Finally, FINALLY a modern "speakeasy" deserving of the name. Cocktail bars throw it around a lot just because they're in a basement, or don't have a sign, or want patrons to perform some degrading tricks to prove how much they want to be there. The gimmick is so tired.
Nightjar does have a doorman, it is difficult to find, it is in a basement, it does serve fancy craft cocktails. It does not require a password or any cheesy stuff like that. A reso isn't a bad idea though.
The vibes are top notch. There is a cover charge at the door, unless you're coming very late. And it's because there is a live band, playing jazz. The night I was there it was a trumpeter and pianist. Absolutely perfect. Prices are truly excellent value.
All the staff was super friendly, and sat me with no reso. The place was packed and it was a Monday. I can only imagine the weekend.
Now, drinks... a themed bar is all well and good, but if the cocktails don't reflect the quality, then what's the point? Aesthetics? Nah. This place brings its top cocktail game, which is, after all, the only thing that truly matters for a cocktail bar.
The menu is beautiful and large, and the art is wonderful. There is exceptional attention to detail all through the venue. This isn't just some hipsters starting a grungy cocktail bar in a basement and calling it a speakeasy for clout. The menu specifically focuses on pre-prohibition and prohibition era (the og speakeasy time) cocktails. With riffs and twists and some completely novel drinks too.
Yes, some are presented a bit OTT, but that's just the industry. The thing is, the garnishes WORK. They aren't just there for something to look at on Instagram. They are part of the drink, and to skip them is to miss out on the flavours they draw out of the cocktail. If they were simply meh so-so drinks with fancy garnishes to fool people, I'd say so. But these aren't.
I started with the Aztec Tepache, as both a fan of tequila and specifically tepache. Now, do I ever expect bars like this to have "authentic" tepache? Lol, no. But I'm looking for the right flavour profile, the right vibes. I can't say I tasted all the nuances of every single ingredient they have listed. (Some are way too subtle to even be possible for anybody who isn't a super taster, which I am not.) But overall, it was incredibly cohesive and hit enough different notes that it was convincing. I like tasting the spirits. I also like tasting herbs, amaros, fruits, sour, etc. This has all, and as a first drink was a little on the weaker tasting side but that's okay. After convincing some friends to join me, we also tried a handful of their other offerings. The Toronto isn't something I ever expected on a London bar menu, but this riff was well balanced. The Samurai was tasty too, although again some flavours seemed lost in the sauce. The Sapling Mary was the best Bloody Mary riff I've ever had, and I am not a fan of them (or Caesars). There were a few others my friends had, and all were very well-crafted and pleasurable but I don't know the names.
But I would be remiss not to mention I went all out. I ordered the Bird. At £27, it is a massive risk. I was debating between that and one of the much more reasonably priced signatures but when I asked the server (I know we always upsell, but she seemed honest.), she said both my options were excellent and described the flavours with equal enthusiasm. However, when she mentioned Bird was like if Tom Ford was a cocktail, that sealed it. You either love Ford and his line of scents, or you don't. And I do. A lot. I also love a challenging, complex, biting cocktail. The price tag may seem high, but you are drinking a fair serving of Hennessy XO. This is not a drink for the amateur or novice cocktail drinker, unless you love strong spirit-forward cocktails. Furthermore, this is a really beautiful mix. Nothing overpowers anything else and it has a neat little presentation.
All round spectacular bar and superb experience that I have no doubts I will return to. ❤️
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