Late April 2022 we had the chance to stopover London for two nights and tried to hit a number of Speakeasies to add to the map. Our first visit to London in 2017 was just before we started the blog and hadn’t taken good notes or pictures. Unfortunately, London has shamefully been ill represented by Hidden Libations.
On this visit we knew we had to return to one of our world-wide favorite spots, Cahoots, and there was a famous hidden bar we couldn’t make it to in 2017 and most unfortunately wasn’t open the night we were available this trip either! We’ll see you one day Callooh Callay…
So here is the run down on the five stops we were able to make in no particular order:
1 Discount Suit Company (DSC)
Located in a shop that looks like an abandoned suit store from the 90s, this long-time speakeasy still had a lovely local feel without the tourist hoopla that typically comes with age and maintained a regular subterranean basement living room atmosphere.
A rather grungy drinking spot, the cocktails are nothing fancy but delicious, and chatting with the staff was the best part. DSC makes you feel relaxed, at home, and ready to return. We certainly wish we had a local bar like this near our home to frequent for the lovely community vibe.
2 Happiness Forgets
Very small hidden neighborhood bar. This speakeasy was interesting to find because it felt right in the middle of a residential district. No theme to this place, just a nonchalant local drinking hole that’s not easy to see unless you know where to look. The drinks were very unique and very tasty; even better was their great selection of mocktails.
3 Murder Inc. Cocktails
This bar was so quirky and fun! Definitely a unique theme we enjoyed and would recommend people visiting. The only caveat is that it didn’t feel like a speakeasy, but more just off the beaten path. The bar is found on a bendy alley off the main road, but it’s clearly marked and has lights pointing you downstairs. The drinks were more typical but good and it was a fun place overall.
4 Disrepute
Rating 4.5 / 5.0 | Visited: April 2022
Disrepute was by far our favorite this time around in London. Located in the ever-popular Kingly Court – Disrepute avoids the tacky tourism and stays true to its elegance. You walk in on a red carpet to its classy mod atmosphere which was as sophisticated as its libations. The cocktails are carefully crafted to elevate your evening to new heights. Light bar snacks are included and the wait staff is well educated on their menu and can gracefully help you decide what to imbibe for the night.
5 Cahoots
And lastly, our return visit to Cahoots, sadly left us missing our original memory of the place. What was once a difficult to find, harder to get into speakeasy – has now become a tourist trap. It’s drinks have become lackluster, merchandise is promoted everywhere you look, and there are ropes outside with a line to wait your turn to enter.
Cahoots still has a fantastic atmosphere with its over-the-top American 30’s theme. But I don’t feel this can be listed as a true speakeasy anymore but rather a fun play on the idea. With fame, unfortunately, can come a sell out…