LCC's Tattoo Rum Parlour pulls in the punters with its excellent mix of killer cocktails, retro tunes and laid-back atmosphere. Ideal for winding down after work with a couple of cocktails or perhaps launching you into a spectacular night on the town, don't forget that the Happy Hour on Mondays last all night long.
Best London Basement Bars
Who knew that so many of the capital’s leading bars could be found in the basement? Perfect for leaving the commotion of the outside world behind and kicking back with something tasty, London's flurry of subterranean spots offer a different dimension to your night out. Here's our hand-picked selection of the best basement bars in London.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is an elusive basement bar in London that's perfect for stopping by after a hectic day at the office. Hidden behind a SMEG fridge in The Breakfast Club, descend into a snug basement bar with lots of wood and exposed brickwork. The cocktails and drinks are top notch, the food is perfect to snack on and the atmosphere is always abuzz.
The Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings might look like an idyllic bar, but it's got a bit of a secret. Have a wonder around the bar, look behind a few pieces of furniture and you might stumble upon Below & Hidden, a secret basement bar based underneath the venue. Serving a range of quirky cocktails and having hosted a variety of different events, this is the ideal spot if you're not ready to call it a night.
The towering skyscrapers might steal the headlines, but those in the know will head straight for this plush cocktail haunt when they're next in the city. It's an absolute classic of a cocktail bar, where bartenders mix up a storm in signature drinks and guests lap up the relaxed yet refined atmosphere. Rightly considered one of the best basement bars in London, it leaves all visitors with a huge smile on their face.
Tucked away from the streets of Soho, Jack Solomons is the place to be for delicious small plates, an extensive drinks menu, and heaps of old school charm. Whether you're sipping on cocktails in their velvet-laced sofas, or storming the dance floor to the sound of their live music, you are in for a good time.
Imitated by many, matched by few, Ruby's in Dalston is one of east London's true treasures. Head below street level and settle at the bar, where a seasonal menu of innovative cocktails are served in an intimate atmosphere. You'll also need to check out The Lounge; a separate space specialising in a wider range of craft beers, a wine-list curated by the Clapton specialists at Verden and sumptuous Vietnamese street-food from the impressive Hanoi Kitchen.
Partial to the odd rum-based tipple? It's time for you to get acquainted with Burlock. With over 200 different types of the spirit, this is the place for any afficianado; especially one who is drinking on a budget - there's continuous happy hour deals that run from opening 'til close. Away from the beautiful rum cocktails there's Cuban and Caribbean food to pair with your drinks and a Havana-styled barber shop that doubles as an extra quirky drinking space.
Exploring the depths of world in its upstairs display area, and concocting great cocktails and bar snacks in its basement bar - The Last Tuesday Society certainly plays amongst the shadows! Be astounded by the amazing relics, fossils, memorabilia and inexplicable objects upstairs, and rejoice in some healthy hedonism in the bar.
If you can keep this one on the down-low then we can help you find the way. Mysterious by name, mysterious by nature, Found is one of Shoreditch's most secretive basement bars. Decked out with some classic decorations and old world antiques, it offers East London's revellers a chance to sample some of the most carefully crafted cocktails the city has to offer.
This secret sojourn, draped in Parisian chic in a Soho basement on Broadwick Street, is a sweet retreat from the raucous rabble outside. Nestle into a plush leather arm chair, luscious libations in hand, and have an intimate drink with a date, a cosy catch up with an old friend or a sophisticated soiree with your favourite mates.
Nestled beneath the unassuming streets of Bishopsgate, WM Barker & Co makes it onto the scene as one of London's coolest basement bars. Decked out with old, leather armchairs and traditional furnishing, this subterranean drinking den doffs its cap to a simpler time. With a crack team of mixologists and an arsenal of spirits, fruits and spices, expect to find some wonderfully creative concoctions at this bar that's well versed in the art of the unusual and the wonderfully unique.
Featuring an unmissable mix of EP launches, new bands and established live acts, Old Street Records also features one of the best basement bars in Shoreditch. Stumble below street-level and experience intimate jazz nights and low-key DJ sessions, with authentic Italian pizzas washed down with bespoke cocktails, craft beers and a line-up of fine wines.
Purl proudly announce themselves as a 'speakeasy and purveyors of fine beverages', and who are we to argue? Their innovative team pull out all the stops by manipulating anything from foams to liquid nitrogen in their quest to create the perfect beverage. Grab one yourself and pitch up in one of their cosy alcoves for the evening.
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The Humble Grape is an utterly charming basement bar in Battersea. Head down to this split-level, industrial-inspired hangout and you'll find yourself greeted by a charismatic decor - think rugged wooden tables and cork-laced walls. Take a seat on a pew and sip on a few glasses of some of the very best organic wines. And to soak it all up, the team of chefs have plenty of tasty nibbles for you to tuck into!
A cool-as-you-like homage to only the best of Scandinavian culture, Nordic is a unique basement bar boasting lodge-like decor, authentic grub and its very own ping pong table. Located just a stone's throw from Tottenham Court Road, expect a buzzing ambience and friendly crowd . For all the adventurous revellers out there, spin the 'shot wheel' behind the bar at your own peril and see just how lucky you really are.
In 1848, the infamous Baron fled to London shrouded in scandal - his every move met with controversy and outrage on the streets. He ended up landing a date with the gallows, only to escape after requesting one final drink at one of Covent Garden's brew houses. Popularly known as The Escapologist thereafter, there's now a bar named in his honour, operating as a Victorian men's club/Masonic Lodge hybrid at the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London.
It was only a matter of time before the famous London Cocktail Club pitched up in Shoreditch. Here to nail it with classic and contemporary cocktails like the 'Confessions of a Cucumber Salesman', 'Brixton Riot' and the 'Smoking Barrel', you'll enjoy such lush libations in biker themed surrounds complete with black leather couches.
While The Brewers Inn may be one of the most notable pubs in Wandsworth, they're harbouring a secret downstairs bar that's bursting full of vibrant colour and delicious drinks. Head on down to this vintage, intimate space for a colourful evening, signposted by the cosy basement drinking and framed by delicious gastro-pub cuisine.
If you manage to tear yourself away from the mouth-watering steaks upstairs at Hawksmoor, you'll find an equally outstanding cocktail bar worth the visit alone. Masterful bartenders whip up unique cocktails by breathing a fresh lease of life into forgotten classics, and there's a great spread of fine wines and locally sourced beers up for grabs too.
WC Wine & Charcuterie Bar is a basement bar in London can be found underneath Clapham Common tube station. The 24 red and white wines behind the bar work with the sharing platters and cheese boards served by the kitchen to offer the ultimate wine drinking experience. Grab your mates, settle into a cosy booth and soak up everything on offer at this wine bar in South London.
The Temple Brew House has developed a bit of a reputation for itself when it comes to offering the finest craft beer that London's brewers have to offer. The venue sits below street level in Holborn and couples the great line-up of craft beer with an equally great menu of traditional British dishes. Think hearty roast dinners, topping-heavy burgers and fresh fish dishes.
Based in Kings Cross, Megaro is a basement cocktail bar full of charm and character. The venue is split between two rooms and serves a diverse range of signature cocktails, curated and flaired together by a crack team of mixologists. We'd recommend The Lost Steps cocktail, created by infusing sweet tea with tequila.
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