Hidden Gems in London

Do Not Disturb is a sultry speakeasy-style bar located in the basement of the luxury city centre hotel Vintry & Mercer. Inspired by the 1920s, the concoctions on offer here range from house classics to speciality vintage mixes, accompanied by a selection of Asian-inspired small plates.

Nestled along Kensington's Russel Gardens sits Ricco Lounge and Club, a suave cocktail bar that'll transport you back to the roaring 20s with its art deco interiors and stylish sips. They also welcome a range of live music performers and DJ sets to keep the party going well into the night.

Beautiful cocktails, a very interesting history, and poetry in their menus: Disrepute is the definition of a hidden gem bar in London. Head here for all that plus a glamorous interior and sophisticated company.

Hanging around in Islington and looking for something a little under the radar? The Four Sisters has got you covered with its blend of Victorian charm (think old world interiors and wood panelling) and award-winning libations.

A uniquely adaptable space in London Bridge, Hop Kingdom is a bar, venue 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, exhibition, or birthday party, they're sure to cater to your every need. 

Powder Keg Diplomacy is one of the best restaurant bars that you might not have heard about yet. Serving up a menu of delicious, seasonal British food alongside beautiful cocktails, spirits, wines and beers, this colonial drinking den will really blow you away once you eat within its wonderful vintage conservatory for a fully elegant Victorian dinner.

A real hidden gem in the heart of Stoke Newington, Doña Bar is the speakeasy that's dedicated to live music, cabaret, comedy and cocktails. Head to this stunning pink spot for entertainment matched with top-notch drinks.

Hidden away on Old Street, Bedlam is the cocktail bar that's perfect for date nights, weekend lounging and after-work drinks. The cocktail list varies, with a wide range of modern concoctions alongside beer, wine and spirits.

Tucked away beneath Heddon Street Kitchen, Hidden Heddon is a cocktail bar in central London. Make your way to Mayfair for date nights with an edge or impressive drinks with friends as you get stuck into cocktail classes or just a good ol' classic tipple.

While The Mitre may look to be an unassuming pub in the heart of Notting Hill, it's the basement that makes it so special. Head downstairs for a cool and illicit basement bar where whisky, cocktails and the odd hot dog happen to come as standard. 

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

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

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.

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 hotel watering hole with date night vibes and incredible mixology.

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 and live entertainment that is all sorts of weird and wonderful. 

This secret London bar is little known to those who haven't ventured deep into the London Edition hotel. Somewhere in the back you'll discover a brooding bar inspired by 19th Century London with oak panelled walls, dark surfaces and rich textured furnishings echoing the style of a gentleman's library. Specialising in punch bowl cocktails, time will come to a relaxing stand-still here. 

A hidden gem nestled in the heart of Soho, Beasy Bar is the hair salon and cocktail bar that you need on your radar. Think bare bulbs and red hues with live DJs and cocktails thrown in for good measure. You can even book the space for a private party.

If you've not heard of this speakeasy, then you are not in the know. Jack Solomon's oozes old school cool, with velvet-decked sofas, live music and DJs that'll magnetise you to the dance floor, and an extensive drinks menu alongside small plates to really make a great night out.

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.

Tucked away behind the busy metropolis of London Bridge, the Hide Bar is one hidden gem in London that exudes cool character. Mixing industrial touches with intimate table seating, the spot has dedicated itself to locality, with spirits largely London based (including from the three gin distilleries within a 10 mile radius).

The Beast of Brixton might not be the most well-known hangout in town, but it's certainly up there with one of our favourite secret hideaways. Stumble upon this unassuming haunt somewhere on Acre Lane and make your way inside for cocktails, regularly rotating street food and great local brews. Return on Sunday if you fancy delving into one of their banging roast lunches.

One of the best hidden bars in London, this unique Hackney offering is tucked away 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.

One of the best hidden bars in London 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 hidden gem isn't one to be missed.

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

Head to Central London to find a completely unique and one-of-a-kind bar as Revered JW Simpson revives the former home of its namesake. Complete with original features and mementos, the bar is perfect for a date with a difference, try one of their cocktails that focusses on seasonal and foraged ingredients. 

Retaining some of its secretive edge, WM Barker & Co is a hidden gem in London underneath Bishopsgate. Known for knocking out a seasonal foray of creative cocktails, WM Barker & Co has a team of specially skilled mixologists at the helm crafting unusual ingredients to make some of the coolest and most original drinks in the city.

If you're sure to find a hidden gem anywhere in London, it's bound to be in Brixton. Head down on the Victoria Line and stop off at Shrub and Shutter for interesting cocktails set alongside unique small plates and British flavours. 

It would be easy to miss hidden archway restaurant, Banh Bao Brothers - but to do so would be a big mistake. 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.

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. Gulp down a few Borsh Marys or enjoy a tequila and sweet tea infused Lost Steps cocktail.

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. 

Let your hair down at one of the most unique, hidden gems in London as Dr Kluger's entices guests with a roster of quirky cocktails and cool drinks in a casual and retro setting. Perfect for those looking for something a little different, the vintage theme and secret charm are sure to impress.

When a lot of venues claim to offer the best cocktails around, they are of course bending the truth slightly. But when Callooh Callay say it, they really mean it; and they've got a long list of awards to back up this claim. Hidden on a cobbled East London side street in Shoreditch, this is a hidden gem you'll want to find, sharpish!

From seven-course brunches through to candy sweet cocktails, Bobby Fitzpatrick is the retro den you've never heard of. This cool Hampstead hangout is sporting 70s vibes and will be blowing up your Instagram in no time, with yellow wallpaper, ruby red sofas, and date night vibes.

Tucked 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 pause to check out this complete gem, with its exciting range of boozy options, seasonal and fresh British food and a balcony space that overlooks the canal.

Only a gold plaque on the wall reveals this bar. Descend into a lair of dark luxury and French inspired interiors where Parisian chic mixes with desserts and cocktails - a match made in heaven. One of our favourite hidden bars in London, this is a well kept secret of ultimate indulgence and melt-in-the-mouth moments. 

When it comes to cool, hidden 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, there's a whole heap of retro games consoles, machines and a secret speakeasy bar in the basement. 

A proper secret London bar, The Gobpsy is hidden in a vintage barber shop. Once you've found the entrance? Expect gilded interiors and cosy corners, alongside fat-washed spirits, homemade brines and house-infused tinctures. 

Stoke Newington is one of the best places to find hidden gems in London, and Victory Mansion is the perfect proof of that. Join this romantic bar for 70s interiors, stunning small plates and a roster of cocktails that you'll more than remember.

Hidden away 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, and stay to party the night away.

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. 

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

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

Located behind a fairly non-descript door in the heart of Leicester Square, Opium is a hidden gem in every sense of the phrase. Once you're finished punching the air at having found it, you'll immediately reap your rewards by discovering three floors of amazing Asian cocktails and equally compelling food with a contemporary twist.

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