The 7 Best Speakeasy Bars in London

In London's nooks and crannies, behind unmarked doors, inside abandoned tube stations, and through secret entrances, are some of the world's most incredible bars. You've just got to know where to look.

Here are 7 of the best - all of which you can hire for your event through Hire Space.

1. Purl

Full of 'secret nooks and crannies', where photos of gangsters cover the walls like a hall of fame, Purl is a venue very much indebted to the legends of the prohibition era.

Alcoves, with leather seats, low, mellow lighting, and sparkling chandeliers, give this speakeasy its distinctive beauty. And, owned by our very own rebel Kevin Pietersen, its got the spirit of the 1920s firmly within its soul.

2. Barts

Everyone is welcome at Barts if you know the password. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this speakeasy style bar is perfect for private drinks, parties, or any type of celebration.

Enjoy the quirky decorations, and the extensive and creative cocktail menu.

3. Cahoots

In an abandoned tube station, deep underground London, there is a secret 1940s bar. Inspired by the real-life bars that populated Soho's streets during the era, Cahoots recaptures the revelry and debauchery of the World War II spirit. With swing dancing, old pianos, scrumptious cocktails and vintage decoration, you'll feel tucked away inside a secret time machine.

But it's also a time capsule - an exhibition of old fashioned wooden escalators, authentic tiling and a genuine, full size vintage train carriage. With everything from tube seats to original furniture, it's a totally unique backdrop for events.

4. Opium Chinatown

Hidden behind an unmarked, jade door in Chinatown, lies the mysterious Opium Chinatown. The speakeasy is over two floors in a townhouse, having a bar, a dining room, and a Bartender's table where you can watch your drink be made, up close.

The venue showcases its Chinese culture through out the decorations and the cocktail menu. Tastes and flavours are taken directly from a mixture of the history of China.

5. Ask For Janice

You can mooch about their bar, eat some delicious snacks, and look out over Smithfield Market. But if you want to find the real life and soul of this venue, you've first got to find the secret door.

We're not going to tell you where it is, but we will tell you what it leads to: a graffiti-splattered, candle lit, industrial basement speakeasy, where you can celebrate everything from your birthday to your wedding day. Take a look.

6. The Lucky Pig

The Lucky Pig is a speakeasy with a strong flare for glamour. Seclude yourself in the red walled alcoves or join other bootleggers at the bar. The retro decro will not distract from the classic cocktails with a bit of a twist.

7. Looking Glass Cocktail Club

When you see this mirror, you're not supposed to look at yourself. You're supposed to step through it - like Alice, the character who inspired this venue. When you work out how to enter it, you'll be greeted with an almighty spank. On the bottom. We're not kidding - this venue is full of surprises, where the drinks have tags that read 'drink me', and the mirrors swing open to secret rooms.

The cocktails are strong and intricate, and there are even some fire-splashed demonstrations - all enclosed in the secret world behind the swinging mirror.

For the rest of what's out their in London's venues for private hire, get in touch at hirespace.com.