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.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 19th November 2024




Dear Darling

Dear Darling oozes glamour and opulence from the moment you set foot down its chandelier-laden stairs and descend into a living room covered in velvet booths and eclectic prints. Desire and elegance are at the forefront of this venue, illustrated by its mirrored ceilings and dramatic, rich colour palette. What's more, through a secret wardrobe door there's a basement bar to be discovered, where a candle-lit room awaits. 

The Escapologist

Christmas Happy Hour

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. 

Swift Borough

One of the best-kept secrets around Borough Market has to be Swift's basement bar, The Back Pocket. Unsuspecting yet seriously sexy, it sports gorgeous interiors and a mighty fine cocktail offering that pays tribute to the history and surroundings of the area. Look forward to sipping on a signature Irish Coffee, the nutty Rose Theatre, and Biscuit Town made with malted milk Monkey Shoulder scotch. 

Demon, Wise and Partners

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. 

BÓHA London

Though it's a luxurious restaurant upstairs, filled with pretty foliage and trendy decor, BÓHA is also home to a secret speakeasy bar downstairs - The Shibeen. This stylish spot is located on King's Road in Chelsea, promising a lively atmosphere and DJ sets in their basement space. There are tasty Irish-inspired small plates up for grabs too, alongside a selection of elegant, hand-crafted cocktails.

Bourne & Hollingsworth Bar

On Rathbone Place, you'll uncover this hidden basement haunt down the stairs of a beautifully painted mural, featuring a couple of aristocrats enjoying a life of leisure, which is what Bourne & Hollingsworth Bar promises with its spirit of excess ethos. Secure a spot among intimately lit tables and peruse a bespoke cocktail menu including tipples like Pie Face, made with egg white and rhubarb liqueur, plus Campfire Coup, served with toasted marshmallows.

Old Street Records

2-4-1 Cocktails and 1 other offer

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.

Bourne & Hollingsworth

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. 

Hokus Pokus

For something a little out of the ordinary, head to Hokus Pokus on the ground floor of The Megaro Hotel in King's Cross - complete with kooky artwork and vintage decor. Created by head mixologist Greg Chudzio, their menu features over 30 potion-style cocktails like the gin-infused matcha tea or a milkshake with coffee liqueur. 

The Rabbit Hole

Looking for cool basement bars in East London? The Rabbit Hole has heard your calling. Not only are the interiors slick and the cocktails creative (think forgotten classics alongside innovative newbies), but the menus double as an interactive boardgame, providing you with hours of entertainment.

WM Barker & Co

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.

Fidelio Cafe

Home to one of the best basement bars in London, Fidelio Café is a cosy retreat for drinking and dining in Farringdon. Expect to find stylish interiors made up of classic salon interiors, such as dark wooden features, romantic lighting and sublime European dishes. 

Nordic Bar

Happy Hour

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.

The Brewers Inn

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. 

Found

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.  

Burlock

Birthday Offer - up to 12 guests 🎈 and 1 other offer

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.

Thirst Soho

Stupid Hour and 1 other offer

With DJs mixing the hottest tracks until the early hours of the morning, it's no wonder Thirst is a super cool basement spot to check out when the afters get underway. Upstairs you'll find a bright, elegant space with large windows before making your way down the lit-up steps, past lava-coloured, marble walls to the underground area, decked out with leather booths. Dance under the disco ball and enjoy an array of tipples here, from cosmopolitans to beers. 

Humble Grape Battersea

Add "Tasting Tuesday" (4x 50ml) for £15 per person! and 3 other offers

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!