A VERY PENHALIGON'S GUIDE TO... THE LONDON SPEAKEASY

Secret doors, shaken cocktails, swinging music and surprises. Take a peek at some of London’s dandiest speakeasies in honour of our new fragrance, The Dandy.

Behind every secret door there’s a speakeasy – or so the saying should go. Of course, even the best-kept secrets in London are sunk by loose lips, and the clandestine world of speakeasies is no exception. Yes, the defiant spirit of the Prohibition Era lives on in the hidden bars and hideaways scattered throughout the capital, and Penhaligon’s has done a fine job of discovering the very finest of establishments for yours truly. Now, pour yourself a stiff drink (we’re rather partial to a whisky right now) and read on.

SMOKE & GLITTER

Opium

Behind an unassuming door in London’s rather bustling Chinatown is Opium, a multi-storey speakeasy that nods to the Southeast Asian drinking dens of the 1920s. Rather than descend into a world of smoke and glitter, you’ll be climbing up a flight (or two) of stairs to reach the bars. Opulent interiors and rich reds greet you on every floor, each with a different name and theme: the Apothecary, the Peony, and the Attic & Academy. Alongside a menu of eight signature cocktails (and the classics ready at the shake of a jig), one can also feast on a menu of Dim Sum as a late-night supper snack. Fantastic.

Address: 15-16 Gerrard St, London W1D 6JE

Blind Spot

Intrigue is key when it comes to the speakeasy experience, and Blind Spot is the very definition of the word. Behind the tea counter in the St. Martin’s Lane Hotel lobby, one shall find a small golden hand (yes, hand, you read that correctly) which opens onto a clandestine cocktail bar that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden. With cocktails inspired by all over the globe, begin your vibrant voyage of signature libations from one of the plush booths to live music or a DJ spinning the decks, preparing to dance well into the night.

Our tipple of choice? A must-try cocktail is the Kyoto, Japan. Created with Nikka from the Barrel, almond, rose water, yuzu, creme de mure and wasabi for an extra kick. Rich, silky and boozy – what more could one want?

Address: 45 St Martin's Ln, London WC2N 4HX

Call Me Mr Lucky

Speakeasies aren’t all glamour and glitter. There’s a certain grit and tongue-in-cheek mischief associated with these disguised drinking dens, which bring us nicely on to our next watering hole. Tucked away beneath The Breakfast Club in London Bridge, one shall find Call Me Mr. Lucky. In the grand old tradition of speakeasy sleuthing one must utter, ‘I’m here to get lucky,’ to gain entry to this secret spot (who said romance was dead?). Mr Lucky is a vibrant, playful venue in a – dare we say – bunker-esque space laden with a colourful kaleidoscope of paper lanterns. The offerings? Plenty of tequila-based drinks for the brave of heart and strong of liver. Another one?

Address: 11 Southwark St, London SE1 1RQ

Happiness Forgets

In a part of London brimming with more speakeasies than ice cubes in a cocktail shaker, Happiness Forgets is a true standout. Of course, that’s if you can find the entrance to the barely marked basement (we jest but take your spectacles just in case). Exposed brickwork and dark wood create an almost industrial, unfinished aesthetic in contrast to many a polished establishment, but it’s the cocktails here that do all the talking to a backdrop of quiet jazz. Expect a short menu which twists the classics and bar staff who can shake up your favourites in a jiffy.

Address: 8-9 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU

Satan's Whiskers

A bar by any other name may be less intimidating, but the cat’s got our tongue as far as Satan’s Whiskers in Bethnal Green is concerned. Descend the red-lit stairs into a modern, unassuming bar with the odd taxidermy animal and vintage French poster lining the wall and quench one’s thirst with a rotating menu inspired by the classics. Whilst we hope the company you’re with will be entertaining enough, watching the mixologists work their magic shall mask any lulls in the conversation. As for the soundtrack: Jazz? No, thank you. Hip-hop? But of course.

Our tipple of choice? Sabini's Mistress. Served in a bespoke martini glass adorned with an ostrich feather, this dazzling cocktail is accompanied by a homemade salted and chili cigar that perfectly complements this cocktail.

Address: 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9RA

BARTS

Fondly describing itself as London’s Worst Kept Secret (and we’d have to agree), Barts is the quintessential Prohibition Era bar for those endless nights on the dance floor. Now, Penhaligon’s isn’t known to associate with such company, but on the streets of Chelsea one shall find the apartment of infamous Chicago gangster, Uncle Bart. Much like his phony businesses, the 1930’s-style residency is merely a front for a dapper disco haven with an authentic speakeasy charm. Leather seats, walls crowned with eccentric art, and even a secret garden room to shimmy and shake all night long. As for the libations? Fear not, you’re in safe hands with these master mixologists and their carefully crafted concoctions. We’ll cheers to that!

Address: Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DW

EVANS & PEEL DETECTIVE AGENCY

Is there mischief afoot? Why, perhaps you’re in need of the services of Evans & Peel Detective Agency. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d just waltzed into a Sherlock Holmes novel, albeit one set in Earl’s Court: a detective eagerly awaits your arrival in their file-clad office. Once you plea your case, enter through a secret door to a tremendous twenties-themed drinking den and sip on cocktails prepared with a touch of drama and intrigue (our favourite kind). The ambience is second-to-none, especially when you throw in a live jazz or blues band at the weekends. A cocktail or two later, you may forget if your case was ever solved...

Address: 310c Earls Ct Rd, London SW5 9BA

THE DANDY