Hidden Bars in London: Secret Spots, Speakeasies, and Secret Society Vibe

When you think of a hidden bar, a secretive, often entrance-controlled drinking spot hidden behind unmarked doors or inside unexpected places. Also known as speakeasy, it’s not just about cocktails—it’s about the thrill of finding something few know exists. London’s hidden bars aren’t gimmicks. They’re carefully crafted experiences where the door might be behind a fridge, under a bookshelf, or disguised as a phone booth. You don’t just walk in—you earn your way in.

These spots aren’t random. They’re part of a larger culture of speakeasies, hidden venues that echo the Prohibition-era bars of the 1920s, now reimagined with modern mixology and intimate atmospheres. Many of them require a password, a reservation, or even a clever answer to a riddle. That’s not to keep people out—it’s to keep the vibe right. You’ll find underground bars, low-lit, intimate venues tucked beneath restaurants, in basements, or behind false walls, often run by bartenders who treat drinks like art. These places don’t advertise on Instagram. They thrive on word-of-mouth, loyal regulars, and the kind of service you can’t get at a chain pub.

What makes these bars stick? It’s not the price tag. It’s the attention to detail—the way the ice is carved, the music barely audible under the clink of glasses, the bartender who remembers your name and your usual. You’ll find them in Soho, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, and even tucked inside a laundromat in Peckham. Some have live jazz. Others serve cocktails made with smoked herbs or house-distilled gin. A few even have secret rooms inside the secret room.

And you don’t need to be a VIP to get in. But you do need to know how to look. No flashy signs. No neon. No lines out the door. The best ones feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s private club—because in a way, you have. That’s why the posts below don’t just list spots. They show you how to find them, what to expect, and how to behave once you’re inside. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out with a twist, looking for a quiet drink after a long week, or just want to feel like you’ve cracked a code, this collection gives you the real keys—not the tourist brochures.