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.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
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.
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 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 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.
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.
An antidote to overcrowded City bars and flashy nightclubs, Nightjar is a stunning vintage-inspired bar for discerning drinkers to meet, linger and relax in East London. Home to world-class cocktail creations, this spot has a menu of elegant drinks that perfectly fit its cool interiors.
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.
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.
If you're looking for a truly unique vintage bar in London, the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is the place for you. Standard social conventions go out the window here, with vintage travel trunks acting as makeshift tables and guests sipping cocktails out of tea cups.
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.
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.
Concealed beneath a derelict public house, The King's Head private members' club is an East London treasure trove of taxidermy and eccentric interiors. Sprawled over four floors, the venue has an extravagant lounge bar, restaurant, basement club, and numerous private rooms.
Is there anything better than drinking a cocktail in a vintage bar? Try out Nocturne's basement bar in South Kensington, inspired by back-street drinking dens in the prohibition-era with their delicious cocktails and small plates.
