Nine Lives: London’s Subterranean Mexican-Inspired Cocktail Bar
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Nestled in a Victorian basement on Holyrood Street near London Bridge, Nine Lives is a stylish cocktail bar renowned for its innovative agave-based drinks and vibrant Mexican-inspired menu. With a cool, intimate atmosphere enhanced by live DJs and upcycled decor, it offers a unique blend of craft cocktails and sharable Mexican dishes in a trendy Bermondsey setting.
A brief summary to Nine Lives
- 8 Holyrood St, London, SE1 2EL, GB
- +442074078226
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-12 am
- Friday 5 pm-12 am
- Saturday 5 pm-12 am
Local tips
- Book a table in advance, especially on weekends, as the bar fills quickly due to its popularity.
- Try the agave flight to sample a variety of tequila and mezcal distilleries featured on the menu.
- Share the Mexican-inspired dishes like the king prawn tacos and chicharron for a full flavor experience.
- Arrive early to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before the DJ sets create a lively party vibe.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Nine Lives location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Nine Lives
A Hidden Gem in Bermondsey’s Heart
Nine Lives is tucked away in the Victorian basement of 8 Holyrood Street, just a short walk from London Bridge. This subterranean venue exudes a secretive charm, drawing visitors into a cozy, dimly lit space that contrasts with the bustling city above. Its location in Bermondsey, a district known for its creative energy and vibrant nightlife, makes it a standout spot for locals and visitors seeking an authentic cocktail experience away from the mainstream.Innovative Agave Cocktails with a Story
The bar is celebrated for its extensive menu of cocktails centered around Mexican spirits like tequila and mezcal. The drinks are thoughtfully crafted, with house-made bitters from discarded citrus peels and a commitment to zero waste. Signature cocktails such as the smoky 50/50 Paloma and the clarified Margarita-inspired S.M.S. showcase both creativity and respect for tradition. The cocktail list is divided into sections like Long and Light, Straight Up, On The Rocks, and Fizzy Rascals, offering something for every palate.Mexican Flavors and Sharing Plates
Beyond cocktails, Nine Lives serves a Mexican-inspired food menu designed for sharing. Highlights include yellow and blue nachos with lemon-infused guacamole, double-cooked pork belly chicharron with salsa verde, and chargrilled king prawn tacos with avocado cream and pineapple salsa. The kitchen’s offerings complement the drinks perfectly, making it a destination for both food and cocktail enthusiasts.Atmosphere and Design: Boho Chic Meets Sustainability
The interior design combines shabby boho chic with sustainable elements. Ferns and bamboo shoots create a lush, green ambiance, while upcycled furniture and rattan lampshades add to the mid-century Mexico City vibe. The space is energized by a resident DJ spinning deep house and dub beats, enhancing the lively yet intimate atmosphere.Community and Commitment
Nine Lives is more than just a bar; it’s a community hub that embraces sustainability and quality. The zero waste philosophy extends from the menu to composting practices and locally sourced ingredients. This commitment resonates with a clientele that values both environmental responsibility and exceptional hospitality.Practical Details for Visitors
Open from Tuesday to Saturday evenings, Nine Lives is best experienced with a reservation due to its popularity. The venue’s moderate pricing reflects the quality of its offerings, with cocktails typically ranging from £9 to £13. Its location near London Bridge makes it accessible while maintaining a tucked-away feel, perfect for an evening of exploration and indulgence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Wakefield Tower
0.6 km
Medieval royal tower steeped in 13th-century splendor and tragic history within the Tower of London.
Custom House
0.7 km
Historic Custom House on London’s Thames waterfront, a grand 19th-century customs hub echoing centuries of maritime trade and empire.
Roman Wall of Londinium
0.7 km
Explore the towering Roman Wall at Tower Hill, a striking relic that shaped London’s ancient cityscape and echoes 2,000 years of history.
1 Tower Hl Ter
0.7 km
Historic urban landmark near Tower of London, blending centuries of British heritage with maritime memorials and modern city life.
Tower Hill Memorial
0.8 km
Honouring 35,000 merchant seafarers with no grave but the sea—a dual memorial to two world wars.
Monument to the Great Fire of London
0.8 km
An iconic Doric column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering panoramic city views from its historic 311-step climb.
Fish St Hill
0.8 km
Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of Fish St Hill in London, a must-visit destination for tourists exploring the capital's rich heritage.
Trinity Square
0.8 km
Historic formal gardens honouring maritime sacrifice amid London's ancient heart and architectural grandeur.
Tower Hill
0.8 km
Explore Tower Hill in London, where history meets stunning views and vibrant culture in the heart of the city.
Sundial at the Tower Hill
0.8 km
Discover the Sundial at Tower Hill, a picturesque spot in London where history and beauty meet, perfect for relaxation and photography.
St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
0.8 km
Medieval guild church with Wren's only 'true spire'—a 950-year sanctuary in the City's financial heart.
London Wall
0.8 km
Explore London Wall, an ancient Roman landmark revealing the rich history of Londinium amidst the modern cityscape of London.
Trinity House
0.8 km
Five centuries of maritime heritage and seafarer welfare in a restored Georgian masterpiece.
Philpot Lane Mice Sculpture
0.8 km
Discover London’s tiniest public sculpture—two bronze mice locked in a timeless tussle over cheese, steeped in legend and Victorian charm.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
0.9 km
Medieval survivor where Viking legend, plague history, and literary fame converge in a Gothic gem.
Unmissable attractions to see
English Grounds
0.2 km
Experience the tranquility and beauty of English Grounds in London, a perfect escape into nature and culture amidst the vibrant city life.
Hay's Galleria
0.3 km
Historic riverside galleria blending Victorian architecture, vibrant shopping, and iconic Thames views in the heart of London.
Potters Fields Park
0.3 km
A peaceful riverside park by Tower Bridge blending historic pottery heritage with vibrant gardens and iconic London views.
Samuel Bourne Bevington Statue
0.3 km
A distinguished bronze tribute to Bermondsey’s first mayor, set near the iconic Tower Bridge in London’s historic South Bank district.
Bermondsey St
0.3 km
Explore the vibrant Bermondsey Street in London, a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that captures the city's unique spirit.
The View from The Shard
0.3 km
Experience London’s highest panoramic views from the iconic glass spire of The Shard, with stunning 360-degree vistas and luxury amenities.
The Shard
0.3 km
Experience breathtaking views of London from The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where modern architecture meets stunning landscapes.
Bridge Theatre
0.3 km
Experience cutting-edge theatre in London’s innovative Bridge Theatre, where flexible design meets immersive performances by the Thames.
HMS Belfast
0.4 km
Explore nine decks of naval history aboard HMS Belfast, London’s iconic WWII cruiser with stunning Thames views and immersive exhibits.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
0.4 km
Explore London’s iconic Tower Bridge with panoramic views, historic Engine Rooms, and a unique gift shop celebrating this engineering masterpiece.
Southwark Brewing Company
0.5 km
Independent cask ale brewery in a Victorian railway arch, where trains rumble overhead and tradition meets innovation.
Lantern Ghost Tours
0.5 km
Discover London’s haunted past with Lantern Ghost Tours, blending history, ghost stories, and atmospheric pub stops near London Bridge.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
0.5 km
Step into Europe’s oldest surviving surgical theatre, hidden in a church attic, and explore the raw, pre-anaesthetic world of 19th-century surgery and herbal medicine.
Tower Bridge
0.5 km
Walk across London’s most famous bridge, explore its high-level walkways and glass floors, and discover the Victorian engineering behind this iconic landmark.
The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
0.6 km
Dive into 2,000 years of London’s darkest history and face your fears in the UK’s top horror attraction beneath London Bridge.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Story
0.3 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
0.8 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
14 Hills
1.0 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Mercato Metropolitano
1.3 km
A vibrant, sustainable community food market in Elephant & Castle offering global flavors, local sourcing, and a lively social atmosphere.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.4 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.4 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Madison
1.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.6 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Sea Containers Restaurant
1.8 km
Stylish Modern British dining with iconic Thames views on London’s vibrant Southbank, perfect for brunch, dinner, and special occasions.
Paradiso Burger & Cocktail Bar Southbank
2.0 km
Vibrant riverside spot in Southbank serving gourmet burgers, cocktails, and bottomless brunch with stunning Thames views.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
2.3 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Lyle's
2.3 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
St. John
2.3 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Nomadic community
2.4 km
A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
The Archduke
2.4 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Tower of London Shop
0.6 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
0.7 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
The Royal Exchange
1.2 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
1 Poultry
1.3 km
Iconic postmodern office and retail building with vibrant limestone stripes, a colorful atrium, and a rooftop garden overlooking London’s financial district.
Middlesex Textiles
1.5 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
One New Change
1.5 km
Modern glass landmark with free rooftop views of St Paul's Cathedral and London skyline.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.5 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Bankside Arches Boutique
1.6 km
Discover unique London gifts and handcrafted treasures inside Blackfriars Station’s charming Bankside Arches Boutique.
Fashion St
1.8 km
A historic East London street where Victorian architecture meets modern creativity, surrounded by boutiques, cafés, and vibrant community life.
Commercial St
1.8 km
Historic East London artery blending industrial heritage, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks in the heart of Spitalfields.
Spitalfields Market
1.9 km
Historic yet vibrant, Spitalfields Market blends East London’s rich heritage with a lively mix of food, art, and shopping all week long.
SUCK UK Alternative Gifts (OXO Tower)
1.9 km
Discover quirky, clever gifts and homewares at SUCK UK’s flagship store in London’s iconic OXO Tower.
Brand Academy Independent Gift Shop
1.9 km
Dive into a world of whimsical designs and unique finds at this South Bank gem, where global brands meet emerging talents in the heart of Oxo Tower Wharf.
j-me original design ltd
1.9 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Sclater Street Market
1.9 km
Vintage treasures and eclectic finds in the heart of Shoreditch's bohemian marketplace.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Nine Lives
0.0 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
The Old School Yard
0.5 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar near Monument
0.9 km
Vibrant underground cocktail bar near Monument, blending creative drinks with a lively, speakeasy-style party atmosphere.
The Bootlegger
1.0 km
Step into The Bootlegger’s hidden Lime Street basement for expertly crafted cocktails, live jazz, and a true 1920s speakeasy vibe in the heart of London.
Moonshine Saloon
1.3 km
Step into London’s Moonshine Saloon for an immersive Wild West cocktail adventure with live actors, games, and bespoke drinks made from your own spirits.
The Alchemist Bevis Marks
1.3 km
Experience London’s theatrical cocktail haven blending molecular mixology with Victorian charm and all-day dining in Aldgate.
Demon, Wise & Partners
1.3 km
Classic basement cocktail bar blending historic City charm with expert mixology in London’s financial district.
The Bell
1.5 km
A historic East End pub blending traditional charm and local spirit near Petticoat Lane Market.
Discount Suit Company
1.6 km
Discover a hidden vintage cocktail bar beneath Spitalfields, blending bespoke drinks with a cozy speakeasy atmosphere in London’s historic tailoring district.
The Astronomer, EC1
1.6 km
A traditional London pub with a cosmic twist, offering hearty pies, craft ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near Liverpool Street.
Dirty Dicks
1.6 km
Historic London pub with quirky charm, classic ales, and lively atmosphere near Liverpool Street Station.
Doggett's Coat and Badge
1.7 km
A large, riverside Nicholson’s pub on Blackfriars Bridge offering classic British fare, real ales and a rooftop terrace with strong Thames views.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
1.7 km
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
1.7 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Lyaness
1.8 km
Innovative cocktails and sustainable mixology with stunning Thames views in London’s stylish South Bank hotspot.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Steel Yard
0.9 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Ministry of Sound
1.4 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
E1
1.5 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Corsica Studios
1.6 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
Club 701
2.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.3 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
The Hoxton Pony
2.5 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
XOYO LONDON
2.5 km
Experience Shoreditch’s iconic XOYO, where cutting-edge DJs and vibrant nightlife create an unforgettable London clubbing atmosphere.
Proud Late
2.6 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
London Best Night Clubs
2.6 km
Experience London’s legendary Ministry of Sound, where cutting-edge sound meets dynamic club culture in a multi-room dance haven.
Trafik
2.6 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.8 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Basing House - Shoreditch
2.8 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Bohemian Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly