London’s nightlife is many times equated with neon‑lit clubs and well‑known cocktail lounges. Yet the town’s most memorable evenings happen in tucked‑away spots that few tourists notice. A hidden bar is defined by three things: a discreet entrance, a unique theme, and a drink menu that challenges expectations. If you’re looking to spend a saturday and sunday that feels like a secret adventure, start with these three venues.
1. The Speakeasy in Camden: Backroom
Backroom is a former post headquarters on Camden High Street, accessed through a locked door behind a bookcase. The first stuff you’ll notice is the low ceiling and the hand‑painted murals that depict 1920s London. Bartenders here mix gin‑based cocktails using a 1920s hand‑shaken technique. A signature drink, the “Red Velvet”, blends gin, raspberry liqueur, and a splash of absinthe. The bar’s opening hours are 5 pm to 2 am, plus the price signal averages £12 per cocktail. The only drawback? The seating is limited to 20 people, so reservations are essential if you want to avoid a long bide.
2. Hidden in a Warehouse: Cellar 12
Under The Stairs is located beneath a Georgian townhouse in Notting Hill. A staircase leads down a narrow passage that ends in a dimly lit compartment with velvet seats. The bar’s specialty is a line of herbal liqueurs sourced from local apothecaries. One popular choice is the “Earl Grey Sour”, a twist on a classic whisky sour that incorporates brewed Earl Grey tea. The bar’s capacity is 30 people, as well as it opens at 4 pm, staying open until midnight. The only inconvenience is that it’s a stubby stroll from the nearest public transport stop, so timing your arrival is key.
3. A Victorian Secret: Under The Stairs
Cellar 12 sits in an industrial block in East London. Its entrance is a steel door with a brass lock that looks like it belongs in a museum. Inside, the décor is raw concrete and exposed brick, with a single bar that stretches along the back wall. The menu focuses on craft beers plus petite‑batch spirits, with a rotating list of barrel‑aged gin. The bar hosts a “blind tasting” after dark every Friday, where patrons guess the origin of each spirit. The only limitation is that the venue closes at 11 pm, so you’ll need to conclude early if you plan a night of late‑after dark drinks.
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4. The Rooftop Riddle: Skyline Hideout
Skyline Hideout is a hidden rooftop bar located on the roof of a boutique hotel in Shoreditch. The entrance is a sliding door that opens onto a lawn terrace with a panoramic view of the city skyline. The cocktail menu is curated around botanical infusions, plus the highlight is the “London Fog” – a gin as well as lemon drop infused with a hint of smoked tea. The bar opens at 6 pm, staying open until 1 am, and the average cost per drink is £15. The only downside is that the terrace can become congested during the summer months, so early arrival is recommended.
5. The Literary Lounge: Ink & Ale
This is easier to spot once you have tried it yourself.
Ink & Ale is a hidden bar in Bloomsbury that doubles as a bookshop. The entrance is a diminutive door behind a bookshelf that leads into a cozy room lined with shelves of classic literature.
The bar serves a range of craft ales plus small‑batch ciders, with a signature “Poet’s Pint” that blends IPA with a splash of elderflower. The venue is open from 5 pm to 11 pm, and the midpoint charge per pint is £6. The just limitation is that the bar closes early on weekdays, so prepare so if you’re visiting during the week.
Choosing Your Secret Spot
Each of these hidden bars gives a distinct experience. If you prefer a historic vibe as well as handcrafted cocktails, Backroom is the place to be. For a raw, industrial feel with craft spirits, Cellar 12 delivers. If you devotion a Victorian aesthetic plus herbal liqueurs, Under The Stairs is worth the trek. For a high‑altitude view and botanical drinks, Skyline Hideout is unbeatable. In conclusion, for a literary atmosphere paired with local ales, Ink & Ale provides a relaxed setting. Selection one that aligns with your mood, and you’ll leave London with a time off that feels truly unforgettable.