SUIVEZ LE GUIDE AVEC PENHALIGON’S… THE LONDON SPEAKEASY

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

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

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

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

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