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Behind This Wall: Hackney’s Intimate Basement Cocktail Bar

Discover Hackney’s cozy basement bar with bespoke cocktails, vintage sounds, and an intimate atmosphere that invites you to savor every sip.

4.5

Behind This Wall is a cozy, basement cocktail bar located at 411 Mare Street in Hackney, London. Known for its warm vintage sound system, no-menu bespoke cocktails, and carefully curated spirits, it offers a unique drinking experience with a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere. The bar features comfortable seating, soft lighting, and a focus on quality ingredients without artificial additives. It also hosts private events and offers a small menu of bar snacks and craft beers.

A brief summary to Behind This Wall

  • 411 Mare St, London, E8 1HY, GB
  • +442089853927
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 6 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 6 pm-12 am
  • Friday 6 pm-12 am
  • Saturday 6 pm-12 am

Local tips

  • Book a table in advance as the bar operates all-seated service and is popular for its intimate setting.
  • Try the Providence Martini, a signature cocktail with a unique cranberry and lime olive garnish.
  • Explore the no-menu concept by telling bartenders your preferred base spirit and flavor style for a custom drink.
  • Consider visiting during happy hour for oysters at £1 each and enjoy local craft beers on tap.
  • Check availability for private hire if planning a special event; the venue offers excellent sound equipment and support.
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Behind This Wall location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Behind This Wall

A Hidden Gem Beneath Mare Street

Behind This Wall is tucked away in a basement on Mare Street, Hackney, offering a secretive and intimate setting that contrasts with the bustling street above. The entrance, marked by a discreet black sign with a small key symbol, leads down to a warm, dimly lit space where vintage sound equipment fills the air with carefully selected music. This subterranean venue evokes a speakeasy vibe, enhanced by velvet curtains and cozy booths that provide privacy and comfort.

Crafting Cocktails Without a Menu

The bar eschews a traditional menu, inviting guests to embark on a personalized cocktail journey. Skilled bartenders craft bespoke drinks tailored to your taste preferences, whether you seek a classic martini or an adventurous new concoction. Ingredients are selected to exclude artificial additives, colors, and unnecessary sugars, emphasizing natural flavors and quality spirits. Signature cocktails like the Providence Martini, featuring wormwood vodka and a cranberry-lime olive, showcase the bar’s inventive approach.

Gastronomic Bar Snacks and Local Brews

Complementing the drinks is a small but thoughtfully curated selection of bar snacks, including oysters with light salty foam, poke bowls, and unique nibbles like Vermont cheddar with maple-candied blueberries. The bar also offers local craft beers on tap, including ales from Beavertown and Redchurch, alongside a whisky menu featuring Scotch, rye, and bourbon. Non-alcoholic options receive equal care, with house-made sodas and creative lemon sea foam drinks.

Atmosphere and Experience

Behind This Wall combines a relaxed, unpretentious ambiance with attentive table service. Soft lighting and low-volume music create an ideal setting for dates or quiet evenings with friends. The bar’s layout encourages lingering, with both seating and standing options available by booking. Its vintage sound system and curated playlist enhance the sensory experience, making it a favorite for those who appreciate music alongside their cocktails.

Private Events and Community Vibe

The venue is available for private hire, accommodating over 60 guests for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events. Equipped with state-of-the-art DJ and hi-fi equipment, it offers a unique space for celebrations with professional support. The bar’s location in Hackney, easily accessible from Hackney Central and Hackney Downs stations, situates it within a vibrant community known for creativity and nightlife.

Commitment to Quality and Local Roots

Behind This Wall reflects its East London roots with a focus on quality, sustainability, and local producers. The bar’s ethos avoids artificial ingredients and embraces a low-impact approach to its offerings. This dedication to craft and authenticity resonates through every aspect, from the cocktails to the music and the intimate setting, making it a standout destination in London’s cocktail scene.

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