Nightjar

In 2011 Nightjar launched a selection of 12 different types of absinthe, the largest range available in any UK bar - this has now expanded to an incredible 25. It’s still a relatively unknown spirit as legend once had it that absinthe could send people mad, although it was in fact the wormwood which has hallucinogenic properties. Try the appropriately named Barrel Aged Zombie, with rum, absinthe, apricot brandy, pineapple and tamarind soda.

As you can read all about here, we are teetering on the fence about Nightjar. We’re big fans of the drinks and the vibe… but what we aren’t fans of, however, is the military operation required to nab yourself a table inside (and the cover charge for seats where you have no chance of hearing, let alone seeing, the music). Perseverance is key with this cool Shoreditch bar, though. Once you’ve swallowed the cover charge and got yourself a seat close to the stage, it’s a brilliant place to listen to live jazz music in the capital.

mood cool Shoreditch bar; brilliant place to listen to live jazz music

If you’re looking for a bar that lives and breathes the intoxicating ambience of sweet jazz and old-school vibes, this low-lit dive is the place to be. Known for its historically inspired cocktail menu, Nightjar will transport you to various eras by simply sipping on a carefully crafted beverage. Travel to the Prohibition plains through a bourbon-heavy Ampicillin or delve into a Post War classic of a Snake in the Grass, your alcoholic adventure awaits! Be warned — the tastier the drink, the more dangerous it can be.

mood Low-lit dive with an intoxicating ambience of sweet jazz and old-school vibes.

A genuine, Prohibition era speakeasy with live music every night, and award-winning cocktails.

mood A genuine, Prohibition era speakeasy with live music

Nightjar has become a London institution when it comes to innovative cocktails, and with its dimly lit corners, makes the perfect cocktail bar for a date night in Shoreditch. The very best place to soak up the city’s cocktail scene, the menu honours three distinct historical eras of 20th century cocktail-making – pre-prohibition, prohibition and post-war. Alongside the impressive cocktail menu, it also serves up an extensive spirit list, including vintage spirits and a nightly schedule of the very best vintage jazz, blues, ragtime, funk and swing that London has to offer.

mood dimly lit corners; perfect for a date night; features vintage jazz, blues, ragtime, funk and swing

Nightjar has fame which means writing about it is redundant: people think it marvellously good, and they’ve live music most of the week. It’s seating only and worth booking: just be sure not to be a no show on the night, or they’ll charge £10 per person (you can cancel up to 1pm on the same day without paying anything). They do the speakeasy theme, but well enough that it isn’t too tired yet, and have plenty of old school style on the list. Pick up a pack of cards from the bar on your way out.

mood Speakeasy theme with plenty of old school style; features live music most of the week. Seating only, booking recommended.

Hidden beneath Old Street lies Nightjar, a portal to the glamorous world of 1920s speakeasies. As you descend the discreet staircase, dim lighting and plush velvet seating set the stage for one of London’s most celebrated cocktail experiences. The real magic happens behind the bar, where master mixologists craft their legendary cocktails. Each drink is a theatrical performance—served with elaborate garnishes from edible flowers to smoking wisps, turning heads and capturing cameras across the room. Add the sultry sounds of live jazz, and you’ve got all the ingredients of a perfect Prohibition-era escape.

mood 1920s speakeasy; dim lighting and plush velvet seating; theatrical performance; sultry live jazz.

Listen to late-night jazz and blues in a speakeasy, old-school setting whilst sipping on cocktails from throughout the ages that claim they are 'not for the faint-hearted'. The bar is a two-minute walk from Old Street Station and is sandwiched between two cafés. The cocktails are beautifully presented in delicate glassware, and the recipes range from pre-prohibition to post-war periods but with a classic Nightjar twist.

mood speakeasy, old-school setting; late-night jazz and blues; cocktails beautifully presented in delicate glassware

And here you were thinking the whole speakeasy thing was so 2010. Well, it kind of is. That’s when Nightjar opened and blew all other speakeasies out of the water. It’s still a bucket-list bar. Book ahead for a night of jazz-era glitz and mind-boggling Prohibition-tinged drinks.

mood jazz-era glitz and Prohibition-tinged atmosphere.

A world away from the busy, overcrowded watering holes that litter much of the city, this elegant little haunt is a must-visit for any discerning drinkers. Armed with regular live jazz and swing nights, plus unusual tipples, it really is a cool cocktail bar in Shorditch.

mood Elegant little haunt with regular live jazz and swing nights.

Looking for a Soho bar that’s perfect for date nights, mate nights, and one last drink at 1am? Well, this is it. Nightjar is Carnaby’s low-lit underground bar in Soho’s bustling heart. And it’s where you’ll find live jazz and blues soundtracking expertly crafted cocktails. The menu is a journey through time! And features reimagined classics from the Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, and Post-War eras. Be prepared to be surprised! Their drinks are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Unless you were supping cocktails in the 1920s…

mood low-lit underground bar; live jazz and blues soundtracking; features reimagined classics from the Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, and Post-War eras

Easily one of the most romantic bars in London, this speakeasy-style bar has regularly been', Nightjar oozes romance with the charm of 1920's decor, live jazz and candle-lit tables. Sip on inventive cocktails, share tapas boards and soak up the stunning atmosphere. Plus if your date doesn't offer much conversation, you'll at least have the live bands to entertain you.

mood Speakeasy-style bar with 1920's decor, live jazz, candle-lit tables and a stunning atmosphere.

If you’re after jazz and cocktails, Nightjar is the one. The subterranean speakeasy bar is one of the best in town with table service and inventive cocktails, alongside all the classics. The menu is split into four sections spanning the history of the cocktail – Pre-Prohibition (160 0 – 1920), Prohibition (1920 – 1933), Post-War (1940 – 2000), and Nightjar Signatures – so whether you want ancient recipes, strong serves, tiki cocktails or something modern, Nightjar can oblige. It’s proper old school, but super popular so don’t forget to book a table.

mood subterranean speakeasy, jazz, old school, popular

Nightjar secures its spot on this list of best cocktail bars London has to offer thanks to its immersive, transportive atmosphere and dedication to the art of the cocktail. If you're seeking a truly unique experience, look no further than this pioneering speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door in Old and Street. Stepping inside Nightjar is like stepping back in time to the Prohibition era, complete with dimly lit corners, intimate table service, and the sultry sounds of live jazz.

mood Prohibition-era speakeasy; dimly lit corners; sultry sounds of live jazz; theatrical flair and elaborate garnishes.

Slip into this speakeasy-style bar and sample the Paloma Rose Fizz from their new menu. With Olmeca Altos Tequila, Palma Rosa passion berry, Ontario leaf tea, lemon osmanthus cordial and Gosnells mead, this drink is a masterclass in flavour balancing.

mood speakeasy-style bar

The Old Street speakeasy-style bar draws you in with its dim lighting, extensive cocktail list and various trinkets to make you audibly “Ooh!”. When we say extensive cocktail list, by the enough, we do mean it - these bartenders clearly are allowed to flex their creative muscles with their ingredients of choice (definitely ask for a recommendation if you’re overwhelmed). Stay long enough to enjoy some of the best jazz musicians in London, but be warned it does get crowded in here, so be prepared to leave on a first-name basis with the table next to you.

mood speakeasy-style bar with dim lighting and various trinkets