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The Secret Bars of London

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After a long day of exploring the beautiful sites of London, we all need some time for ourselves to relax. What better way to relax and socialise with the locals than going to a fancy London bar?

In this article, we will discuss London bars that not only serve delicious beverages, but which also have an interesting concept. We will give you some fantastic speakeasies and other “secret” bars, which would show you a different, but just as fascinating part of London that not many people are aware of.

Here are the bars and their addresses:

  • Opium – 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE
  • Basement Sate – 8 Broadwick St, London W1F 8HN
  • The Blind Pig – Social Eating House, 58 Poland St, London W1F 7NR
  • By Appointment Only – Bishopgate Churchyard, Liverpool Street, EC2M 3TJ
  • The Luggage Room – Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP
  • Looking Glass Cocktail Club – 49 Hackney Rd, London E2 7NX

Opium

Opium is a bar in the heart of London’s Chinatown that would take you on a trip back in time to the 1920’s. Inspired by the opium dens of the early 20th century, Opium is the perfect secret bar that you could easily miss while you’re navigating through the busy Chinatown district as its humble door doesn’t suggest a fancy bar behind it.

Opium is in fact a spot with three separate bars, all of which are in the opulent Oriental style. The bar also offers private boots upon request, if you don’t think your experience would be secretive enough. The mixologists make some of the most creative cocktails, inspired by the enigmatic city of Shanghai.

Basement Sate

Basement Sate is another secret bar in Soho that would satisfy all your senses. The founders state that the bar was born out of their love for three things – cocktails, desserts, and good music, and that’s precisely what they aim to deliver.

They aren’t scared to experiment with different tastes and combinations, so you’d be up for a nice surprise when you try their beverages and desserts. They have live music as well, which really builds the atmosphere. They also offer mixologist courses for those who want to master the art of a good drink.

The Blind Pig

The Blind Pig is a speakeasy inspired by the Prohibition Era in the United States. The name is derived from the phrase used in the Prohibition that signified an illegal bar (speakeasy). The décor matches the theme and it is a bit mind boggling to go from busy London to this hidden gem with its 1920’s Americana style.

To find the bar, look for the sign reading “Optician” and then find the doorknob in the shape of a blindfolded pig. Drink in style at the Blind Pig and try some of their witty-named signature cocktails like Dill or No Dill.

By Appointment Only

Yes, as the name suggests, you need an appointment to visit By Appointment Only. The magnificent bar can be found in the midst of tall buildings in central London. The small, but elegant construction is deceiving, as it only serves as a front for the opulent bar underneath.

By Appointment Only uses the grounds of an old Turkish bath built in the Victorian era and you cannot even imagine how glamorous it is until you visit it yourself. Get a delicious cocktail in a mini bathtub and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of By Appointment Only.

The Luggage Room

Yes, the Luggage Room is in fact a luggage room that was converted into a bar. The Luggage Room is every bit secretive since you need to open a hatch to gain entry; how cool is that? Once there, you will be treated to an ultra-glamours décor where marble and leather dominate the environment.

The Luggage Room is another 1920’s themed bar (we are starting to see the pattern) and you should feel free to dress as a flapper girl or a gentleman with a nice tuxedo. Don’t worry if you haven’t eaten yet, because the venue also offers delicious food like mouth-watering steaks that complement its rich selection of cocktails.

Looking Glass Cocktail Club

If you are a fan of Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland, then you must absolutely visit the Looking Glass Cocktail Club. Similar to the novel, the bar has a Victorian theme and of course, a massive mirror.

Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a lovely speakeasy that offers inventive cocktails and a fairy tale atmosphere. For those who don’t live in the United Kingdom, the combination of Victorian glamour and house music might be peculiar, but locals know it’s one of the best settings for a bar.