There are an abundance of excellent old-school bars to explore across London, each offering guests the chance to step back in time and revel in the delights of our predecessors. The only problem? These places can sometimes be so detached from the contemporary world that they completely slip under the radar. So, here's our guide to the very best vintage bars in London, crammed full of the most charismatic hideouts the city has to offer.
Luxe, indulgent and classic, and that's just the cocktails. If you're looking for a vintage bar in London that will tease with charming interiors and dated furniture then look no further than this Hammersmith gem where it's all about old-school glamour and impressive concoctions.
The elegance of the early 20th century is what makes Soho's Arts Theatre Club a romantic gesture amongst the vintage bars in London. Woo your darling at this members-only speakeasy with solid drinks, private seating, and a steady stream of classic songs which make for an intimate affair.
The Escapologist is a themed basement bar based at the HQ of the secret society that ran Victorian London. Expect a fun yet refined cocktail list and cheese-drenched pizzas served up in a beautiful space, with bottle service and guests very own secret lockers adding some extra intrigue.
The Last Tuesday Society doesn't endorse the twee kind of vintage; you'll find no gingham here. Instead, it has cluttered all its nooks and crannies with strangely beautiful historic objects, while the cocktail menu is an opulent collection of intense flavours and heady mixes.
The Lucky Pig in Fitzrovia is bringing all sorts of fun to Central London with their quirky retro bar. Head to this basement spot for cocktails among peeling wallpaper, a piano and chaise longues, in one of the best kept secrets close to Oxford Street.
Stooped in history, this is one of London's oldest wine bars and the selection is just as good today as it was when it opened. Expect quality bottles from around the world alongside flavourful Spanish tapas from The Olde Wine Shades in the Monument area.
Inspired by Prohibition and the Roaring 20s, Evans & Peel Detective Agency is the secret speakeasy tucked away behind a hidden door in Earl's Court. Head here to be treated to live jazz, swing and blues, accompanied by heady concoctions whipped up from bootlegged liquor.
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Mr Fogg's, one of London's most delightful hideaways. With its blend of Victorian charm and modern cocktail wizardry, this bar is more than just a place to drink; it's an experience.
Inspired by the famous travels of Phileas Fogg, the décor is a treasure trove of antiques and curiosities, making every visit feel like stepping into a bygone era. From globe-trotting cocktails to intimate corners that encourage conversation, Mr Fogg's is a celebration of adventure, exploration, and storytelling. Visit for an afternoon tea like no other, get lost in a murder mystery or try your hand at one of its fantastic cocktail-making classes.
Killer liquors, timeless style and classic decor characterise drinks at The Luggage Room. One of London's best kept secrets and always under wraps to keep its low profile, this bar promises vintage vibes with concoctions from some of the city's top mixologists.
The Cahoots lot have done it again. Cahoots Postal Office in Borough Yards takes the same 1940s obsession that made the Soho original a cult hit and runs with it, this time as an immersive post office where you enter through a life-sized postbox, get greeted by a scoundrel Postie, and descend into a split-level hideaway stuffed with vintage mail carts and overflowing parcels. The standout detail? A world-first pneumatic cocktail delivery system that sends your drinks whizzing overhead through air-powered tubes. It's pure theatre, and completely committed to the bit.
Flamboyant in its decor, Fitz's featured original stained glass windows alongside the works from Milan-born contemporary artist 2501 to create a stunning vintage-themed escape in London. That's not all though, as the unique cocktail menu pays tributes to iconic Bloomsbury residents.
