When you think of underground bars London, secret, members-only drinking spots hidden from plain sight, often accessed through unmarked doors or behind fake walls. Also known as speakeasies London, these places aren’t just about drinks—they’re about discovery, atmosphere, and a little bit of mischief. Forget neon signs and tourist crowds. The best underground bars London don’t advertise. You find them by word of mouth, by following a hunch, or by stumbling down a narrow alley in Shoreditch or Soho after dark.
These spots aren’t just about hiding. They’re about craft. The bartenders here aren’t just pouring drinks—they’re building experiences. You’ll find cocktails made with house-infused spirits, smoked ice, and herbs picked from rooftop gardens. The music is low, the lighting is dim, and the chairs are worn in just right. You’ll see locals who’ve been coming for years, and first-timers who feel like they’ve cracked a code. Many of these places don’t even have a website. Some don’t take cards. You pay in cash, you whisper your name at the door, and if you’re lucky, you get let in.
What makes these bars different from regular pubs? It’s the secret bars London, venues that require a password, a reservation, or a hidden entrance to access. Also known as hidden pubs London, they turn the act of drinking into an adventure. You might walk through a fridge in a curry house in Camden, or down a staircase behind a laundry room in Clerkenwell. Some have no name on the door—just a number, a symbol, or nothing at all. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re the result of owners who care more about the vibe than the marketing.
And it’s not just about the drinks. The best of these places feel like stepping into another time. Think 1920s jazz, vintage furniture, and bartenders who remember your name—even if you only came once. You’ll find London cocktail bars, intimate venues focused on precision, rare spirits, and innovative mixology. Also known as craft cocktail spots London, they’re where the city’s most skilled bartenders test new ideas and perfect old classics. You won’t find vodka sodas here. You’ll get a negroni made with a 20-year-old vermouth, or a gin sour with elderflower foam and a single edible flower.
These bars thrive because Londoners crave authenticity. In a city full of chain pubs and overpriced rooftop lounges, these hidden spots feel real. They’re quiet, personal, and sometimes even a little mysterious. You don’t go to an underground bar to be seen—you go to be present. To talk. To listen. To taste something you can’t get anywhere else.
What you’ll find below are real spots—no fluff, no fake reviews. Just the best underground bars London has to offer, from the legendary to the newly opened. Whether you’re looking for a jazz-filled basement in Brixton, a hidden gin den in Mayfair, or a speakeasy with a secret menu only locals know, you’ll find it here. No guides. No hashtags. Just the truth about where to go when you want more than a drink—you want an experience.
Discover London’s hidden bars, late-night snacks, and local nightlife secrets that tourists never see. No gimmicks, no crowds - just real places where the city truly comes alive after dark.