Look, I’m not going to lie to you: yes, people will take photos here. You’ll see influencers pretending to read a vintage map while holding a negroni. But here’s the thing—it genuinely works. The space doesn’t feel like a cynical cash grab. It feels like someone actually thought, “What if we made a bar that feels like a mini-adventure?” And because it’s Village Underground, the crowd skews slightly cooler than your average Shoreditch pub. Not in an exclusive way—more in a “everyone here loves good music and weird architecture” way. I saw a group of architecture students arguing about Brutalism, and a couple on a first date who were clearly bonding over the train carriage’s original window handles. That’s the kind of magic this place has.
The legendary Village Underground is opening a rooftop bar this summer
The only downside? It’s small. I mean, obviously—it’s a rooftop. You’re not going to fit 500 people up there. So expect queues on weekends, especially when the sun decides to show its face. Also, it’s open Wednesday to Sunday for now, and entry is free. Yes, free. I know—I double-checked my sources too. They’re betting you’ll spend money on drinks, and I’m betting you will. (I spent £18 on two drinks and zero regrets.)
Should You Go? (Yes, But With a Plan)
Here’s my honest take: if you’re looking for a place to impress out-of-town friends, meet someone for a creative date, or simply escape the tyranny of another dimly lit basement bar, this is it. The train carriages add a playful, nostalgic layer that most rooftops lack. And the views? They’re good enough to make you forget that your phone battery is at 12%. Pro tip number two: go on a weekday evening when it’s quieter. I went Tuesday at 6 PM and basically had a train carriage to myself. Felt like a billionaire. Felt like a very drunk train conductor. Same thing.
So, is Village Underground’s new rooftop worth the hype? Absolutely. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s a reminder that London still has a few surprises left. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to figure out how to get my own train carriage into my flat. Wish me luck—and maybe bring a negroni.
