Tucked away behind unassuming doors and behind your local cafes. These hidden treasures are what makes London’s nightlife genuinely exquisite. Welcome, fellow explorers, to the best secret bars in London.
Imagine sipping a finely crafted cocktail in an intimate setting, away from the buzzing crowd, where every room tells a story, and every drink is an experience. These secret bars are the essence of London’s diverse culture, combining creativity with historical nuances.🍹
In this guide, we’ll navigate through London’s best-kept secrets, where the charm is real, and the vibe is right. From rooftop hideaways to basement lounges, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered for an unforgettable night out.
Grab your Oyster card, text your mates, and let’s dive into the London that lies just beneath the surface. Your next favourite spot awaits!
Happiness Forgets, Shoreditch
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Shoreditch, Happiness Forgets is the epitome of a hidden gem. Tucked away in a basement on Hoxton Square, this intimate cocktail bar is all about top-tier tipples without the pretension. 🍹 With subdued lighting and a cosy atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to escape the urban hustle. The bartenders here are akin to alchemists, expertly mixing an array of spirits and ingredients to create mouth-watering concoctions that delight and surprise. Their carefully curated cocktail menu is balanced, innovative, and rotates regularly to keep things fresh. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply looking to unwind, Happiness Forgets offers an experience that’s both sophisticated and warmly inviting. It’s a place where quality and craft take center stage, and where, even if just for a drink or two, you can forget your worries and revel in a little taste of happiness. 💫🥂 #CheersToHappiness
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, Spitalfields
Whisper the secret code “I’m here to see the Mayor” to the staff at The Breakfast Club in Spitalfields, and you’re in for a delightful surprise! 🤫 Behind an inconspicuous fridge door lies The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, one of London’s best-kept secrets. This speakeasy-style bar takes you back in time with its dimly-lit, vintage décor and eclectic cocktail menu. 🍸 Their expert mixologists craft sublime concoctions that are sure to please any palate. And if you’re peckish, their menu features delicious nibbles to complement your drinks. The intimate atmosphere and quirky charm make this hidden gem an absolute must-visit. Whether you’re looking to impress a date or unwind with friends, The Mayor awaits your company. Just remember to keep this clandestine rendezvous hush-hush! 😉🐱🎩
The Experimental Cocktail Club, Chinatown
In the vibrant heart of Chinatown lies a realm of cocktail wizardry – the Experimental Cocktail Club. This three-story townhouse is a masterclass in elegance and innovation. 🌟 Stepping inside feels like entering a 1920s Parisian salon, with its plush seating, vintage wallpaper, and dim, romantic lighting. But what truly sets this place apart is its daring approach to mixology. 🍹 The bartenders, or shall we say, cocktail alchemists, craft spellbinding concoctions that fuse exotic ingredients, timeless spirits, and a pinch of flair. From reimagined classics to avant-garde creations, the menu is a thrilling roller coaster for the palate. And as the night grows older, the gentle hum of conversation gives way to eclectic beats, as if the walls themselves are imbibing the spirits. The Experimental Cocktail Club is not just a bar; it’s an experience, a secret shared by the adventurous few. Venture into this hidden sanctuary, and let your senses be captivated. 🌌🥂
The Vault of Soho, Soho
Welcome to the enigmatic The Vault of Soho, where indulgence and intrigue unite behind an unassuming bookcase door in the heart of Soho. 📚 The whispers of vintage jazz greet you as you enter this cozy subterranean hideaway, adorned with exposed brick walls, atmospheric candlelight, and echoes of London’s vibrant history. 🕯️ Mixology takes center stage here, with bartenders wielding their shakers like wizards casting enchantments. The cocktail menu is an ever-evolving symphony of flavors, featuring house-made infusions and an inventive flair that pays homage to the classics while constantly pushing boundaries. 🍸 Hushed conversations and clinking glasses blend seamlessly with the intimate surroundings, evoking the enthralling spirit of speakeasies from yesteryears. This is a place where time slows down and each sip is a story waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re seeking an escape from the bustling streets or planning a romantic rendezvous, The Vault of Soho offers a sanctuary where imagination and taste are bound only by the limits of your cocktail glass. 🗝️🍹
Nightjar, Shoreditch
Enter the seductive embrace of Nightjar in Shoreditch, where the jazz age spirit comes alive in the heart of London’s East End. As you descend the stairs, the outside world fades into oblivion, replaced by an intoxicating blend of smooth jazz and art deco elegance. 🎷 Nightjar is a cocktail connoisseur’s paradise, its menu a tapestry of tastes, textures, and titillating creativity. 🍸From pre-Prohibition classics to alchemical concoctions served in imaginative vessels, each drink is an ode to mixology. The bar’s suave ambience is further amplified by live music – vintage jazz, blues, and swing caress your ears and set the mood for an enchanting night. This is not just a bar; it’s a time-travelling vessel whisking you to the golden era of speakeasies and flappers. Nightjar is a place to savor – every note, every sip, a whisper of magic. Whether you’re toasting to triumphs or sipping away sorrows, the night sings at Nightjar.
We’ve zigzagged through the bustling streets of London and unveiled its secret treasures. But the adventure doesn’t have to end here! With countless spots dotted across London, there’s always a new place waiting to be your next favourite.
Eager to uncover more? Make Mappy Hour your happy hour compass! Download the app and let it guide you to the finest, most enticing happy hours London has to offer. Delight in discovering new places and indulge in delectable drinks without breaking the bank.