Taking place from the 9th to the 19th October, London Cocktail Week is back and bigger than ever. With a range of £9 signature serves on offer at the city's top venues, we're sharing some hidden haunts for illicit sipping. From party havens behind unassuming front doors to slinky cocktail joints down a staircase, check out the best secret bars in London Cocktail Week 2025.
Best London Cocktail Week Secret Bars
The Bar: Apples And Pears
Where It's Hidden: Behind a shutter on Brick Lane, you'll find Apples and Pears, boasting both a hidden bar and courtyard.
What You'll Find: This fun, independent venue is full of colour, from the bold neon signs to the huge murals across the walls. Expect a playlist of hip hop, funk, soul, 80s and 90s hits, alongside unique signature cocktails and wood-fired pizzas.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: The Brandtiki (£9) is a unique mix of Calvados, Pimento Dram and Everleaf Forest, topped with pineapple, lime juice, oregat and bitters - perfect for a tropical but sour kick.
The Bar: Nightjar
Where It’s Hidden: Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Old Street, this slinky subterranean drinking den is identifiable by its Nightjar symbol on the door.
What You’ll Find: This is speakeasy-style sipping at its finest. Think 1920s-inspired candlelit tables and tin cup cocktails, where jazz music will soundtrack your London Cocktail Week experience. When it comes to drinks, expect unusual takes on classic mixes with delish spirits.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: When tipples are finished with a parmesan mustard tuile, you know they’re gonna be good. Grab a festival wristband and you’ll get a Stone Fence for just £9. Blending rye whisky, clarified kiwi juice and Everleaf Mountain, this has all the hallmarks of an autumnal favourite.
Nightjar will be showcasing the whisky-based Stone Fence cocktail this October.
The Bar: Callooh Callay
Where It’s Hidden: Ditch the hustle and bustle of Shoreditch and you’ll come across Callooh Callay. Inside is the member's club, The JubJub - you'll have to go through a wardrobe, unveil a curtain and head upstairs to visit the private watering hole. Just ask nicely and you might be able to see it.
What You’ll Find: This quirky cocktail den promises an ever-changing menu when it comes to signature serves.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: There are a few to choose from, but we’d advise the heady Tropical + Quince (£9), blending Belvedere vodka, quince vermouth, sherry, absinthe and topped with Schweppes tropical soda. Who said summer was over?
The Bar: Stereo
Where It’s Hidden: It’s easy to miss but nestled underneath Covent Garden Market is Stereo, a moody and intimate drinking destination. One of the best secret cocktail bars in London? You'll find out when you go inside.
What You’ll Find: Drawing inspiration from New York and Paris, the venue’s interiors are absolutely gorgeous, complete with globe pendants and velvet-clad seating. Sit at the slick bar or chow down on eats from chef Andrew Clarke – think cheesy gnocchi bites, taco turntables and juicy burgers.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: We love the sound of Carrot Jam (£9), an unusual mix of Ocho Plata Tequila, brown sugar, homemade carrot cordial, cider and bitters. Sweet but boozy, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
For secret bars in London, Covent Garden, you've hit the jackpot at Stereo.
The Bar: Sibin
Where It's Hidden: You'll discover Sibin tucked away inside the great Scotland Yard Hotel, concealed behind a bookcase
What You'll Find: This cool speakeasy features plush, modern interiors like comfy sofas and a quirky ceiling design, paired with an ever-changing cocktail menu that's always exciting. They specialise in whisky, with a collection of more than 100 bottles from around the world.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: take your pick from multiple drinks here - the one we're most excited about is the Lady In Rose though. This features craft tequila and rose cordial, topped with a pineapple and almond soda.
The Bar: Cahoots
Where It's Hidden: Just off of Carnaby Street, Cahoots is tucked away in an old underground station, even featuring a life-sized tube carriage.
What You’ll Find: This immersive drinking experience transports you back to the 1940s, thanks to the themed decor and late-night entertainment. It has the feel of a wartime speakeasy, serving rationed snacks alongside expertly crafted cocktails and black market hooch.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: Despite the old-school feel, you can expect modern flavours here - the Pumpkin Charm (£9) combines tequila with chai almond milk, walnut liqueur, sherry, pumpkin juice and lemon.
Step back in time at Cahoots.
The Bar: The Luggage Room
Where It’s Hidden: Located in the corner of Grosvenor Square, The Luggage Room was previously home to – you guessed it – a luggage room. And key tip: you’ll need to enter through a super secret hatch to get in.
What You’ll Find: Once inside, embrace the vintage vibes while listening to jazz and swing music. And celebrate getting into this hidden gem by ordering an illicit cocktail or two. Let the menu take you on a blast from the past with tipples inspired by The Great War and drinks named after Hemingway.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: Bringing a bit of theatre to your evening, the Smoke & Silk (£9) is presented in a cloud of mist. Just imagine Jameson Black Barrel Whiskey, cinnamon syrup, vanilla syrup and orange bitters, topped with a whiskey-infused meringue.
The Bar: Opium
Where It’s Hidden: Concealed from the throngs of tourists that make up Chinatown and Central London, Opium is a retreat found down an elusive staircase.
What You’ll Find: This 1920s Shanghai-inspired cocktail bar and dim sum parlour is split across two floors, with multiple themed bars serving an array of swoon-worthy mixes.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: Silky Rose Paloma (£9) is as mysterious as it is delicious. Prepare for Ocho Plata Tequila, bitter honey aperitif, Supasawa, simple syrup and Three Cents Pink grapefruit soda.
This joint is all that and dim sum.
The Bar: Basement Sate
Where It’s Hidden: Check out Tottenham Court Road, and you’ll come across a sign that reads ‘This is not a brothel. There are no prostitutes at this address’. Head downstairs and you’ll find a seriously cool underground bar.
What You’ll Find: Perfect for the sweet-toothed, Basement Sate is hands down one of the best bars to visit during London Cocktail Week 2025. Delve into an array of elegant cocktails to suit all tastes.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: If it’s an aromatic yet tropical number you’re after, try Pandan Express (£9), bringing together coconut dark rum, dry vermouth, pandan, wakame, lime juice and simple syrup.
The Bar: Disrepute
Where It’s Hidden: Nestled under Kingly Court between Carnaby Street and Beak Street, this basement bar can be easily missable amidst the busy streets of London.
What You’ll Find: Offering an exclusive aperitivo hour from 5pm to 6pm Sunday through Thursday, Disrepute is definitely worth a visit. Fronting decadent interiors with plush seating, the venue is slinging out cocktails which are showcased as short stories and inspired by characters from Soho’s past.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: You can choose between three here, but L'Amie En Rose (£12) just screams sophistication and luxe. Think cherry liqueur, Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial Champagne, apricot brandy and verjus.
There are plenty of quirky places to check out this London Cocktail Week.
The Bar: Swift Borough
Where It’s Hidden: With additional sites in Shoreditch and Soho, we’re singling out Swift Borough for its exclusive speakeasy, Back Pocket. Just a stone’s throw away from London Bridge Station, the venue has a slinky setting downstairs so be sure to request a seat there.
What You’ll Find: Boasting leather-bound seating, dimly-lit candles and a slick bar, the ambience is perfect for date night and cool catch-ups with pals.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: Sometimes, you just wanna keep it classy. Say cheers with the St Martins Martini (£9), combining Grey Goose vodka, peach vermouth and aquavit.
The Bar: Discount Suit Company
Where It’s Hidden: A short walk from Liverpool Street Station, Discount Suit Company can be found on a street corner with the shutters pulled down and a staircase leading down to a mysterious curtain.
What You’ll Find: Mosey down to this secret hideaway and you’ll discover plenty of well-priced cocktails that can be created around your preferred palate. Taking inspiration from neighbourhood joints in NYC, the haunt has an eclectic crowd that usually ends up dancing on the tables together.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: The playful (and quirky) sounding Birch Plz (£9) will delight with Angel's Envy Bourbon, red maple Sake, beurre noisette, birch and pecan.
If you look hard enough, you'll find this clandestine haven at London Cocktail Week.
The Bar: The Lucky Pig
Where It's Hidden: Down an unassuming staircase in Fitzrovia, The Lucky Pig is located behind a secretive door that leads to a cloakroom - following on from which is this speakeasy bar
What You'll Find: This stylish spot oozes faded old-school glamour, inspired by the 1920s, from the plush velvet sofas to the dark wooden decor. There are cosy corners to drink in, as well as hidden alcoves with private tables and booths, and in the centre is a traditional bar serving an extensive collection of cocktails.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: for a smoky, bitter concoction, try the Cherrywood (£9), a mix of Scotch whisky, homemade hibiscus and ginger tea, finished with cherry syrup, lemon juice and bitters.
The Bar: The Absinthe Parlour At The Last Tuesday Society
Where It's Hidden: Located within The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, The Absinthe Parlour at The Last Tuesday Society is a hidden distillery that's hard to find.
What You'll Find: The cool space is filled with curiosities, an you'll discover all sorts of weird and wonderful things here. This is the UK's first absinthe distillery, which produces their own blend Devil's Botany, and they offer all sorts of quirky cocktails too.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: the Green Beast (£9) is made with a boozy blend of Suntory Toki Japanese whisky and Devil's Botany Absinthe Regalis, alongside a spicy kick off chilli liqueur, cucumber ribbons, lime juice, sugar syrup and cream soda.
Try out an absinthe concoction in this unique distillery.
The Bar: Llama Inn
Where It's Hidden: Search for a yellow door behind the Hoxton Hotel and you'll find the entrance to a secretive roof terrace: Llama Inn.
What You'll Find: The critically-acclaimed rooftop bar boasts a truly gorgeous terrace, as well as a bar area filled with natural light and pretty greenery. Expect tiled floors and wooden furniture that's reminiscent of Latin America, with a killer food and drink menu too.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: They're all about agave here, and the Callao (£9) is a mezcal-based concoction made with martini bitter, cocoa nibs and lucuma butter.
The Bar: Archive And Myth
Where It's Hidden: Found deep within the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, Archive and Myth is one that you have to know is there to find it.
What You'll Find: This clandestine late-night bar is filled with striking, dark decor, from the black tables surrounded by comfy sofas to the exposed brick walls and velvet curtains. They've got an award-winning cocktail menu to boot, created by a renowned mixologist, alongside an impressive sound system.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: With prices ranging from £9 to £12, there are a number of different drinks to try, including a Cherry Tonka Champagne cocktail and the Ruby Ramos, made with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby and a raspberry and white chocolate cordial.
This intimate cocktail bar serves sophisticated sips in a sultry setting.
The Bar: Back Room Bar At Hard Rock Cafe Mayfair
Where It's Hidden: Though Hard Rock Cafe may be a well-known destination, the Back Room Bar behind it is a true hidden gem.
What You'll Find: This cool space is filled with vintage memorabilia that's focused on music, from the door from the famous Apple Studios to posters and other artefacts - showcasing the best of rock and roll over the years.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: there are a number of different drinks on offer for just £9, as well as a non-alcoholic option. From the melon-flavoured Let's Get It On to a whiskey-based American Werewolf In London, you can try lots of different flavours here.
The Bar: Black Parrot
Where It’s Hidden: Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the City, this pirate paradise can be found down a hidden alley off Fleet Street.
What You’ll Find: Every buccaneer's dream, Black Parrot is a quirky bar dedicated to sipping tropical cocktails in colourful surroundings. Home to one of the largest rum collections, the venue will be whipping up fun, themed £9 cocktails during London Cocktail Week.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: Reflecting the balmy interiors, make sure to try the rum-soaked Bitter Peach (£9). The peach and almond cordial balances sweet, nutty notes, while Schweppes pink soda gives this sip a bubbly, refreshing edge.
After something more moody? Head to one of the best secret bars during London Cocktail Week.
The Bar: The Spy Bar At Raffles At The OWO
Where It's Hidden: Raffles At The OWO may be a very well-established destination, that has has many visits from the rich and famous over the years, but The Spy Bar is a lesser-known, more intimate space within the hotel, found several floors underground.
What You'll Find: This award-winning bar feels illicit and very atmospheric, paying homage to the wide range of spies whose secrets were guarded by the walls of the Old War Office. There's a lot of history to this place, but the cocktail list is modern and innovative. Just remember, photos are strictly forbidden.
The London Cocktail Week Drink: Choose between a Saketini or the Victorian Gimlet, the former featuring roasted coconut and green herbal liqueur, while the latter is made with vermouth, gin and plum.
London Cocktail Week will be taking place from the 9th - 19th October 2025 with tickets for £20. Get your wristbands to take part.
