It’s certainly no secret that London has a fair few hidden bars tucked up its sleeve. What is kept slightly more under wraps, however, is where to find these surreptitious speakeasies. And that’s where we come in. Because we Londoners love a challenge, you see? So why would we choose to head to a bar that allows us to saunter straight in, when we could opt to play a game of hide and seek with our drinkeries.
Speaking of which; nestled covertly beneath a barbershop in north London is the newest secret bar on the block. And as much as we’d love to gatekeep this spot, we wouldn’t do that to you. So, please allow us to introduce you to As Above, So Below.
Cuts & Bruises in Stoke Newington looks like a completely ordinary barbershop from the outside. Which it is. You can step inside for a haircut, if that’s what you’re in the market for. But if its cocktails that you’re looking for, you’ll need head straight past the barbers in action and towards the rather intriguing-looking button that’s nestled within a skateboard on the wall. Once you press the button, a secret door will swing open to reveal a flight of stairs. And once you head on down that flight of stairs, you’ll find yourself in – quite possibly – the coolest bar in London.
Created by Kem Mehmet; As Above, So Below triumphantly swung open its secretive doors at the end of last year, having been in the pipeline for two years. The refurbished basement is now a dimly-lit drinking den, serving up creative riffs on classic cocktails and a menu of delicious small plates.
Credit: @asabovesobelowldn via IG
The cocktail menu is filled to the brim with innovative takes on beloved drinks, each of which experiment with nostalgic flavours and seasonal ingredients. They’ve got a mint chocolate negroni, and clear mango lassi, and the Hot and Cold; a mouth-watering mixture of homemade cola, Cachaça, and hot ube horchata.
With its playful drinks, gorgeous décor, and a vibe that makes every conversation feel that little bit more intimate. As Above, So Below is sultry, sophisticated, and absolutely everything I want to be but unfortunately am not. And it’s well-worth adding to your list of I-know-a-little-place places, that’s for sure.
Find out more and plan your visit here.
You’ll find As Above, So Below at 57 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 8EL.
Nearest station is Stoke Newington.