The Best Speakeasy Bars in London and Beyond

Trends come and go, but Speakeasy bars has shown some staying power over recent years. Read our guide to the best speakeasy bars in London and beyond – just remember the password, code or secret handshake.

The Lucky Pig, Fitzrovia

The most recent addition to London’s speakeasy bar scene is The Lucky Pig, hidden away on a lower ground floor in an inconspicuous part of Fitzrovia.

The Lucky Pig is named after the gangster Lucky Luciano, who supplied alcohol to the illegal drinking dens in the United States during Prohibition.

The Lucky Pig offers a mix of classic drinks and experimental cocktails, including ‘Hedgerow Sling’ (Sipsmith Gin, Sipsmith Sloe Gin, lemon, sugar and soda), ‘Strawberry Jive’ (Bloom Gin, lemon juice, orange juice, mint, strawberries & basil) and the fantastic ‘Southside Royal’ (Bombay Sapphire Gin, lime, mint and cucumber, topped with Champagne).

69 Colebrooke Row, Islington

The classy and bijou 69 Colebrooke Row has caused quite a stir on London’s cocktail scene over the last few years.

The owner, Tony Conigliaro, who perfected his craft at the Shochu Lounge at Roka, is described as a molecular mixologist, and nobody can argue with his take on the classic cocktail, which are also well priced for London.

69 Colebrooke Row is one of the best Speakeasy bars in London.

Callooh Callay, Shoreditch

Callooh Callay is a Speakeasy bar with an imaginative cocktail menu featuring old favourites and classics in an eclectic space that is as quirky and nonsensical as the Lewis Carroll poem from which it takes its name.

Through a Narnia-esque wardrobe, you are taken to the Jubjub bar, an intimate little room that’s perfect for an intimate party in true speakeasy bars style.

Nightjar, Old Street

Nightjar is a beautiful speakeasy bar hidden away in a basement in Old Street that’s dark and sexy.

The cocktails are the real attraction, but the live jazz on selected evenings makes a perfect partner.

Barts, Chelsea

It may take a while to find (what else would you expect from speakeasy bars?) but Barts is worth the effort, discreetly hidden in the lobby of a block of apartments on Sloane Avenue. Once you have found the entrance, an intimate world of decadence awaits in true 1920s style.

PDT (Please Don’t Tell), New York

Recently voted Number 1 in Drinks International’s World’s 50 best bars list, you enter PDT through a phone booth inside Crif Dogs, a hot dog restaurant in the East Village.

While it’s not so secret any more, it’s still worth a visit for one of their signature drinks, the Old Fashioned with bacon-infused bourbon with maple syrup. PDT is one of the best Speakeasy bars in New York.

Prescription Cocktail Club, Paris

Situated in St Germain on the Left Bank, the Prescription Cocktail Club is a dimly lit space split over two levels with a spiral staircase, dangling bowler hat lights and worn leather chairs.

Make your way past the bouncer through the velvet curtains and an excellent cocktail list will greet you at one of the best speakeasy bars in Paris.

Milk & Honey, London and New York

A part of the Rushmore Group of members’ club and bars, Milk & Honey has outposts in London and New York and arguably started the trend for speakeasy bars back in the early 2000s.

Non-members can access the London club with a reservation, but New York can be a little more elusive. Expect excellent cocktails, for sure.

Read our guide to London’s best cocktail bars for further inspiration or if you prefer sparkling, read our guide to the best Champagne bars.

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