Village Underground Opens New London Rooftop Bar And Train Carriages

So there I was, last Tuesday, clutching a lukewarm pint in a sticky-floored Shoreditch basement, wondering if this was really it. You know that feeling? The one where every “cool” spot feels exactly the same—dark, loud, and smelling slightly of regret? Just as I was mentally drafting my resignation from London nightlife, a friend texted me a photo of a glowing train carriage perched on a rooftop. That was the moment I learned Village Underground had just opened its new rooftop bar—and, yes, actual train carriages are involved. Suddenly, my pint didn't seem so sad anymore.

If you’ve ever been to Village Underground in Shoreditch, you already know it’s not your average venue. It’s that iconic brick-and-shipping-container space under the railway arches, famous for its gritty gigs and warehouse parties. But now? Now they’ve gone and done something completely bonkers: they’ve built a rooftop bar and parked two vintage train carriages up there. I repeat: train carriages. On a roof. In London. (How did they even get them up there? Cranes? Magic? I have questions.)

Why Train Carriages, You Ask?

Because why the hell not? That’s the energy here. Village Underground has always been about repurposing industrial leftovers—old tube trains used to hang out here too, remember? Now, the new addition is a pair of 1960s British Rail carriages, lovingly restored and plonked on the terrace like they’re about to depart for Margate. Inside, you’ve got booth seating, warm lighting, and that slightly musty smell of old upholstery that oddly feels cozy instead of creepy. It’s like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie, if Wes Anderson had a hangover and a taste for craft beer.

The rooftop itself is the real star, though. It’s not huge—think intimate, not sprawling—but it’s got those 360-degree views of the East London skyline. You can see the Gherkin, the Shard, and—if you squint—the absolute chaos of a Deliveroo driver trying to navigate a one-way street. The vibe is deliberately un-polished: exposed steel, wooden benches, and a bar that looks like it was built by a very ambitious film set designer. And yes, there’s a DJ. Of course there’s a DJ. But the sound isn’t deafening; you can actually have a conversation without shouting about your failed sourdough starter. (Thank you, sound engineers.)

What You’ll Be Sipping Up There

Now, let’s talk drinks, because that’s really why we’re all here, isn’t it? The bar menu is refreshingly short—which I love, because nothing kills a rooftop vibe like a 12-page cocktail novel. Expect natural wines, local craft beers, and a few signature cocktails with names like “The Signal Failure” and “Platform 9 ¾ (But It’s Just Gin).” I tried the “Last Train to Clapham”, which is basically a negroni with a slice of orange so thick it could double as a life raft. Pro tip: bring cash or card; they don’t accept loyalty points from your Pret subscription. (I tried. The bartender looked at me like I’d asked for directions to Narnia.)

Food-wise, they’ve kept it simple too: small plates from a rotating roster of street food pop-ups. During my visit, a chap with a magnificent beard was grilling chorizo skewers that smelled like heaven. I overheard someone say they’ll have pizza nights on Thursdays, but I didn’t verify this—I was too busy trying to convince a friend that sitting in the train carriage was indeed cooler than the rooftop. (Spoiler: it’s not. But it’s close.)

Is This Just Another Instagram Trap?

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 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.