Nightjar Shoreditch

"As far as big-ticket nights go, they don’t come much bigger than Nightjar. It’s a legendary underground ‘speakeasy’ that has an upmarket feel, incredible cocktails, and a swing band that gets the room moving after 9pm. In short, it’s the kind of experience that you imagined when you moved to London from your hometown. While an experience here can be a class act, be warned that you’ll pay for it—along with cover, service, and expensive drinks, the cost of a night here easily mounts up. Be sure to book well ahead." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing

"Last year you left your birthday plans up to your partner and you ended up drinking warm beer at a gig for a band called The Sad Vapes. This year you want to be somewhere grown-up, somewhere a little fancy, somewhere exactly like Nightjar. This Shoreditch basement bar has everything from classic cocktails to a live jazz band. All of this makes it popular so be sure to book way in advance of your birthday if you want one of the bigger tables at the weekend. " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna

"Step back in time to Nightjar. With its vintage interior and warm ambience this bar is home to some of the best speakeasy blues and jazz in the area. With live events on almost every evening, this is the place to come for a night to remember. It’s a must to try the cocktails on the menu – where else would you get a prohibition zombie or a post-war royal hawaiian? We recommend booking as it will get busy. Look out for the Nightjar bird on the easy-to-miss wooden door." - DesignStudio

"Nightjar in Shoreditch is a slick speakeasy serving creative virgin cocktails—think kirsch elixir with cold brew coffee. And in case you still want to get a bit of a buzz on without finding you’re missing a shoe come 8am, there are low-alcohol alternatives too." - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Sinead Cranna

"Jazzy Cocktails with Bite The cocktails at theNightjar are as spectacular as anything you’ll get in London—wittily designed creations like Beyond the Sea, which arrives in a giant seashell with a side of yuzu salt, or the Toronto, which comes with a stick of smoked candyfloss. They’re served in a mirror-and-onyx art deco basement that makes you feel you’ve stumbled into the 1920s at the height of its glamour. And if that wasn’t enough, they also have live music every night, showcasing some of the best acoustic music in London from gipsy swing to Caribbean jazz. There really is no excuse not to go."