When you’ve got friends visiting from out of town, this is the
place to take them to show off. Regularly topping the list of the
World’s 50 Best Bars, behind an unassuming black door near Old
Street Roundabout you’ll find a low-lit lounge where cocktail
making is considered an art form. Unlock liquid time capsules from
an array of vintage spirits dating back to 1860, or leave your
choice to Lady Luck and shuffle the cocktail menu deck of cards –
perfect for those who struggle with decision making.

A circus in bar form, with theatrics including exploding balloons, fire, nitrogen and a lot of dry ice. While it may sound gimmicky, drinks are top-notch and lapped up by a sophisticated crowd who complement the chic surrounds. Arrive inquisitive and up for anything as bartenders prod you to push your drinking limitations and try something new.

Situated on Sloane Avenue in the heart of well-heeled Chelsea, Bart’s is kinky, kitsch and packed with curios. The notorious Chicago gangster Uncle Bart opens up his drinking den only to those who know the password; utter it to the eyes behind the wall for cocktails served in dinky tea cups and brown paper bags. Our favourite royal may be off the market, but rumour has it this is one of his favourite haunts.

Like a moth to a flame find the flickering lantern outside to enter the bar with no name. Intimately based in one room, the black and white checkered floors and red leather booths ooze a 1950’s Italian elegance. Unlike many of the capital’s novelty cocktail menus, bar master Tony Conigliaro’s menu is made up of carefully paired, classic flavourings. Try The Avignon that matches cognac with smoked frankincense and chamomile syrup or the delightfully spicy Bloody Mary with homemade pepper sauce and horseradish kick.

A cheeky request to see “the Mayor” will see you ushered through the door of a Smeg fridge and descending a flight of stairs into a clandestine basement filled with vintage furniture, moose heads and a sign forewarning serial daters: “No Heavy Petting”. A large part of its allure is its lighthearted approach, with friendly staff and a cocktail menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Take a first date here to almost guarantee a second – if you manage to gain access to the secret saloon, that is. Through a Narnia-style wardrobe you’ll find the 25-seater JubJub bar; membership cannot be begged, stolen or bought and is personally granted only to cocktail connoisseurs of the highest order. If you don’t quite make the cut, lick your wounds in the retro-inspired lounge which is equally as delightful and everyone is welcome. The collectable cocktail sticker book is a sophisticated alternative to other drinking games, although a costly one.

To those in the know it’s Trisha’s; for those who have to Google Map their way there it’s The New Evaristo Club. In true speakeasy form, the entrance is scruffy, easily overlooked and makes you question if you’re in the right place. Somewhat of a Soho institution, walls are adorned with vintage Italian football paraphernalia and you’ll often find the owner’s bulldog often hovering around for bar snacks. It’s the kind of place where you’ll know nobody at the start of evening and everybody by the end.

An unexpected shabby-chic speakeasy in the heart of Chinatown, Experimental Cocktail Club is a welcome escape from nearby tourist traps. The battered door, brick walls, cut-glass tumblers and teapot-shaped lights in the bathroom contribute to the overall aesthetic and make it a favourite among locals. While it’s on the expensive side, the ambiance is worth it. With tasteful background music and a decent crowd, the Parisian-inspired bar is the perfect balance between a happening spot and a cosy place to chat.

Our 15-year love affair with Milk & Honey earns it the
overused accolade of “institution”. Attracting sophisticated
patrons with stellar drinks and intimate booths, non-members can
make reservations until 11PM and after that they’re escorted out in
favour of members that trawl between the three floors – each
providing a vibrant 1930s swing and jazz soundtrack.

Occupying a former Chinese takeaway joint of the same name, descend the rickety stairs under the enticing “nothing to see here” illuminated cinema sign into a jumble of antiques and retro knick-knacks. Naughty Londoners may have pocketed all of the original 1940s milk bottles that once held their infamous blackberry mojitos, but pop down for happy hour when negronis, rhubarb sours, and manhattans are a steal.

Worship Street Whistling Shop combines two of our favourite pastimes; globetrotting and a good drink. With a menu that is based on an exploration of the globe, settle in to the bare-brick cellar bar, map your route on the vintage atlas (which doubles up as a bar menu) and go around the world in cocktails. Beware of ending up in the Bermuda Triangle – otherwise, bon voyage.

Concealed between fabric stores beneath a dilapidated sign on Petticoat Lane lies this secluded bar that measures up to expectations. Housed in a tailor’s former stockroom, peel back the black curtain to reveal a swinging mix of Motown and soul tunes, knowledgable bartenders serving forgotten classics laced with an unmistakeable sense of mischief.

After an interrogation over the intercom, you’ll find yourself in a sparse office with just a desk, dusty bookshelf and an unsmiling detective. State your case, and if approved you’ll be discreetly led behind the bookshelf. Playing the pantomime part of speakeasy with cracked tiles and bourbon-based cocktails served in brown paper bags, it’s case closed as to this being one of the best in town.

The last time you had a hip flask it was probably used to sneak something into a festival as an impoverished student short on liquor funds. Not here. In-keeping with the illicit feel of a 1920s bar, cocktails are nicknamed “emergency water” and served in flasks hidden in books and chipped teacups. Knowledgeable bartenders in bow ties serve Lucky Luciano’s and Giggle Juice to the dapper drinkers of the city.

Head down an iron staircase in East London where the drinks are good and happiness awaits. A bartenders’ bar (always the best kind) which has nailed the balance between a boozy base layered with sweet, sour and a hefty side serving of fun, you’ll find “no wallies” here (their website specifies this) which is probably why it’s always packed. It’s no standing, so book ahead.