate, living room-style space that's covered in cool patterns and red lighting, with comfy sofas and small tables to gather around.

Opium is a secret cocktail bar in the heart of Chinatown. They are London's leading purveyor of seasonal Asian-themed libations, using ingredients sourced locally in the Soho area. Concealed behind an ordinary little door; it's perfect for a cool and unique place to drink in London. Opium would certainly impress a date too, thanks to its sultry red lighting, intimate seating areas and cool concoctions, which you can pair with tasty dim sum. And for private hire? Their Peony bar is a stunning, secret option to boot.

Nightjar is a live swing and jazz speakeasy with creative cocktails and a tasty small plates menu to boot. A unique haunt masked between a chicken shop and a newsagent in Shoreditch and perched in Soho too, there's nothing bog standard about this prohibition-inspired nook. Expect innovation and invention by the glassful - we recommend the floral Young Man's delight for a Jasmine-infused mezcal concoction. 

A mish-mash of quirky features and cool surfaces, Callooh Callay in Shoreditch has a comic book style menu for you to peruse at your pleasure, and a secret Jub Jub room hidden behind a wardrobe. Very Narnia, we know. A one of a kind cocktail bar for sure, you can sip concoctions like the peach and basil cobbler or a boozy Cherry Cola here. They also offer hard shakes for those of you with a sweet tooth, as well as scrumptious small plates such as tomato and mozzarella arancini or Buffalo cauliflower wings.

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Tucked beneath The Breakfast Club in London Bridge, you'll need to search for this spot. A sassy looking space with neon-lit nooks in abundance, Call Me Mr Lucky is the city's patron saint of all things liquid as innovation and invention are the pinnacle of their entire, basement orientated, eclectic ethos. Even better? If you visit between 5 and 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, you can bag two-for-one cocktails and £3 bottles of Sol, paired with mouthwatering nachos or pancake balls.

Hidden beneath the stunning Italian restaurant Bocconcino on Soho's Great Marlborough Street, you'll find a sultry cocktail bar flaunting marble-topped tables, velvet seating and a striking bar lined with spirits. Legendary mixologist Rich Woods has whipped up a menu of enticing concoctions like the the zesty Med martini or a blood orange and tarragon spritz, with a selection of Mediterranean small plates to choose from as well - we're talking Padron peppers, truffle parmesan fries and indulgent cheese boards.

Underneath Swift Borough you'll find a sexy speakeasy Back Pocket, that oozes date night vibes with its cosy booth seating and stools gathered round an intimate bar. Get ready for low lighting, intimate nooks and one helluva drinks menu - think all kinds of deliciously creative cocktails, beers and wines. Even better? Every single Tuesday, they sell drams of whiskey from a specially selected bottle for RRP - bargain.

Hidden beneath Pahli Hill Bandra Bhai in Fitzrovia, an opulent Indian dining destination, you'll find a tasteful but eccentrically groovy 1970s-style cocktail bar. You'll be transported back to India during this decade thanks to the smuggler's den-inspired space, with a fiery Disco Inferno in hand. While surrounded by quirky ornaments, unique posters and the like, dive into the menu of tantalising tipples.

Hidden inside BrewDog Waterloo is Lost Property Office, a 1920s-inspired speakeasy that's a dimly lit den of cocktails. Brought to you by award-winning bartender Rich Woods, the space continues its speakeasy vibes in the menu; a highlight of which is the martini roulette, featuring three mini martinis of the same size and colour but with different strengths and flavours, showing its evolution into the cocktail we see today.

The Natural Philosopher is a unique cocktail bar that uses foraged ingredients from East London and beyond to create clever drinks. Owned and run by bartender Josh Powell, it's decked out with exposed brickwork, foliage dangling from the walls and vintage paintings to give it almost a mythical feel. The Forager's Journal menu features signature sips like the Hackney Hellbound, made with scotch and horseradish, and the tequila and double cherry-based Seeing Red.

Appearances can sometimes be deceiving, and this derelict pub on Kingsland Road is no exception. Head downstairs and you'll uncover the extravagant King's Head Members Club, with a secret basement club, lounge bar and restaurant for you to enjoy. They'll be entertaining you with everything from DJ sets and live music to Basque shows or celebrity guests on a regular basis, and their Champagne list is seriously impressive too.

A hidden speakeasy bar for a secret organisation of agents and spies, this unique Shepherd's Bush bar brings you a unique menu of Sherlock Holmes-inspired sips, alongside a few tasty edible options including pizza and afternoon tea. It's not just about the menu here though, as you can also get stuck into mystery-solving experiences, where you'll be given exciting cases to crack while you enjoy cocktails - starting from just £35 per person.

The Breakfast Club has a secret... So if you're in town, you should really pay the Mayor a visit. Cool-as-you-like, this cocktail-heavy secret is perhaps the most discreet bar in this list. Ask to see 'The Mayor' after your delicious dinner, and you might just find what you're looking for in the fridge. Yes, the fridge. And once you're inside? Expect signature cocktails like the Jalisco Sunset or a peanut butter daquiri, paired with tasty small plates or even served in bottomless brunch form.

One of London's most beautiful hidden bars, blink and you *just* might miss Disrepute. Tucked between the hubbub of Carnaby Street and Kingly Court, Disrepute is bringing you history, glamour and stunning cocktails in equal measure. Descend the secret staircase to enter this wood-panelled hideaway, complete with vaulted ceilings and incredible service. This place is pretty affordable too, especially if you visit during their Aperitivo hour between 4 and 6pm Monday to Thursday, when cocktails are just £9.

Nestled in Earls Court, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is a 1920s-style speakeasy, where bootlegged booze is shaken, mixed and stirred into tasty cocktails. You'll have to speak to a private detective before getting to this place, booking an appointment beforehand, as they can't let just anyone in. Make your way into this candlelit clandestine hangout to indulge in live jazz and swing music, as well as American-style bites.

Opened by cocktail master Oskar Klimaszewski, Found is worth the hunt. The swish bar is concealed away underneath 5 Ravey Street in Shoreditch, so head downstairs and through the velvet curtain to discover delicious tipples and a venue of cosy nooks and crannies. The focus here is on quality rather than quantity, which is why there are just 14 expertly-created cocktails on the menu at this intimate venue.

Bringing a little Parisian chic to the heart of Soho, Basement Sate is a dark, sophisticated bar full of intimate spaces. This secret gem is the decadent place to hit for your palate pleasers and divine dishes, as top pastry chef Dorian Picard is at the helm to bring you the best in dessert plates. As for the bar? Expect hand-crafted sips like the hibiscus-infused Tongue Twister or a bourbon-based Lion's Tail. You can even take cocktail making classes here, if you fancy creating some of these beautiful blends yourself.

Harrild & Sons is a sophisticated boozer with a wood-furnished interior, serving a variety of craft beers and a diverse food menu, complemented by a super secret drinking den downstairs offering top-quality whiskies and cocktails. The upscale atmosphere is enhanced by stylish décor and an eclectic menu featuring items such as wagyu burgers and crispy duck salad.

Is there anything more secret than an underground bar? We thought not. Hidden beneath Happy Face Pizza, make your way to Supermax in King's Cross for some cool basement vibes, stunning interiors, Vermouth-led cocktails galore and a fabulous selection of live disco tunes. The music and the atmosphere here is inspired by the 1970s, as even the name comes from cult Austrian disco group from the decade.

If you're on the hunt for intimate and private places, Keystone Crescent is the perfect members club to check out. Enjoy a small list of cocktails using homemade mixers at this King's Cross venue, decked out in plush velvet stools, golden decor and floor-length curtains to add a private ambiance. This 50 capacity hideaway is perfect for socialising with other members, promising the exclusive atmosphere without the sky-high price tag - as membership costs just £12 per month.

Looking for a secret bar in the heart of Covent Garden? Americana, Haymarket's South American gem, houses a hidden cocktail bar exclusively available for private hire. It serves delicious cocktails that are the perfect fusion of the deep South with a twist of West End flair. And if you're more of a wine lover, you're in for a treat. Their wine list is constantly changing and contains hidden treasures, including gems from top-notch small-batch producers like Nathan Kendall in upstate New York.

Step through the opulent looking glass mirror and enter a coveted world of decadent debauchery, expertly mixed drinks and lavish decor. Victorian furniture, gorgeous drinks...and a secret room? This unique hidden bar is a completely original venue exuding charm, fantasy and an intriguing ambience. Each cocktail here tells a story, as the menu comes with a description of each blend's character, as well as its flavour profile. Best to keep this one hush hush.

Lucy Wong is a sultry, sophisticated bar in Fitzrovia, taking inspiration from 1950s Hong Kong in its Asian-style artwork, low hanging lights and elegant atmosphere. As well as delicious Cantonese dishes and sumptuous afternoon tea, you can sip cocktails like the mezcal-based Pomelo Sling or an Eastern Sour with vodka and raspberry, as well as more classic concoctions - to be enjoyed in the pretty venue or in its heated outdoor terrace.

Nestled in the heart of the capital is The Lucky Pig, dubbed 'a cocktail bar that rocks' thanks to its excellent choice of music paired with exquisite, bespoke cocktails and British-sourced nibbles. Take your date and cosy up in one of their plush booths, or enjoy a casual evening listening to live bands and DJs. And if you fancy having a go at shaking up some drinks yourself? Then try out their cocktail masterclasses for £50 per person, which have been voted several times as the best ones in the city.

Nestled beneath the buzzing streets of Fitzrovia, you'll find a cool, collected cocktail bar; Reverend J W Simpson. A dimly lit drinking den with stripped-back wallpaper and the building's original tiles, it provides the ultimate backdrop for a night of imbibing, whether it's slinky dates or catch-ups with pals.

Located in a converted hotel lobby in the corner of Grosvenor Square, The Luggage Room requires entry through a hidden hatch (very secret agent style). Inside, you'll be rewarded with a chic and authentic 1920s bar complete with jazz music and a huge ice block for carving off into each perfectly mixed cocktail. Expect chic marble flooring and swish leather sofas to relax in, and this spot is open until 2am on weekends - making it perfect for those late-night sips.

When it comes to hidden bars, this secret one within Merchant House of Bow Lane has it all. Officially the smallest in the capital, there's a private bartender, your own music selection and even the chance to shake up your favourite concoctions. The Brig can be booked by the hour for two to four guests, costing just £65 each per hour for the entire venue to yourselves. Looking to really impress a date? Then you can't go wrong with this gem.

From experience, we can tell you that La Bodega Negra is hard to find. But if you persevere through the naughty-looking sex shop exterior, you're in for quite the treat. Grab a table in one of the sultry, subterranean alcoves to indulge in Mexican-style dining and drinking. Think truffled mushroom tacos, crispy squid and sticky braised aubergine, matched with an extensive list of tequila, mezcal and signature cocktails like the jalapeno margarita.

Craving those illicit sips with your beau or pals? We thought as much. Although Silverleaf at Pan Pacific London has a gorgeous main bar space, where all the tasty concoctions are made, it also has a hidden spot. Head upstairs to their hush-hush space Alba for those secret moments, in a room that accommodates just 11 guests at a time. This sultry spot is designed by Tom Dixon too, so you know it's going to be something special.