We arrived at a nondescript door on Dean Street just as the drizzle turned the pavement glossy. A brass knocker, a flickering amber light, and a whispered password later, we were inside a dimly lit room where the bartender served a gin cocktail that tasted of rosemary and sea‑salt. The whole experience lasted barely fifteen minutes, but it set the tone for a weekend spent hunting down London’s most discreet drinking spots.
Why Hidden Bars Matter
London is packed with rooftop terraces and chain pubs, yet the hidden bars offer something a little different: a sense of discovery. Most of them have fewer than 30 seats, meaning you can actually hear the clink of ice in your glass. The queues are short—often under five people—and the entry is usually a simple nod from a doorman rather than a long wait.
The Top Five Secret Spots
- Bob Bob Ricard – The Backroom (West End): Tucked behind a mirrored wall in the famous restaurant, this 12‑seat lounge serves a “press for champagne” button at each table. The signature drink, a vodka martini with a dash of orange bitters, is prepared in under a minute.
- The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Spitalfields): Enter through a fridge in a sushi restaurant and descend a narrow staircase. The bar holds 20 seats and specialises in Japanese whisky. Their “Sakura Sour” uses locally sourced cherry blossom syrup, which you can taste within the first sip.
- Evans & Peel Detective Agency (Earl’s Court): A mock detective office hides a speakeasy behind a filing cabinet. The menu lists only eight cocktails; the “Case Closed” is a smoky mezcal concoction that arrives in exactly 45 seconds.
- Little Bat (Clapham): A former laundrette turned bar, with a single exposed brick wall and a vintage jukebox. The bar serves 15 craft beers on tap, each rotated weekly, and the “Bathtub Gin” is infused with cucumber and mint for a crisp finish.
- Oriole (Shoreditch): Behind a nondescript door marked “Private Events” lies a 25‑seat room decorated with tropical plants. Their “Oriole Punch” blends rum, passion fruit, and a hint of chilli; the heat builds gradually, making it perfect for a chilly evening.
Practical Tips for the Hunt
First, check the opening hours. Most hidden bars close at 11 p.m. on weekdays but stay open until 1 a.m. on weekends. Second, bring a small cash tip; many places still prefer cash for cocktails under £15. Third, be ready to adapt: a bar might require a reservation for groups larger than four, and some only accept bookings via a text message to a private number.
From Cocktails to Clicks: A Quick Diversion
If the night stretches beyond the last drink, you might enjoy a brief online gaming session. A popular choice among Londoners looking for a low‑key finish is to try the “nine win” platform, which offers a variety of casual games that fit neatly into a post‑bar wind‑down.
Give nine win a go for a quick casino spin.
What the Hidden Bars Lack
The main drawback is accessibility. All five venues are located in areas that require a short tube ride, and the entrances are easy to miss if you’re not paying close attention. For visitors with limited mobility, the steep stairs at Evans & Peel Detective Agency and the narrow hallway at The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town can be challenging.
Wrapping Up the Weekend
By the time the last cocktail is finished, you’ll have collected a handful of passwords, a few new favourite spirits, and a story that feels more like a private adventure than a night out. The hidden bars of London turn a simple weekend into a treasure hunt—one that rewards curiosity, a willingness to step off the main streets, and a taste for the unexpected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a speakeasy?
A clandestine bar hidden from public view, often requiring a password.
Where was the speakeasy located?
On Dean Street, London.
What cocktail did they serve?
A gin cocktail with rosemary and sea‑salt.
How long did the experience last?
About fifteen minutes.