Secret Bars in London

Shrouded in the depths of East London and producing some of the coolest vintage inspired vibes in the city is none other than The Bootlegger. Head on down for stunning cocktails in a retro, Prohibition-style environment.

Previously closed to the public, the Victorian Bath House is doused in secrecy. Running by appointment only, this exclusive bar will take you back to the decadence of a bygone era; with swathes of rich fabric, vintage furnishings and some of the finest snacks and drinks in London. 

Hidden off the busy streets of Brixton is a door, and beyond that door is one of the best bar and restaurants in south London. Known for cocktails, parties, great food and a spectacular Sunday roast, the Beast of Brixton welcomes any savvy enough to find it.

A pad of 70s swag and muted colours makes it into our listings for some of the top secret bars in London. Become a member of this private club and discover Keystone Crescent in all it's vintage glory. Find the grey door, enter your personal code and recline in the cosy, intimate atmosphere with a good old fashioned hard-laced drink. 

Nightjar is a live swing and jazz speakeasy with inventive cocktails and a tasty food menu to boot. A unique haunt masked between a chicken shop and a newsagent, there's nothing bog standard about this prohibition-inspired nook. Expect innovation and invention by the glassful. 

A mish-mash of quirky features and cool surfaces, Callooh Callay has a comic book style menu for you to peruse at your pleasure, and a secret Jub Jub room hidden behind a wardrobe. Very Narnia, we know. A one of a kind cocktail bar for sure.  

Tracking down that perfect prohibition party was no easy feat, until the Candlelight Club came striding into the spotlight. They'll keep their cards close to their chest right up until the day of the event, but we're free to tell you that bespoke cocktails, vintage DJ sets and live jazz music in a buzzing venue lit entirely by candles await.

Tucked beneath The Breakfast Club in London Bridge, you'll need to search for this spot. A sassy looking space with neon-lit nooks in abundance, Call Me Mr Lucky is the city's patron saint of all things liquid as innovation and invention are the pinnacle of their entire, basement orientated, eclectic ethos.

The bar named after a talented jazz collective and set under the throngs of Broadway Market makes for a perfect hideaway as one of London's secret places to drink. A truly small but perfectly formed space promises low ceilings, ambient supping and a bar well versed in the art of the class Julep - because it wouldn't be Kansas any other way. 

Following on from the stellar work of its multi-award winning sister venue, Oriole brings an oasis of warmth, mystery and magic to London. Leave the stressful streets of the capital behind and immerse yourself in a truly exotic experience. There's a vibrant live music programme, tasty plates and a cocktail list showing a penchant for the finest ingredients.

Find the gold plaque on the wall and descend into somewhere that is 'not a brothel', we repeat is 'NOT a brothel'. This secret gem is the decadent place to hit for your palate pleasers and divine dishes. Top pastry chef Dorian Picard is at the helm to bring you the best in dessert plates while the bar tinkles with hand-crafted cocktails.

Found above the cool Fulham restaurant-bar Goat, is The Chelsea Prayer Room. Oh find it if you can, because this clandestine speakeasy-style bar serves only unbranded drinks offers quite the experience for thirsty west Londoners.

Located in a converted luggage room, The Luggage Room requires entry through a hidden hatch (very secret agent style). Inside, you'll be rewarded with a chic and authentic 1920s bar complete with jazz music and a huge ice block for carving off into each perfectly mixed cocktail.

Ruby's Bar is kept out of sight down a blackened doorway in Dalston. You'll be enchanted and charmed by the buzzing atmosphere, free-flowing cocktails served in 1940s Manchester milk bottles and the shabby chic decor. Sip on sumptuous drinks in this vintage space (should you be so lucky to find it).

Step through the opulent looking glass mirror and enter a coveted world of decadent debauchery, expertly mixed drinks and lavish decor. Victorian furniture, gorgeous cocktails...and a secret room? This unique hidden bar is a completely original venue exuding charm, fantasy and an intriguing ambience. Best to keep this one hush hush.

The Breakfast Club has a secret... So if you're in town, you should really pay the Mayor a visit. Cool-as-you-like, this cocktail-heavy secret is perhaps the most discreet bar in this list. Ask to see 'The Mayor' after your delicious dinner, and you might just find what you're looking for in the fridge. Yes, the fridge.

Opened by cocktail sumpremo Oskar Klimaszewski, Found is worth the hunt. The cocktail bar is concealed away in Shoreditch, head downstairs and through the velvet curtain to discover delicious tipples and a venue of cosy nooks and crannies.

Look behind the paintings, search a few of the bookcases and you might stumble across the disguised bar at Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings. Harking back to the secret basement haunts of years gone, Below & Hidden serves a variety of different cocktails and potent drinks.

Tucked away beneath Blues Kitchen Shoreditch is Moonshine Minnie's, where you can enjoy an amazing selection of whiskey-based cocktails, as well as southern American bar snacks and a soundtrack exclusively led by female R&B artists.

When it comes to hidden bars, this secret one within Merchant House of Bow Lane has it all. Officially the smallest in the capital, there's a private bartender, your own music selection and even the chance to shake up your favourite concoctions.

Camouflaged in a second-hand bookshop which is in turn disguised behind an old laundrette, this off-beat singing spot is one to watch. Find it and you're in for a treat as it promises one of the most unique karaoke experiences in London.

This private members club is taking you to a time of slinky circus acts, show-stopping cabaret performers and uplifting live music. Experience some of London's best performers; from vintage burlesque queens to showgirl extraordinaires.

Don't be confused by the stripped back walls and candlelit tables, because Gremio is far from holy. In fact, there's about to be a whole lot of sinning as the DJs spin the tunes while you soak up tapas and cocktails.

Candlelit interiors, secret stairways and house-infused spirits make The Gobpsy a top pick for great cocktails in the city. Located just minutes from Fenchurch Street and Monument stations, this clandestine spot has it all.

A private member's bar for a secret organisation of agents and spies, this unique Shepherd's Bush bar brings you a unique menu of Sherlock Holme's inspired sips, alongside a few tasty edible options including pizza and afternoon tea.