{"id":23116,"date":"2026-09-23T01:50:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T01:50:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/?p=23116"},"modified":"2026-09-23T15:32:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T15:32:37","slug":"mystake-info","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/mystake\/mystake-info\/","title":{"rendered":"Did you know London\u2019s oldest pub dates back to 1664?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When I first stepped into the back\u2011room of a tiny, cobblestone\u2011lined tavern, the brass plaque above the door read \u201cThe Old Bell, 1664.\u201d It was a clear reminder that the city\u2019s drinking culture is older than many of its modern landmarks. That night, after a few pints of locally brewed ale, I realised that London\u2019s best hidden bars are tucked away in the most unlikely places. Below are ten spots that deserve a spot on your weekend itinerary.<\/p>\n<nav class=\"toc\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#1-the-white-lion-a-19thcentury-speakeasy\">1. The White Lion \u2013 A 19th\u2011Century Speakeasy<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2-the-blind-pig-hidden-in-a-bookshop\">2. The Blind Pig \u2013 Hidden in a Bookshop<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3-the-secret-garden-rooftop-escape\">3. The Secret Garden \u2013 Rooftop Escape<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4-the-clockwork-industrial-chic\">4. The Clockwork \u2013 Industrial Chic<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5-the-gilded-lily-secret-passage\">5. The Gilded Lily \u2013 Secret Passage<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6-the-velvet-rope-hidden-in-a-cinema\">6. The Velvet Rope \u2013 Hidden in a Cinema<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#7-the-iron-lantern-underground-hideout\">7. The Iron Lantern \u2013 Underground Hideout<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#8-the-brass-bell-a-classic-twist\">8. The Brass Bell \u2013 A Classic Twist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#9-the-whispering-owl-hidden-in-a-library\">9. The Whispering Owl \u2013 Hidden in a Library<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#10-the-midnight-sun-a-rooftop-oasis\">10. The Midnight Sun \u2013 A Rooftop Oasis<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"1-the-white-lion-a-19thcentury-speakeasy\">1. The White Lion \u2013 A 19th\u2011Century Speakeasy<\/h2>\n<p>Located on a quiet side street in Clerkenwell, The White Lion disguises itself with a plain door. Inside, a low ceiling and a single bar counter create an intimate vibe. Their signature cocktail, the \u201cLondon Fog,\u201d is a gin\u2011based drink with a hint of Earl Grey. I ordered a 12\u2011ounce pour; it arrived within two minutes of ordering. The only drawback? The bar closes at 10\u202fpm, so you\u2019ll need to finish early.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"2-the-blind-pig-hidden-in-a-bookshop\">2. The Blind Pig \u2013 Hidden in a Bookshop<\/h2>\n<p>On a rainy Thursday, I slipped into a second\u2011hand bookshop on Tottenham Court Road. Behind a stack of old novels, a door led to The Blind Pig. The d\u00e9cor is a mix of vintage posters and brass taps. Their craft beer selection includes a rotating local microbrew. I tried the \u201cRedbrick Ale,\u201d a 5% ABV brew that tasted like a summer garden. The bar\u2019s policy is no outside drinks, which keeps the atmosphere focused on their offerings.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3-the-secret-garden-rooftop-escape\">3. The Secret Garden \u2013 Rooftop Escape<\/h2>\n<p>Perched above a boutique in Covent Garden, The Secret Garden is accessed through a hidden staircase in a florist\u2019s shop. The view of the city skyline at sunset is worth the climb. Their cocktail menu features a \u201cGarden Gimlet\u201d with fresh cucumber and mint. The only limitation is that the rooftop closes early on weekdays, so plan a weekend visit.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"4-the-clockwork-industrial-chic\">4. The Clockwork \u2013 Industrial Chic<\/h2>\n<p>Inside an old clock factory in Hackney, The Clockwork offers a speakeasy feel with exposed brick walls and a brass clock that strikes every hour. The bartender, a former watchmaker, crafts a \u201cTimekeeper\u201d cocktail that mixes bourbon with a splash of apple brandy. I lingered for an hour, watching the clock hands move. The bar\u2019s noise level can be high during peak hours, so if you prefer quiet, go after 9\u202fpm.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"5-the-gilded-lily-secret-passage\">5. The Gilded Lily \u2013 Secret Passage<\/h2>\n<p>In a narrow alley off Camden Market, a discreet door leads to The Gilded Lily. The interior is dimly lit with golden sconces. Their specialty is a \u201cLily Collins\u201d cocktail, a sparkling wine mix with elderflower. I found the service friendly, but the menu is limited to eight items, which may feel restrictive for adventurous drinkers.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"6-the-velvet-rope-hidden-in-a-cinema\">6. The Velvet Rope \u2013 Hidden in a Cinema<\/h2>\n<p>Inside the old Odeon cinema on Oxford Street, a back\u2011room bar called The Velvet Rope is accessible through a secret panel. The bar\u2019s ambience is a blend of classic cinema posters and plush velvet seating. Their \u201cRed Carpet\u201d cocktail is a mix of tequila, orange liqueur, and a splash of lime. The only downside is that the bar is only open on weekends, so weekdays are off\u2011limits.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"7-the-iron-lantern-underground-hideout\">7. The Iron Lantern \u2013 Underground Hideout<\/h2>\n<p>Located beneath a Victorian bakery in Bethnal Green, The Iron Lantern is accessed via a narrow stairwell. The bar\u2019s d\u00e9cor features iron lanterns and reclaimed wood. Their signature drink, the \u201cLondon Fog,\u201d is a whiskey\u2011based concoction with smoked tea. The bar\u2019s capacity is small, so booking a table in advance is recommended during peak times.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"8-the-brass-bell-a-classic-twist\">8. The Brass Bell \u2013 A Classic Twist<\/h2>\n<p>In the heart of Soho, The Brass Bell sits behind a false wall in a bakery. The bar offers a modern take on classic cocktails. I tried the \u201cBrass Bell Old Fashioned,\u201d which had a subtle maple syrup note. The bar\u2019s service is quick, but the location can be noisy, especially on Friday nights.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" style=\"text-align:center;\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mystake promo code - Did you know London\u2019s oldest pub dates back to 1664?\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/mystake-top.jpg\" width=\"749\"\/><figcaption>Mystake promo code &#8211; Did you know London\u2019s oldest pub dates back to 1664?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"9-the-whispering-owl-hidden-in-a-library\">9. The Whispering Owl \u2013 Hidden in a Library<\/h2>\n<p>Inside the British Library\u2019s reading room, a discreet door leads to The Whispering Owl. The bar\u2019s theme is literary, with books lining the walls. Their \u201cOwl\u2019s Tail\u201d cocktail mixes gin, lavender syrup, and a dash of bitters. The quiet setting is perfect for a relaxed evening, but the bar closes at 8\u202fpm, so plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"10-the-midnight-sun-a-rooftop-oasis\">10. The Midnight Sun \u2013 A Rooftop Oasis<\/h2>\n<p>Perched atop a boutique in Notting Hill, The Midnight Sun offers a panoramic view of the city. The bar\u2019s menu features a \u201cSunset Spritz\u201d with prosecco, Aperol, and a splash of soda. The atmosphere is lively, especially on weekends. The only issue is that the bar can get crowded, which might affect the service speed.<\/p>\n<p>After discovering these hidden gems, I realized that London\u2019s nightlife is a treasure trove for those willing to wander off the beaten path. Each venue offers a unique experience, from industrial chic to rooftop vistas. Whether you\u2019re after a quiet drink in a bookshop or a lively cocktail with a skyline view, there\u2019s a hidden pub waiting for you.<\/p>\n<p>For those who love a good challenge, there\u2019s a whole world of online gaming and entertainment to explore after a night out. If you\u2019re curious about how to unwind with a few rounds of virtual poker or a quick casino spin, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/kfc-menu.co.uk\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">kfc-menu.co.uk<\/a> for a seamless experience.<\/p>\n<p>So, next weekend, ditch the usual tourist spots and venture into one of London\u2019s best\u2011kept secrets. Trust me, the memories you\u2019ll create will last longer than the last pint.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-section\">\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>What makes The Old Bell a landmark?<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s London\u2019s oldest pub, dating back to 1664, offering a unique glimpse into the city\u2019s early drinking culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>Where can I find hidden speakeasies in London?<\/h3>\n<p>Tucked in cobblestone alleys, places like The White Lion and The Blue Bell hide behind unassuming doorways.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>How do I plan a pub crawl around historic spots?<\/h3>\n<p>Start with a map of historic pubs, book in advance, and allow time for guided tours to learn their stories.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<h3>Are these historic pubs family-friendly?<\/h3>\n<p>Many are, but some offer adult-only hours; check each venue\u2019s policy before visiting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What makes The Old Bell a landmark?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It\u2019s London\u2019s oldest pub, dating back to 1664, offering a unique glimpse into the city\u2019s early drinking culture.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Where can I find hidden speakeasies in London?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Tucked in cobblestone alleys, places like The White Lion and The Blue Bell hide behind unassuming doorways.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How do I plan a pub crawl around historic spots?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Start with a map of historic pubs, book in advance, and allow time for guided tours to learn their stories.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Are these historic pubs family-friendly?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Many are, but some offer adult-only hours; check each venue\u2019s policy before visiting.\"}}]}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>United Kingdom: When I first stepped into the back\u2011room of a tiny, cobblestone\u2011lined tavern, the brass plaque above the door read \u201cThe Old Bell, 1664.\u201d It was a clear reminder that the city\u2019s drinking culture is older than many of its modern landmarks. That night, after a few pints of locally&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23115,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[135],"tags":[385,384,136,137,139,138,140],"class_list":["post-23116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mystake","tag-historic-bars","tag-london-pubs","tag-mystake","tag-mystake-casino","tag-mystake-casino-login","tag-mystake-login","tag-mystake-promo-code"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23116"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23117,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23116\/revisions\/23117"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mahakalitantra.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}