There are more than 300 speakeasy‑style venues tucked behind bookshops, laundromats as well as even a laundrette on Brick Lane. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a secret, start with the postcode. A fast Google look for for “hidden bars in EC1” pulls up two that I’ve visited: The Blind Pig on Great Portland Street and The Blue Bar in Whitechapel. Both require a key card or a password, so a phone call ahead is a good idea.
Which neighbourhoods have the superior underground drinks?
Southbank’s “Bunker” is a former WWII air raid shelter, now a craft‑beer bar with a 12‑hour tap rotation. In Shoreditch, Bar 13 sits behind a vending machine that looks like a vending machine for beer. The bar is open only on Fridays along with Saturdays from 6 pm to 2 am, plus the staff set of cards out a free “mixer” card to anyone who can name the last four digits of the bar’s original telephone number. That’s a fun challenge for a first‑time browser.
How do I know the vibe before I commit?
Most hidden bars have a strict no‑carry policy. The only exception is a small, hidden corner of the Blue Bar that presents a bottle service for groups of six or more. The price is £45 per bottle, which includes a custom garnish. If you plan to bring a bottle, call ahead to confirm the policy; or, you’ll be politely asked to leave your drinks at the entrance.
What drinks are a must‑try at these secret spots?
- At The Blind Pig, booking the “Speakeasy Aged Fashioned”: a bourbon, a dash of bitters, a twist of orange, as well as a smoked sugar cube. The bartender burns the sugar cube over a small flame for an extra smoky note.
- In Bunker, the “London Fog” is a gin‑based cocktail with a hint of sage, served in a glass that resembles a trench coat.
- The Blue Bar’s signature drink is the “Lemon Let go” – a bright, citrusy gin fizz that comes with a slice of lemon carved into the shape of a small skull.
Can I deliver my own bottle?
Plan a two‑night itinerary: start on Friday with a drink at The Blind Pig, then hop to Bunker for a late‑nightfall beer.
On Saturday, open at The Blue Bar for a brunch cocktail, and finish the night with a walk along the Thames to a hidden speakeasy in Southbank. Bring a waterproof phone case; the East End can procure rainy, and you’ll wish for to capture the glow of the dim lights.
While planning a night out in London’s clandestine corners, you might on top of that consider a different kind of escape. If you love a bit of mystery plus chance, try a session at a lolajack casino, where the options are as hidden as the bars themselves.
How to make the most of a weekend escape?
The variety of choices available today can make the selection process easier.
Most hidden bars employ a subtle entrance cue: a door that opens onto a dimly lit corridor with a single lightbulb, or a bookshelf that slides to reveal a back door. The lighting is usually low, with candles or Edison bulbs, and the music is carefully curated. In the East End, the “Gingerbread House” bar has a jazz trio that plays every nightfall from 9 pm to midnight. If you’re a backer of live music, that’s the spot.
What’s the downside?
Considering these bars rely on secrecy, they can be difficult to locate if you’re not familiar with the urban area. A everyday issue is that the staff may not speak fluent English, which can make ordering a bit awkward. Too, the entry tariff at Bunker is £10, which is higher than most regular bars. If you’re on a constricting estimate, you might wish for to skip the first night and save for a later visit.
Final thoughts
London’s hidden bars offer a slice of the city’s underbelly that’s both intimate and adventurous. By calling ahead, noting the entrance cues, and preparing for a small cover charge, you’ll relish a night that feels be fond of a well‑guarded secret. The next time you’re looking for a break from the usual pub scene, recall that the metropolis’s best stories are often tucked behind unassuming doors.