When it comes to the United Kingdom, the highlights of your travel itinerary might include the iconic landmarks, unforgettable landscapes, and cultural heritage. However, one of the unique aspects of the UK is its thriving cocktail scene. Across its cities, tucked away in the most unexpected places, you will find hidden cocktail bars that offer unique and inventive drinks. With a combination of ambience, creativity and craftsmanship, these spots are redefining the cocktail experience, making them prime destinations for your next urban exploration.
The Charm of London’s Secret Spaces
As expected, London, the vibrant and diverse capital city, is a hub for some of the best hidden cocktail bars. These secret spaces are an integral part of London’s nightlife, offering a respite from the city’s bustle while maintaining an air of sophistication and excitement.
Take, for example, The Nightjar. This speakeasy-style cocktail bar near Old Street is hidden behind an unassuming door, with no distinctive signs to give its presence away. Inside, you’ll be transported to the glamour of the 1920s, with live jazz music and an extensive menu of creative cocktails. Each drink is a piece of art, meticulously crafted and presented.
Another London hidden gem is Evans & Peel Detective Agency in Earl’s Court. This bar takes the concept of a hidden bar to a whole new level, requiring patrons to participate in a detective-themed skit to gain entrance. The reward? A selection of unique, story-inspired cocktails that’ll make you feel part of a noir film.
Edinburgh’s Underground Gems
Moving north to Scotland, Edinburgh can give London a run for its money when it comes to the best hidden cocktail bars. Lurking beneath the city’s historic streets are a series of underground venues that offer a unique cocktail experience.
A standout is Bramble Bar, situated below Queen Street. From the outside, the bar is unmarked, maintaining its hidden status. Once inside, you’re greeted with a cosy, low-lit interior and a cocktail menu that celebrates both classic and innovative offerings. Bramble Bar is particularly known for its inventive use of homemade liqueurs and infusions.
Meanwhile, Panda & Sons on Queen Street takes the prohibition-style bar theme to heart. Hidden behind a barbershop façade, this bar features an eclectic mix of cocktails, including several variations of the famous Old Fashioned. The fun doesn’t stop with the drinks—the bar’s unique charm extends to its bookcase door and vintage barber decor.
Secrets of Manchester’s Nightlife
Manchester, with its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene, has a wealth of hidden cocktail bars waiting to be discovered. These spots combine the city’s history with a modern twist to offer a unique cocktail experience.
The Washhouse, located in the heart of the city, masquerades as an operational laundrette. Once you’ve located the secret phone box inside, you’re ushered into a 1960s-inspired cocktail lounge. Among the washing machines and dryers, you will find some of the city’s most creative cocktails.
Dusk til Pawn, in the city’s Northern Quarter, is another hidden gem. Disguised as a pawnshop, this bar offers a cocktail menu that changes regularly, keeping things interesting for regular customers. The bar’s vintage charm and wide range of drinks make it a must-visit for any cocktail aficionado.
Intrigue in Birmingham’s Bars
In the heart of England, Birmingham is home to a growing cocktail scene, with hidden bars scattered throughout the city. These venues offer an intimate and memorable experience, making the hunt to find them all the more worth it.
The Lost and Found on Bennetts Hill is located in a Victorian-style building, with its entrance hidden behind a botanical-themed façade. Once inside, you are treated to a menu of botanical-inspired cocktails, blending the city’s industrial past with a fresh, modern feel.
Just down the street is 18/81, a cocktail bar that takes its secrecy seriously. With no external signage, the bar relies on word-of-mouth and the curiosity of those in the know. Known for its themed cocktail menus, 18/81 offers a truly immersive drinking experience in a modern, stylish setting.
Liverpool’s Hidden Highlights
Last but not least, Liverpool is a city known for its music and maritime history, but it also houses a number of hidden cocktail bars. These venues add a layer of mystique to the city’s nightlife, making them the perfect spots to round off your tour of the UK’s cocktail scene.
Some Place on Seel Street is a small, unmarked bar that specialises in absinthe. With its green light above the door being the only hint of its existence, this bar offers a unique and adventurous cocktail experience.
Meanwhile, Ex-Directory takes the hidden bar concept to extremes. Entry is via a secret phone booth, and reservations are a must. This speakeasy-style bar offers bespoke cocktails in a luxurious setting, making it an unforgettable stop on your cocktail journey.
Bristol’s Hidden Treasures
A city renowned for its innovative spirit and vibrant arts scene, Bristol also offers an array of hidden cocktail bars. These hidden spots perfectly encapsulate Bristol’s unique, quirky character, each offering a different approach to the art of cocktail making.
Hyde & Co is one of Bristol’s original speakeasy-style bars. Located near the Clifton Triangle, its entrance is marked only by a bowler hat and a discreet doorbell. Step inside, and you’ll find an opulent, 1920s-inspired interior, complete with leather armchairs and a jazz soundtrack. The cocktail menu is a work of art in itself, with each drink telling a story.
In the heart of the city centre, you’ll find Red Light, a hidden cocktail bar masquerading as a derelict street phone box. Once you’re buzzed through the graffiti-covered door, you’ll be transported into a sultry, low-lit bar, with a neon red backdrop and an impressive selection of cocktails. Red Light perfectly balances its gritty, urban exterior with an interior of luxury and sophistication.
Newcastle’s Undiscovered Underground
As a city with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving nightlife, Newcastle harbours a selection of hidden cocktail gems. These bars offer a unique take on the cocktail scene, offering inventive drinks in an unconventional setting.
Bierrex Smoke & Tap House in Pilgrim Street, may appear as a craft beer brewery and barbecue joint, but those in the know will find the hidden cocktail bar, The Poison Cabinet, in the basement. The bar radiates an air of mystery, with its vintage decor and a cocktail menu filled with unusual concoctions.
On Grey Street, you will find Colonel Porter’s, a bar that pays tribute to the creator of Newcastle Brown Ale. Hidden behind a bookshelf is the bar’s secret room, Rhum Bar, a cosy retreat offering a large selection of rum-based cocktails and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
It’s clear to see that the UK cities are brimming with hidden cocktail bars, each offering a unique experience and a chance to taste innovative, craft cocktails. From speakeasy-style hideaways to bars hidden behind unassuming facades, these venues offer a novel way to explore the UK’s cocktail scene. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a curious traveller, there’s an undeniable allure in seeking out these hidden gems, each one providing its own unique tale to tell. As you embark on your urban exploration, you’ll find that the thrill of discovery and the taste of a well-crafted cocktail make for an unforgettable combination. So, the next time you find yourself in the UK, don’t just stick to the well-trodden path. Be adventurous, seek out the secrets of the city, and who knows what delightful surprises you might find.
