The Secret Bars Hidden Behind Fridges and Bookcases in London
Step into London’s Most Mysterious Drinking Spots
London isn’t just about pints in the pub or cocktails on rooftops. Sometimes, the best nights out start with a whisper and a hidden door.
Behind unmarked walls, inside old barber shops, behind fully functional fridge doors — lies a secret world of speakeasies and hidden bars. These aren’t gimmicks; they’re immersive, stylish, and made for people who want to feel like they’ve discovered something truly special.
If you’re bored of the usual bar scene, this guide is your map to the clandestine, the creative, and the just plain cool.
1. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Spitalfields)
📍Location: 12-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS
Entry: Through a Smeg fridge inside The Breakfast Club
It looks like a classic café, but ask to see "The Mayor" and you’ll be led through a retro fridge door into a dimly lit bar with brick walls, vintage furniture, and a serious cocktail game. It’s not just about novelty — the drinks are top-notch.
Insider tip: It gets busy. Go early or book in advance.
2. Evans & Peel Detective Agency (Earl’s Court)
📍Location: 310c Earls Court Rd, SW5 9BA
Entry: Pretend to have a "case" for the detective
You arrive at what looks like a 1930s detective agency. Ring the bell. A "detective" welcomes you into their office, asks about your case, then unlocks the hidden bar door. Inside? A moody, noir-style bar with smoky cocktails, swinging jazz, and shadowy charm.
Best vibe: Date night or drinks with visiting friends.
3. Discount Suit Company (Spitalfields)
📍Location: 29A Wentworth Street, E1 7TB
Entry: Down a set of stairs under an old tailor shop
A tiny, low-lit bar beneath an old suit shop, DSC is all about old-school cocktails and 1960s soul. It’s not hard to find once you know it’s there — but walk by too fast and you’ll miss it completely.
Fun fact: It’s run by the same team as The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town.
4. The Vault at Milroy’s (Soho)
📍Location: 3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX
Entry: Through a hidden door behind a bookcase
Milroy’s is London’s oldest whisky shop. But walk past the whisky shelves and nudge the bookcase… you’ll find The Vault, a cosy bar in a brick-lined basement. Great for serious spirits fans and date nights alike.
Order this: A classic Old Fashioned, done right.
5. Cahoots (Soho)
📍Location: 13 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Entry: Through an old Tube station entrance
A 1940s-themed bar set in a disused underground station. Cahoots is split across multiple levels — a vintage tube carriage bar, a secret control room, and even a black market-themed hideaway. Themed drinks, live swing music, and costumes make this an experience, not just a night out.
Instagram gold: The old Underground signage and vintage train seats.
6. Nightjar (Shoreditch & Carnaby)
📍Locations:
129 City Road, EC1V 1JB
Kingly Court, Soho, W1B 5PW
Entry: Unmarked doors — book ahead
This speakeasy-style cocktail bar is consistently ranked one of the world’s best. It’s dark, intimate, and sultry. Jazz bands, candlelight, and cocktails served in bird cages, seashells, and teapots.
Why locals love it: Unforgettable cocktails and a mood like no other.
7. Barts (Chelsea)
📍Location: Chelsea Cloisters, 87B Sloane Ave, SW3 3DW
Entry: Find the hidden door in the apartment building
This 1920s gangster-style bar is hidden inside a block of flats. You need to ring the bell to enter. Once inside, it’s all bootlegger vibes, strong drinks, vintage posters, and a sense of total secrecy.
Feeling bold? Dress the part — flapper dresses or suspenders encouraged.
8. The Little Yellow Door (Notting Hill)
📍Location: 68 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3HT
Entry: It looks like someone’s actual flat
This is literally a bar disguised as a shared flat — complete with a living room, kitchen, and even a bathroom. It’s playful, laid-back, and run by a group of "flatmates." Expect board games, pizza, and espresso martinis on tap.
Vibe: Like crashing a cool house party you actually want to stay at.
Why Are Secret Bars So Popular in London?
It’s about more than just the hidden doors. These bars take us out of the everyday and into a space where creativity, design, and atmosphere come together.
They’re immersive. They’re intimate. And they make drinking out feel like an adventure.
In a city as vast and crowded as London, stumbling into a hidden spot behind a fridge feels oddly magical — like you’ve slipped through a portal just for you and your friends.
How to Find Them (Without Spoiling the Mystery)
Look for clues online — follow their social media or look them up on Google Maps, but don’t expect neon signs.
Book in advance — many are small and fill up quickly.
Be discreet — part of the charm is keeping the secret.
Planning a Night Out?
Here's a cheeky bar crawl for secret bar lovers:
Start at The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town (Spitalfields)
Walk to Discount Suit Company nearby
End your night in The Vault in Soho
That’s three hidden bars, three completely different vibes — and one unforgettable night.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a local looking to impress your date or a curious traveler chasing the unexpected, London's hidden bars are a must. These aren't tourist traps or novelty spots — they're some of the most creative and intimate venues in the city.
So next time you're out for a drink, don’t head straight to the pub. Look around. That fridge might just lead to somewhere incredible.
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