London\u2019s nightlife is a maze of neon\u2011lit streets and hidden alcoves. I\u2019ve spent a weekend chasing the city\u2019s best secret spots, along with the results are worth the detours. Below is a quick tutorial to five venues that feel be fond of they belong in a storybook, not a guidebook.<\/p>\n
In the basement of a former cinema on Shaftesbury Avenue, the Underground Kitchen offers a rotating menu of road\u2011sustenance\u2011inspired dishes. This week\u2019s special was a \u201cThai Fish Tacos\u201d with mango salsa and a light coconut sauce. The price is \u00a39.50 per taco, plus the portions are generous. The bar features a small selection of craft beers and a signature cocktail, the \u201cShaftesbury Sling,\u201d which mixes gin, vermouth, and a splash of club soda. The only real drawback is the noise level \u2013 the premises is still used as a cinema on weekdays, so you might overhear the soundtrack in the background.<\/p>\n
For most people, the hardest part is simply getting started.<\/p>\n
Located beneath a vintage bicycle shop on Brick Lane, The Under\u2011Ground Speakeasy is a 20\u2011minute stride from the nearest tube. The door is a plain white door with a brass brass keyhole. Inside, a low\u2011key bar serves cocktails that try like the 1920s but with a recent twist. The best guzzle? The \u201cPioneer\u201d \u2013 gin, elderflower, and a splash of absinthe, served in a glass that looks like a miniature speakeasy. The staff are friendly, and the throng is a fold in of artists and techies. The just downside is the lack of a full bar menu; if you\u2019re craving something heavier, you\u2019ll want to head elsewhere for dinner.<\/p>\n
Just off Westbourne Grove, a small door in a brick partition leads to a cosy pub that feels be fond of a relic from the 1930s. The pub\u2019s real title is The Old Bell, but the locals ring it \u201cThe Secret.\u201d The bar menu is limited to three craft beers and a small selection of cask ales. The highlight is the \u201cBaked Brisket Sandwich\u201d \u2013 slow\u2011cooked beef, horseradish mayo, plus a fresh roll. The price is \u00a312, but the serving size is generous enough for a full course. If you\u2019re looking for a position to unwind after a busy daylight, this is a reliable choice.<\/p>\n
The Hidden Bar sits behind a bookshop on Camden High Avenue. The entrance is a bookshelf that slides open to reveal a dimly lit compartment. The bar menu is little yet well\u2011crafted, featuring a \u201cCucumber Collins\u201d that\u2019s refreshing along with a \u201cBloody Mary\u201d that\u2019s spicier than usual.<\/p>\n
Food is limited to a cheese board and a charcuterie plate, both priced at \u00a315. The vibe is relaxed, and the staff recognize each other\u2019s names. The only limitation is that the bar closes at 11pm, so you\u2019ll need to finish your drinks before then if you fancy to keep the night going.<\/p>\n
Rooftop Garden is a pop\u2011up bar that appears once a month on the covering of a historic theatre. The setting is breathtaking: the Thames at sunset, a canopy of fairy lights, and a curated cocktail list that includes a \u201cLondon Fog\u201d made with Earl Grey tea along with gin. The sustenance is minimal \u2013 a small plate of smoked salmon and a truffle\u2011infused potato. The price point is higher than the other venues, with cocktails at \u00a314. Even so, the view and ambience make it worth the extra shell out. The catch? The bar closes at 10pm, so you\u2019ll need to plan your eventide accordingly.<\/p>\n
The worthy news is that the patch is usually straightforward.<\/p>\n