Nightjar
This subterranean speakeasy channels 1920s glamour with expertly crafted cocktails and live jazz performances. The dimly lit space feels like a genuine Prohibition-era hideaway, complete with vintage décor and theatrical presentation.
About Nightjar
## The Scene
Descending into Nightjar feels like stumbling upon a genuine speakeasy from another era. The basement location on City Road conceals one of London's most atmospheric cocktail bars, where flickering candles illuminate vintage wallpaper and antique furnishings create an intimate, secretive ambience.
## The Drinks
The cocktail menu reads like a historical journey through forgotten recipes and house innovations. Order the Smoke & Oakum for a theatrical presentation involving actual smoke, or try the Bee's Knees variation made with house-infused spirits. The bartenders treat mixology as performance art, using unusual ingredients and techniques that would make any prohibition bootlegger proud.
## The Experience
Live jazz performances several nights a week transform the intimate space into a proper 1920s music hall. The acoustics work perfectly in the low-ceilinged basement, creating an immersive experience that transports patrons to jazz age New York. Weekend evenings get particularly atmospheric when the music starts.
## Insider Knowledge
Arrive early or book ahead, as this popular spot fills quickly despite its hidden location. The kitchen serves small plates until late, though the focus remains firmly on the liquid offerings. Tuesday through Thursday offer the most intimate experience, while weekend nights bring the full theatrical cocktail theater experience.