Secret London : The Speakeasy
GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN PEOPLE HAD TO FIND SECRET LOCATIONS TO DRINK ILLEGALLY WITH THE FEAR OF BEING CAUGHT AND ARRESTED. HOWEVER, THE PROHIBITION TRADITION OF SPEAKEASY BARS AND CLUBS IS NOT ENTIRELY DEAD. SCATTERED AROUND LONDON ARE SECRET DRINKING VENUES THAT, TO THE UNKNOWING PASSER BY, LOOK TO BE NOTHING MORE THAN SHOP FRONTS OR DINGY FLATS. HERE AT WHO’S JACK WE’VE TAKEN IT UPON OURSELVES TO HUNT OUT SOME OF THE BEST ALTERNATIVE, HIDDEN DRINKING SPOTS COMPLETE WITH THE NECESSITY FOR PASSWORDS AND TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS TO JUST BE ALLOWED IN…
Lounge Bohemia, NE5
Hidden away between a kebab shop and a news agent you’d be easily forgiven for by passing this cocktail lounge without a second glance. But that is kind of the point. This, by appointment only drinking hole is so secret that you can only go there if you’ve called the owner Paul (who in 2008 listed as one of the UK’s most dynamic individuals on the Courvoisier Future 500 list) and he likes the sound of you. Inside Lounge Bohemia sticks to it’s Czech heritage with walls lined with Czech news papers and communist era furniture. The atmosphere is intimate with alcoves, low ceilings and table service and there’s only one rule… no suits. Call Paul on, 07720707000.
Fox and Cutlass, E8
A speakeasy by night, a private detective agency and taxidermist by day, this place is a bar with a difference, starting with the fact you have to walk through a stair case to get to it. Having only opened in December it’s still getting off the ground (the toilet at last check didn’t even have a door) however this is the perfect time to check it out while it’s still in it’s infancy. It’s run by Liability Eden who, when he was first opening the bar, accepted furniture, materials and wood from anyone that would help out so the décor is a mish mash of all different styles making this place unlike any other in London. Like most private members bars you have to pass a test to be allowed in. To be in with a chance of getting visit their Facebook group and contact the club secretary Mrs Gloria Trellis, make her laugh but be warned we’ve been told she’s a ‘surely old boot’ so make sure you plan what you’re going to say first.
Supperclub, W1
Supperclub began in Amsterdam in the 1980s and now has venues everywhere from San Francisco to Singapore. Enjoy a four course dinner and drinks while chilling out on massive white beds all the while being entertained by various performers. Previous performers include singing corpse brides, pillow-fighters and live clay modelling although they specialise in risqué performance art. There are two bars, Bar Noir and Bar Rouge, as well as mirrored walls and glittering chandeliers. Head to their website, for more information on how to book your place for the most decadent meal in bed you’re ever likely to have.
Callooh Callay, EC2
The only thing giving this bar away are the Chanel style interlocking C’s logo which lights the way to the bars entrance down a side street in Shoreditch. While the front of the bar is similar to most others at the back lies a Narnia style wardrobe which when walked through leads to a secret back room with a mirrored bar and toilets decorated entirely with cassette tapes. The bar is named after an abstract Lewis Carroll poem and this theme is carried on inside with neo-Victorian décor and an array of unusual cocktails.
Bart’s opened in February 2009 and is situated in the Chelsea Cloisters. To enter you have to walk to the back of a 1930’s residential building where there is nothing but a black door and a lantern. To stand a chance of being allowed in simply ring the door bell and wait for an answer. If they like you, you’re in and regulars will be granted a special key card for entry. Inside are retro TV sets, Mickey Mouse wallpaper and trunks filled with costumes to put on so that you really feel the part. Go to www.barts-london.com to find out it’s exact location.
