What You’ll Find in This Guide
From speakeasy cocktails to underground gigs, this list shows the spots that keep London’s night alive when the weekend hits.
1. The Secret Speakeasy in Shoreditch
Hidden behind a false wall in a nondescript coffee shop, Backstage Bar opens at 9 pm on Fridays. A password—“Midnight Muse”—is required. The bar serves a house gin‑based cocktail called the “London Fog,” which costs £12 and is made with a single botanically‑infused gin, a splash of elderflower, and a hint of smoked sea salt. The interior is dim, with velvet booths and a small stage for acoustic sets. The bartender, a former jazz pianist, mixes drinks with the same precision he uses on the piano.
2. Live Jazz in Camden’s Basement
Below the bustling market stalls of Camden, Blue Note Basement hosts a weekly jazz night every Thursday. The venue seats 60, and the entry fee is £8. The setlist usually starts with a classic Miles Davis tune, then moves to contemporary compositions. The sound quality is surprisingly good for a basement, thanks to a refurbished 1970s mixing board. If you’re a fan of improvisation, the open‑mic segment on the last set is a must.
3. The Rooftop Bar with a View of the Thames
Perched on the 15th floor of a converted office building in Southbank, Riverline opens at 6 pm. The bar offers a panoramic view of the Thames, and the menu features a £15 “River Runner” cocktail—gin, cucumber, and a splash of tonic—paired with a small plate of smoked salmon. The bar’s policy is strict: no phones allowed on the terrace, which keeps the atmosphere intimate. A live DJ spins vinyl from 10 pm to midnight.
4. The Underground Punk Pub in Brixton
On the back side of a brick‑work building in Brixton, Electric Hooligan hosts a punk night every Saturday. The entrance fee is £5, and the venue holds 120 people. The band line‑up usually starts with a local cover band, followed by a few original acts. The bar offers a rotating selection of craft beers, with the most popular being a bitter from the local brewery, priced at £6.50.
5. The Jazz‑Soul Bar in Notting Hill
Inside a converted Victorian townhouse, Blue Velvet offers a weekly soul‑and‑jazz night on Friday evenings. The entry is free, but a £10 cover is requested for the live set. The bar’s signature drink, the “Velvet Dream,” is a bourbon‑based concoction that costs £11. The acoustics are excellent, and the band usually plays a mix of classic soul tracks and modern covers.
6. The Hidden Karaoke Spot in Soho
Located in a narrow alley in Soho, Sing & Sip opens at 8 pm. The bar is small—about 30 seats—and the karaoke system is state‑of‑the‑art. The entrance fee is £7, and the drinks are reasonably priced: a standard pint of ale is £4.50. The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, and the staff encourages people to sing their favorite hits. The bar also hosts a monthly “Open Mic” night, which attracts a diverse range of performers.
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Conclusion
London’s hidden bars and live music spots offer more than just drinks; they provide a slice of the city’s creative pulse. From the speakeasy vibes of Shoreditch to the punk energy of Brixton, each venue has its own character. Whether you’re chasing a quiet cocktail or a night of music, these spots are worth the detour. Happy exploring!