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London’s Best-Kept Secrets, Hidden Bars You Need to Find
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There’s a certain thrill to finding a bar that not many people are aware of. Some of the greatest places to drink in a city as big and energetic as London are concealed beneath busy eateries, behind unmarked doors, or under the guise of detective agencies. In addition to having excellent cocktails, these hidden bars provide an air of adventure, giving patrons the impression that they are a part of a select club.
These hidden gems are the best-kept secrets in the capital, ranging from speakeasies that evoke the glitz of America during the Prohibition era to oddball hideaways that require a secret password or even a trip through a refrigerator to enter. If you know where to look, you can find them here.
London’s Most Secretive Bars—Where to Find Them
| Secret Bar | Why It’s Worth the Hunt | Location | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opium | An intimate, dimly-lit speakeasy serving Asian-inspired cocktails | Soho | Chic Cocktail Den |
| Nightjar | A jazz-filled, Prohibition-style bar with one of London’s best drink menus | Shoreditch | Vintage Speakeasy |
| Evans & Peel Detective Agency | A 1920s-style hideout where you must “book a case” to enter | Earl’s Court | Immersive Speakeasy |
| The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town | Enter through a fridge at The Breakfast Club to find a quirky underground bar | Spitalfields | Fun & Playful |
| Call Me Mr Lucky | A neon-lit, high-energy basement bar tucked under The Breakfast Club | London Bridge | Lively & Eclectic |
| Disrepute | A secret Soho cocktail lounge with a glamorous 1960s aesthetic | Carnaby Street | Stylish Hideaway |
| BYOC City – Carter Lane | Bring your own liquor and let mixologists craft something just for you | St. Paul’s | Bespoke Cocktails |
1. Opium – A Hidden Cocktail Sanctuary in Chinatown
If you’ve ever strolled through Chinatown, chances are you’ve walked right past Opium without realizing it. This dimly-lit, red-hued cocktail lounge is hidden behind an unmarked door, making it a true insider’s secret. Step inside, and you’re instantly transported to a world of velvet-draped intimacy, where expert mixologists craft exotic, Asian-inspired cocktails that pair perfectly with their signature dim sum menu.
📍 What Makes It Special?
- Secret Entrance: A nondescript door in Chinatown leads to this hidden gem.
- Cocktails With a Twist: The menu incorporates unique Eastern flavors and ingredients.
- Perfect for a Date: The sultry atmosphere makes it one of London’s most romantic bars.
🎟 Pro Tip: Reserve a spot in the Peony Bar, a private space within Opium that offers an even more exclusive experience.
2. Nightjar – A Vintage Jazz Speakeasy with Timeless Elegance
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Shoreditch, Nightjar is the kind of bar that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. Think low lighting, plush seating, and a jazz band playing live swing music while bartenders mix some of the most creative cocktails in the city. Whether you prefer classic Prohibition-era drinks or modern molecular concoctions, this bar is a treasure trove of inventive libations.
📍 Why It’s a Must-Visit:
- Old-School Charm: The speakeasy aesthetic makes every visit feel like a step back in time.
- Live Jazz & Swing: Nothing beats the experience of sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while listening to smooth jazz.
- Innovative Drinks: Expect cocktails served in everything from seashells to vintage teacups.
🎟 Insider Tip: Reservations are a must—this place fills up fast, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
3. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – Enter Through a Fridge for a Surprise
At first glance, The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields looks like your average café. But if you ask the staff to “see the Mayor,” you’ll be led through a Smeg fridge and into one of London’s most delightfully hidden bars. Inside, expect a laid-back, dive-bar feel with creative cocktails, cheeky décor, and an invitingly rebellious atmosphere.
📍 Why You Should Check It Out:
- Coolest Entrance Ever: Walking through a fridge to get to a bar? Yes, please.
- Laid-Back Vibes: This isn’t your typical pretentious speakeasy—it’s fun, relaxed, and full of character.
- Must-Try Cocktails: The Peanut Butter Daiquiri and Jalisco Sunset are legendary.
🎟 Bonus Tip: Enjoy a meal at The Breakfast Club before heading in—their food is just as good as the drinks.
4. Evans & Peel Detective Agency – Step into a 1920s Mystery
Before you’re even allowed inside Evans & Peel, you’ll need to convince a “detective” that you have a case. Only after passing their interrogation will you be granted access to a candlelit, Prohibition-style speakeasy that feels straight out of The Great Gatsby.
📍 Why It’s Worth the Effort:
- Full Immersive Experience: The entire staff stays in character, making it feel like a real detective agency.
- Live Jazz & Swing Nights: Perfect for those who love a touch of vintage class.
- Secret Entrance: If you don’t play along with the detective, you won’t get in!
🎟 How to Get In: You must “book a case” online before visiting—walk-ins are rarely accepted.
5. Disrepute – The Most Stylish Secret Bar in Soho
Tucked beneath the bustling streets of Carnaby, Disrepute is so well-hidden that even locals struggle to find it. Inside, you’ll find low-lit booths, wood-paneled walls, and a cocktail menu where each drink comes with its own fictional backstory. This bar is a blend of old-school elegance and modern creativity, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated night out.
📍 What Sets It Apart:
- Hidden Gem: Located between Kingly Court and Carnaby Street, but easy to miss.
- Storytelling Cocktails: Each drink is inspired by a character or historical event.
- Aperitivo Hour: Cocktails are just £9 from 4–6 PM Monday to Thursday.
🎟 Pro Tip: Look for the secret staircase tucked away between Carnaby Street and Kingly Court.
London’s Best Nights Start in the Most Unexpected Places
✅ Hidden entrances, secret passwords, and exclusive speakeasies make London’s cocktail scene a true adventure.
✅ Whether you’re after a sultry date night spot, a high-energy underground party, or a quirky dive bar, London’s secret bars offer something for everyone.
✅ Some require reservations, detective work, or even a little bit of boldness—but that’s all part of the fun.
✅ So next time you’re in London, don’t just settle for the obvious—step into the shadows and discover a night out unlike any other. 🍸✨
