London is full of busy streets and crowded corners. But every now and then, a place comes along that makes you stop and smile. If you walk down Belgrove Street near King’s Cross and step inside a hidden door, you’ll find something truly special. Below the hotel and behind thick walls, there is a quiet space. It feels calm, dark, and filled with wonder. The lights are warm. The air smells like herbs and sweet fruit. This underground botanical cocktail bar takes you away from the usual. You’re no longer in the city. You are somewhere magical.
The room is not loud. It’s not full of flashing lights or busy music. Instead, it’s peaceful. The chairs are soft. The walls are full of old bottles and strange objects. The drinks come out slow, each one made with care. People talk in low voices. Some laugh. Others watch as their drink is poured or set on fire. Everyone seems to be enjoying the moment. It feels personal. It feels new.
The menu is not like most bars. You won’t find just simple mixes. Each drink has herbs, roots, or flowers. These are real ingredients with history and taste. Many were once used for healing. Here, they are used to surprise the tongue. You taste things you didn’t expect. A flower, a fruit, even a small piece of bark—these are all part of the drink. You don’t just sip. You explore.
The Look and Feel of the Space
The inside of the bar is very unique. It looks like an old science lab mixed with a cozy club. The tables are dark wood. There are copper pipes on the ceiling. Bottles with labels line the walls. Some people say it looks like a lab from the past. Others say it looks like a storybook setting.
You will see dim lighting. It is just enough to see your drink and the face across from you. This makes the space feel quiet and private. The music plays low in the background. It sets the mood without being too loud. You can hear your own thoughts. You can enjoy the moment.
There are no big signs or screens. Nothing pulls your attention away. Every small item has a place. Every part of the room helps tell the story. This place is not built for crowds. It is built for people who want to feel something new.
What You Can Expect From the Menu
The drinks menu is not long, but it is full of care. Each item is chosen for a reason. The ingredients come from plants, herbs, flowers, and fruits. This is what makes it a true botanical cocktail bar. You will see names that are fun and strange. You will see words like tincture, infusion, and elixir.
Here are a few drinks you might find:
Smoked Cherry Mix: This drink uses cherry, cinnamon, and warm spices. It comes in a hot glass. It smells like a winter fire. It is flamed at the table. That adds both warmth and show.
Lavender Sunset: This drink uses two kinds of rum. It is sweet with peach and smooth with lavender. It also has a small piece of jelly that holds more flavor. It looks bright and smells like a garden.
The Floating Sphere: This drink has coffee and flowers. The main surprise is a hollow ice ball filled with liquid. As it melts, the drink changes taste. It is one of the most talked-about items.
Each drink comes with a story. The person who brings it will tell you a little about it. They may light it, stir it, or place it on a special board. All of this adds to the joy of the drink.
Who Would Love This Place
This space is great for anyone looking for a night that feels a little different. It’s perfect for:
Date nights: The setting is calm and warm. It gives you time to talk and laugh.
Small groups: The space is not too big. Friends can enjoy a shared table and try different drinks.
Travelers: If you’re visiting London, this is a fun stop. It shows a part of the city that many people miss.
Cocktail fans: If you enjoy drinks made with skill, this place will not let you down.
Even if you don’t drink much, the bar offers alcohol-free options. These also use herbs and fruits. They taste rich and new. They are made with the same care.
How to Find It and What to Know
This place is easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. It is under The Megaro Hotel, near King’s Cross station. That makes it easy to reach by train or tube.
You don’t need to dress up. But people do come looking nice. The space is small, so it’s best to book ahead. Walk-ins are welcome, but not always possible on busy nights.
Drinks are not cheap. Most cost around £17. But you are paying for more than just a drink. You are paying for time, space, and a story in a glass.
There are rules for large groups. If you come with more than six people, you might need to book a table in advance. This helps keep the space calm and fun for all.
When the City Slows Down, This Place Shines
It is not always easy to find a quiet, special place in a big city. But this one gives you a break. It gives you something to taste, something to see, and something to remember. The drinks are full of thought. The space is full of care. Whether you are from London or just passing through, it is worth stepping inside.
From the lighting to the drinks, everything feels like it has meaning. You don’t need to be a cocktail expert. You just need to be open to new tastes. The slow pace, the peaceful setting, and the creative menu make the experience one to talk about.
If you want to try a true botanical cocktail bar, this place will stay in your mind long after the night ends.
This unique experience is brought to life by Hokus Pokus.