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.

If you're sure to find a hidden gem anywhere in London, it's bound to be 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. 

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.

When it comes to cool, hidden bars in London, this Peckham numbers 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 secret speakeasy bar in the basement. 

The Four Sisters isn't your typical cocktail shmoozing bar, no no, this Islington joint is all about charming elegance and a down to earth atmosphere staged by the skilled bartenders knocking up crafty libations in abundance. Sink into Chesterfield sofas, lap up their signature liquid concoctions and discover a bar that lacks the pretension and attitude that other London hangouts do. 

This little cracker, perched on the corner of Grosvenor Square, evokes the spirit of the roaring twenties with it's chilled speakeasy vibes. To label The Luggage Room as a 'hotel bar' simply doesn't do it justice; the venue is comfortably good enough to stand alone as one of the West End's top cocktail bars. Fresh juices and fine spirits come together in authentic period glassware.

While it may look like a normal townhouse from the outside, Six Storeys in Soho is anything but. Spread over six floors, head to this vintage drinking den for weekends of naughtiness in their cocktail bar or get your morning off to a swanky start with their breakfast selection.

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.

Located a little further away from the frenetic bustle of central London, The Coborn is a boozer you'll stumble upon amongst the Victorian terraces of a quiet residential street in Bow. It's celebrated as an east London jewel in the Young's crown, with award-winning cask ales and vintage wines from around the world enjoyed on the side of freshly prepared pub classic grub.

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.

Replicate their Spitalfields success, Absurd Bird is basically a Soho staple at this point. The southern American restaurant features the same brand of delicious dishes such as spiced buffalo wings and Jalapeno Mac n' Cheese while the bar is hidden downstairs in the basement and serves up an incredible selection of cocktails.

Hidden on Fenchurch street, this subterranean speakeasy should be on your list. Not only are cocktails made using house-infused spirits and liquors, but you'll also find live music and sexy vibes at this candlelit space.

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.

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.

Nestled between southeast Soho and Covent Garden, this sleek-chic cocktail bar screams sass, but in fact is surprisingly well hidden. On unveiling this urban gem, we say grab the gang and mosey on over to Newport Place for a cocktail-fuelled night of fun and antics as you boogie down to a bunch of disco whoppers.

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. 

Tooting Market has been around since the 1930's, 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.

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. Grab a cocktail and soak up everything this charming little venue has to offer.

The Hollywood Arms is a cool gastropub just steps away from South Kensington tube; in amongst the swift happenings of Kensington lies this great little place, one of the best hidden bars in London. Decorated with quirky decor, including flamingo wallpaper and bird cages, this hidden gem in London plays host to micro-brewers, wine makers and fortnightly jazz.

When it comes to a hidden gem in North London, none come quite as close as the wonderland that is Somers Town Coffee House. Not only boasting a hidden garden, there's themed rooms, a speakeasy bar, craft beer, lunch and plenty more. 

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.

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.

The Portobello Star is the, well, star of Notting Hill, delivering hand-made liquor and exotic cocktails, alongside premium beers and an atmosphere that attracts the most fun and coolest crowd around.

Find this little gem in Flat Iron Square and you are in for a treat. At Omeara, there's a 320 capacity live music space showcasing everyone from up-and-comers to intimate shows for world-class acts, as well as a Mexican cantina filled with tequila, cocktails and light snacks.

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. 

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. 

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!

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.

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.

Boasting award winning cuisine with a hand crafted menu of innovative Indian delicacies, Cinnamon Kitchen is a wonderland of fragrant foods and sumptuous style waiting to be explored. Each dish adorning their menu is a sensation of spices and British produce fusing traditional cooking with modern techniques. 

Tucked away behind the busy metropolis of London Bridge, the Hide Bar is one hidden gem in London that exudes cool character. As patrons to the history of the cocktail, Hide Bar base their mixology on developing new, unique tastes to create their collection of cocktails so you can experience something expertly created. 

One of London's best kept secrets, this silly little karaoke spot down Soho way hides itself behind both a laundrette sign and a second-hand bookshop so you can bet those karaoke booths have the best sound-proofing for all your bum notes.

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.

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.

Harking back to the golden years of Jazz, Kansas Smitty's is a vintage bar that couples great live music with traditional julep drinks. The entire basement bar explodes into life 5 days a week, when the Kansas Smitty's house band take to the stage. Based below street-level in Haggerston in East London, this is definitely a hidden gem in London well-worth checking out.

Did you know that Camden is home to London, no, the world's only vampire-themed pizzeria? Oozing 80's 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 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.

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.

Never considered going for a drink in Whitechapel? You should, especially when that drink happens to be at Leman Street Tavern. Head on down for a stunning selection of whisky and gastro plates at this contemporary boozer.

Next on our list of Hidden Gems in London is The SouthSider Cocktail Club, taking us South of the River to Clapham. Decked out with cool exposed brick and with a trendy New York vibe, this is one of the best secret bars in South London for relaxation during the week and raucous fun time parties over the weekend.

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

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. 

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.

Head to Covent Garden where this unique speakeasy and members' club offers some of the most exciting cocktails in the city. Add to that some gorgeous, vintage interiors and and no membership fees and you've officially got no reason not to try it out.

Chelsea Prayer Room is a private and personal haunt siuated above GOAT Dine. With room for just 30 discerning drinkers, guests climb into welcoming Chesterfields and sip on carefully compiled cocktails poured from unmarked booze bottles.

Tucked away behind Angel station, the faint aroma of hops is the Brewhouse's biggest giveaway. Come inside to find a charismatic space where the staff are friendly, the plates are freshly prepared and the beer comes courtesy of the onsite micro-brewery. Its relaxed atmosphere and high quality produce makes it decent for after work drinks, relaxed Sunday lunch and catch up with mates.

Head to Central London to find a completely unique and one-of-a-kind bar as Revered JW Simpsons 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 focuses on seasonal and foraged ingredients. 

Hidden just off the beaten track of Brixton, this quirky little Herne Hill cocktail bar is the perfect medicine for anyone suffering from bar boredom. A hidden gem of South London, this tiny box of a venue offers delicious botanical cocktails and great, healthy dishes.

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 paneled 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. 

Perfect whether you're out in search of cocktails, beers, wine or food, Ruby's is one east London's true hidden gems. The reputation of this elusive gem speaks for itself, with visitors heading to the bar to enjoy seasonal drinks with table service and a charming atmosphere. The Lounge is a separate space with a wider choice of beer, wine and Vietnamese street food, with an innovative events programme and bookable booths for larger parties.

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.

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. Looking Glass Cocktail Club is one of our favourite hidden bars in London that should not be missed.