Hidden Speakeasies & Secret Bars Behind Bookcases and Fridges in London
London’s nightlife has a mischievous side. Beneath seemingly ordinary façades lie hidden doors, clandestine tunnels, bookcase entrances, and even fridge handles—leading to some of the city’s most creative cocktail dens. Here’s your guide to the capital’s most thrilling speakeasies.
Why the Mystery?
We love secret bars because they feel exclusive, even when they’re fully public. Whether tucked behind a bookshop, disguised as a detective office, or hidden via a fridge door in a diner, these spots deliver drama, intimacy—and excellent cocktails. Tenacity and surprise are part of the charm.
Top Secret Bars to Try in London
1. The Vault at Milroy’s (Soho)
Enter through a fake bookcase in Milroy’s whisky shop on Greek Street. Inside, a low-ceiling, candlelit basement awaits, serving whiskey-forward cocktails and rich atmosphere.
2. Evans & Peel Detective Agency (Earl’s Court)
Make an appointment with the detective at the intercom, state your “case,” and you’ll be led behind a bookshelf to a 1920s office-themed speakeasy. Cocktails are served in brown paper bags for added theatrical flair.
3. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Spitalfields)
Hidden behind a SMEG fridge at The Breakfast Club: say the secret password (“here to see the Mayor”), open the fridge door, and descend to a retro, dimly lit lounge curated for fun cocktails.
4. Discount Suit Company (Spitalfields)
Disguised as a tailor’s storeroom beneath worn signage, this underground phone-booth entry reveals a vaulted cocktail hall with Northern Soul soundtrack and vintage décor. Stories say it looks like your gran’s attic—if gran listened to Motown
5. The Natural Philosopher (Hackney)
You’ll pass rows of vintage iMacs: cross the threshold of this Mac repair shop, and take a staircase down to a botanically themed bar. Cocktails here feature foraged ingredients and clever names like “Lord Kelvin.”
6. The Bootlegger (City of London)
Between Nando’s and a dry-cleaners in Leadenhall Market lies The Bootlegger. Vintage gramophones, period décor, and speakeasy aesthetics channel 1920s America in the heart of the City.
7. Nightjar (Shoreditch & Carnaby)
A subterranean jazz bar known for its Prohibition-era cocktails and live music. Classy, cozy, and legendary—often cited as one of London’s best.
8. Lounge Bohemia (Shoreditch)
Enter via an unmarked door under a kebab shop. Inside: Soviet-era décor, themed cocktail menus, and drinks served in unconventional vessels like lightbulbs and test tubes. It only opens by appointment
9. Callooh Callay / The Jubjub Bar (Shoreditch)
Behind a wardrobe door lies The Jubjub, a hidden bar within Callooh Callay. Each time it changes theme, bartender, and secret code—and yes, it’s as whimsical as it sounds
Insider Tips for Visiting
Arrive early—these places are small, and atmosphere builds quickly.
Book ahead for themed spots like Evans & Peel, Nightjar, and Lounge Bohemia.
Dress smart—some spots enforce a subtle dress code.
Expect surprises—each venue delivers theatrical entrances or quirky twists.
Respect the vibe—these bars prize subtlety and secrecy.
Final Thought
These hidden bars are more than just nighttime escapes—they’re mini adventures. Whether you love mystery, history, or standout cocktails, London’s speakeasies offer a night you can tell your friends about (if you’re willing to share the location).
The city’s secret addresses come and go, but the thrill of discovering a bookshelf door or fridge entrance never gets old.