A lot of us love a good night out, and there’s nothing quite like stumbling across a hidden gem of a bar, tucked away in a quiet alleyway or behind a secret door.
If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, you’ve probably already heard of some of London’s most famous bars, like The American Bar at the Savoy or Nightjar. But did you know that there are plenty of other amazing bars and cocktail spots all around the UK, waiting to be discovered? Whether you’re in a bustling city centre or a quaint country town, there’s a hidden bar out there for you.
How Do I Find These Secret Bars?
One of the best ways to find the UK’s hidden bars and secret cocktail spots is by word of mouth. Ask friends who live in the area, or ask fellow cocktail enthusiasts for their recommendations. There are also plenty of online forums and social media groups dedicated to exploring the UK’s best bars and restaurants.
However, many of the UK’s best bars and cocktail spots are hidden away from prying eyes, and can be quite tricky to find. For example, some bars have secret doors or password-protected entrances, while others may be located in non-descript buildings or down narrow alleys.
Some of the UK’s Best Hidden Bars and Secret Cocktail Spots
Here are a few of the UK’s best hidden bars and secret cocktail spots to get you started:
The Nightjar
(London) – A stylish cocktail bar in a quiet courtyard off Shoreditch’s Redchurch Street, known for its expertly crafted drinks and speakeasy vibe.
The Tippling House
(Belfast) – A hidden cocktail bar behind a secret door in the city’s historic Titanic Quarter, offering a range of innovative drinks made with house-infused spirits and homemade syrups.
The Smoking Goat
(London) – A tiny cocktail bar in a quiet alleyway off Brick Lane, specialising in mezcal and other agave spirits, with a focus on smoky, spicy flavours.
The Hoot
(Glasgow) – A craft cocktail bar with a speakeasy-style vibe, located in a basement below a popular music venue and offering a range of innovative drinks made with house-infused spirits and homemade syrups.
After a night out at one of these hidden bars, you may feel like you’re ready to carry on the evening in the comfort of your own home – or indeed, at an incognito casino, where the action never stops.
Do I Need to Dress Up to Get into These Bars?
What’s the Vibe Like in the UK’s Hidden Bars and Secret Cocktail Spots?
The vibe in the UK’s hidden bars and secret cocktail spots is often sophisticated and stylish, with a focus on expertly crafted drinks and great company.
You may need to dress up to get into some of these bars, but it’s not always the case. Some of the UK’s best hidden bars are more relaxed and welcoming, with a focus on serving up great drinks to anyone who walks through the door.
What Kind of Drinks Can I Expect to Find in the UK’s Hidden Bars and Secret Cocktail Spots?
The drinks menus in the UK’s hidden bars and secret cocktail spots are often innovative and creative, with a focus on using the best ingredients and techniques to craft unique and delicious cocktails. You can expect to find everything from classic cocktails to innovative new creations, made with house-infused spirits, homemade syrups, and other specialty ingredients.
Can I Book a Table at the UK’s Hidden Bars and Secret Cocktail Spots?
Some of the UK’s best hidden bars and secret cocktail spots are popular and can get busy, so booking a table in advance is often a good idea. However, many of these bars are small and intimate, and may not have the capacity to accommodate large groups or bookings. In some cases, you may need to wait in line or be prepared to stand at the bar for a while before being seated.
It’s always worth checking ahead to see if a bar can accommodate your group size and any special requests you may have. Many of the UK’s best hidden bars and secret cocktail spots will have a friendly and welcoming team on hand to help you plan your visit and ensure that you have a great time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hidden bars in the UK?
There are many bars in the UK that are hidden from view, such as the Nightjar’s sister bar in Shoreditch, and the cocktail bar hidden behind a secret door at the Hoxton Hotel in London.
How do I find secret cocktail spots in the UK?
Look for recommendations from local food and drink bloggers or enthusiasts, or try apps that list hidden bars and secret spots in your area.
Are hidden bars in the UK only for locals?
Absolutely not! Many hidden bars in the UK welcome visitors and tourists, and are great places to meet locals and experience a unique side of the city.