Beyond the iconic landmarks and double-decker buses lies a city brimming with hidden gems—quirky attractions, speakeasy bars, and activities only Londoners know of. And in winter, everything feels a bit more magical (or maybe that’s just the mulled wine talking).

The best part? Staying at Imperial London Hotels means you’re right in the middle of the action, with easy access to these lesser-known treasures. So grab your coat, your sense of adventure, and maybe a snack (or two, we won’t judge), and let’s explore London like a local.

Tired of elbowing your way through Instagram photoshoots and TikTok videos? Explore these hidden gems in London! 

Swap the crowds for more calmer spots like Postman’s Park, a hidden green space near St. Paul’s Cathedral. This quiet garden is home to a moving memorial for everyday heroes, perfect for a reflective winter walk.

Location: King Edward St, London EC1A 7BT

Nearest Station: St. Paul's station (3 minute walk) 

Hours: 8am - 4:30pm 

If you’re into history (or Instagram-worthy alleys), head to Cecil Court, a Victorian-style passage filled with independent bookshops and antique stores. It feels like stepping into a Dickens novel minus the soot-covered chimneys. 

Location: Cecil Ct, London, WC2N 4HE

Nearest Station: Leicester Square Station (2 minute walk) 

If you’re a Dickens fan, head to the Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury around the corner from the Morton Hotel. The Georgian townhouse was Dickens's residence from 1837 to 1839, during which he completed "The Pickwick Papers," wrote "Oliver Twist," and began "Nicholas Nickleby." Visitors can explore the meticulously restored rooms, gaining insight into Dickens's domestic life and the Victorian era's social dynamics.

Location: 48-49 Doughty St, London, WC1N 2LX

Nearest Station: Russell Square Station (5 minute walk) 

Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 10am-5pm

For a touch of winter vibes, visit Euston’s Old St. Pancras Churchyard, where ancient trees and gothic tombstones create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, especially under a light dusting of frost. 

Location: Pancras Rd, London NW1 1UL

Nearest Station: King's Cross (2 minute walk) 

If you’re into street art (or urban photo backdrops), check out Leake Street Arches, a graffiti-filled tunnel hidden under Waterloo Station. Constantly refreshed by artists, this ever-changing canvas bursts with bold colours and creativity.

Location: Leake St, London SE1 7NN

Nearest Station: Waterloo Station

Skip the same old spots and start with the Grant Museum of Zoology in Bloomsbury conveniently located near our Royal National Hotel. This hidden gem is like a “Where’s Waldo?” of skeletons and preserved animals—a bit weird but totally cool, and perfect for science lovers.

Location: Rockefeller Building, 21 University St, London WC1E 6DE

Nearest Station: Euston Station (12 minute walk) 

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 1-5pm and Saturday, 11am-5pm

Speaking of coffee, don’t miss Attendant Café in Fitzrovia, housed in a restored underground Victorian-era public restroom. Yes, you read that right. It’s cosy, quirky, and serves some of the best flat whites in town. Guests staying at our Bedford Hotel can enjoy a pleasant walk to this quirky spot.

Location: 27A Foley St, London W1W 6DY

Nearest Station: Goodge Street Station

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm and Saturday to Sunday, 9am-5pm

 A dimly lit wooden table holds a crystal glass, a newspaper, and a few dollar bills, evoking a vintage atmosphere.

What’s better than stumbling upon a secret bar?

Sipping a cocktail there, of course—especially in a hidden gem like The Library Bar. With its cosy armchairs and literary ambiance, this tranquil retreat feels like your own private speakeasy, perfect for unwinding with a glass of wine or an expertly crafted cocktail.

Location: 2b Woburn Pl, London WC1H 0LH (in the Morton Hotel). 

Nearest Station: Russell Square Underground Station (2 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11am -11pm 

That's not all…London is full of hidden speakeasies. Here are some of our favourites:

Start with Evans & Peel Detective Agency, where you’ll need to “hire a detective” to gain entry. Once inside, you’re rewarded with delicious cocktails and a vintage vibe that’s straight out of a noir film.

Location: Evans & Peel Detective Agency, 310c Earls Ct Rd, London SW5 9BA

Nearest Station: Earl's Court Station

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 5pm-12am 

For something even more whimsical, check out Cahoots in Soho, a 1940s-themed bar set in a faux Underground station. It’s like drinking on the Tube—but way more fun (and less crowded).

Location: 13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

Nearest Station: Piccadilly Circus (1 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Tuesday, 4 pm–1 am, Wednesday, 4 pm–2 am, Thursday to Friday, 3 pm–3 am, Saturday, 1 pm–3 am and Sunday, 2 pm–12 am

Tucked in London's West End, you will find another hidden gem, the Phoenix Arts Club which serves a mix of cocktails, cabaret, and creative ambiance. With live performances and quirky decor, it’s where the artsy crowd hangs out. 

Location: 1 Phoenix St, London WC2H 8BU

Nearest Station: Kings Cross

Hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 3am, Saturday 1pm -3am and Sunday, 5pm -2am. 

Tucked away in a quiet corner, Poppadom Indian Restaurant is a hidden gem that serves Anglo-Indian cuisines. With bold Indian flavours catering to your spice cravings they offer delicious food with great hospitality, we tried the Chef’s special Ruby Chicken. 

Location: 48 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9EU

Nearest Station: Russel Square Tube Station (5 minute walk) 

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12–3:30 pm, 5–10:30 pm and Saturday 5-10:30pm 

For a taste of authentic Vietnam, Sen Viet is the place to be. This unassuming spot serves up some of the best pho and other Vietnamese dishes. As you step inside, you can instantly smell the fragrant food. A local, unpretentious vibe that makes it a true hidden gem.

Location: 119 King's Cross Rd, London WC1X 9NH

Nearest Station: King’s Cross Station (10 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12-3pm, 5-10pm and Sunday, 12-4pm, 5-10pm

In the heart of Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore is a must-visit for an unforgettable dining experience. Known for its romantic atmosphere and exquisite French cuisine, it transports you to Paris with every bite, but a little on the pricey side. 

Location: 33 King St, London WC2E 8JD

Nearest Station: Covent Garden Underground station (5 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12-10:30pm and Sunday, 12-10pm 

If you’re into classic British pubs with a modern twist (or just craving a hearty Sunday roast), head to The London Pub. With its mix of local craft beers, classic British dishes, and a relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Grab a pint, tuck into a plate of crispy roast potatoes and gravy, and catch the big game on one of their many screens—this place serves up great British hospitality all year round.

Location: 39 Woburn Pl, London WC1H 0LW

Nearest Station: Russell Square Underground Station (2 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 12-11pm, Friday to Saturday, 12pm-1am & Sunday 12-10pm 

For more authentic Italian food, go to Lamb’s Conduit Street, Ciao Bella serves up fresh, authentic Italian food in an intimate atmosphere. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something special, it’s the perfect spot. 

Location: 86-90 Lamb's Conduit St, London WC1N 3LZ

Nearest Station: Russell Square Tube Station (5 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12-10pm

If you’re into cosy atmospheres (or just the perfect glass of wine), head to Café Deco in Bloomsbury, a snug wine bar ideal for winter evenings. With a great selection of wines and tasty small plates, it’s a hidden gem where you can unwind in a warm, intimate setting.

Location: 3 Store St, London WC1E 7DB

Nearest Station: Goodge Street Station (5 minute walk) 

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12-11pm

Check out more hidden cafes and restaurants in Bloomsbury, here. 

The city’s quirkiest attractions will have you questioning everything like why there’s a Clown Egg Registry at the Clowns’ Gallery Museum in Dalston. Yes, it’s real! 

Location: 2 Cumberland Cl, London E8 3TF

Nearest Station: Dalston Junction (6 min walk)

For a wintery, unique experience, head to God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow. This neon wonderland is packed with glowing signs and electric art that brighten even the gloomiest winter days. It’s like stepping into a retro fever dream—and it’s free to visit!

Location: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, London E17 9HQ

Nearest Station: Walthamstow Central Station (13 minute walk) 

Hours: Friday - 11am to 10pm Saturday - 11am to 10pm Sunday - 11am to 6pm

Or, for a more underground adventure, explore The Seven Noses of Soho—a quirky scavenger hunt to find small nose sculptures hidden around the neighbourhood. Legend has it that if you find all seven, you’ll achieve great wealth (Spoiler: The only guarantee is a lot of laughs).

Endell Street, WC2 – 1 Nose: Start at the Long Acre end and stick to the left. It’s a nose, not a sprint—walk the length of the street and sniff it out!

Floral Street, WC2 – 2 Ears: Head west, away from the Opera House drama. Keep your ears perked and check both sides. Ear today, gone tomorrow if you miss them!

Admiralty Arch, SW1 – 1 Nose: The far-right arch as you exit The Mall is your target. Look for the nose facing Trafalgar Square, but don’t let the traffic nosedive your mission!

Great Windmill Street, W1 – 1 Nose: Check the exterior of the right passageway. Between Coventry and Shaftesbury, this nose is playing hide-and-squeak among the busy traffic.

Meard Street, W1 – 1 Nose: This nose isn’t hiding—it’s proud and prominent, practically waving at you. Missing it would be a real nosedive.

Bateman Street, W1 – 1 Nose: Beyond the Dog and Duck pub, this one’s a sneaky little snout blending in. Stay sharp, or it’ll remain the one that got away.

Dean Street, W1 – 1 Nose: A poetic challenge: “Whither Goest thou next.” Think of it as the nose whispering cryptic clues. Will you rise to the occasion, Sherlock?

While you’re busy discovering London’s hidden gems, why not stay at a place that feels just as special? 

Boutique hotels like Morton Hotel in Bloomsbury offer historic charm and cosy stay that are perfect for winter nights.

For the convenient and comfortable stay for a slightly inexpensive rate, stay at President Hotel, this hidden gem is closer to the west end and is a good to the known. 

If you are a solo traveller looking for a beautiful stay Bedford Hotel is your homebase. Located in central London, it provides easy access to all these hidden spots while offering a warm, and welcoming service. There are many hidden restaurants to try which are only walking distance from the hotel.

For convenience and comfort, stay with us at one of our family of hotels at Imperial London Hotels. Located in central London, offering easy access to hidden gems, quirky spots, and unique experiences throughout the city. Staying in Bloomsbury, you’ll find charming lunch spots, pubs and cafés just steps away.