Hidden Gems In London

Cocktail bars in London aren't hard to come by, but we doubt you've seen anything as sultry as King of Ladies Man. Sister bar to Clapham's Breakfast Club, head on down to this haunt for luxe and retro interiors, set alongside some of the most creative and delicious cocktails in the biz.

A sensual indulgence like no other, Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a secret bar in London that creates a world of drinking, debauchery, decadence and sheer eccentricity. Expect artfully crafted bespoke cocktails with live entertainment that is all sorts of weird and wonderful. 

Tucked away behind the busy metropolis of London Bridge, The Hide Bar truly exudes a cool character. Mixing industrial touches with intimate table seating, the spot has dedicated itself to locality, with spirits largely London based. Need we say more?

The Gibson is definitely one of the most magical places in London to go for a drink. Unlike regular haunts, this cool spot allows you to time travel with their awesome range of bespoke concoctions; once you've chosen your cocktail you'll then receive the coordinates of your destination...

Whether you're heading out with friends or on a date with your beau, Supermax is a top spot. This stunning underground haunt touts chic decor inspired by 1970s Milan, and a drool-worthy cocktail menu to boot.

Found in a Grade II-listed building in Shoreditch, Dirty Bones is the place to go for impressive interiors and top-notch grub. But did you know it also has a hidden hip hop bar just behind? Get to know Roxanne, where NYC-inspired tunes and are paired with fantastic cocktails.

Sitting on the rooftop of quirky bar Tonight Josephine, Bar Elba is a tropical island paradise, complete with sunny colours, block lettering and a summer cocktail menu with over twenty different mixed drinks.

Megaro is a basement bar in Kings Cross that's created a reputation for itself thanks to its stunning cocktail menu and quirky decor. The venue's expert mixologists have really let their creative side shine, curating a menu of signature creations and spirit infusions.

The Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings might look like an idyllic bar, but it's got a bit of a secret. Have a wander 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. 

Inspired by alfresco Spanish dining, La Terraza is a cute, laid-back terrace in Canary Wharf where you can indulge in a range of scrumptious bites from Iberica. Chow down on cured meats, artisan cheeses and beautifully prepared mains, washed down with a glorious glass of vino.

Think you know Knightsbridge back to front? We bet you don't know about this place. The Hari Hotel Bar & Terrace is offering a relaxing place for a knees-up, with a cosy outdoor seating area, delicious cocktails and a laidback menu of first-class comfort food classics.

Beautiful cocktails, a very interesting history, and poetry in their menus, Disrepute is the definition of a hidden gem in England. Nestled under Kingly Court, this is a great place to enjoy bespoke drinks, a glamorous interior and sophisticated company.

Stumble upon Beast of Brixton on Acre Lane for cocktails, regularly rotating street food and great local brews. Return on Sunday if you fancy delving into one of their banging roast lunches with all the trimmings.

This little cracker, perched on the corner of Grosvenor Square, evokes the spirit of the roaring twenties with its chilled speakeasy vibes. Formerly a luggage room (the clue's in the title), this secret London bar goes beyond a hotel watering hole with date night vibes and incredible mixology.

Located in Fitzrovia, The Lucky Pig is an intimate cocktail bar that has bags of atmosphere, with retro furnishings and seriously hot DJ nights come the weekend. Head there for a night of cocktails and fun, before staying to party the night away.

While Old Mary's may look to be an unassuming pub in the heart of Notting Hill, it's the basement that makes it so special. Head downstairs to their cool and illicit bar for a delicious range of bespoke concoctions and nibbles.

Located behind a fairly non-descript door in the heart of Leicester Square, Opium is worth a visit. This discreet haunt serves a range of delicious Asian cocktails and equally compelling food with a contemporary twist.

If you're looking for hidden gems in London for food... it's bound to be in Brixton. Head down on the Victoria Line and stop off at Shrub and Shutter for interesting cocktails, along with unique small plates, which are complemented by quintessential British flavours. 

The Murdér Express Part Deux - Jewel Of The Empire is an award-winning immersive dining experience, where you'll be transported to 1937. And guess what? A diamond has gone missing and a murder has taken place... Plus, while you enjoy the entertainment, indulge in a four-course meal.

When it comes to cool bars in London, this Peckham number is a quirky name above the rest. Not only can you join The Four Quarters for sizzling Americana inspired bites and cocktails, but there are also heaps of retro games consoles and a secret speakeasy bar in the basement. 

This unique Hackney offering is located behind a working Mac repair shop. Fronting a stunning array of sips, as the name would suggest, the drinks here lean towards more natural ingredients, including herbal elements and foraged goods.

Located in a discreet archway, Banh Bao Brothers would be quite easy to miss. Serving up a huge menu of Vietnamese small plates and phos, this quirky restaurant is the perfect spot for a mid-week munch, washed down with a selection of Asian-inspired cocktails.

Retaining some of its secretive edge, WM Barker & Co is a hidden gem located underneath Bishopsgate. Known for knocking out a seasonal foray of creative concoctions, this haunt has a team of mixologists crafting some of the most unusual cocktails with foraged ingredients.

From seven-course brunches through to candy sweet cocktails, Bobby Fitzpatrick is one of the most unusual places to visit in London. This cool Hampstead hangout is sporting 70s vibes, with yellow wallpaper, ruby red sofas, and date night vibes.

Found may only offer a selection of 12 cocktails, but their mantra of quality over quantity is something that really rings true. Make your way to this basement bar in Shoreditch, for a drinking experience that promises speakeasy vibes and killer drinks combined. 

Only a gold plaque on the wall reveals this bar. Descend into a lair of French-inspired interiors where Parisian chic mixes with desserts and cocktails - a match made in heaven. Make your way to this secret bar for ultimate indulgence and melt-in-the-mouth moments. 

Tooting Market has been around since the 1930s, and they're harbouring a secret, one of the best wine bars in London. Head to Unwined for some of the finest bottles of tipple and a revolving series of pop-up residencies which change every 6 weeks.

Perfecting a snug and intimate set-up with leather sofas, warm lighting and eccentric artwork on the walls, we only wish we had discovered The Den sooner. You'll find it inside the St. Martin's Lane hotel, welcoming those lucky enough to find it inside for a divine Afternoon Tea experience or just a few drinks from the bespoke G&T menu.

One of the hidden gems of South London, Hop Kingdom is a bar and skate park all rolled up into one. Whether you fancy hitting the raps, sipping craft brews or hiring out the place for a gig, they're sure to cater to your every need. 

The Portobello Star is the, well, star of Notting Hill. The quaint boozer has been entertaining all sorts of individuals since 1740 and continues to deliver with handmade liquor and exotic cocktails, alongside premium beers and an atmosphere that attracts the coolest crowd around.

One of the best secret bars in the city and perfect for those that like their drinks with a dose of quirk, head on down to Call Me Mr Lucky for something a little off-the-wall. From cool cocktails to the kitsch interiors, this gem isn't one to be missed.

Away from the main bustle of Islington is The Narrow Boat; the only pub directly located on the Regent's Canal in the neighbourhood. Take a relaxed stroll along the water and stop by for an exciting range of boozy options, British food, and a balcony space that overlooks the water.

Roxanne is a hidden gem in Shoreditch that's mixing speakeasy vibes with laid-back hip hop culture, thanks to a lineup of DJs, vintage velvet sofas, original wood floors and vinyl. Better yet, there's 50% off drinks in happy hour.

Once a Chinese takeaway, Ruby's Bar and Lounge is discreet yet worth the hunt. Located in Dalston, this East London gem takes drinks on a trip back to the 70s and 80s, with fringed lamps, a retro playlist along with sugar-sweet cocktails that are far too quaffable.

Sat atop Brixton Market, this stunning rooftop venue comes with Latin American-inspired cocktails, jaw-dropping interiors and mouthwatering international plates courtesy of the iconic street food vendors below.

Once an old boozer in Bethnal Green, this exposed brick watering hole has had a revamp to become one of the world's best cocktail bars. Find it not far from the station to discover a den of French ciders and classy cocktails.

Did you know that Camden is home to London - no - the world's only vampire-themed pizzeria? Oozing 80s nostalgia with plenty of quirky goings-on, Lost Boys Pizza & Croque Monsieur is an essential visit for pizza-lovers looking for something a little different. 

Tucked away along Wapping's Green Bank, The Turks Head is a brilliant traditional pub touting a gorgeous outdoor terrace. This hidden gem also serves a range of brunch fare, as well as exquisite French-inspired bites that are sure to go down a storm.

Punch Room is a bar inspired by 19th century London, adorned with oak panelled walls, dark surfaces and rich textured furnishings. Head to this cool haunt that echos the style of a gentleman's library, for some punch bowl cocktails and top-notch spirits. 

Hidden on a cobbled East London side street in Shoreditch, Callooh Callay is a true gem serving some of the best cocktails around. Make your way to this beautiful quirky bar for some fabulous live music and nibbles.

A quirky, subterranean drinking den under the streets of Soho, Cahoots is the place to go for Brtish 1920s decor and swinging vibes. When your not knocking back the range of classic cocktails, get stuck into the retro-style canapes and bar snacks.

Fancy doing something a little different? Head to Nocturne basement, a prohibition-era style bar with swoon-worthy vintage decor, including stylish blackjack and poker rooms along with a delightful small plates menu.

Hidden by an illicit sex shop in Soho, La Bodega Negra may be hard to spot. But if you do manage to find it, you'll be greeted with a stylish, Mexican taqueria, where the margaritas are exactly on point and the grub is enough to make any mouth water.