London is a bucket list destination for travelers from far and wide. Whether taking a train from Sheffield or flying in from Shanghai, the city is home to thousands of tourists looking for an unforgettable experience. No matter if you’d rather opt for a museum tour or are looking for an unexpected culinary treat, the city has it all.
At least, if you know where to go, that is. With nine million residents, the city isn’t all about major hotspots like the British Museum and Big Ben. In fact, London has a long roster of hidden gems. And even if you’ve heard the name, that doesn’t mean you know how to get in.
Thinking of heading to London in search of underground locations? Don’t miss out on these five spots.
Poker at ‘The Vic’
Today, most poker players stick to online forums. Suitable for both seasoned pros and newcomers alike, platforms that offer online poker roll out the largest and most lucrative tournaments. In other words, it’s not just about convenience, but also competition. Still, a live game is a great way to explore a new city.
London is come to the Grosvenor Victoria, a massive poker room frequented by serious players. If you’re dedicated to the game and want to be with likeminded poker buffs, you won’t find a better spot in the city. Just be sure to dress the part and know the lingo, as this club isn’t suitable for beginners.
Dancing at Canavan’s Pool Club
The Peckham’s Rye Lane entrance leads into what might seem to be a rundown pool club. However, those who follow the narrow lane to its end will find a door leading into one of London’s best-kept secrets: the Canavan’s Pool Club, which is actually a dancehall.
The location is great for visitors who have varied interests in music. Rather than play the standard selection of electronic music (see Corsica below), Canavan’s sticks to lighter and jazzier selections that will suit more tastes. Just be warned: the old-school spot still has its disco balls, and there’s plenty of carryover form the pool hall’s fluorescent lighting.
Odd Eats at Nightjar Shoreditch
Back in the day, a traditional speakeasy was home to swing music and jazz. Nightjar keeps this theme going with an inventive new take on the old school hole-in-the-wall. The tiny stopover is hidden between a chicken shop and a newsstand.
Inside, travelers will find an innovative menu and drinks list, broken down by era, that serves a fresh twist on old classics—along with plenty of live music. Be sure to book a spot ahead of time, as slots will fill up when musicians are booked to play.
Single Seat at The Brig
Merchant House is one of the coolest new locations to pop up in London. The bar sticks with a mercantile theme, which bodes well for its speakeasy callbacks. But there’s something even better hidden inside Merchant House: the Brig.
The Brig is a unique experience unseen elsewhere. It’s a secret room hidden inside, which seats only one or two guests. The Brig must be booked privately and includes a separate staff from Merchant House who go all-out to make their guests’ evening unforgettable. Just be sure to book (well) ahead of time.
Funktion 1 Sound at Corsica
Clearly, London’s nightlife is unparalleled. But the more options a visitor has, the more difficult it can be to figure out which spots are worth a visit. Any visitors who want a peek into London’s electronic music scene won’t find a better spot than Corsica. This underground club might not look any different than other staples like Oval Space or Phonox, but it will definitely sound different.
The great minds behind Corsica have one thing other clubs don’t: superior audio thanks to a Funktion 1 sound system. The sound system is the world’s top name in audio quality, which means that it’s all about the music here. Since 2006, this space has welcomed some of the world’s biggest artists. Though a big name, keep in mind that Corsica is relatively small in stature. The club consists of only two rooms.
