Are you looking for the best speakeasies in London? Travel back in the period to the Prohibition times and party behind closed doors in some of the magical speakeasies of London.
Being a Londoner for a while, I had a mission to find the best secret bars in the capital.
London is filled with amazing speakeasies Luckily, these days, it is not illegal to be caught in some of these spots, so party away!
In this blog, I will wrap together 7 iconic speakeasies in London. You should keep in mind that for some of these places, you must make a reservation in advance.
Some places are very popular, so you will have to wait for a longer time if you don’t have a reservation.
Contents
7 Iconic Speakeasies in London:
1. Happiness Forgets, Hoxton:
Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU, UK
Happiness Forgets is an East London cocktail bar, the bar itself has an honest entrance compromised of some metal railings and concrete steps.
Happiness Forgets is a bar with high-end cocktails in a low-rent basement.
Once inside, the bar becomes an underground space equipped with some of the world’s very best cocktails.
So, you can have your favourite drink in an exceptionally fun and carefree environment.
- Signature Cocktail: Peach Gold Rush, East 8 Fizz, Ever After Martini, and more
- Average Price per Cocktail: 10 Pounds
- Opening time: Evening, Mon-Sun
- Ratings: 4.5 Stars
2. Opium Cocktail Bar, Chinatown:
Address: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE, UK
Opium cocktail bar is a two-floor, three-bar, and 1920’s 1920s-themed parlour of a hidden speakeasy-style drinking zone.
The drinking den is located behind the secret Jade door in world-famous Chinatown.
They offer an amazing selection of award-winning signature cocktails, handcrafted using the latest bartending techniques.
On floor 2, you can find an Apothecary Bar, this bar reflects the Opium Den era of China of the 19th century. This bar has two sections.
On floor 2, there is a Peony Bar, if you are looking for a most intimate drinking space, Peony Bar is for you.
While, on floor 3, there is an Attic & Academy bar, offering a homely family-esque feel to the cozy space.
The Peony bar is the most speakeasy space, which is hidden behind a set of red curtains and boasts an intimate feel.
- Signature Cocktail: Luna Rossa, Mind The Gap, Twinkle Star, and more
- Average Price Per Cocktail: 14 Pounds
- Opening time: 5 pm to 2:30 am, Sun to Sat
- Ratings: 4 Stars
3. The Dragon Room:
Address: 26b Albemarle St, London W1S 4HY, UK
The Dragon Room is hidden, but not a secret, in Isabel Mayfair’s private dining room and lounge bar.
Since I have been to London for a while, I visited this cosy speakeasy bar twice in my lifetime.
It is eclectic and vibrant, and the amazingly designed place just below the main dining room is all about exploration. I just love to discover the space.
The design and styling of the cosy space have been inspired by exceptional attention to every detail.
The decor just makes you surprised and delighted. With sublime cocktails and regular DJs, it is one of the best speakeasies in London. Settle into the wingback chair just like me and enjoy the vibes!
- Signature Cocktails: Dancing Papaya, Frozen Cocktail, Miss Miso, and more
- Average Price Per Cocktail: 14 Pounds
- Opening Time: 12 pm to 5:30 am, Sun to Sat
- Ratings: 3.5 Stars
4. Purl, Marylebone:
Address: 50-54 Blandford St, London W1U 7HX, UK
Purl is a speakeasy in every sense, from the 1920s get up of the bartenders, to the live jazz music on each Friday night.
However, several factors make apart Purl Speakeasy from its contemporaries including its innovative, and experimental approaches to cocktails.
Purl approaches cocktails at a multi-sensory level, they incorporate foams, foods, fog, and air.
Moreover, they combine liquid nitrogen with bespoke service to create cocktails that you likely be talking about for many years of your life.
- Signature Cocktail: The Mr. Hyde, Cerez Joker, Purl of Wisdom, and more
- Average Price per Cocktail: 12 Pounds
- Opening Time: Tues-Sat, 5 pm to 12:30 am
- Ratings: 4 Stars
5. The Maven, Leeds:
Address: 1 Call Ln, Leeds LS1 7DH, UK
The Red Light is one of the best speakeasies in London, and it is one of my favourite spaces. Can’t find the way to the Maven?
Just make a message to any bartender on the spot. The maven is harder to find out since it is located on one of the city’s busiest cocktail streets.
It is the best-hidden place for curling up with cocktails and soaking in the surroundings.
You can order a classic drink or one of the bar’s house specials. All the drinks are customizable, and they offer a mix of short and long drinks at reasonable prices.
So, just sip your favourite drink and enjoy the vibes!
- Signature Drink: Sparkle Sour, Negronis, Martinis, and more
- Average price per Cocktail: 10 Pounds
- Opening time: Wed-Sun, 5 pm to 3 am
- Ratings: 4.5 Stars
6. Panda & Sons:
Address: 79 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 4NF, UK
Panda & Sons comprises all the molecular bells and whistles that you want from an iconic speakeasy in London.
With smoking cocktails, an impressively longer menu, old lamps, vintage books, and whimsical touches, Panda & Sons is the perfect place to visit in Edinburgh.
You can visit with your friends and order the 4-person ‘High society’ cocktail that arrives served in terms, of a hat. I just love its charming interiors and eye-catching vintage barbershop looks.
Don’t prefer a cocktail? they have a great collection of craft beer, wines, cheese, and meat boards. Moreover, given the panda theme, you shouldn’t miss the bamboo cocktail.
- Signature Drink: Encanto Sour, Negroni, Espresso Martini, and more
- Average Price per Cocktail: 14 Pounds
- Opening time: Sun to Sat, 3 pm to 1 am
- Ratings: 4.5 Stars
7. Ricco London:
Address: 11 Russell Gardens, London W14 8EZ, UK
Ricco London is the ultimate venue for unforgettable memories. Ricco London is the ultimate destination for you if you want to experience the luxury lifestyle.
Ricco London invites brands as well as individuals to celebrate their events in this unique venue.
The versatile space of the venue seamlessly adapts to any celebration. The bar hosts international and artist acts alike, and you can always experience an eclectic, theatrical calendar packed full of live music events.
They offer a large collection of food, packages, and drinks. Their drink menu comprises classy cocktails, craft beer, fine wines, and more.
- Signature Drink: Portenova Pinot Grigio, Pinot Grigio Rose, Peroni, and more
- Average Price per Cocktail: 16 Pounds
- Opening Time: Friday-Saturday, 6 pm to 3 am
- Ratings: 5 Stars
Conclusion:
When we talk about speakeasies, we tend to think about prohibition.
We think of hidden bars down secret alleyways, with interiors blended with cigarette smoke, and doors seamlessly mingling with the walls.
Also, we think about mismatched furniture, glasses of wine, and cocktails.
However, London’s speakeasy scene is thriving, here, I have shared my experience and provided 7 iconic speakeasies in London.
You can pick one destination from the list, and while you step inside, you can discover something special.