Weekend Escape: 10 Must‑Try Hidden Bars Across London

When the city’s skyline blurs into neon, the real adventure starts after the last train leaves. I’ve spent months hunting the tucked‑away spots that keep the city’s pulse alive. Below are ten places that, once you’ve tasted their craft cocktails, you’ll never look back.

Hidden Gems in Central London

• Jekyll & Hyde – 5‑minute walk from Leicester Square. The door is a plain brick wall; the entrance is a discreet keyhole. Inside, a dimly lit room with a single bar counter and a rotating menu of gin‑based concoctions. The “Hemingway” costs £12 and is a perfect blend of citrus and absinthe.
• Shackleford – 15 minutes from Trafalgar Square. The façade is a Victorian storefront, but the real magic is behind a false back wall that opens into a speakeasy. Their signature “Red Velvet” cocktail uses a homemade raspberry liqueur and costs £11.
• The Blind Pig – 10 minutes from Covent Garden. The entrance is a narrow alley, and you need to knock twice on a brass door. Inside, a 1930s‑style lounge with a live jazz trio. The “Midnight Manhattan” is a crowd‑pleaser at £10.

Back‑Alley Bars in East London

• Raven & Co. – 20 minutes from Shoreditch. Hidden behind a laundromat, the bar offers a rotating craft beer selection. Their “Earl Grey IPA” is brewed on site and costs £8.
• Hollow – 15 minutes from Whitechapel. A small door in a brick wall leads to a subterranean space with exposed brick and a single bartender. The “Smoked Old Fashioned” is a smoky twist on the classic, priced at £12.
• Blue Door – 12 minutes from Hackney. The entrance is a painted blue door in a laundromat. Inside, a minimalist décor and a focus on Japanese whisky. Their “Sake Sour” is £13.
• Backroom – 18 minutes from Bethnal Green. A hidden door in a bakery leads to a speakeasy with a vintage 1920s vibe. The “Clover Club” is a gin cocktail with a floral note, £11.

Secret Speakeasies on the South Bank

• Glass House – 10 minutes from Southbank Centre. The entrance is a glass door in a laundromat. Inside, a modern bar with floor‑to‑ceiling glass windows overlooking the Thames. The “London Fog” is a smoky whisky cocktail, £14.
• Underground – 8 minutes from Waterloo. A hidden door in a brick wall leads to a dimly lit space with a single bar. Their “Blackout” cocktail is a dark, rich blend of bourbon and chocolate, £13.

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Which to Pick?

Choosing a hidden bar is less about the list and more about the vibe you crave. If you want a classic speakeasy feel, go for Jekyll & Hyde or The Blind Pig. For something with a modern twist and a focus on craft beer, Raven & Co. is unbeatable. And if you’re near the river, Glass House offers the best of both worlds: a stunning view and a contemporary cocktail menu.

Remember, the best part of these hidden spots is the discovery itself. Keep an eye out for the subtle clues—brick walls, false doors, and the occasional laundromat—and you’ll find that London’s nightlife is full of surprises waiting just beyond the ordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions