From Dickensian gin palaces to Masonic lodges, underground bars in London are more than just places to grab a delicious cocktail; with their own unique atmosphere and a sense of the mysterious, they remain one of the capital's best kept secrets. Perfect for date nights or after-work drinks, these are the best basement bars in London - if you can find them.
Look for the neon lights guiding you down to the industrial-feel W M Barker & Co, a basement bar in Bishopsgate. It's all about the underground cocktails here, with bartenders shaking up everything from a classic margarita to a Victoria Beckham from the celebrity-inspired list.
We know what you're thinking. How could somewhere that boasts so much colour and creativity be found in a London basement? One of the most unique underground bars in the city, head on down for a rich and intimate menu of cocktails from B&H.
Look behind the paintings, search a few of the bookcases and you might stumble across the hidden bar at Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings. Serving a range of quirky cocktails and having hosted a variety of different events, this is the ideal spot for anyone that's not ready to call it a night.
All the very best secret basement bars in London have a good back story, and The Escapologist is no exception. Part Masonic lodge, part Gentlemen's club, the themed bar is filled with hidden coves, psychedlic art and 90s tunes which would certainly make their Victorian inspiration, master party-goer and criminal Baron Von Took, proud.
Tucked out of sight at The Brewers Inn in Wandsworth is Jones Cellar Bar, a secret basement bar offering an alternative from the more formal atmosphere upstairs. Set against an exposed-brick-wall interior, visitors can order a tailored charcuterie or cheese platter to enjoy with one of the pub's excellent wines.
This rocking little hideaway tucked away behind Shoreditch High Street is one of the best underground bars in the area. The music is loud, the bartenders are skilled and the party is always on.
As far as the best basement bars in London go, Old Street Records has got to be a contender. Jazz nights, EP launches and DJ sessions keep revellers rocking every night and to help get the party started there's a cocktail Happy Hour every day - need we say more?
We know that cocktails taste that much better when they are in a cool underground space, so be sure to check out Tequila Mockingbird in Covent Garden. Not only do they serve some cool drinks from Disney-themed bevvies to pun-believable concoctions, but they also have fabulous interiors.
Cavernous and cool, not only is Burlock one of the best places to enjoy a little downstairs intimacy, it also boasts one of the best rum collections in London. Head on down to this fun little basement spot for strong drinks and vintage vibes aplenty.
Hit up Reverend J W Simpson, a totally unique basement bar in Fitzrovia, to fill your boots with a range of delicious drinks. Think classic cocktails, as well as a whole range of seasonal delights, crafted using foraged and little-known ingredients, alongside obscure spirits and the like.
Devilishly rich and decadent are the pervading themes of hidden underground bar Basement Sate, a dessert and cocktail bar in Soho. Discover the Parisian in you - sink onto a leather-clad chaise longue and pick delicately at one of the deliciously French desserts while sipping something fruity.
An underground bar near Bank Station, The Libertine is a stunner. Enjoy a wide range of food from fresh oysters and blackened chicken to plant-based burgers and much more. Or tuck into a few bar snacks, alongside signature boozy bevvies.
Hidden underneath the National Portrait Gallery, within its historic vaults, Larry's is a popular restaurant bar that's part of the Daisy Green group. The intimate space flaunts exposed brickwork and lots of portraits of iconic Londoners, complete with sultry low lighting.
The menu offers countless cocktails, alongside a hearty all-day menu with an Australian theme. From tasty brunch plates to mains like harissa chicken, London burrata and miso roasted aubergine, they've got it all here.
Finding secret speakeasy Found, is all part of the fun when it comes to drinking at this underground cocktail bar. The search is well worth it though; the bar's philosophy is quality rather than quantity, resulting in a choice of 12 perfectly mixed cocktails.
Found hidden beneath The Megaro Hotel, Hokus Pokus is a basement drinking den that's a little wackier than the rest. Not only does it boast unusual interiors, from the odd creatures to the vintage utensils, but it also slings out a mega menu of molecular cocktails.
After an underground hub? Lucy Wong is a real stand-out. The vibrant atmosphere of this place is brought to life by its 1950s theme and Hong Kong-inspired interiors. And if you're looking for something to tantalise your taste buds, the Chinese food and drinks menu will hit the spot.
Head beneath Covent Garden and find a place of temptations and indulgent drinks, Eve, with delicious cocktails with a theatrical touch served in refined surroundings.
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Wine lovers rejoice - tiny, intimate-feel Humble Grape in Battersea is the underground bar for you. With low lighting and simple wooden interiors, the bar is date-perfect; the wine list is more than impressive, with a focus on biodynamic and organic bottles.
