From a 17‑step ladder to a brass‑capped pint, the city’s hidden pubs keep the old‑world charm alive. I’ve mapped out six spots that feel like they belong in a storybook rather than a map. Grab a notebook and a sense of adventure; you’ll need both.
1. The Narrow Door of The Old Bell
Located in the back alley of Clerkenwell, The Old Bell’s front door is a plain wooden slab, no sign, no lights. Inside, a single brass lamp hangs over a bar that has been serving local ales since 1885. The floorboards creak under your feet, and the only other furniture is a round table that looks like it’s been around longer than the building itself. The real draw? Their house‑made stout, brewed on‑site, costs £3.50 a pint. If you’re on a tight budget, that’s a steal compared to the city average of £5.00.
2. The Secret Taphouse Behind a Bookshop
On Farringdon Road, a second‑hand bookshop hides a door marked only by a brass keyhole. The key is in the shop’s front window, but you have to ask the owner for it. Once inside, you’ll find a 12‑seat bar, a wooden floor, and a wall of rare vintage bottles. Their signature drink, a gin‑based cocktail called “The Librarian,” is made with a 12‑year‑old gin from the Isle of Man. The bar charges £4.25 for a pint, but the atmosphere makes it feel like a luxury experience.
3. The Underground Tap of The Crouching Tiger
Hidden beneath the streets of Soho, The Crouching Tiger is accessed through a squat door in a laundromat. The interior is a low‑light, smoky room with a single bar and a floor covered in old carpet. The pub’s specialty is a dry‑malt ale that is only brewed twice a year, at the end of March and June. The cost of a pint is £5.00, but the exclusivity makes it a must‑visit for beer connoisseurs.
4. The Garden Pub of The Stony Orchard
In the heart of Bloomsbury, The Stony Orchard offers a hidden garden that is only visible through a small, iron gate. The garden is a patch of greenery with a wooden bench, a small fountain, and a few potted herbs. Inside, the pub serves a selection of craft beers, and the best‑selling pint is a hazy IPA that costs £4.75. The garden’s quietness makes it a perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
5. The Speakeasy of The Blue Lantern
On a quiet side street in Camden, The Blue Lantern is a speakeasy that requires a password. The password is “Red Light” and is given to anyone who asks politely. Inside, the bar is a 1950s‑style lounge with a neon sign that reads “Blue Lantern.” The drinks are classic cocktails, and the house‑made gin costs £6.50 per shot. The price is higher than average, but the ambience is worth every penny.
If you’re craving a bit of excitement, a quick trip to an online casino might just be the perfect complement to your pint—click here.
6. The Hidden Cellar of The Iron Duke
In the East End, The Iron Duke’s cellar is accessed by a hidden door behind a stack of barrels. The cellar is a dark, cool space with a single bar and a wall of old whiskey bottles. Their signature drink, a whiskey‑based cocktail called “The Duke,” costs £5.75. The cellar’s unique setting and the quality of the drink make it a favorite among locals.
While wandering through London’s hidden pubs, you’ll discover that each one has its own personality. From the old‑world charm of The Old Bell to the speakeasy vibe of The Blue Lantern, there is a hidden pub for every mood. The prices are generally in line with the city average, but the experience is worth the extra penny or two. If you’re looking for a relaxed weekend escape, these pubs will give you a taste of London’s secret side.
In the end, London’s hidden pubs are more than just places to drink; they are portals into the city’s history and culture. Take your time, explore each one, and you’ll find that the real treasure is the stories you create along the way.