INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW.BEST BARS IN THE UK AND LONDON

THE VAULT AT MILROY’S OF SOHO, LONDON

Milroy’s of Soho on Greek Street has been serving connoisseurs of whisky for over fifty years, but don’t let the shop’s unassuming interior fool you, cross the threshold of a door disguised as a bookcase, descend a flight of stairs, and you’ll find yourself in the midst of one of London’s most raucous drinking dens, The Vault.

Subscribing to a mixing mantra which can best be summed up as more, more, more, measures come bracingly strong (35ml sets the standard) while an affected yet effective interior alludes to the shabby chic typical of so many London’s secret drinking dens. What sets Milroy’s of Soho apart from many neighbouring boltholes? For us, it’s the painstakingly blended cocktails which are clearly reflective of time-cultivated expertise and a love of whisky.

3 Greek Street, London W1D 4NX

CAHOOTS,+LONDON

Still popping up at rapid frequency, London’s 1920s prohibition-style bars are now far from novel, making the task of finding  a genuinely creative hidden drinking experience that much harder. Fast forward two decades and step forth Cahoots. Located in an unassuming side alley just off London’s iconic Carnaby Street, once you’re inside you’ll discover just why Cahoots is the most frequented hidden bar in town.

Housed in an abandoned air raid shelter, Cahoots’ design draws its inspiration from the London Underground of the 1940s. And, though the interior may be decidedly vintage, the extensive drinks menu is very much future facing.

13 Kingly Court London, W1B 5PW

HAUSBAR, BRISTOL

Not many hidden bars can be found beneath an Indian restaurant, but similarly not many hidden bars can boast the same pedigree as Bristol’s Hausbar. The brainchild of Aurelius Braunbarth (who spent his formative years in a Michelin-starred restaurant), Hausbar applies this same world-class precision to its impressive list of cocktails.

Ring the doorbell to enter and find yourself in a dimly-lit room, where bartenders mix up the best in classic and cutting-edge cocktails. With a focus on substance over style, Hausbar goes heavy on the expertise and light on the novelty, little wonder then that it’s such a hit with locals in the know.

52 Upper Belgrave Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XP