Website
http://www.barnightjar.com/
Harking back to a bygone age of live music, quality drinking and top-notch hospitality, this upmarket bar aims to be just that whilst not being stuffy or exclusive.
Our inspiration comes from an age when live music was a customary part of a good night out, drinking was a connoisseur’s game, and hospitality was an art.
Speakeasy-style cocktail bar in Shoreditch
Reviewed by Leila
Published on Jun 28, 2011
This February, The Botanist – the first and only dry gin from Islay – and Nightjar – the third best bar in the world – present ‘Druid’s Botanist Cup’: the newest addition to Nightjar’s award-winning c
Hidden amongst an array of typical London shop fronts is the Nightjar. A cocktail bar first, speakeasy second, it’s a surprise there’s any room for anybody here such are the levels of style that ooze from every facet. If you’re looking to impress someone, this is the place.
Glamorous, yet unpretentious, Nightjar is a real gentleman of a venue. Located on City Road, just off Old Street, prices are expectedly high and since it is a cocktail bar, one does feel obliged to indulge. However, with live music most nights of the week and a 1920’s to 1940’s policy, the mood is set with some fine sounds. Boardwalk Empire meets Swingers.
If you want non-traditional drinks, speakeasy-inspired Nightjar has enticing concoctions to share like Hug a Wildcat, made with cachaça, mezcal, pisco, blood orange and kumquat among others.
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.
The trend for speakeasy-style bars may be tired now, but Nightjar’s dimly lit, somehow illicit-feeling basement bar is still a great hangout regardless. Their delectable cocktails are complemented by an original tapas menu which includes fried Murcia cheese with lemon and octopus with fennel.
The speakeasy revival may be over, but this seductive den will never go out of fashion. Dark and atmospheric, it has one of the UK’s largest selections of absinthe, the bar staff’s mixing skills are faultless, and drinks are served in super chic glassware – this is where you take someone you want to impress. Make sure you book in advance as it’s seating room only and gets very busy.
Inspired by Prohibition-era speakeasies, this glamorous basement bar stocks the biggest range of absinthe of any UK venue. Live blues bands play every night, but be aware it's seating only and gets very busy, so book ahead.
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