19 Secret Underground Drinking Spots
As if there wasn’t enough going on in London above street level, when you explore deep below London’s streets and skyscrapers, you’ll find a warren of secret bars buried right under your feet. It’s not just the tube down there, you know. From hidden champagne bars to mysterious subterranean speakeasies and a club that was once a WC, here are some of our favourite underground drinking spots in London.
Sibin
If you’re on the hunt for a new speakeasy that combines the sultry sounds of cool jazz with expertly crafted cocktails, look no further- this hidden gem is ready to become your new favourite haunt. Tucked away from the city’s bustle, Sibin offers an intimate, atmospheric escape where live jazz performances set the mood every Thursday & Friday (from 9-11:30pm).. The talented musicians bring a rotating lineup of classic standards and modern twists, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.
While the bar boasts an impressive selection of whiskeys for aficionados, it’s the inventive cocktails that truly steal the show here. The menu is a celebration of creativity and flavour, with highlights like the Bootlegger- a smooth blend of rum, banana, apple saffron, and bitters that’s both complex and refreshing. For those who prefer a bolder profile, the Nightcup delivers with its mix of tequila, mezcal, elderflower, and citrus, offering a smoky, floral twist that lingers on the palate.
where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
website: www.hyattexperiences.com
The Libertine
Set in the immense vaults beneath The Royal Exchange, The Libertine is a hidden bar in the heart of the city. Sitting on the same site where the very first royal alcohol licence in Britain was granted, this space is steeped in hedonism – where merchants and rogues from across the city took part in boisterous ‘tippling’.
Sitting on the same site where the very first royal alcohol licence in Britain was granted, this space is steeped in hedonism
A modern revival of those mischievous times, the brand-new venue is made up of a large destination bar, lively drinking and dining corners, a main restaurant and two private dining rooms with a secret whiskey vault. The menu focuses on wholesome seasonal fare served from lunch till late – think seafood dishes, dry-aged steaks and snacks for sharing. And we can’t forget about the drinks menu, created in partnership with some of the city’s best distilleries, breweries and wine merchants.
Where: 1 Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LL
Website: www.libertinelondon.co.uk
Octo at Amazonico
Chances are you’ve heard of Amazonico, the Mayfair restaurant known best for its rainforest-inspired décor, vibrant atmosphere and South American cuisine. But what you probably haven’t heard of is the secret spot located underneath the restaurant. This event space is located behind a discreet doorway (via the kitchen) – ascend the golden-clad staircase and enter the restaurant’s best-kept secret and you’ll find a golden octopus, a seashell bar, and sequin-covered columns, the perfect spot to host a dreamy event.
Where: 10 Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BR
Website: www.amazonicorestaurant.com
The Living Room at Meraki
The first thought as you enter a restaurant probably isn’t to look behind the wine shelf. But disappear behind it at Meraki and you’ll find a dimly lit corridor, revealing a secret entrance to a subterranean lounge, The Living Room. Here, you’ll be met with cocktails, dim lighting, plush velvet seating and, of course, Meraki’s renowned Greek food.
Two of their signature ‘caves’ (private brick-lined booths) can be booked for up to eight guests for those who want to dine in a more intimate and exclusive setting, and a late-night menu is on offer to a soundtrack of beats from resident DJs until the early hours.
Where: 30 Foley St, London W1W 7TJ
Website: www.meraki-restaurant.com
Disrepute
If you’re after a special location for an impressive first date, after-work drinks or a group evening out, Disrepute is sure to promise a memorable secret bar experience. Tucked away between the hustle and bustle of Carnaby Street and Kingly Court, the entrance is so discreet that if you blink, you just might miss it.
The cocktail list is stunning, the décor is glamorous, and being a members’ club, the atmosphere is exclusive – making you feel like you’ve stumbled across one of London’s best-kept secrets.
Where: 4 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW
Website: www.disrepute.co.uk
Discount Suit Company
Look for clothing at the Discount Suit Company and you’ll be suitably disappointed. It won’t last long, though, because with cheap cocktails, exposed brickwork, and beamed ceilings, you’ll have found your new favourite underground bar.
As a nod to the former tailor shop from which it transformed, look under the vintage ‘Discount Suit Company’ sign for the light marking its discreet entrance, descend the steep dark stairs, and enter via the black curtain.
Where: 29A Wentworth St, London E1 7TB
Website: www.discountsuitcompany.co.uk
NYX Mayfair
Tucked away beneath the sleek Greek-Mediterranean restaurant Gaia, NYX Mayfair feels like one of those places you only hear about through friends in the know. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, the lounge leans into its after-hours allure with low lighting, dramatic interiors, and a vibe that steadily shifts from laid-back to full throttle. Open from 10pm until 4am, it’s the kind of spot where you can ease into the night with a well-made drink (cocktails are a strength here), before the tempo kicks up and the DJs take over.
Until midnight, expect a more intimate and polished atmosphere: plush seating, ambient tunes, and a space that encourages conversation over club-hopping chaos. But after dark truly sets in, NYX hits its stride, transforming into a high-energy hideaway where crowds stay late, the music gets louder, and the night takes on a life of its own.
Where: 50 Dover St, London W1S 4NY
Website: www.nyxmembership.com
Bandra Bhai
Forget basement dive bars. At Bandra Bhai, you’ll be granted access to a retro Indian smuggler’s den, full of spectacular trinkets, foreign liquor, gaudy art and velvet upholstery. A ‘delightfully tacky, dimly lit, groovy basement spot’ is how they describe themselves, and a visit to this underground space will see you drinking cocktails that are heavy on Indian flavours.
There’s also a range of Indian small plates to nibble whilst you sip, including hara kebab with spinach, rosevale potato and tamarind chutney; and Paneer.
Where: 79-81 Mortimer St, London W1W 7SJ
Website: www.bandrabhai.co.uk
Supermax
Don’t be surprised if you walk past Supermax’s entrance several times before realising it leads to this buzzing basement joint filled with cocktails, disco tunes and stunning interiors.
Hidden below Happy Face Pizza in King’s Cross, it’s the perfect place to shake off the working day. Their Aperitivo Hour runs from 5-7pm, where you dive into expertly mixed cocktails, served with olives, garlic bread and crispy arancini on the house.
A buzzing basement joint filled with cocktails, disco tunes and stunning interiors.
Where: 14-18 Handyside St, London N1C 4DN
Website: www.supermaxbar.com
116 Pall Mall
If you thought the stunning façade of 116 Pall Mall was impressive above ground, then you need to head below street level to check out the cellars. Here you’ll discover London’s hidden underground bar, 116 Pall Mall Champagne Bar by Searcys.
The champagne bar offers an array of fizz, including one of the largest selections of magnums in London, alongside creative cocktails, British bar bites and a roster of events. Experts in champagne and sparkling wine, the drinks menu nods to Searcy’s heritage, offering a selection of Brut, Demi-Sec and Rosé, alongside a list of magnums from the likes of Moët et Chandon, Drappier, and Dom Pérignon.
Where: 116 Pall Mall, St. James’s, London SW1Y 5ED
Website: www.116pallmall.com
Sixt33n
Nestled below Brix in London Bridge, Sixt33n is a vinyl and agave bar with a cool, low-key vibe. The space is sleek, featuring a low bar with leather swivel chairs that make it easy to settle in. The cocktails are seriously well-made with fresh and unique ingredients without being gimmicky (the Verdurita, a cucumber and coriander margarita, is a standout). On the food side, the beef brisket croquettes are rich and satisfying, and the dirty fries with ox cheek is something special. For dessert, there’s just one choice – the baklava cheesecake – and it’s absolutely worth it.
Great drinks, good food, and a chilled atmosphere. Definitely one to have on your radar.
where: 16 Great Guildford St, Greater London SE1 0HS
website: www.sixt33n.com
Manetta’s Bar at Flemings Mayfair
Manetta’s Bar, hidden inside Flemings Mayfair, is soaring with history. Back in the 1930s, it was the place to hang out for the cognoscenti of the worlds of literature and the arts, who mingled with celebrated rakes and aristos. Flash forward to now and this lively atmosphere lives on through the plush velvet, supple black upholstery and polished rose gold.
The cocktail menu is inspired by writers Agatha Christie and Gertrude Stein, who are depicted on the walls alongside portraits of James Joyce and Alice B. Toklas. For negroni aficionados, explore the impressive menu of seven libations, including the Unusual Negroni, with Plymouth Gin, Aperol, and Lillet Blanc.
Where: Flemings, 7-12 Half Moon St, London W1J 7BH
Website: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk
Gordon’s Wine Bar
As far as secret bars go, you really can’t beat Gordon’s. Rumoured to be the city’s oldest wine bar, serving Londoners since 1890, there’s a certain historic charm about this place that can’t be beaten.
Candlelit, low-ceilinged and totally romantic, they offer hearty cheese boards, charcuterie and vegetarian and vegan options to complement their extensive selection of wines from around the world. Most are sold by the glass, all are available by the bottle, and prices are incredibly good value. Just make sure to arrive early – the queue can get busy during peak hours.
Where: 47 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NE
website: www.gordonswinebar.com
Blame Gloria
Taking over the basement that once housed Adventure Bar, Blame Gloria is a retro-inspired drinking den from the award-winning team behind Tonight Josephine, The Escapologist and Bar Elba. The Gloria in question is a former girl about town, she partied with Hendrix, spent her life in hotels, taught Bowie how to do his makeup, and can make a mean whiskey sour. Now, she has moved into the basement and is throwing the best parties.
Taking over the basement that once housed Adventure Bar, Blame Gloria is a retro-inspired drinking den.
Where: clapham junction & covent garden
Website: www.blamegloria.co.uk
Downstairs at Sucre
Tucked underneath the Argentine ‘fire dining’ specialist restaurant, Sucre, lies Downstairs. It has a lively, warm, inviting atmosphere best known for its uniquely crafted cocktails focusing on tequila and mescal. The best two cocktails to order are the Mamoncillo, which is aromatic, floral and sweet; and the Fuma – a spicey, smokey, and fruity concoction.
Come here for music performed by the resident DJs and to get an experience filled with luxury and creativity in a bar celebrating human expression and artistry.
If you’re a tequila lover, then this is the bar for you. Just steps away from the craziness of Oxford Street, Downstairs at Sucre is a sultry subterranean escape to the vibes of Southern and Central America. Expect cocktails with a twist, irresistible margaritas, a mezcal menu not to be rivalled and the most delicious Argentinian flavours.
Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor
where: 47b Great Marlborough St, London W1F 7JP
website: www.DOWNSTAIRSATSUCRE.com
Cahoots
Located beneath Kingly Court lies Cahoots, an underground bar, set in an ‘underground’ station, keeping the camaraderie of the Blitz spirit alive. On the ground floor, Kingly Court train station has been taken over by a bunch of scoundrels, fitted with mismatched furniture, a humongous station clock and a scattering of afternoon tea options (or cocktails if you head after dark).
Venture downstairs to the Signal Station, a secret Soho speakeasy, and settle in for an evening of live performances and elaborate cocktails.
Where: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby, W1B 5PG
Website: www.cahoots-london.com
Cahoots is a novel experience for those after something slightly different from an underground bar – while it’s a great spot to take visitors to, for obvious reasons, I also think it’s a fun spot as a local who’s lived here for over 5 years.
Natasha, Digital Editor
ESQ Bar at 100 Queen’s Gate
You’ll want to be rocking over to 100 Queen’s Gate’s chic hidden venue, ESQ Bar. Adorned with plush seating, here you can sit back, unwind and disconnect from the outside world. ESQ’s wonderful mixologists specialise in making unique Victorian-inspired drinks out of homemade infused spirits.
Where: 100 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AG
Website: www.100queensgate.com
Basement Sate
Things you don’t tend to find in a cellar: cocktails and pudding. You do, however, in Soho’s Basement Sate, which means when you’re out drinking and suddenly get a craving for peanut butter and Oreo cake (who doesn’t?), you’re craving can be satiated with a quick trip to Basement Sate, where puddings come first and cocktails come second. Genius.
Things you don’t tend to find in a cellar: cocktails and pudding.
Where: 8 Broadwick Street, Soho, W1F 8HN
Website: www.basementsate.com
Lucky Voice
Whether you’ve been graced with the voice of an angel or you fancy channelling your inner Beyoncé, Lucky Voice is always a prime spot for birthday parties, work dos or to just get your singing fix in. Find your nearest venue and head on down underground where no one but your friends will hear you screeching your vocal cords…
No one but your friends will hear you screeching your vocal cords…
Where: Multiple Locations
Website: www.luckyvoice.com
