Best Speakeasy Bars in London

A cutesy nook just shy of Spitalfields, head upstairs at The Ten Bells for a top notch level of speakeasy inspired supping. A broody plot brimming with hand-made cocktails from master mixologists, chesterfield sofas and rich woodwork, Upstairs at The Ten Bells echoes the darling charm of some of the best cocktail bars in vintage history. 

Descend down the narrow staircase and stumble upon what it would be like to star in Boardwalk Empire. The Nightjar is a stunning speakeasy bar in London and well worth a visit thanks to their global awards, stunning cocktails and dashing live music. 

Ruby's Bar in Dalston is a new speakeasy bar on the scene and is something a little different for a night out in London. Have your cocktails served up in tin cups and Manchester milk bottles and take in the magical atmosphere with candle lights and a feeling that you are drinking somewhere rather special in London. It is table service only with no standing so booking is highly recommended. 

Opium is a great London speakeasy style cocktail bar. They deliver seasonal Oriental themed cocktails, in a discrete and decadent setting. Widely considered one of London's best speakeasy bars (and arguably London's best Oriental cocktail bar), Opium is the perfect hidden away place for unique cocktails in a beautiful setting.

Soho's swankiest of speakeasies is right beneath your feet in London's most luxurious of basement bars. Settle into a plush leather armchair with tipple in hand and get intimate with a date, catch up with an old friend or take a gaggle of your favourite mates for a sophisticated sojourn into a secret soiree.

The team behind the multi-award winning Nightjar introduce Oriole, another jewel of a drinking joint wowing the crowds in Smithfield Market. Head inside and discover a much more vast space filled with exotic mystery and magic, you'll find influences from the New World, Old World and the Orient sprinkled throughout both the decor and cocktail list. Sip on mixed drinks made up of flavours from all corners of the globe, nibble on equally tasty plates and enjoy a playlist of jazz, swing and blues.

Located in an unassuming Kensington spot sits Ricco Lounge and Club, an intimate art deco-inspired late-night bar, live music venue and club. The venue also shakes up one hell of a cocktail and can whip up some tasty bites if you're in need of an evening refuel. 

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city's financial district, Demon, Wise & Partners offers a relaxed and refined atmosphere to help you recharge those batteries. Tucked away beneath The Arbitrager, in amongst the city's towering skyscrapers, find this haven for quality drinks and while away the hours while you clutch an exceptional cocktail.

Nothing speaks of romance better than a true, vintage speakeasy. Luckily, the Arts Theatre Club doubles as one of the best speakeasy bars in London, as well as a prime date spot. Whisk your honey away to this members-only escape for libations and lovely tunes enjoyed in pure, Prohibition-era sophistication.

Jack Solomon's is the ultimate in old school speakeasy sexiness, hidden away in the heart of Soho and offering velvet decked sofas, a dance floor for live bands and DJs, an extensive list of drinks and even a delicious small plates menu ensuring you never have to leave.

Looking for a secret speakeasy, locked behind a hidden door? You can't go wrong with BYOC Camden where masterful mixologists put together cocktails based on the illicit spirit you bring along with you.

Take yourself straight to the 1920's at Purl and explore your way through a delightfully quirky cocktail list at this top London speakeasy bar. An intimate and unique London bar, this is a must for fans of diverse mixes and fun drinking dens.

One of the best speakeasy bars in London, The Candlelight Club is taking over a secret location for a series of raucous dinner parties. Don your finest 1920s attire and get ready to drink, eat and dance along to live jazz.

A cool basement cranny found underneath Casita, Found is one of the most elusive speakeasy bars in London. A hidden gem on the vintage scene, head on down for a distinct selection of 12 cocktails in a markedly romantic enviroment. 

A Victorian-style speakeasy hidden beneath Great Newport Street, the Covent Garden Social Club is one for the theatre-lovers. A blend of gentlemen's club and prohibition-era NYC, it's got some of the most exciting cocktails in the subterranean region.

Radiant with intimacy and tiki flair, it almost seems a shame to lift the lid on this secretive basement bar on Portobello Road. Head inside to uncover a world of exotic drinks, kooky interiors and delightful Dim Sum bites. It's an ideal spot for a date or a catch up with your mate, and cocktails like the Banzai '45, Mr Yellow Belly and Dia De Los Muertos will have you back time and again.

Secretive, quirky and filled with forgotten classic cocktails; Hawksmoor Spitalfields' Bar is one of the best subterranean drinking dens in East London. Complete with a cutting-edge decor that cannot fail to impress, the bar serves discerning drinkers unique cocktails, fine wines and locally sourced beers, with delicious bar snacks on hand if hunger should strike. 

Whisky fans better look alive as this quirky spot opens its saloon doors above Charing Cross' Theodore Bullfrog. With delicious cocktails and some stunning bourbons, scotches and barrel-aged sips it's a perfect spot for anyone with a taste for the finer things.

You don't get more 'speakeasy' than a basement bar beneath a blues bar, so welcome to Moonshine Minnie's, where you can enjoy classic whiskey cocktails, delicious southern American bar snacks, and all that hidden atmosphere you've been looking for.

Take a trip back to the 1920s in serious style at the uber-chic Do Not Disturb. This low-lit cocktail bar is adorned with velvet chairs and marble-topped tables, the perfect setting for an intimate catch up with friends or romantic date night.

Dabble in the artistry and sass of the prohibition at one of the best speakeasy themed bars in East London. Heralded for its vintage interiors and retro cocktail charm, head on down for something truly unique in the city.

From low-lit interiors to live music, The Gobpsy is all about prohibition. Not only will you be transported to the iconic era of flapper dresses and clandestine cocktails, but you can soak up a menu that's as good as it looks.