Top 10 Hidden Speakeasies in London

This Soho basement hideaway beneath Broadwick Street channels New York's Lower East Side with its industrial-chic aesthetic, communal tables, and a drinks menu that changes seasonally. Their 'Espresso Martini' has achieved cult status among London's service industry crowd who pile in after their shifts for the perfect caffeinated kick and late-night energy. The relaxed vibe welcomes everyone from first dates to birthday groups, with DJs spinning on weekends creating a club atmosphere without the velvet rope pretension. The central Soho location and 2am license make it the perfect nightcap spot when other bars are calling last orders.

Tucked beneath St Martin's Lane Hotel, this intimate 20-seater bar is the West End's worst-kept secret among cocktail aficionados seeking precision and artistry. The 'Blind Spot Signature' featuring clarified milk punch and house-fermented ingredients showcases their commitment to technique-driven mixology that's earned critical acclaim. With only 12 bar seats and a handful of tables, reservations are essential for this sophisticated space favored by theatre-goers and corporate entertaining looking to impress. The sommelier-level service and Japanese whisky selection make it worth the premium pricing for those treating cocktails as seriously as fine wine.

While primarily known as a live music venue, this Shoreditch institution's basement speakeasy section serves up Southern-style hospitality with bourbon flights, BBQ-inspired bar snacks, and blues legends on stage nightly. The 'Smoky Maple Bourbon Sour' pairs perfectly with their loaded tater tots, making it a rare speakeasy where you can actually satisfy hunger alongside thirst. With over 8,500 reviews, it's more tourist-friendly than hidden gem, but the authentic live blues and soul acts justify the buzz for groups and music enthusiasts. Weekend brunch transitions into afternoon cocktails, making it ideal for all-day hangs with friends who appreciate proper American comfort alongside their craft drinks.

Named after Bowie's alter ego, this Soho speakeasy channels 1970s rock glamour with velvet banquettes, vintage vinyl, and a soundtrack that spans Ziggy Stardust to modern indie. The 'Starman Martini' with butterfly pea gin and edible glitter is pure Instagram gold, but serious drinkers come for the expertly balanced Negronis that showcase the bartender's Italian spirits knowledge. By day it operates as a quirky café serving excellent coffee, transforming after dark into an intimate bar perfect for creative types, music lovers, and couples seeking conversation over shouting. The dual personality and Soho location make it a versatile gem that works for afternoon espressos or midnight cocktails.

This multi-award-winning cocktail bar behind Covent Garden's bustling streets transports you to 1920s Havana with lush tropical decor, live music, and bartenders who treat mixology as performance art. The 'Ají Amarillo Sour' featuring Peruvian yellow chili and pisco is their signature serve that's earned them a spot on the World's 50 Best Bars list. With over 1,300 glowing reviews, Oriole attracts cocktail connoisseurs and special occasion celebrants willing to invest in the £16-20 per drink experience. The late-night DJ sets on weekends blur the line between sophisticated bar and vibrant nightclub, making it perfect for those wanting both worlds.

Hidden on a quiet Dalston street, this authentic speakeasy captures the raw energy of 1920s New York with exposed brick, dim Edison bulbs, and jazz standards floating through the air. Their Old Fashioned is a masterclass in simplicity—premium bourbon, house-made bitters, and a perfectly expressed orange peel that locals swear by. The intimate setting makes it ideal for date nights and small groups who appreciate classic cocktails without the pretension. Arrive early on weekends as this Ashwin Street hideaway doesn't take reservations and the line speaks to its underground reputation.

Descend into Wonderland at this Alice-themed underground gem where Victorian whimsy meets modern mixology. The Rabbits Hole is famous for its theatrical presentation and the signature 'Mad Hatter' cocktail served in vintage teacups with smoking rosemary garnish. Perfect for adventurous couples and groups seeking an immersive experience, the space features quirky decor including vintage clocks, playing cards, and hidden nooks that make you feel like you've tumbled down the rabbit hole. Book ahead—this 452-review favourite fills up faster than you can say 'Drink Me.'