Tucked away in the depths of Raffles Hotel, this clandestine establishment pays homage to the secret world of the Old War Office, where tales of espionage and historic decisions make a fitting backdrop for this immersive bar space.

Accessible down a corridor to an unmarked wall in the hotel, guests hear mysterious music in the reception before they find themselves in the bar. Unmissable behind the bar is a real Aston Martin embedded in the wall – a car synonymous with James Bond, and one that was actually used in the films.

The venue has a dark, cosy atmosphere, built into the body of the building with exposed piping and brickwork, designed in keeping with the history of the building and its theme. Comfortable seating and low lighting set the stage for the drinks and service. True to the secretive theme of the bar, phone photography is forbidden, though guests are given a polaroid camera so they can still capture the moment.

The bar’s menu draws its storytelling from the rich history of the Old War Office. Fictional and real figures such as Winston Churchill, James Bond and Christine Granville influence the cocktails, as do organisations like MI5 and MI6, both founded in the building’s basement. Drinks are served in clean glassware with garnishes chosen to complement the flavours, and clear ice throughout. The bar’s signature drink, the Vesper Martini, is given a modern twist with the addition of a house-made London honey distillate, adding rich, floral notes to the classic recipe, complemented by the bar’s own vermouth blend – and available alcohol-free too.

Much of the work behind The Spy Bar’s cocktails happens in the hotel’s laboratory, where staff pull out flavours using a rotary evaporator or create carbonated drinks with a perlage carbonation system. Many cocktails are pre-batched, giving guests consistency and bar staff more time to spend with them during service. Raffles has also invested in its own water filtration system, cutting the need for additional plastic or glass bottles.

One of the standout features of The Spy Bar is its vintage collection of spirits, some dating back hundreds of years – from rare bottlings of The Macallan to creations made exclusively for Raffles – with staff on hand who know the stories behind each one.

The small team at The Spy Bar splits its time evenly between the floor, the bar and the laboratory, never skipping a pre-service briefing to ensure everyone is fully prepared for the night ahead. The hotel also provides an Employee Assistance Programme covering therapy sessions, health insurance and wellbeing support, alongside staff meals and taxis home for those working late.