Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown

Random door in Chinatown. Had a reservation so went right in. Drinks by Harry were made with care and professionalism. I do not like sweet drinks so he made us an Aviation. Who knew I liked gin?!? Very tasty. Music was good but agree with other reviews a bit loud. Overall, a fun, upscale experience with creative cocktails and cool vibe.

The drinks were great . The service was amazing- our waiter Iosef with the flowery shirt was great. Taking one star off for the ear piercing music. Incredibly frustrating to have conversations on date night.

Fantastic speakeasy, complete with a nondescript door in the middle of a busy pedestrian street. Loved the lounge and vibes, the mood was exactly what I wanted for a Saturday evening after dinner. Cocktails were great, though leaned towards the richer and sweeter side, with few options feeling light or alcohol forward. Still, really clever and unique combinations, living up to the name! My partner and I walked in around 21:00 and were able to be seated, but I would make a reservation in the future to secure a spot, it was filling up the longer we stayed stayed. We’ll definitely be bringing friends and visitors here!

We had a great night at the bar itself. Fantastic atmosphere and a good vibe. However, our experience was completely ruined by the DJ. I’m not sure if they only have one DJ, but the one playing on Saturday night was extremely rude. My friend, who was visiting and unfamiliar with London bars, simply wanted to engage with the DJ in a friendly manner. Instead of responding politely or even just declining respectfully, he immediately started shouting at us without even listening. He refused to hear us out and went straight to aggressively telling us to “finish your drink right now and leave.” This behaviour was unacceptable, especially towards a foreign guest just trying to enjoy the night. A simple conversation or a bit of basic courtesy would have gone a long way. While the bar itself was great, this kind of treatment really put a damper on the experience. Hopefully, management addresses this issue, as customer service should be a priority

Superb drinks; really friendly and responsive staff and great vibe. Only note is that the DJ substantially and jarringly turns up the volume on their set past 9pm on Weds-Sat evenings that it completely cuts your ability to hear your group for the rest of your evening, and really impacts the atmosphere. It’s excruciatingly loud as someone who used to run live music. It should be really toned down. Definitely a change of tone and consideration if you have more than a group of 3

Dennis, our server, must have been having a terrible night. The rest of the staff seemed very bitter and irritated to be there (I waited tables for years so it is difficult to understand there are basic standards of hospitality that you need to meet even if you’re having a bad night). We booked a table for about 10 for our friend’s 30th birthday in advance. We were shocked by how grumpy and rude our server was and our 3 friends had to stand (there were multiple seats available). With the server’s attitude, we didn’t know what we did wrong to be treated so badly. When they tried to sit down they were forced to get back up and were not even offered bar stools or chairs. You would think since we reserved our area in advance there would be more consideration and higher quality service. I would expect better. Basic hospitality standards were not achieved. I used to work as a server for years and especially in a cocktail bar like that I’d expect better service. The cocktails were filled mostly with ice (don’t know if, again, this was on purpose). Price wise you don’t get much of a bang for your buck. Disappointed overall however the atmosphere was nice and the entrance was definitely unique/fun - that’s the only thing I’d say was up to standard.

Went there for drinks on a Saturday night. My friends arrived earlier and got a table. Once i arrived, we asked the bouncer if this was the right place and if he needed our ID. He replied rudely “I didn’t ask for that did i” then proceeded to say “do you have a reservation ?” we didn’t but explained we had our friends inside with a table. He replied crassly “I know how much space we have and I don’t have space for YOU”. This is insane to hear from a bouncer when you explain there is in fact space for you because your friends are there… After negotiation we got in. Once in there was in fact SOOO MUCH SPACE. Other than that horrible experience, the cocktails were okay… I personally didn’t think they were exceptional but there is something for everyone. The waiter though was very kind and helpful ( a stark difference with the bouncer ). Finally, the atmosphere is lovely. A great way to decompress in a cute hidden speakeasy.

We were there on Saturday night. The cocktails were poor, especially for the price. The service wasn't particularly friendly either, so after one drink we got the bill, and asked for the 12.5% service charge to be removed because it definitely wasn't deserving of a tip. When we asked for this, the waiter got incredibly rude and hostile. As he got the new bill and we paid, he spent the next few minutes rolling his eyes and making snarky comments and making us feel incredibly uncomfortable and upset. We will never come back here again and I hope that people read this review before going as well.

This place is another favorite bar of mine to visit whenever I'm in town. The drinks are always very good and the bartenders are friendly. I like to come here on my first night just myself and I sit at the bar and just chat with whoever is around me. Everyone is so friendly here and it's got a really great vibe.

A local bartender suggested this place and I will say I'm not disappointed. Locating the door took me a couple of minutes because it looked like a run down entrance door to a basement. The 2 floors are very dark and it can get very cramped so if you're claustrophobic, then I would not recommend this to you. Robin was making our drinks and he's an awesome guy, small world that he used to work in my hometown, he's very knowledgeable on his drinks and his recommendations on places to visits after, he's French so you can't miss him!

We are all about speakeasy's and after reading the reviews we just had to find this spot! We only had 30 mins till close but we were determined to find it in Chinatown. After almost giving up, we ran into a guy who showed us the way. The entrance is literally a black door with a red scratch on it lol. As soon as you go upstairs, you walk into a dimly lit room with awesome music, a small seating area and the bar. My friends and I tried different drinks and they were all delicious. I would love to go back whenever I'm in town again, the ambiance is so chill it was perfect to winding down our night. There is also seating area upstairs by the restroom in case the first floor gets too crowded. I loved it here, this place really is a gem!

I had such a great time and this speak-easy style cocktail club in Chinatown! This hidden gem appears to be nothing more than a black door from the outside, but on the inside it is 4 stories of vibes! The windows open and overlook the bustling streets of China town and give you a great view of the lanterns. The walls and ceilings are mirrored (because who doesn't like to look at themselves?) The staff were all cuties too, and very friendly. I definitely recommend this spot, especially for a date. The atmosphere is intimate yet laid back. The drinks are unusual and unique. Not horribly expensive either. About 12/13 pounds per drink. I loved it. Will definitely be back!

This bar is great!! It can get quite packed so be prepared to be smooshed, but the crowd fluctuates throughout the night. The DJ plays an upbeat mix of various types of music and the bartenders are cocktail gurus! Sours are made with freshly cracked egg whites and shaken to a heavenly froth. Whiskey sour are excellent, but the Daymi Blues is my favorite... Mezcal with blueberry and tamarind -- mind blown! Most places don't stay open past 11 pm even on weekends so ECC is a diamond in the rough. $5 cover charge after 10 pm I think, but definitely worth it. The cocktails are expensive but everything in London is expensive lol. Try to snag a seat at the bar where you'll get a front row seat to their mixology magic. Also, it's not easy to find because there is no address or signage. But look for where it should be and you'll see a doorman standing in front of a random door. Jackpot.

Very good "hidden" Cocktail bar. Drinks are good, service is nice, and the ambient is also really cool with live DJ on the second floor. I tried their Paloma de Provence and the The Crown and they were both well made drinks.

Taken here by a local that wanted to impress and he did just that. While definitely cramped and boisterous, with nowhere to sit unless you're lucky and score a seat, the energy is infectious and it's hard not to engage with those around you since you'll inevitably be encroaching on their space and vice versa. The DJ is on the second floor (no dancing; just background sounds), but I recommend staying on the first floor as it's less crowded (because everyone heads upstairs thinking there's more up there, I presume). The drinks take some time since all are crafted with precision, but they are well worth it. I loved the music, the vibe, and the people. If you're from NY or LA, it's similar to Apotheke.

One of the coolest speakeasy's that I have ever been to. Location was so cool, every member of the staff was welcoming, the cocktails were perfect, and the music was superb. The only bad part about this place is that it's about an 8 hour flight and 1 hour train ride away from where I live. This was hands-down one of the best highlights of our trip to London. Worth the brief hunt to find the door;)

Aww what a nice time!! Luckily we got seats by a cute little table, though it was a Saturday night and quite busy/lively when we arrived. We stayed there for a while - hours in fact! Tried three different cocktails, and Chris super sweetly offered to let me try his and choose his so that I would know better what I want to drink for mine :) We tried a sweet coconut one, one with cognac and chocolate, and the Ragnarok one as well as a gin and lime juice with egg whites one :) Some interesting characters there, like one guy who seemingly came there with a girl on a date. They started dancing super early on, inviting Chris and I to join (we politely declined) and seemed very drunk already! Then a third guy joined their table and started getting flirty and handsy with the girl, while the first guy told us that he was actually setting up a threesome! Again tried inviting us but we politely declined..crazy stuff! ^^ was a really fun time at this bar though and we stayed there talking, trying out cool new cocktails, and meeting these interesting people for hours :)

Was recommended this place by a colleague- they said to look for a door with paint missing and I'm glad I found it! As you walk up the stairs you hear trendy music and find yourself in a dimly lit yet lively atmosphere. As I arrived it wasn't crowded but started to fill up. Bathrooms were fun with tea kettles serving as lights, and as you walk around the perimeter you can look out of the windows down at the bustle of Chinatown. Drinks were wonderful and they have an excellent selection of whiskeys. I will be back!

This place doesn't have a sign, or a door number. You'd have to look for a tiny door that leads you up to a stairs where you'll arrive at the first floor's bar. It was an adventure to find this place! It's the door in between Far East & Four Season's restaurant. A tiny door, with no sign. Nothing. Looks sort of shady, but that's the right door that will lead you to a shocking and an amazing bar. I really, really liked the atmosphere inside. It's not a very big place, and probably hard to get seats unless you make a reservation. But we were lucky enough to nab a table on the second floor. There's two floor in this club, and you'll be delighted to know that they serve a good array of alcohols. They make really good Old Fashions and cocktails that takes 3 days to make. The prices are slightly upscale but I guarantee you it's worth coming here for girls night out or to impress a date.

Great atmosphere, excellent drinks, and precisely the sort of pricing you would expect for both. :-)

Ok. This bar, on a Sunday afternoon, is really cool. I can't say that I'd want to fight what I am sure is a crowd on weekend nights, but it's a damn cool place at 6pm when they open on a Sunday. It's a hidden gem in Chinatown here in London. But it's not overdone in terms of interior design. How to describe it? Hmmmm....think crack house entry way meets 1800s interior. But it's got a great vibe. The drinks are solid like a rock and not pretentiously served in terms of bar ware (or overdone with props inserted in or on the drinks). Just some good drinks - although what they lack in decoration on the outside they make up for in complexity of ingredients within them. Side note: at some point I have to wonder if you need cocktails with cumin and cane sugar and absinthe mixed with monkey halos and bees wings and sprinkled with Himalayan pepper from a forbidden forest. But that said, if you come here don't just order a beer - (that's like paying to get into a strip club just to walk to the toilet to buy a condom) - get one of these well made cocktails. Although a bit pricey, I totally think it's worth it to stop in for a drink or two - especially on a Sunday. Sit at the bar. Enjoy the smooth mix of music playing. And watch these bartenders work some magic.

Visited here on a whim and was decently impressed. I love the fact that it is very unassuming from the street. It took me a few minutes to figure it where it was. Adds to the experience! Once inside, you'll see a small room that probably couldn't fit more than 20 people inside. There are a few chairs and ottomans and a long bench. I will say that none of the furniture is quite comfortable, which is quite sad. Everything else about the ambiance suggests cosy. The drinks are definitely experimental. I can't remember the name of the drink I had, but it had scotch, grapefruit, and ketchup-infused water(?) among other ingredients. The drink itself was really good (couldn't taste the ketchup LOL). This is a nice place for a drink, but I couldn't imagine being posted up here for a while. It's small and I imagine that it gets packed later on in the night.

No weird science, just great cocktails. The bars have never been hotter and the drinks cooler than in recessionary London. Prohibition has come to town and the city's newest, secret drinking den is The Experimental Cocktail Club in Chinatown. As mysterious and exciting as its name suggests, you'll have to keep your eyes sharp to locate this hidden spot. If you can slip past the doorman, no riffraff allowed, you can gain admittance into this intimate and impressive establishment. Bring a date, this bar is for lovers. The Experimental Cocktail Club takes after its Parisian namesake, part of a famous trio of bars, that landed in London and retained its distinctive French flair. Three floors of elegant interior with exposed brickwork, plush fabrics, illustrated walls and tiny touches of Oriental influence as befitting its location. You'll look around and share conspiratorial looks of smugness with other patrons, this is an experience bar and one to savour. Open the cocktail menu and you'll see why it's called Experimental, these are no ordinary drinks but finely crafted with 'love'. Our very charming mixologist works like an apothecary blending fine liquors with dashes of elixirs from tiny little jars and bottles. These drinks take time and you can taste the depth and subtlety of carefully chosen ingredients. We sampled a chilli infused tequila in the Stone Raft, a 'Renaissance' with Rhubarb and Aperol, a very strong Manhattan and an amazing Jamaican Pogo (rum, Chartreuse, homemade smoked pineapple syrup, Jamaican Jerk spicy bitters) The service is sublime here, the bartenders are sophisticated but cheeky, the waitstaff friendly and the host, wonderfully courteous and polite. Of course you're paying for the priviledge but trust me, it's worth a special visit to be treated like this. Call ahead and book a table, but just don't stay till its 3am closing time, you'll be in heaven and it'll cost you.

Three-floor minimalist, but lively, speakeasy with a good cocktail menu. Bit dark & dim. Tiny 2-seater tables where other parties are encroached right up in yo' space (if you don't mind).Table service was meh, but cocktails made up for it.

A hidden gem. Different menus seasonally and on Sunday/other days of the week, and definitely pricey, but worth it for the artistry.

We love speakeasies in nyc and so we figured to try one in london. This had a very hidden entrance but we found it when we saw the bouncer outside. The server wasnt great. She was pushy and made us order and pay before we even got our drinks. I noticed they were not making all the cocktails by hand but taking it out of some bottle and serving them. Maybe they make them in advance i am not sure. Place is pretty cool but cocktails are nothing special. She also squeezed us into a table and no one had any room to move. I probably would not recommend.

No star for these guys if only I could. After reading the reviews about lousy service I was a bit reluctant to check this place out but my better half was already sipping cocktails. While my wife and friends were already inside, seated at a table and having a free seat available at their table the doorman would absolutely not let me in. Not even after my wife came down to make sure he knew they were really inside and I was not making a story up. No way we could convince the unfriendly bureaucratic doorman pointing at his childish notebook and counter. Instead all three had to finish their drink and leave while I waited outside. Absolutely not coming back here ever!

On my second attempt we managed to get in without a booking. And it was so worthwhile, they definitely make it a bit painful to get in and intentionally keep it not too packed but that's why it works. Being sent away with my tail between my legs the first time around was ok as I knew it would all be worthwhile. Like Linzi I loved the Renaissance cocktail, how can you go wrong with Sea Salt, Rhubarb and Champagne. I tried a few other cocktails but my love for the Rhubarb potion has clouded my judgement so it seems only fair to review the others again on my next visit, and there will be more, many more...

This bar is disappointing. It looks nice but is overpriced. The staff don't seem to know each other. The service is more like being in a chain coffee shop than a boutique drinking club. They seem inexperienced in hospitality which makes the mandatory service charge, even if sat at and ordering at the bar, even more rapacious. This place was put together by someone who knows what a good bar looks like, but needs to focus more on hiring and team building.

Quite a cool place! Was not initially impressed by the amount of time it took for someone to take our order but my first cocktail was excellent. Sadly I slightly failed in my second order because I got something involving egg which on reflection I was never going to enjoy and no one else liked it earlier. Things got worse/better as I managed to knock it over while commenting on how I don't think they have quite managed to push the decor from actually just crap to cool. Not good when you don't care that you've lost half a really expensive drink. Having said all that, I think it's a very fun bar especially pre dinner in Chinatown and I'd just avoid that particular cocktail next time. Also worth mentioning how nice the door staff were, which was surprising given its all cool and stuff. Not so impressed with our server, but 1 out of 2 is something...

Great drinks and amazing customer service. I have never felt so valued by a bar before! I loved the music and the atmosphere of the whole place. They really put their customers first and are so kind! Definitely recommend for going out with friends or having a casual drink.

I guess I went to the Experimental Cocktail Club on a quiet night. I knew I was taking a chance at trying to get in without a reservation, but I thought I'd risk it. I had a friend visiting London and I wanted to impress her. So, first issue was trying to find the right doorway in Chinatown. And we did it! Then was working out how to get in. We tried knocking - no answer. We tried pushing the door, but it wasn't budging. All the while my friend is asking "Are you sure this is it?" Desperate, I try to find some crafty tips on the Yelp! app. when the door opened as a couple were leaving. We took full advantage and walked straight in! We were courteously greeted with a big smile, shown to a table and provided with a short cocktail list. The venue has dim, moody lighting and cool background music. Loved the decorative touches in the toilets - vintage-styled tiling and flamingo wallpaper - I LOVED the wallpaper! Later in the evening we were served by the barman, a very cool, cute, 'though tired, young French guy. He noticed we were wanting more drinks and called out from the bar asking what we wanted. We had had a few from the list provided, but it no longer appealed to us. From our previous orders he had remembered what tastes we liked and whisked up some cocktails for us - now that's impressive! ...And great service! A little disappointed by the fact that he made me a Dark & Stormy - not very experimental - and not much different from a Dark & Stormy I've had anywhere else. It's for this reason I've deducted 1 star. He brought the drinks over to us himself and chatted with us. He was out having a cigarette and bid us good night as well left - not the typical aloof and surly attitude ECC is reputed for. All in all, it was well worth the visit. A very cool venue, with an equally cool crowd. My only peev is the cocktails aren't as good as I expected and maybe a little overpriced for what they are.

Such a unique spot & the cocktails were PERFECT! A great find with the right exotic location - LOVED IT!

My husband and I had a horrendous experience. We like to go to so-called secret cocktail places that are oftentimes not easy to locate. However, from all the visit we have done, we rarely encounter any snobby customer service. It is true the professionalism of cocktail should fulfil the great experience, however this place went beyond the rudeness. At this point, i think they are just trying to sell the pretentiousness. Seriously, this is a person-to-person advice to them as well. No one needs to be rude to anyone. Why would you be mean to try to ruin someone's spirit? I ditto to other's feedback on the terrible customer services. Whether or not it is understaffed, seriously no need to be rude. Period.

I decided to give a real review after my return to the experimental cocktail club and seriously, its the worst cocktail joint I've been to in London. One word to describe this place. Overhyped. Book tables 3 weeks in advance and my friend's booking was missing from their door list. They wouldn't let her in without her email confirmation and even when they saw it, they asked her to show it again on her blackberry phone twice when she got inside. The music was so loud, you can barely heard anyone talking if you go with your friends. It wouldn't be a problem if the dj was good at the music selection., but the bad choice of music and doesn't flow with the speak easy theme. Every cocktail tasted bitter, and not in the pleasant way either. I must have sampled about 8 different cocktails off the menu between my friends and I. I have never been so disappointed with a cocktail menu. The bar tenders and waitresses are slow. You're better off ordering from the bar then from the table because even when I sticking my arms up in the air that didn't get their attention either. Not only that, I never seen such slow bartenders. It wouldn't be a problem if the drinks came out amazing but theirs were terrible. The only positive thing I can say is the alcoholic content is decent and will you get you drunk on the first glass. We didn't give a tip and definitely won't be going back. At £13 a glass, you can go somewhere better in London and book yourself at a table at Nightjar.

Definitely don't go unless you have a reservation. I am sure this is a fine establishment once you get in but the below was my experience: My friend was visiting London just for the weekend so based on the stellar reviews on Yelp, I decided to try ECC to show him something cool while being in central london. I emailed the ECC on Wednesday to ask for a reservation for 2 at 10 on Saturday. They said they were no longer taking reservation but if we get there early we should be ok since they leave 50% of spots for drop ins. Sounds good and fair so far. So we get there at 930PM. 2 dudes but reasonably well dressed. The folks at the door tell us, politely, that there is at least a 45 minute wait but no guarantees. Ok fair enough. So we wait across the street. During the process, we see at least 5-6 groups of 2 walk in without even being asked for a reservation. Surely not all of them were already inside and were just returning after a smoke break or whatever. 45 minutes later, we ask them again and no dice...apparently completely full. We give up and walk away still giving them the benefit of the doubt that it's probably full. However, just 5-10 minutes after we had left, a third friend of ours went straight to the ECC thinking we were there. She walked right in, without any questions at the door. She later told us that it wasn't even half full. So we were clearly screened for being dudes. Its not the first time this has happened to 2 guys but what was surprising was why they couldn't just tell in the beginning and not waste our time. Lying politely is more annoying than telling it how it is. Also, as a business, if its busy, I see the point in screening but when half the tables are empty I dont quite get the rationale. But that's their decision. Also, I am pissed about being screened. I have lived in San Francisco where there are tons of awesome speakeasy type cocktail bars and have never been screened like this. And I have been in shorts/tshirts in SF. Definitely not going back and will heavily discourage people from going unless you have a reservation. Apologize for the soapbox but I am tired of the douchebaggery that is such a norm in London once places get popular.

If you are trying to gain admittance to London's newest and bestest secret drinking den, don't wear the woolly hat your mother knitted you for Christmas. That is all.

This would've been a five star review had it not been for the poor customer service at the end of the night. Though a touch difficult to find, once you've located the unmarked door smashed between two other restaurants prepare yourself to be whisked up some stairs to a intimate, well designed bar. With a mirrored ceiling above and comfortable seating below we were ready to enjoy the imaginative cocktails to come. In a word, they were fantastic. A nice mixture of infused spirits/syrups shaken and stirred with great bravado. Delicious concoctions that demanded to be sipped and enjoyed. Unfortunately my praise must end here. My first annoyance began after we had been sitting with empty glasses for 15 minutes or so with no sight of our server, about five minutes too long. Then after placing a second order it nearly took another 15 to get our drinks (with a few minutes between the two). I did notice a backlog of orders at the end of the bar which makes me think they might've been understaffed, but that isn't an excuse for splitting a delivery of two drinks. Then finally it came time to pay, only their credit card scanner was down. (Apparently this was wide spread across the CC network.) We didn't have enough cash to cover, and as we were traveling it would've cost us almost the same to use an ATM. Effectively doubling our bill. At this time a little courtesy from the associates and manager would've gone a long way as we explained our plight and tried to work up a solution together. Instead we were met with belligerence, frustration and rising voices. Things that one hardly associates with good customer service. We finally walked away with an understanding, but any good feelings and enjoyment experienced earlier were long gone. In closing I would rate their decor and crafted cocktails as a 5. Their customer service however needs some work and thus they'd get a 1.

Ascend up the stairs behind a barely marked door in Chinatown to find one of the best cocktail bars in London. It's pricey, but the drinks are among the best I've had and are served by a friendly and simply fantastic bar staff. Try the st germain...its delicious gin based drink combined flavours of elderflower, cucumber juice and chilis...sounds bizarre, but it really works---refreshingly cool yet a bit spicy. The scene at the ECC is both high-end and trendy. Expect a late 20s to mid 30s fashionably dressed crowd. On a Tuesday night it was bumping---crowded but not uncomfortably so. There was live music on the 2nd floor which only added to the decadence of the plush surroundings. You don't need a reservation to get in, but do dress reasonably well, the door man clearly checked out our shoes before we were allowed in. Advice: Get there early or make a reservation so you don't experience any issues.

Why London is always going to be the greatest city in the world is simply because no matter how long a time i spend there and think i know it all there is always something hidden away. The ECC was no exception, being dragged out for a few drinks on a recent visit home my friend led me to this side road in Soho without telling me where we were going. Being a promoter at some big venues I guess he knows about the non tourist joints and this is exactly that. We did not have any problem getting in and I was already by this point anticipating something amazing down the narrow staircase and boy i was not disappointed. A great space, with nice decor and ambiance. A dj playing some chilled out tunes and really really busy. We got a space at the bar since the tables were all booked it seems but that was fine. I ordered my usual old fashioned, which took ten minutes to get served but these guys are all about precision. At 15 quid (28CAD) you could say that it is a hefty price to pay BUT this is the greatest city in the world!

We came rather early and before I knew it, almost three hours had passed and I was far from ready to leave. ECC is two floors of delicious cocktails and friendly staff all tucked away behind a mysterious unmarked door next to what I think was a Chinese restaurant. I dabbled somewhat in the bar menu but mostly stuck to classics and ended up just having the bartender make me something after giving him what were likely ultra vague directions. I suggest coming early to avoid door troubles if you're not enough of an early planner to make reservations. The venue gets lively around midnight and the crowd was fun. We had an amazing conversation with fellow bar patrons about winning a la Charlie Sheen and all the upstairs-downstairs navigation made for amusing antics (as well as a disastrous tumble thanks to my heels). Fair warning, get prepared to wince at your tab the following morning!

Interesting menu, great quality cocktails, cool atmosphere and that added bit of feeling pleased with yourself when you stroll into a place that sits in the middle of Chinatown that you would never have otherwise found I came on a Monday night with a friend at 8pm and got a table about 5 minutes later. We were dressed smart casual and didn't have any issues with not getting in or anything, and I found the staff to have the right amount of attentiveness. I always felt they had an eye on our table to check whether we needed a drink (but not in an overbearing way) and they were very knowledgeable about the menu The drinks were great. The menu had variety and the quality of the drinks when they came were excellent. The St Germain was the best one; definitely try it! Overall, definitely give the place a try - it's a great place for a week night drink and a good/different choice for a date!

Oh, this place started out so well. First time I went there, I was so excited. Finally, a cocktail place in London to rival my beloved PDT in New York - quality, strong and classy cocktails (not falling into the show-over-taste trap epitomised by Purl) in a quiet and cool atmosphere that's open late in central London. Plus the staff genuinely seemed to be excited to work there, and to be making great cocktails for people who enjoyed them. BUT THEN WHAT HAPPENED? The staff decided that the way they would deal with their growing stature and demand was to crawl steadily up their own arses. They got the balance of their publicity wrong, so now the secrecy of this 'hidden speakeasy' is rather given away by the queue of drunken suits outside the door on any given night. The quality of the cocktail making went down as they couldn't cope with the orders. They started a 'you're-not-cool-enough-to-enter door policy' which is actually more of a 'you-don't-look-like-you're-going-to-wave-large-enough-banknotes-to-be-worth-my-time door policy' which results in a bar that's full of people too posh to bother with consonants but without an ounce of style between them. Oh well, hopefully this just means it will fall out of grace sooner rather than later and will be replaced by somewhere that is actually cool.

Alright, so it seems a little silly to do an update for just one star. to be honest, I'm on the verge of adding two stars, but I'm not quite there yet.... So the trick here is to a) become a regular. and b) just go to the bar, and not wait for the pretty (and yes they actually are nice) cocktail waitresses to come to you. they have their hands full and are often a little spacey, but when you finally do order and get your drinks, yum. well balanced and delish. expensive? check. and the snobby door people? its not their fault. they're trained to be that way. don't take it personally.

Cocktails are an art, and this place has a collection of Manets, Picassos, Miros and the occasional Hirst. There is no pretentiousness which exists at other cocktails bars in West London with this kind of caliber - everyone is equal, no door policy, members only BS. Gotta love that (as a New Yorker at heart - Euros might disagree) It's an awesome spot, if only I lived across the street from it as opposed to having to trek into Chinatown.

I was very excited to find this hidden cocktail bar in the heart of London! The door is unmarked and there is a man in a suit stood outside! You would never know it was there without someone telling you! I had read a couple reviews that said the doorman was rude but I was greeted by a very friendly guy. All the staff were really welcoming and helpful. We hadn't made a reservation but I would recommend doing so if you're thinking of going on a weekend evening. I went midweek and it was still busy. There are several floors all with several tables and sofas to enjoy your cocktails on. The cocktails themselves are all very well made. The guys behind the bar certainly know what they're doing. They're a little bit pricey. On average they cost between £12-£13.50 with a couple of "vintage cocktails" costing over the £100 mark! A great little hidden gem in the heart of the city.

Hard to find, but it's worth it. It's a little place, so we sat at the bar. The cocktails are yummy. Let the bartenders get creative. Loved the following: St Germain des Pres (favorite), Aviation, La Medicacion, Ramos. Not a fan of Old Cuban.

I'm not sure I totally get this place. There is huge hype and everyone recommends it. The mystery starts with finding the place-unless you are shown, it is an undistinctive black door next to a Chinese grocery store on the main drag in Chinatown. You can book ahead but we just turned up at around 11pm as it was supposed to be full, and they were not taking any more reservations. We (2 girls, so that might help) were let in immediately, with a £5 cover charge. It was an odd door policy where I saw people being refused entry as we were leaving, even when the place wasn't very full. It is not as if they were obviously only letting in a certain type or just beautiful people, as the crowd was quite mixed. The bar is a narrow building spread over 2/3 floors. It was dark but hardly remarkable. Cocktails were unusual and well made, but I found it hard to find one I loved. Overall, a nice enough place, but disappointed by the hype.

This is one of my favourite places to bring friends when they visit me in London. It makes a perfect place to bring people to after a dinner somewhere else to kick-start an evening out in Soho in style. Although it's located right in the middle of Chinatown in a very touristy part of London the bar doesn't have a touristy feel to it at all. I like the fact that it's quite hidden away (despite being on a relatively busy street) as it always makes me look like a proper local amongst my friends when I show them the place, and that prevents it from getting too overcrowded as the secret is somewhat preserved. In terms of the cocktails, they are very small for the price (around £12), but this is one of the only places in town that I find that acceptable, as all of their drinks are clearly prepared very meticulously to give unique flavours. My favourite is the Stockholm Syndrome (Ketel 1 vodka infused with cumin & dill, Linie aquavit, lemon juice, simple syrup, pink Himalayan salt & Peychauds bitters) as I find that it has a very authentic taste of Sweden, which serves as a pleasant reminder of my Swedish roots. On the downside, I find that although the bartenders are super, super good at what they do, they aren't always the most polite which is a real shame. The locale really lends itself to having a bit of banter between the bartender and guests given the novelty of the drinks and the relatively small size of the bar bench itself, but that rarely happens. Try to show up before 11pm as they charge £5 after that and you'll also struggle to find a table or space to comfortably stand at the bar if you arrive late.

I cannot express how much I adore this place. Nestled behind a nondescript door in Chinatown, you'll enter into a dimly lit, three-level cocktail haven. It's quite easy to pass by, but once you manage to find the door and allowed entrance, you'll be hooked and always find your way back. It definitely has that vintage, speakeasy vibe. The DJ played great sets of old tunes which only added to the chilled out but classy atmosphere of the ECC. Candles on every table, brick walls, plush seating... And cocktails to die for. The bartenders and servers were dressed to play the part and very kind and attentive. I honestly couldn't tell you the name of the first drink I ordered but it was hands down the best cocktail I have ever drank. Mixture of rum, spiced tea, coconut, and... milk? Of course I had to give it a try and boy, am I glad that I did. Well worth the expensive price tag! The second drink I ordered was amazing as well.. Called La Medicacion. It was a tequila based cocktail, and I'm a tequila lover so I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a unique twist on a margarita I would say. Overall, this is one place you must venture into if you're looking for a chilled out night with a few friends, good (and strong!) unique cocktails, great music, and fantastic atmosphere. Go there. Right now. Just do it. You're welcome.

Awesome place. Not snobby, staff was courteous and knowledgeable about their menu and drinks. Dark/intimate inside, but not quiet.

Thanks massively to Dave S for alerting me to this place with a stellar review! Entertaining a very fashionable lady after work for a cocktail, so I knew I had to impress. Also a chance to check out a new place in central London, right in the middle of Chinatown (so central right?!). The great thing about these speakeasies is how you can walk right past them and think nothing more than 'ooh that door needs a paint job'. That's what you think in this case anyway. Make a reservation (although they keep 50% space for unreserved customers and it wasn't full on Monday at 7pm) and approach the bouncer holding the guest list carefully disguised beneath a children's colouring book. We both loved that touch! You get shown through a carpeted corridor up some stairs to a waiting bartender ready to take your coat, show you to a table, pour you complementary water with complementary salad swimming around in it (apparently cucumber in water is posh now :-P) and present you with a vintage looking menu filled with gorgeous- sounding cocktails. You know a cocktail is good when you have no idea what the brand of alcohol is (except for the ones that name the alcohol itself). No Jim Beam whiskey or Smirnoff vodka here, they go much more high class! You pay for it though, one cocktail sets you back £12 ish. But these are cocktails that you can sip over the course of an hour, not the ones you drink like fruit juice and then wonder why you spent £7 on it. I'd love to tell you what we both had, but I can't remember what they were called! Mine tasted slightly sweet and honey-like and came in the most adorable old school brown medicine bottle (this should definitely be an over-the-counter product!). My fashionista friend had an egg white whisked atop a yellow concoction, which was simultaneously a bit sweet with a serious heat kick after. Amazing! Was it expensive? Yes. But as a treat it is totally worth it. Really nice service, plus they had teapot shaped lamps in the toilets, which also came with saloon doors to enter them. Win!

This is a gem in the midst of crazy Soho and cheesy Piccadilly. A "speakeasy" located between two Chinese restaurants, it is a dimly-lit narrow bar with two levels. For a small space, there is a good amount of seating. It's a great spot for a date or to catch up with a friend or two in a cozy relaxed atmosphere. The servers were attentive and helpful in recommending drinks. My friend and I both settled for a French 75 (I had cognac and she had gin). The drinks were excellent and I would be eager to come back to try others. I came in around 2am on a Friday for a nightcap so had no issue getting in, but other reviewers seem to say bookings are recommended for more peak times. I would say at £15 a pop, drinks aren't cheap so be mindful of that when planning your visit. I would say it's good for a nightcap or a post-dinner drink, but be prepared to drop some money if you're planning a drinking night at this place. All in all, I would absolutely recommend.

Cool, exclusive space smack dab in the middle of Chinatown up an unmarked doorway, the Experimental Cocktail Club wants you to feel special, but in my opinion they fall short. I liked the dark, funky interiors with eclectic decorative mixes of Moroccan, Rococco and Disco flair as well as the multi-floor number of group seating areas for friends to meet, mingle and drink. However, it's customer service that makes patrons feel special and although no one behaved like a jerk, my experience with the staff have convinced me that they don't really care if I return or not. I had long standing reservations for a farewell party of 4. One guest was arriving late and possibly not coming, so the three of us were shown what I think is probably the nicest seating area on the top floor. We were asked how long we were going to stay because it was the owner's birthday and they wanted the seating area for him. So right away it showed that they had not reserved a space for US and were simply trying to squeeze in another party before the owner arrived. One of the guests told a friend that she was coming to the ECC with me and her friend dropped by, told the front doorman this and joined us. Later, after she left and it was still the three of us, our original fourth person showed up. The doorman wouldn't let her in, even after I went down to explain what had happened. We would have stayed--the hostess was going to reseat us when the owner arrived--but it would have been rude to turn our friend at the door away so we had to leave. The staff is not given any flexibility to bend house rules based on their own judgment. Drinks were fine, but understandably over-priced to align with their conceited self-perception. I'd only go back if someone else made the reso and paid. It's cool but I'd be cautious,maybe give them a second chance.

Gerard Street is hectic Chinatown, so you'll be pleased to find the ECC's shabby chic black door with the wash of red paint. It certainly isn't obvious, and from the outside certainly doesn't look like London's hottest new hangout. Set over 2 stories of a townhouse, with good beats in the background, the vibe is super laid back Parisian cool. The owners are very French, and very hot. They already run 3 of Paris's best bars, so decided to get on the Euro* and mob up London. The cocktails are exquisite and unusual. If you can't choose yourself, let Vincent choose for you. He made BarChick weak at the knees with an 'Opium Express'. Absinthe based 'Turf War' was excellent too - and as for the vintage cocktails? Very spendy - hundred and fifty quid - but how often do you get to try gin from the 1950s? As it's French, of course there's food. BarChick soaked up the booze with some very decent charcuterie and fromage. With a 3am license, and a 5am license in the pipeline, there's a sweet smell of naughtiness in the room, but done in a wonderfully chic way... Barchick's new favorite hangout, mais qui!

Tucked away from the tourists in the centre of Chinatown is a little door with a doorman who acts all shifty like. Me and my friend had to say 'uhh is this experimental cocktails club?!' To which he opened the door and we timidly made our way up the stairs. The first floor is a very bustling bar with a complimentary cloakroom, and it's also where I spotted a celeb (my friend spotted someone from Made in Chelsea, go us!). We made our way up to the quieter attic room where I chose what tasted like the strongest drink in the house and my friend opted for a mocktail which was DELICIOUS! Mine however knocked my bloody socks off and took me ages to sip down to the bottom of the glass - at least you get lots of alcohol for the sizeable price you pay! Definitely worth a visit if you want to treat yourself to a decadent drink and escape from the tourists.

One thing: Unless you are actively looking for this place, you'll never find it randomly. A random door in the middle of Chinatown leads you into an explosion of liquid taste. I had a rum based drink with fernet blanc which was amazing. Strong mix of flavors, powerful open and close, but not overpowering. Subtly bitter, which makes it great. Pricy, but well worth the visit from time to time if you are a fan of high-end cocktails or just to say "I was there.". As reference, I showed up after a day of touristing with my wife and in-laws at a very decent 6.30 pm. We were casually dressed (jeans, collar shirt, v-neck plain sweater) and no fuss was made. They did let us know there were reservations within the hour but we only planned to stay for 45 minutes. Worked out perfectly.