Seven Secret Bars in London

Seven Secret Bars in London

If you live in London or the surrounding areas, you may be familiar with the Capital’s not-so-secret bars. From secluded speakeasies to undercover detective agencies, there are plenty of ‘secret bars’ in London to trial on your next visit.

Join us as we reveal seven of our favourite secret bars across London, serving cocktails and other tipples to suit your fancy.

Seven of the Best Secret Bars in London

Bursting with unique appeal, enjoyable atmosphere and tasty cocktail menus, these seven cocktail bars in London offer a delightful place to visit for any occasion.

 1. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town, Spitalfields

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is the epitome of a ‘secret’ bar in London—and it can be hard to find without a bit of help.

Once you’ve navigated to The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane, tell a staff member you want to see ‘The Mayor’.  After they’ve ushered you through, you’ll stand opposite an unassuming Smeg fridge. Open the door to reveal a dimly-lit cocktail bar waiting for you—an otherworldly experience from your fridge at home.

The low ceilings, vintage wall art and textured brick walls create the perfect ambience for you to peruse the unusual cocktail menu. Featuring specials such as ‘Wet Whiskers’ and ‘Thyme to Get Funky’, a weird and wonderful night is to be expected at The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town.

2. The Vault, Soho

Since opening in the 1960s, Milroy’s Whisky Shop has become a Soho institution. But, what you may not know is there’s a secret cocktail bar in London tucked away just below…

Head into the store and inform a member of staff that you’d like to head down to The Vault. They’ll point you in the direction of a bookcase at the back of the shop. From there, you’ll need to give the bookcase a little nudge, where it will swing open to reveal a hidden staircase. Follow the bright neon signs to discover a cosy speakeasy that can seat over 50 people.

The cocktail menu offers an assortment of drinks, many of which are whisky-heavy. Once you’ve ordered your tipple, you can settle into one of the cosy Chesterfield sofas or take a seat in the private barrel-shaped vault.

3. Discount Suit Company, Aldgate East

Just a minute’s walk away from Aldgate East Station is the Discount Suit Company—a 1980s tailoring shop. But, like many other secret bars in London, this is no ordinary establishment.

Next to the shop, you’ll find an unmarked black door. Enter and descend the stairs, before stepping through the curtain to reveal an intimate cocktail bar in the basement.The traditional Victorian floorboards, props and bar—made from a cutting table—offer plenty of character, with a respectful nod to the past as the tailor’s storeroom.The cocktails play on the classics with creative twists. After you’ve decided your drink of choice, you can sit back and enjoy a blast from the past with sounds of Northern Soul, Motown and rock ‘n’ roll.

4. The Blind Pig, Soho

While the name of this cocktail bar in London originates from the American slang term for a lower-class establishment, The Blind Pig is anything but.

Situated above Jason Atherton’s restaurant, Social Eating House, this is one of the only bars in London where you can order Michelian-star food to complement your chosen tipple.

To find this intriguing spot, you’ll need to look for the ‘opticians’ sign down Poland Street in Soho. Once you’re there, use the pig-shaped knocker to push the door open, ascend the stairs and enter the 1940s-style bar.

The copper-topped bar, antique mirrored ceiling and flickering candles create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy one of their famous themed cocktails. 

5. Purl, Marylebone

This curious cocktail bar in London is influenced by the American prohibition era of the 1920s when it was illegal to make or sell alcohol. As a result, people gathered in discreet drinking sports known as ‘speakeasies’ to enjoy their favourite libation.

Just like speakeasies in the past, the entrance to this secret bar in London remains hush-hush. Once you’ve found the ominous winging sign on Blandford Street, knock three times and give the password ‘hair of the dog’.

After you’re permitted to enter Purl, you’ll find a team of exquisite mixologists waiting to pour you some of the most extraordinary cocktails you’ll ever drink. The menu specialises in creating multi-sensory drinks, so expect furious foam, arousing aromas, and magical liquid nitrogen to make an appearance.

6. Evans & Peel Detective Agency, Earl’s Court

For a secret cocktail bar in London with an immersive role-playing experience, look no further than Evans & Peel Detective Agency.

Before you visit, you’ll need to head to their website to book an appointment, rather than a reservation. Then, hit the ‘My case’ tab to provide details about the mystery you want the detectives to investigate.

Once you arrive at the black door, investigators will ask you questions about the case as they decide whether to take it on. If you’re lucky, they’ll permit you to stay while they make their enquiries.

Whilst they’re investigating, you can sit back and flick through the notebook-style cocktail menu to find your drink of choice. Every cocktail is named after historic bandits and bootleggers, and each one is served in the most peculiar way.

7. The Natural Philosopher

It’s not often you can indulge in a cocktail at the same place you’d get your computer fixed. But, The Natural Philosopher is no ordinary bar. 

This botanical-themed secret cocktail bar in London is discreetly hidden at the back of the MacSmiths repair shop on Hackney Road. 

All cocktails are made from foraged ingredients and inspired by herbal remedies to create an incredibly obscure but flavourful menu that changes weekly. Once you’ve ordered your chosen tipple, choose from one of three rooms to sit and enjoy your beverage. Revel in the nostalgia of The Mac Museum or head to The Living Room for a more homely feel.

Alternatively, if you’re comfortable with small spaces, The Basement stands just five feet tall for a more cosy, intimate affair.  

Stay Close to the Action With a New Home in London

Home to an array of iconic landmarks, beautiful parks and secret cocktail bars, London is full of gems to enjoy in your downtime.

If you want to be closer to the action, why not consider a new home in London? With stunning properties in Battersea, Camden, Canary Wharf and more, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences.

Alternatively, take a look at commuter towns near London to stay close to the action while experiencing a more town-like feel.

Browse our range of developments in popular UK locations or learn more about the process of buying a new build home.