Underground speakeasy near Old Street with live jazz and cocktails served with theatrical presentation — smoking cloches, vintage glassware, and the kind of garnish work that borders on installation art. The drinks are organised by era (Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, Post-War, Signature) and the live music — jazz, blues, swing — fills the basement room nightly. Nightjar launched in 2010 and helped define the speakeasy revival in London. The combination of serious cocktails and live music in an intimate basement remains genuinely difficult to replicate.
Location
Shoreditch, London
Map
Insider Intel
Choose an era and let the menu guide you. The Pre-Prohibition drinks are classically rooted; the Signatures are where the theatrics live. Ask the bartender for something that matches the band. The presentation is part of the experience — expect smoke, unusual vessels, and garnishes that make you pause before drinking.
Book for a set that interests you — live music runs nightly and the schedule is posted online. Table reservations are essential, especially weekends. Arriving at set time means you get both the music and the drinks as the room intended.
Reservations only — book via the website, especially Thursday-Saturday. Underground entrance near Old Street roundabout. Live music nightly, no cover charge but a minimum spend may apply. Cocktails £14-18. Smart casual dress. Old Street tube is steps away. The basement gets warm — dress accordingly.