Most Londoners stumble into a speakeasy by accident, but the city has a smattering of well‑known entrances that require a bit of sleuthing. The first is the back door of a tiny café on King’s Cross, where a brass plaque reads “Open 1925” and the door is flush with a brick wall. A clear-cut knock, and a bartender hands you a keycard. The second is a nondescript door in a high‑soar office block on Fleet Street; you need a photocopy of a construction permit to unlock it. The third is a hidden lift in a Victorian townhouse on Brick Lane – you press a button on the landing that is painted to watch appreciate a fire escape along with the doors slide unclosed.
Which bars bid the most authentic 1920s vibe?
Once you’ve found your bar, keep an eye on the cocktail menu. Speakeasy bars often apply old‑school terms enjoy “sours” and “drinks” that refer to specific recipes. If you’re curious, ask the bartender for the story behind the drink – many will tell you about the original prohibitionists who inspired the recipe.
In Clerkenwell, Voodoo uses a wall of mirrors to originate an illusion of infinite space. The lighting is low, and the bartender performs a short, theatrical flourish when pouring the “Voodoo Sling”, a rum‑based drink with a smoked pepper garnish. The bar’s clientele is a mix of locals and tourists, all of whom seem to understand the subtle nods to speakeasy history.
After you’ve sipped your last cocktail, wander the surrounding streets. In Soho, the tiny alley behind the Blind Pig leads to a hidden gallery that hosts midnight art shows. In Clerkenwell, a diminutive roam takes you to a speakeasy‑style lounge that provides live poetry readings. And on the Isle of Dogs, a silent promenade along the creek provides a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the evening.
What are the practical insider tips for navigating these hidden spots?
Timing matters. Most speakeasies open at 6 p.m., but the first one on King’s Cross closes at midnight. Bring a printed map – the streets around Fleet Street can be confusing, and you might miss the pick up on Brick Lane if you rely only on GPS. If you’re in a hurry, contact ahead – many bars allow you to reserve a table via a private Facebook group. Attire code is usually intelligent casual; a collared shirt is a safe bet. And remember, the door may be hidden behind a pantry or a wardrobe – a quick glance for a brass knob can save you a minute.
The main limitation is the lack of visible signage, which can be confusing for first‑time visitors. Because the entrances are many times disguised, you may require a bit of patience to find them.
Additionally, the bars can get jammed during peak hours, so you might have to wait a few minutes for a swallow. To conclude, the price point is higher than a typical pub – a standard gin cocktail can price around £18, which may not suit everyone’s spending plan.
How can a dark of mystery be extended beyond the bar?
On the Isle of Dogs, Backroom sits behind a bookshop. The entrance requires you to pull a specific book from a shelf to reveal a hidden door. Inside, the walls are lined with vintage posters and the bar is a single wooden counter that serves a signature “Elderly Fashioned” made with a rare, deal‑crafted bitters. The ambience is intimate, with a single spotlight on the bartender.
For those who love a bit of gaming after the drinks, there’s an online platform that offers a variety of gambling venue‑style entertainment. You can explore a range of virtual tables and slot machines, as well as even sample your luck at a live dealer game. If you’re interested, check out pawzz.co.uk for a chance to test your skills in a safe and regulated environment.
Is there a downside to these hidden bars?
At The Blind Pig in Soho, the décor is a direct copy of a 1930s jazz club. The bar itself is a murky mahogany counter with brass taps that glow faintly in the dim. The cocktails are made from recipes that trace back to the prohibition era – a gin sour with a dash of absinthe, served in a crystal tumbler. The team wears phase‑era uniforms, and the music is a live jazz trio that plays every stretch on the stretch.
What should I take away from a night in London’s hidden speakeasies?
Which raises a question many folks ask early on.
Each bar delivers a little, tangible part of history. The brass plaque on King’s Cross, the lift on Fleet Street, plus the bookshop entrance on Brick Lane are all physical markers that connect you to a bygone era. The cocktails are crafted from genuine recipes, as well as the ambience is curated to transport you back to the 1920s. While the hidden entrances along with higher prices can be a hurdle, the session is worth the extra effort for anyone looking to add a touch of mystery to their London night.
Regularly Asked Questions
Where is the first speakeasy entrance mentioned?
It’s a tiny café on King’s Cross with a brass plaque reading “Accessible 1925.”
What do I need to access the Fleet Street entrance?
You must bring a photocopy of the building permit to unlock the entry.
Is there a keycard involved?
Yes, a bartender hands you a keycard after a elementary knock at the café entrance.
Where is the third hidden entrance located?
It’s a hidden lift in a Victo (Victoria) location, though the exact address isn’t specified.