Speakeasy Bars in Mayfair London | Hidden Cocktail Guide 2026
When unmarked doors lead to intimate cocktail experiences, this London neighbourhood delivers some of the capital’s most exclusive drinking spots.
Hidden Speakeasy Bars in Mayfair: Secret Cocktail Experiences Worth Discovering
When you’re looking for cocktail bars in Mayfair where unmarked doors lead to intimate experiences, this London neighbourhood delivers some of the capital’s most exclusive drinking spots. Also known as ‘speak easy bars’, these hidden prohibition bar venues combine 1920s mystique with world-class mixology, creating atmospheric escapes where finding the entrance is half the adventure. From the award-winning Kwānt to the theatrical OCTO at Amazónico and the authentic Scales Mayfair, London’s best speakeasy bars await discovery.
What is a Speakeasy Bar?
A speakeasy is a hidden or secret bar inspired by Prohibition-era establishments from the 1920s. Modern speakeasies feature concealed entrances, vintage decor, craft cocktails, and intimate atmospheres. Unlike traditional bars, they require insider knowledge to discover—making them exclusive destinations for cocktail enthusiasts seeking unique drinking experiences in Mayfair.
Where to Find the Best Cocktail Bars in Mayfair
Mayfair’s speakeasy scene thrives on exclusivity and discovery. Unlike traditional bars with visible signage, these venues hide behind wine shops, beneath hotels, and beyond restaurant kitchens—spaces where knowing locals and informed visitors enjoy craft cocktails away from the crowds.
The best speakeasy bars in Mayfair share common traits: secret or unmarked entrances, carefully curated drinks lists featuring rare spirits and experimental techniques, intimate atmospheres with vintage or theatrical decor, and reservation systems that reward advance planning.
🎯 What All Mayfair Speakeasies Share:
- • Secret or unmarked entrances
- • Carefully curated drinks lists with rare spirits
- • Intimate atmospheres with vintage decor
- • Reservation systems that reward advance planning
The Complete Guide to Mayfair’s Hidden Bars
The Luggage Room: Classic Prohibition Bar Experience in Mayfair
Grosvenor Square
Live Jazz
Hidden Inside: London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square
The Luggage Room operates from a former luggage storage space, creating one of Mayfair’s most authentic prohibition bar experiences specializing in drinks that tell the complete story of mixology evolution. This hidden gem perfectly captures the spirit of 1920s London speakeasies.
Cocktails That Journey Through Drinking History
The menu covers every period of bartending from the 1700s to now, with each cocktail representing a specific era using historically accurate ingredients and techniques.
Live Jazz and 1920s Atmosphere
Bartenders dress in 1920s attire with live jazz music on Friday nights, transforming the space into a genuine time capsule with period-appropriate service and vintage glassware.
How to Find: Look for the unmarked black door inside the Marriott Hotel
Best For: History enthusiasts and authentic 1920s surroundings
Price Range: £15-£25 for cocktails
OCTO at Amazónico: Theatrical Underground Speakeasy
Berkeley Square
Latin American
Hidden Access: Via the restaurant kitchen and down a golden-clad staircase
This dramatic entrance sequence immediately signals you’re entering somewhere extraordinary beneath Amazónico restaurant.
🌊 Underwater Cenote Design
Draws inspiration from South American cenotes with plush clam shell cocktail chairs, porthole windows, shimmering textures, and a striking octopus chandelier.
🍹 Exotic Ingredients & Hand-Crafted Glassware
Showcases unique, rare ingredients served in ornate glassware. Each drink connects to Amazonian adventures and mythical tales with tropical, playful approaches.
🎵 Resident DJs & Elec-Tropical Soundscapes
From 8pm nightly, resident DJs spin elec-tropical beats progressing from low-tempo house to energetic deep tech house and nu-disco.
📍 How to Find: Enter Amazónico restaurant, walk through dining area toward kitchen
⭐ Best For: Instagram-worthy experiences, date nights, theatrical innovation
👥 Capacity: Up to 95 guests for private hire
💷 Price Range: £18-£30 for cocktails, £12-£25 for food
Kwānt: World-Class Mixology from Former Savoy Head Bartender
Stratton Street
World’s 50 Best
The Expert: Erik Lorincz, who perfected his craft at the Connaught Hotel and spent nearly eight years as Head Bartender at the world-famous American Bar at The Savoy.
🏆 World’s 50 Best Bars Recognition
Voted amongst the top ten bars in the world by the 50 Best Bars academy—more than just another hidden bar, it’s a destination for serious cocktail connoisseurs.
🌍 African Accents Meet Gentleman’s Club
Features African accents blended with pops of color and wooden paneling reminiscent of a gentleman’s club, located just two minutes’ walk from Green Park tube.
📍 How to Find: Clear entrance on Stratton Street, tucked below street level
⭐ Best For: Cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate precision and internationally-recognized expertise
🍽️ Special Offer: Seven-course tasting menu available
💷 Price Range: £18-£25 for cocktails, £100-£150 for tasting menu
The Dragon Room: Asian-Inspired Late-Night Destination for Drinks in Mayfair
Isabel Mayfair
DJ Nights
The Space: Isabel Mayfair’s basement lounge bar offering what Time Out describes as “hidden but deliberately not secret”—creating intrigue whilst remaining accessible for late night drinks in Mayfair.
🎨 Luxury Design Elements
Features luxurious silk jacquard wall panels by fashion designer Johanna Ortiz and hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, establishing refined sophistication.
🌙 Evolving Evening Experience
Transforms from intimate cocktails to electric DJ nights Thursday to Saturday, perfect for guests who want evenings that evolve organically. Open until 2am Thursday-Saturday, making it one of the premier spots for late night drinks in Mayfair.
📍 How to Find: Enter Isabel Mayfair restaurant, staff will direct you to basement
⭐ Best For: Late-night energy, groups wanting sophisticated drinks with dance-worthy vibes
⏰ When to Visit: Sunday-Wednesday from 6pm for cocktails; Thursday-Saturday until 2am for club atmosphere
💷 Price Range: £16-£22 for Asian-inspired cocktails
Scales Mayfair: Where Wine Expertise Meets Speakeasy Secrets
Duke Street
Wine Focus
Hidden Behind: The bottle shop “Drink With Sasha” at Hedonism Wines, requiring insider knowledge to discover this gem of Scales Mayfair.
🔬 Experimental Drinks Lab
Bartenders use centrifuges and tools more at home in a science lab to isolate flavours and perfect blends. This experimental edge doesn’t compromise hospitality.
🌑 Moody Intimate Setting
Gorgeously low-lit space with fluted ebony walls and polished black bar, with heavy curtains that draw back to reveal extra bar areas as capacity increases.
📍 How to Find: Walk through Hedonism Wines shop on Duke Street
⭐ Best For: Wine enthusiasts who appreciate cocktails, experimental mixology techniques
💷 Price Range: £16-£24 for seasonal signature cocktails
Mr Fogg’s Residence: Victorian Adventure Theme
Bruton Lane
Theatrical
The Concept: Recreates the adventurous abode of fictional character Phileas Fogg at 15 Bruton Lane, embracing Victorian exploration rather than typical Prohibition themes.
🗺️ Eccentric Explorer’s Home
Walls crammed with taxidermied animals and worldly trinkets from exotic locations. Every surface tells stories of imagined Victorian exploration.
🍹 Adventure-Inspired Cocktails
Introduces rare spirits mixed with ingredients inspired by Phileas Fogg’s travels. Drinks feature smoke, flames, sprays, and novelty glassware.
📍 How to Find: 15 Bruton Place – looks like a service road (intentional misdirection)
⭐ Best For: Victorian escapism, themed experiences, adventurous drinkers
🍸 Signature Drink: Royal Albert Hall cocktail with Bombay Sapphire & Champagne (£18)
💷 Price Range: £15-£30 for cocktails, £65+ for vintage collections
Mr Fogg’s Apothecary: Victorian Pharmacist’s Den
Brook Street
Potions & Elixirs
The Setting: Located opposite Claridge’s hotel on Brook Street, this Victorian Apothecary offers a glimpse into Phileas’ eccentric world styled as a Victorian pharmacist’s den.
🚪 Hidden Elixir Room
The majestic staircase leads to The Apothecary Room, while the adjacent Elixir Room provides secluded space accessed through a hidden door in the wall of apothecary cabinets.
⚗️ Cocktails as Medicinal Prescriptions
Serves cocktails that resemble latter-day potions with names like “Quacks compound” and “Opium for the Masses” using unique ingredient combinations.
📍 How to Find: 34 Brook Street opposite Claridge’s – Victorian shop front more visible than others
⭐ Best For: Eccentric theatrical experiences, interactive cocktail creation
🎵 Entertainment: Live music and candlelit nooks
🚇 Nearest Tube: Bond Street
📸 Trendy & Instagram-Worthy Speakeasies in Mayfair
Looking for trendy bars in Mayfair that combine exceptional cocktails with stunning visual design? These speakeasies deliver both world-class mixology and unforgettable aesthetics perfect for social media.
🌊 OCTO at Amazónico
The Most Theatrical Entrance: Descend a golden staircase through the restaurant kitchen into an underwater cenote-inspired wonderland.
Instagram Moments:
- • Stunning octopus chandelier centerpiece
- • Plush clam shell cocktail chairs
- • Shimmering underwater lighting
- • Ornate hand-crafted glassware
Why It’s Trending: Latin American flair meets experimental cocktails with resident DJs creating an electric atmosphere from 8pm nightly.
🐉 The Dragon Room
Late-Night Luxury: Isabel Mayfair’s basement sanctuary featuring designer silk panels and hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper.
Instagram Moments:
- • Luxurious Johanna Ortiz wall panels
- • Intimate candlelit nooks
- • Asian-inspired cocktail presentations
- • Sophisticated late-night DJ atmosphere
Why It’s Trending: One of Mayfair’s best spots for late night drinks, transforming from elegant cocktail lounge to vibrant party destination Thursday-Saturday until 2am.
🏆 Quick Comparison: Find Your Perfect Speakeasy in Mayfair
🎯 How to Choose the Perfect Mayfair Speakeasy
🏛️ For Authentic Prohibition-Era
The Luggage Room delivers the most historically accurate 1920s prohibition bar experience with period-dressed bartenders, Friday night jazz, and chronological cocktail menus.
🥇 For World-Class Craftsmanship
Kwānt offers internationally recognized mixology from one of the world’s most accomplished bartenders with World’s 50 Best Bars credentials.
📸 For Theatrical Visual Impact
OCTO provides unmatched spectacle with its underwater cenote design, golden octopus sculpture, and Latin American influences—one of the most trendy bars in Mayfair.
💃 For Late-Night Energy
The Dragon Room transitions from sophisticated cocktail bar to vibrant late-night destination with DJ sets Thursday through Saturday until 2am.
🍷 For Wine & Experimentation
Scales Mayfair blends speakeasy intimacy with exceptional wine knowledge and drinks lab innovation using scientific techniques.
🎭 For Victorian Adventure
Mr Fogg’s locations transport guests to Victorian exploration eras with artifact-packed rooms and interactive potion-making.
💡 Practical Speakeasy Survival Guide
📅 Booking & Timing
Reservations: Essential for most venues, especially weekends
- • OCTO: Book up to 60 days ahead for weekends
- • Kwānt: 2-3 weeks for prime evening slots
- • The Dragon Room: Essential Thursday-Saturday
- • Pro tip: Call same-day for cancellations
Best Times to Visit:
Early Evening (6-8pm): Quieter, better bartender interaction, easier walk-ins
Prime Time (8-10pm): Full atmosphere, reservations essential
Late Night (10pm+): DJ sets, electric energy, hardest for walk-ins
👔 Dress Code
Smart casual minimum across all Mayfair speakeasies
What to Wear:
Men: Button-down shirts, chinos/tailored trousers, dark jeans, leather shoes
Women: Cocktail dresses, smart separates, elegant jumpsuits, heels
Avoid:
Athletic trainers, sportswear, overly casual t-shirts, shorts, beachwear
Hotel-based venues lean more formal. Mr Fogg’s embraces Victorian eccentricity.
💰 Budget Expectations
Cocktails:
Standard drinks: £15-£20
Signature/premium: £20-£30
Vintage collections: £65-£100+
Food:
Small plates: £10-£18
Sharing platters: £25-£40
Money-Saving Tips:
• Visit during early evening for potential happy hours
• Share small plates rather than individual dishes
• Ask about pre-theatre specials
• Book weeknight visits for occasionally reduced pricing
🗺️ Finding Secret Entrances: Step-by-Step
The Luggage Room
Enter London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square main entrance. Look for unmarked black door in hotel interior.
OCTO
Enter Amazónico restaurant at 10 Berkeley Square. Walk through main dining area toward kitchen, find golden staircase.
Kwānt
Stratton Street entrance clearly marked but tucked below street level, 2 minutes from Green Park tube.
The Dragon Room
Enter Isabel Mayfair restaurant at street level. Ask staff to direct you to basement lounge.
Scales Mayfair
Walk through Hedonism Wines shop on Duke Street. Speakeasy entrance is inside retail space.
Mr Fogg’s Residence
15 Bruton Lane looks like service road (intentional). Look for Victorian signage on back entrance.
Mr Fogg’s Apothecary
34 Brook Street opposite Claridge’s. Victorian shop front more visible than other speakeasies.
🌙 Late Night Drinks in Mayfair: After Hours Guide
Looking for late night drinks in Mayfair? These speakeasy bars keep the cocktails flowing well into the early hours, perfect for night owls and those who want their evening to evolve naturally.
🐉 The Dragon Room (Latest Hours)
Open Until: 2am Thursday-Saturday
Atmosphere Evolution:
- • 6-9pm: Intimate cocktail lounge
- • 9pm-midnight: DJ sets begin, energy builds
- • Midnight-2am: Full club atmosphere
Perfect For: Groups wanting sophisticated late night drinks that transform into dancing
🌊 OCTO at Amazónico
Open Until: 1am most nights
Late Night Vibe: Resident DJs from 8pm with elec-tropical beats progressing from low-tempo house to energetic deep tech house and nu-disco as the night progresses.
Perfect For: Date nights that extend into dancing, groups celebrating special occasions
💡 Late Night Tips
Reservation Strategy:
- • Book early dinner slots (6-7pm) to secure entry
- • Stay in same venue as night progresses
- • Late walk-ins (after 11pm) nearly impossible
Transport: Pre-book Uber or night buses (N9, N19, N38) serve Mayfair after tube closes
🚇 Getting to Mayfair’s Speakeasy Bars
Nearest Tube Stations
Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines):
- • Closest to Kwānt (2-minute walk)
- • Easy access to OCTO and The Dragon Room
Bond Street (Central, Elizabeth lines):
- • Perfect for Mr Fogg’s Apothecary
- • Quick access to most Mayfair speakeasies
Alternative Transport
Taxis and Uber: Most convenient for door-to-door service, especially when dressed smartly.
Bus Routes: Routes 9, 14, 19, 22, and 38 serve Mayfair with stops on major streets.
Walking: Most central London hotels within 15-20 minutes’ walk. Neighborhood’s compact size makes venue-hopping feasible.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Speakeasy Bars in Mayfair
What makes a bar a speakeasy?
A speakeasy is a hidden or secret bar inspired by Prohibition-era establishments that operated illegally in the 1920s. Modern versions feature concealed entrances, vintage decor, craft cocktails, and intimate atmospheres.
Do you need a password to enter?
No—modern Mayfair speakeasies don’t require passwords. They use reservation systems, unmarked entrances, and discrete locations instead of historical password systems.
Which has the best cocktails in Mayfair?
Kwānt receives international acclaim as one of the best cocktail bars in London, but “best” depends on preferences: The Luggage Room for historical classics, OCTO for tropical innovation, Scales Mayfair for experimental techniques.
Can you walk in without booking?
Walk-ins are possible during quieter periods (Sunday-Wednesday, 6-8pm), but reservations are strongly recommended. OCTO, Kwānt, and The Dragon Room typically require advance booking.
How expensive are drinks at Mayfair speakeasies?
Expect £15-£20 for standard cocktails, £20-£30 for signature drinks, and £65-£150+ for vintage collections or tasting menus.
What’s the dress code for speak easy bars?
Smart casual minimum. Men: button-down shirts with chinos/dark jeans. Women: cocktail dresses or smart separates. Avoid trainers, sportswear, shorts.
What are the best trendy bars in Mayfair?
OCTO at Amazónico and The Dragon Room lead as trendy bars in Mayfair, featuring Instagram-worthy design, resident DJs, and late-night atmospheres that attract style-conscious crowds.
Where can I find late night drinks in Mayfair?
The Dragon Room (until 2am Thursday-Saturday) and OCTO (until 1am) are your best options for late night drinks in Mayfair, both featuring DJ sets and evolving atmospheres.
🌤️ Seasonal Experiences at Mayfair Speakeasies
☀️ Summer (June-August)
Warmer months transform menus with lighter, citrus-forward profiles. OCTO’s tropical theme particularly shines. Book further ahead—tourist season peaks.
❄️ Winter (November-February)
Colder seasons feature darker spirits, warming spices, and rich flavours. The Luggage Room’s intimate atmosphere becomes particularly appealing during winter evenings.
🎄 Holiday Periods
Christmas and New Year see special menus, themed decorations, and extended hours. Requires substantially advanced booking—often months ahead.
🌷 Spring & Autumn Sweet Spots
Shoulder seasons (March-May, September-October) offer best balance of atmosphere and availability with seasonal ingredients inspiring menu changes.
Start Your Mayfair Speakeasy Adventure
Whether you’re knocking on unmarked doors at prohibition bars, descending golden staircases, or stepping into Victorian worlds, Mayfair’s hidden cocktail bars deliver unforgettable experiences that extend far beyond drinks themselves.
Book your reservations now—these hidden gems reward preparation, and London’s best-kept cocktail secrets wait behind unmarked doors throughout Mayfair’s prestigious streets. From trendy bars to classic prohibition experiences, discover where late night drinks in Mayfair become legendary.
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