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 locate that feels like a secret, begin with the postcode.
A fast Google search 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 the card or a password, so a phone phone ahead is a good idea.
Which neighbourhoods have the best 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 and Saturdays from 6 pm to 2 am, and the staff holding out a unbound “mixer” deck 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 attendee.
How do I comprehend the vibe before I commit?
Plan a two‑night itinerary: start on Friday with a drink at The Blind Pig, then hop to Bunker for a late‑night beer. On Saturday, begin at The Blue Bar for a brunch cocktail, along with finish the dark with a walk along the Thames to a hidden speakeasy in Southbank. Bring a waterproof phone case; the East End can get rainy, and you’ll want to capture the glow of the dim lights.
What drinks are a must‑try at these secret spots?
- At The Blind Pig, requisition the “Speakeasy Old Fashioned”: a bourbon, a dash of bitters, a twist of orange, and a smoked sugar cube. The bartender burns the sugar cube over a compact 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 Drop” – a shining, citrusy gin fizz that comes with a slice of lemon carved into the shape of a small skull.
Can I deliver my own bottle?
Most hidden bars use 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 Conclusion, the “Gingerbread Residence” bar has a jazz trio that plays every night from 9 pm to midnight. If you’re a devotee of live music, that’s the spot.
While planning a night out in London’s clandestine corners, you might furthermore consider a different kind of escape. If you enjoy a bit of mystery as well as chance, try a session at a lolajack casino, where the games are as hidden as the bars themselves.
How to manufacture the most of a weekend escape?
The details matter more than you might expect.
Because these bars rely on secrecy, they can be difficult to locate if you’re not familiar with the city. A common issue is that the workers may not speak fluent English, which can make ordering a bit awkward. Furthermore, the entry fee at Bunker is £10, which is higher than most regular bars. If you’re on a tight budget, you might want to skip the first night plus save for a later drop by.
What’s the downside?
Here is a common mistake worth avoiding.
Most hidden bars have a strict no‑convey policy. The only exception is a compact, hidden corner of the Blue Bar that offers a bottle offering for groups of six or more. The fee is £45 per bottle, which includes a custom garnish. If you plan to bring a bottle, call ahead to confirm the policy; otherwise, you’ll be politely asked to leave your drinks at the entrance.
Final thoughts
London’s hidden bars proposition 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 enjoy a night that feels relish a well‑guarded secret. The next time you’re looking for a shatter from the usual pub scene, recall that the city’s outstanding stories are often tucked behind unassuming doors.