The Best Secret Bars In London

Courtesy of The Mayor of Scaredy House

9 February 2017

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There is a long list of restaurants, pubs, bars, and in the great city of London. We are here to unveil some of the lesser-known hidden gems.

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Pub Grub, $$$

The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town | © Ewan Munro/Flickrcommons (increased contrast and cropped)

This bar is hidden in the Liverpool Street’s Breakfast Club. Approach a member of the staff and tell them that you would ‘like to see the mayor.’ You will then be accompanied to the front of a SMEG fridge (or at least that is what you will think), which is actually the door to The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town. Once inside try the Berlusconi, or the Prince Albert, and enjoy your night in an American-style diner.

Callooh Callay

Bar, Cocktail Bar, European, Northern European, Seafood, Cajun, $$$

Callooh Callay | Courtesy of Callooh Callay

This bar is one of the most acclaimed of them all. The cocktails are original, ‘a little weird,’ but at the same time elegant. Callooh Callay was one of the first cocktail bars in Shoreditch and is said to be ‘unconventional,’ just like the owners style. To get to this bar you have to go through a wardrobe (don’t worry, you won’t get lost in Narnia yet). It is composed of three rooms, which are even harder to get to. The bar accepts group bookings, although after 10PM it is invite only.

Barts

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary, $$$

Barts | Courtesy of Barts

Barts is a bar and restaurant inspired by the 1960s prohibition era. The bar’s restaurant is unique, and at the same time vintage, serving cocktails in the Old English style. The restaurant, in order to be as unique as possible, has joined forces with ‘Sushi des Artistes’, therefore if you are not feeling like having a traditional English dinner, you have the opportunity to enjoy some sushi. If you are courageous enough, try the Mystic Note, which will be served to you in a gramophone.

Nightjar

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cafe, Contemporary, $$$

Situated in Old Street, the only way of noticing the bar is there is by looking carefully at a little door, with a doorman outside. This is one of the best speakeasies in London. The style and the cocktails at the Nightjar are inspired by the 1920s. You will also be able to enjoy some live music; exclusively jazz, blues, and swing. The bar is reservation only, so make sure you book before heading down.

The Natural Philosopher

Bar, British

National Philosopher | Courtesy of National Philosopher

This bar utilises exclusively natural ingredients and is situated in Hackney Road, in the basement of what, during the day, is an Apple Repairs Shop. The Natural Philosopher requires a reservation mainly on Fridays and Saturdays, and the seating time is set at 2 hours (although if you need more time you will simply need to inform while calling). For all the Old Fashioned lovers you will adore what the bar offers.

Gin Parlour and Salon

Gastropub, Pub, British, $$$

Mr Fogg's Tavern, London

If you have ever heard of Mr Fogg’s Tavern, you will be pleased to know that the team has announced the opening of an unconventional Gin Parlour and Salon. The salon used to be owned by none other than the popular actress Gertrude Fogg. After her death the upstairs parlour belonged to her nephew Phileas Fogg, who decided to keep it as Gertrude herself left it, the style reflects the old Victorian age. The Gin Parlour holds ‘more than 300 of the most unique, interesting and rare gins from all around the globe.’ The parlour is located on St. Martin’s Lane, and is ‘accessed through a secluded side door on New Row.’

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