Beloved 1940s-Themed Bar Cahoots Is Getting A Sister Speakeasy

By Maire Rose Connor Last edited 52 months ago

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Beloved 1940s-Themed Bar Cahoots Is Getting A Sister Speakeasy
Cosy booths

Dust off your finest fedora or treat yourself to a new tea dress, because Soho is getting a second 1940s-themed speakeasy.

Longtime Londonist readers will know that we're big fans of Cahoots, the immersive Kingley Court cocktail bar that's themed on a vintage tube station. Inspired by the building's history as a second world war air raid shelter, everything about this venue is dripping in nostalgia — from the cocktails served in wartime hip flasks to the regular sing-a-long nights. And now, it's getting a new sibling.

The Mineshaft. Down we go

Launching on 7 November, Cahoots: The Ticket Hall and Control Room sits near the original Cahoots, on the neighbouring Kingley Street. And by the looks of things, the new venue will boast as much Blitz Spirit as its older counterpart.

The Ticket Hall

The new bars span two storeys, each offering a rather different experience. On the ground floor you'll find a charming 1940s train ticket hall, reimagined as a tearoom. Plonk yourself down on a chintzy armchair and tuck in to hearty British fare like fish-finger sarnies and pie, mash and liquor. There's also American classics such as sloppy joes for any hungry G.I.s passing through.

When the station clock strikes 5pm, it's party time. The ornate lamps are dimmed and punters can start switching cups of tea for cocktails, including a particularly potent beverage served inside a bust of Sir Winston Churchill.

Downstairs, things are set to get even more raucous. The old station Control Room — an underground hideout complete with flashing switchboards, whirring cogs and pirate radio broadcasts — plays host to immersive movie evenings, musical quiz nights, and 'Cahooch' cocktail masterclasses. Guests can expect highly experimental libations (think cocktails served out of a man's trench coat or hidden inside an old radio box), as well as nostalgic nibbles.

The Radio Booth

It seems that only the most daring of drinkers will be able to make it into the Control Room, which is apparently accessed through an old mine shaft. If that sounds like you, get your exclusive clock-in pass here.

Cahoots: The Ticket Hall and Control Room launches 7 November on Kingley Street.

Last Updated 05 November 2019