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Where to Find London’s Best Secret Bars (with a map)

London is a playground for hidden and secret nightlife. Speakeasy-style bars have become the fastest trend in nightly entertainment, with new concepts popping up each week.

Fancy climbing though a washing machine for a drink in a secret cavern? Or singing an array of passcodes until a mysterious door unlocks itself? Sit back, you’re in for a wild ride through London town.

Phoenix Arts Club in London

The Phoenix Arts Club is the little bar hidden underground beneath the iconic Phoenix Theatre in Covent Garden. You can’t access the bar via the theatre, you have to enter in the back alleys and climb your way underground.

This is a hotspot by night, but it is also open from midmorning daily.

The walls are covered in only theatre posters and memorabilia. Entry preference is given to anyone holding a ticket for the Phoenix theatre; you’ll note the doorman ushering them in through the side.

Phoenix Arts Club in London – by Phoenix Arts Club –

Fun fact: The side alley through which you’ll enter the Phoenix Arts Club was used in the filming of one of the Harry Potter films. See if you can identify exactly which scene when you get there.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 10am to 2:30am

ADDRESS: 1 Phoenix St, London WC2H 8BU, United Kingdom

TRAIN STATION: Covent Garden

The Natural Philosopher in London

Forget bars in washing machines, or fridges for doors; The Natural Philosopher has taken secrecy to the next level.

This bar has been built in the abandoned back room of a Mac computer repair shop. It’s inconspicuous as hell, and few people find it on the first try when walking down Hackney Road.

The Natural Philosopher in London – by The Natural Philosopher –

The interior is a blast straight into the 1920s. Vintage rugs, sofas and mood lighting make for a truly ambient little spot. The drinks are great too, and to accompany them: a stack of collectable board games in the corner for break the ice between you and your date.

The Natural Philosopher is not a late night hang out, but rather one where you start early and leave a few minutes before 11pm, to move on to your next spot.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday — 6pm to 11pm

ADDRESS: 489 Hackney Rd, London E2 9ED, United Kingdom

TRAIN STATION: Cambridge Heath

The Bar With No Name in London

An apt name for a secret bar in Islington. This tiny, tiny space is the brainchild of award winning mixologist Tony Conigliaro, who wanted a space in which to practice his drink-making arts on a daily basis.

It’s a prohibition style speakeasy with a few tables around the floor and live piano on occasion. Booking a table is recommended as the space is almost always full and you might find yourself standing with your drinks if you don’t arrive early enough.

This is a bar for cocktail lovers; come ready to experiment with flavors and to spend money. The Bar With No Name is not cheap!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 69 Colebrooke Row, The Angel, London N1 8AA, United Kingdom

TRAIN STATION: Essex Road

Evans & Peel Detective Agency in London

Visiting the Evans & Peel Detective Agency will be one of the most enjoyable and memorable things you do during your visit to London.

The trick here is to never give too much away, even when telling other people that they need to go. It’s all about the illusive experience and playing along with the theme — you’ll see what I mean once you get there.

Evans & Peel Detective Agency in London – by Evans & Peel Detective Agency –

Have an open mind, cash in pocket and a good attitude at the ready! You’ll be taken into the professional hands of actors and bar staff who work to create an interactive, transportive experience for everyone who comes through the doors.

It doesn’t get more secret than this.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday — 5pm to 1am

ADDRESS: C310c, London SW5 9BA, United Kingdom

TRAIN STATION: Earl’s Court

Discount Suit Company in London 

The Discount Suit Company is another spot I don’t want to give too much away about, especially concerning finding it on Wentworth Street for the first time. You’ll walk by it a few times if you aren’t paying attention.

Once you eventually do, you’ll have to descend down a steep set of stairs that lead you into the hidden lair.

Discount Suit Company in London – by Discount Suit Company –

People dress for the Discount Suit Company. It’s a trendy yet quirky space where drinks flow amidst the good vibes and never-ending conversation. This is a great secret bar in London for solo travelers looking to forge connections with likeminded people along the way.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 5pm to 12am

ADDRESS: 29A Wentworth St, Spitalfields, London E1 7TB, United Kingdom

TRAIN STATION: Aldgate East

The Luggage Room in London

Hidden takes on a whole new meaning at the Luggage Room in London. This bar is built into… an abandoned luggage room in a luxury hotel. The Marriott Hotel, to be exact.

Deep in the base of the hotel they’ve created this art deco dream space for drinks and mingling every night of the week excluding Sundays. This is not to be confused with the Marriott’s actual hotel bars, located on the upper levels.

The Luggage Room in London – by The Luggage Room –

The vibe in The Luggage Room is very much a speakeasy one. People are constantly coming in and out, stopping by for a quick drink before heading out on the town or informal business meetings that need not take place in the formalities of the hotel lobby.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 5pm to 2am

ADDRESS: Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London W1K 6JP, United Kingdom

TRAIN STATION: Bond Street

Secret bars aren’t all there are to uncover in London, the city has many more hidden treasures when it comes to nightlife, food, culture and architecture. A guided walking tour through London is the safest bet to seeing it all in a short amount of time — book today!