On a Saturday night, the city’s well‑known pubs feel crowded and predictable. I’ve found that the best drinks come from places that only locals know. Below, I list six hidden bars that will turn an ordinary evening into a memorable escape.
1. The Under‑The‑Bridge Taproom – 3.5 miles from the City Centre
Hidden behind a rusted steel arch, this micro‑brewery offers a rotating selection of house‑made lagers. The taproom seats 30, so a quick 30‑minute walk from the nearest tram stop is all you need. Their signature beer, “Midnight Hops,” pours at a steady 2.3 % ABV, and the bar charges a flat £6 for a pint. The staff are friendly, and they’ll recommend a single‑serve bottle of their barrel‑aged stout if you ask.
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2. The Back‑Alley Speakeasy – 12 miles, Off‑Main Street
Accessed by a hidden door in a laundromat, the speakeasy is a 45‑minute walk from the city centre. Inside, a low‑lit room with vintage jazz sets the mood. They serve classic cocktails, but the standout is the “Moonlit Manhattan,” a 3‑hour tasting menu of small‑batch vermouths. A £20 cover fee includes a glass of the house‑made vermouth. The bar’s secret is a password: “Bluebell” – you’ll hear it on the street corner.
3. The Rooftop Hideout – 5 miles, Near the Library
Climbed by a stairwell that’s often left unused, this rooftop bar overlooks the skyline. The space is open to the public from 6 pm, but a reservation is recommended for the peak hour. They offer a 20‑minute “Sunset Sips” session, where a bartender crafts a bespoke cocktail for each guest. The price is £8 per drink, and the view of the sunset over the river is worth every penny.
4. The Underground Vault – 8 miles, Below the Old Mill
Located in a disused cellar, the vault hosts a weekly jazz night. The bar itself is a 60‑minute walk from the city centre, and you’ll find it behind a brick wall that looks like a storage room. Their signature drink is the “Velvet Old Fashioned,” a 4‑hour tasting of aged bourbon, priced at £15. The space is intimate, seating about 25 people, so you can enjoy the music without shouting over a crowd.
5. The Garden Secret – 6 miles, Near the Botanical Gardens
Accessible through a locked gate, the garden bar offers a refreshing experience. The bar is open from 4 pm, and the garden itself is a 35‑minute walk from the city centre. They serve a range of craft cocktails made with fresh herbs from the garden. The “Herbal Spritz” costs £7 and is paired with a complimentary slice of rosemary focaccia. The atmosphere feels like a hidden picnic in the city.
6. The Hidden Speakeasy – 9 miles, Off the High Street
Found behind a false wall in a bookstore, this speakeasy is a 50‑minute walk from the city centre. The bar is a 30‑minute walk from the nearest tram stop. Their specialty is the “Literary Libation,” a cocktail named after famous authors. The bar charges a £12 cover fee, which includes a free glass of house‑made gin. The décor is literary, with shelves of rare books lining the walls.
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Conclusion: A Night Worth Remembering
These six hidden bars prove that the city’s best drinks are often tucked away from the main roads. Whether you prefer a craft beer, a bespoke cocktail, or a jazz‑filled evening, each location offers a unique experience. Plan your route, bring a friend, and enjoy a Saturday that feels truly special.