6 Best Cocktail Bars in London with Secret Entrances (2025 Guide)

Intro: London’s Love Affair with Secret Bars

There’s something magical about discovering a bar that’s hidden in plain sight. Whether it’s tucked behind a bookcase, disguised as a repair shop, or concealed beneath an unmarked doorway, London’s secret bars offer more than just great cocktails—they deliver mystery, theatre, and a story to tell your friends.

Whether you're hunting down the best speakeasies in Shoreditch or planning a quirky date night in Soho, here are six of the best hidden bars in London right now—including our own tucked-away spot on Hackney Road.

1. The Natural Philosopher – Hackney Road

Hidden entrance: Through a real Mac repair shop

If you’ve ever walked past a dimly lit shopfront on Hackney Road with vintage iMacs in the window, you might not realise what lies inside. Behind the facade of a working Mac repair shop, a short flight of stairs leads you down to The Natural Philosopher—a cosy cocktail bar known for its seasonal menus, foraged ingredients, and offbeat charm.

Divided into “Light & Fresh,” “Balanced & Flavourful,” and “Strong & Complex,” the cocktail list changes monthly, with a focus on sustainability and creativity. Expect clarified concoctions, unexpected infusions, and some of London’s finest picklebacks (we even have a trophy for it)

📍 489 Hackney Road, E2 9ED🕒 Daily Happy Hour | Booking recommended🔗 View our menu | Book a table

2. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town – Spitalfields

Hidden entrance: Behind a Smeg fridge in The Breakfast Club

This iconic speakeasy is hidden in the back of a bustling Breakfast Club café. Ask the staff to “see the Mayor,” and you’ll be led to a retro-style Smeg fridge that opens into a staircase descending into a low-lit, bric-a-brac-lined cocktail den.

The vibe is playful and laid-back, with a solid drinks list that leans toward modern twists on classics. It’s perfect for groups, dates, or anyone who wants a drink with a story.

📍 12-16 Artillery Lane, E1 7LS

3. Discount Suit Company – Whitechapel

Hidden entrance: Downstairs through a former tailor’s shop

Tucked away just off Petticoat Lane, this East London bar hides behind a barely marked door. Once inside, a narrow staircase leads you to a small, intimate space that was once a suit tailor’s storeroom. The vibe? Candlelight, soul and funk tunes, and bartenders who know their craft.

Expect elevated versions of the classics and a few house signatures with a strong focus on balance and quality.

📍 29A Wentworth Street, E1 7TB

4. Nightjar – Shoreditch

Hidden entrance: Discreet door near Old Street roundabout

An institution on the London speakeasy scene, Nightjar delivers prohibition-era glamour with a jazz-infused twist. Hidden behind an unassuming door and down a staircase, you’ll find a plush space filled with vintage glassware, intimate tables, and live music most nights.

Their cocktails are ornate, theatrical, and layered—perfect if you're in the mood for something a little decadent.

📍 129 City Road, EC1V 1JB

5. Milroy’s – Soho

Hidden entrance: Through a bookcase at the back of a whisky shop

At street level, Milroy’s is a serious whisky shop with over 1,000 bottles on the walls. But if you head to the back and find the unassuming bookcase, you’ll uncover The Vault, a basement cocktail bar hidden beneath the shop. It’s warm, low-lit, and known for both its whisky knowledge and approachable service.

Their whisky-led cocktail list is excellent, but they’ll happily shake up whatever you’re after—even if it’s not scotch-based.

📍 3 Greek Street, W1D 4NX

6. The Little Yellow Door – Notting Hill

Hidden entrance: Styled as a flatshare, accessed via a yellow door

This West London bar is themed like a Notting Hill flatshare—complete with kitchen cocktails, living room sofas, and even dinner parties. What looks like a quirky residential building is actually a lively bar with strong drinks and plenty of personality.

It’s not just a gimmick—the cocktails are solid, the playlists are banging, and the vibes are always sociable.

📍 68 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3HT

Closing Call: Find the Door, Find the Drink

Hidden bars are more than novelty—they’re about immersion. When the entrance is disguised, the anticipation builds, and the drink at the other end tastes even better. Whether you're looking for secret date spots, unusual venues to impress friends, or just a great cocktail with a twist, London’s hidden bar scene has something for every curious soul.