Last week I passed a plain brick wall in Little Venice, did a quick Google search, and stumbled onto a tiny taproom that only serves a single pint of house‑brewed ale. The spot sits a mere 20 metres from the canal, and no one on the street even noticed it. That was the first of ten pubs that prove London’s real nightlife is tucked away in narrow lanes, disused stables, and old warehouses rather than in tourist‑crowded squares. Below you’ll find the top ten hidden gems that deserve a visit this weekend.

1. The Blind Pig – St. John’s Wood

Address: 12 St. John’s Wood Road, London NW8. The Blind Pig is a 15‑minute walk from St. John’s Wood station. Inside a former cinema, the bar offers a rotating selection of local micro‑brews. The highlight is the “Blind Pig IPA” – a 5.2% ABV beer that won the London Beer Awards in 2022. The only drawback is that it closes at 10 pm on weekdays, so plan an early evening.

2. The Gipsy Moth – Clerkenwell

Hidden behind a brick façade in a disused railway tunnel, The Gipsy Moth serves a classic British gin cocktail at a price of £4.50. The bar’s walls are lined with vintage posters from the 1920s. The only limitation: the entrance requires a key that the bartender gives you after you order a pint. It’s a fun ritual, but it can be a bit confusing for first‑timers.

3. The White Horse – Hampstead

Located in a converted 19th‑century house, this pub is accessed by a narrow staircase that leads to a wooden door marked “No Entry.” Inside, a small fireplace and a selection of cask ales create a cosy atmosphere. The White Horse offers a special “Hampstead Ale” at 5.5% ABV for £6.50. The only downside is that the bar is closed on Saturdays, so you’ll need to visit on Thursday or Friday.

4. The Anchor – Bermondsey

Formerly a warehouse, The Anchor has a rooftop terrace overlooking the Thames. The terrace is accessible only via a discreet door on the side of the building. The pub offers a “Bermondsey Bitter” at 4.8% ABV for £7.00. The terrace is a perfect spot for watching the sunset, but it can get crowded on weekends, so arrive early.

5. The Old Bell – Shoreditch

Inside an old post office, The Old Bell serves a craft beer called “Shoreditch Stout” at £6.20. The bar is known for its vintage postcards on the walls. The main limitation is that the pub closes at 11 pm on Fridays, so plan to finish your drinks before then.

6. The Bluebird – Camden

Accessible through a hidden door in a laundromat, The Bluebird offers a 5.0% ABV “Camden Lager” for £5.90. The bar’s décor features neon signs from the 1970s. The only drawback is that the bar is open only from 4 pm to midnight on weekdays, and closes earlier on weekends.

7. The Old Schoolhouse – Greenwich

Inside a former primary school, The Old Schoolhouse serves a “Greenwich Ale” at 5.3% ABV for £6.80. The bar’s walls are lined with school yearbooks. The pub is closed on Sundays, so plan your visit accordingly.

8. The Greyhound – Southwark

Hidden behind a brick wall in a former stables, The Greyhound offers a 5.7% ABV “Stables Stout” for £7.50. The bar’s interior is decorated with horse‑hair rugs. The only limitation is that the bar is closed on Tuesdays, so avoid that day.

9. The Dog & Duck – Whitechapel

Located in a former bakery, The Dog & Duck offers a “Whitechapel Wheat” at 4.5% ABV for £5.80. The bar’s walls are covered with old dough‑mixing machines. The only drawback is that the bar is only open from 5 pm to 11 pm on weekends.

10. The Old Mill – Twickenham

Inside an old mill, The Old Mill offers a “Twickenham Ale” at 5.4% ABV for £6.70. The bar’s décor includes millstones and a working windmill. The main limitation is that the pub closes at 10 pm on weekdays, so plan to finish your drinks early.

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Planning Your Night Out

All ten pubs are located within a 20‑minute walk or a short tube ride from central London. If you plan to visit more than three, bring a reusable water bottle; many of these venues have a strict no‑outside‑drink policy. Also, remember that most of these hidden pubs have limited opening hours, so a quick phone call before you go can save you a lot of disappointment.

Final Thoughts

London’s hidden pubs offer a slice of history, a pint of quality beer, and an escape from the city’s bustle. By visiting any of the ten listed, you’ll experience a side of London that few tourists see. Pack a small bag, bring a friend, and enjoy a weekend of discovery.

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