There’s something magical about slipping through an unmarked door, descending a hidden staircase, and finding yourself somewhere completely unexpected. London is packed with secret bars that feel like little worlds of their own.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON uncovers 5 hidden gems to kickstart your adventure into the city’s clandestine cocktail scene!
Trust me, this is just the beginning of the secrets waiting to be uncovered!
1. Evans & Peel - Earl’s Court
The vibe
This isn’t just a bar, it’s a hidden detective hideout! First, you book an “appointment” online, sending details of your “case,” and they reply with playful instructions.
On the night, you find the discreet door on Earl’s Court Road, press the buzzer, and after a quick interview, slip through a hidden door into the dim, jazzy 1920s interior.
From period-dressed staff to vintage cabinets and curious old artifacts, the bar feels like a playful, secret world.
Best secret?
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, your first drink comes with free chicken wings and chips! A midweek treat that makes sneaking into this hidden gem even sweeter.
Address & website:
310c Earl’s Court Road, London SW5 9BA | evansandpeel.com
2. The Luggage Room - Mayfair
The vibe
Knock on the unassuming black door at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square and step into a stylish speakeasy, once the hotel’s luggage room.
Inside, art‑deco marble floors and leather banquettes surround a menu of classic and heritage‑inspired cocktails and whimsical signature creations.
Best secret?
The cocktail menu is designed like a journey through the history of drinks, from old-school punches and cobblers to modern classics, so every order feels like a step through time.
Address & website:
London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London W1K 6JP | luggageroom.co.uk
3. Larry’s - Trafalgar Square
The vibe
Hidden down a secret entrance near Charing Cross Road, Larry’s sits beneath the National Portrait Gallery in historic 1896 vaults that were once used as coal storage.
Exposed brick, intimate lighting, and iconic portraits lining the walls make it perfect for lovers of art and cocktails.
On many evenings, especially Thursday to Saturday, the space comes alive with live jazz, often with a pianist and singer, giving the bar a glamorous, old-school lounge atmosphere.
Best secret?
The cocktail menu is inspired by the portraits in the National Portrait Gallery. Each drink is named after a famous figure, from Audrey Hepburn to photographer Cecil Beaton, and the menu even explains the story behind the inspiration.
The best Pornstar Martini‑inspired cocktail I’ve ever had!
Address & website:
National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE | npg.org.uk/visit/eat-and-drink/larrys-bar
4. Cahoots - Soho
The vibe
Step off the streets of Soho and descend into the 1940s.
Cahoots is a theatrical cocktail bar set in what feels like an old Underground station, complete with tiled platforms, a life‑size tube carriage, wartime signage and vintage props that whisk you back to post‑war Britain.
Drinks arrive in quirky vessels like hip flasks and vintage milk bottles, and the whole place buzzes with swing rhythms and mischief.
Best secret?
Whether you’re sipping a ration‑inspired tipple on the “platform” or joining a live piano session, the charm here is that every corner feels like a playful plot twist. It’s half bar, half immersive experience!
Address & website:
13 Kingly Ct, Soho, London W1B 5PW | cahoots.co.uk
5. MUSE Lounge - Strand
The vibe
Tucked inside the historic RSA House, Muse Lounge feels like a hidden little escape from the buzz of the Strand.
Track down the discreet door on Adam Street, ring the bell, and you’ll be rewarded with a cosy, elegant hideaway full of creative cocktails, British drinks, and tasty small plates.
Best secret?
Look around while you sip: the bar regularly displays artwork from contemporary artists, turning the space into a little cocktail-and-art gallery.
Address & website:
18 Adam Street (RSA House), Strand, London WC2N 6HL | thersa.org/about/muse-at-rsa-house
Five hidden bars, each with its own vibe, secrets, and surprises. Which one are you going to check out first? Share your experience on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
Check out my other restaurant, pub & bar recommendations in and around London here - more to come soon, so stay tuned!
