From the Nightjar to the Sibin: Five of London’s best speakeasy bars

Speakeasy bars were first introduced during the Prohibition era in 1920s America when alcohol was illegal.

During this period speakeasies served as underground, secret establishments where Americans could access alcohol.

Today speakeasies are legal establishments but still have a hint of secrecy. They can usually be found “hidden” behind bookcases or unassuming doors in restaurants and hotels.

From the newly opened Sibin Speakeasy to the Vault at Milroy’s we’ve rounded up five of the best speakeasy bars in London.

Sibin Speakeasy

3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London, SW1A 2HN

Hidden behind a bookshelf inside the Great Scotland Yard Hotel, the Sibin is London’s newest speakeasy bar.

The Sibin, which was previously a whiskey bar, reopened this week with a whole new look and menu.

Guests can enjoy an array of spirits, fine wines and champagne as well as five newly designed cocktails including the Shebeen, the 6 o’clock swill and the Bootlegger.

For music lovers the Sibin will also be hosting jazz evenings every Thursday and Friday evening. Cheers to that!

The Bootlegger

25-26 Lime Street, London EC3M 7HR England

Hidden between a Nando’s and a dry cleaners in Leadenhall Markets, the Bootlegger brings alive America's roaring twenties into London.

Inside you’ll find a lot of vintage working parts, such as a ye olde till, gramophones and other knick-knacks that add charm and substance to the environment.

The bar also hosts live music events showcasing a diverse mix of classic rhythms from the era.

Nightjar 

129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB and Kingly Court, 49-51 Carnaby St, London W1F 9PY

The Nightjar in Shoreditch, which has been featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, is renowned for its innovative cocktails and late-night live jazz, blues and swing.

Having also opened another branch in Carnaby, the menus honour three distinct historical eras of 20th century cocktail-making – pre-prohibition, prohibition and post-war.

Signature cocktails include the Bamboo, Chapeau and the Toucan Colada. Make sure to book a table in advance.

The Vault at Milroy’s

3 Greek St, London W1D 4NX

Hidden underneath London’s oldest whiskey shop you’ll find an underground candlelit cocktail bar.

Customers can enter the Vault through a hidden door behind a fake bookcase at the back of the shop. 

Keeping in line with the theme of the upstairs bar the cocktail menu features a number of whiskey based cocktails including the Old Fashioned. 

Milroy’s and the Vault are currently closed for renovation work at the moment but customers can still order whiskey online.

The Candlelight Club

The Candlelight Club is a pop-up Prohibition-era speakeasy in a secret London location largely lit by candles.

The bar has no permanent premises but hosts 1920s themed parties at different locations around the capital.

Guests can dress up in their finest Prohibition-era costumes and dance the night away to live jazz bands with a cocktail in hand. Visit the website for more details.