1. Ten Bells:

Across from Spitalfields Market you’ll find a very cute English Pub with authentic design details,  and if you time things right to have lunch or dinner here, the upstairs dining room is all the rage.  This casual gastro-pub is where local hipster bartenders go for a bite, as was confirmed by our bearded, tatted table-mates.  The pine salt crusted chicken tenders were so heavenly we almost died, and the presecco by the glass was exceedingly better than average.  Excellent service and not so trendy as to be annoying.  Website: http://tenbells.com/

2. Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town:

To find this secret bar, you first enter a storefront that is a 1950’s diner called The Breakfast Club.  Promptly at 5pm the secret downstairs bar is revealed. To enter, you swing open a 1950’s refrigerator door and walk through the fridge, stepping into a corridor leading to a basement speakeasy.  The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town has friendly, laid-back bartenders making yummy drinks and even a few bar snacks (try the flavoured popcorn).  The scene is nothing like the kitchy diner upstairs; this basement bar has comfy couches and oozes anti-hipster wit.  Funny sayings cover the menu and walls, easily keeping you entertained for hours.  Website: http://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/mayor-of-scaredy-cat-town

3. Callooh Callay:

If our last watering hole was the anti-hipster bar, this bar could only be described as super cool.  We went on the early side and had no trouble getting into the main bar, but our real goal was a table in the back room.  Once again, there is a secret entrance; this time a huge wardrobe door grants you access to a hidden room, where presumbably everyone wants to be.  With all of the mirrored glass and art-deco chandeliers, it was hard to concentrate on the drink menu, which is designed like a Pantone color chart.  Try the tequila-based “Mr. Moustaches Mustad Remedy” or the exquisite looking — and tasting — “French Bank” cocktail.  Don’t miss a stop to the loo to check out the walls covered in cassette tapes.  (Ah, the days of making mixed tapes for your crush..)  If the back room isn’t cool enough for you (we don’t know why it wouldn’t be) there’s also a semi-private upstairs bar that changes themes every month, but after 9pm you have to be a regular/member with a key to enter.  Let’s just say it: we want a key!  Website: http://www.calloohcallaybar.com/welcome/

4. Happiness Forgets:

We were longing to find an NYC East Village kind of spot in London, were you can bring a date and seem like you’re not trying too hard, but still appear cool.  This below ground bar is tiny, so you might not get a table during peak hours — and there’s virtually no standing room. Though the basement vibe is far from glamourous, the drink menu certainly was (note, no food).  The cocktail menu was not only one of the best we saw in East London, but every specialty drink we tried was delicious.  The crowd is young, the lighting is dim, and we departed happy (but didn’t forget).  Website: http://www.happinessforgets.com/

 

5. Nightjar:

Nightjar is a glamourous Prohibition style speakeasy bar with 3 medium sized rooms filled with little cocktail tables.  We were told calling in advance for a reservation was advised, but we chatted up the doorman and only had to wait 5 minutes to be ushured in.  What a delight to find excellent live music, adding to Prohibition atmosphere.  The nibbles were good and the drink menu was HUGE.  A word of advice: pick carefully.  We loved the “Nightjar Crusta”, made with 7 ingredients, from Herradura Reposada tequila to hibiscus infusion and pomelo bitters.  One of our selections was not terribly appealing to our taste, but it won’t deter us from returning — we adored Nightjar.   It somewhat reminded us of “Employees Only” bar in NYC, but 4 times as big — and no pushy crowds, as all patrons are seated.  Website: http://www.barnightjar.com/

6. Zetter Townhouse:

This quiet lounge is essentially the livingroom bar for the attached 13-room hotel, located in a stunning Georgian brownstone.   Pick your victorian couch of choice and settle in for a spell.  We finally found a charming bar where you can bring a friend, a date, or even your parents who think everything is too loud — and they’ll all be equally impressed.  Zetter Townhouse is a genteel bar, sophisticated yet casual, where jeans are acceptable, but you’ll want your look to be polished.  The bartenders are metticulous and take their time, serving teeny-tiny but delicious drinks.  The bar menu includes nice light bites.  Website: http://www.thezettertownhouse.com/