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A speakeasy is a bar that keeps its door locked behind a secret entrance, usually a bookcase or a fake door, and serves craft cocktails with a nod to the Prohibition era. The idea is to create an intimate, almost conspiratorial vibe where the bartender knows your name before you even order. In London, a handful of spots still keep that tradition alive, tucked in back alleys, under a laundromat, or behind a nondescript shopfront.
1. The Bookshop Bar, Farringdon
On Farringdon’s Old Bank Street, a small shop front hides a door that opens with a whispered password. Inside, the bar is lit by Edison bulbs and the menu reads “Rum, gin, and the occasional whiskey.” A bartender will ask if you’re a fan of a 1920s style “Negroni,” and then whip up a version with a splash of absinthe. The bar is open 10 pm to 2 am on weekends, but you need to call ahead to confirm a spot. The secret entrance is a sliding panel that takes a full minute to open, so plan to arrive a few minutes early.
2. The Canteen, Shoreditch
Under the guise of a coffee shop on Old Street, a door marked “Canteen” leads to a dimly lit room with a single bar. The cocktails here are built around London gin brands like Beefeater and Sipsmith. The bartender knows the difference between a “Gin Fizz” and a “Gin Rickey” down to the splash of club soda. The Canteen is open from 11 pm to 3 am, but the real magic happens after midnight when the music switches from jazz to a low-key house beat.
3. The Iron Door, Soho
In Soho’s Junction 6 building, a metal door that looks like a vending machine hides a speakeasy that serves cocktails with a twist of citrus and a dusting of smoked salt. The bar’s specialty is a “Smoked Old Fashioned” that uses a bourbon aged in a cedar barrel. The venue is open 9 pm to 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays, but it fills up by 10 pm. If you’re in the area, keep an eye on the building’s back entrance; the door will only open if someone says “The key is in the drawer.”
4. The Hidden Room, Mayfair
On Park Lane, a discreet door in a shop that sells vintage perfume leads to a small room with a single bar and velvet curtains. The bar menu is a mix of classic and contemporary cocktails, but the highlight is a “Cognac Manhattan” that uses a 20‑year‑old cognac and a dash of orange bitters. The room is accessible only by a code that changes every month, so it’s best to check the speakeasy’s social media before you go. The Hidden Room is open from 10 pm to midnight, making it a good spot for a late‑night drink after a theatre night.
5. The After‑Hours Lounge, Clerkenwell
Located in a converted warehouse on Clerkenwell Road, the After‑Hours Lounge hides behind a door that looks like a storage unit. Inside, the bar is dimly lit, with a long wooden counter and a handful of stools. The bartenders specialize in “neat” spirits and “tiki” cocktails, and they’ll recommend a drink based on your mood. The lounge is open 10 pm to 2 am, and the best time to visit is Wednesday night, when the live jazz trio starts at 11:30 pm.
Bridging the Night: From Bars to Online Play
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How to Find a Speakeasy Without the Guesswork
Many of these bars have no signage. The best way to locate them is to follow a few online forums and Instagram accounts that specialize in London’s underground scene. A quick search for “London hidden bar” on Instagram often yields a photo of a door with a handwritten note. If you’re feeling bold, you can also ask locals in a bar about a “secret spot” – most will point you toward the nearest speakeasy.
Wrapping Up the Night
London’s speakeasies are not just about drinks; they’re about an experience. The secret entrance, the personalized cocktail, and the low‑key atmosphere make each visit feel like a private club membership. Plan your route, call ahead, and be ready to say a password or a code. If you’re lucky, the bartender will throw in a story about the bar’s origin, adding another layer to the night. Cheers to finding the next hidden gem in the city that never sleeps.
