London Cocktail Club Goodge Street

‘Loud, extroverted and unashamedly awesome’, that's the London Cocktail Club’s bullish boast. A seemingly unstoppable force that has now conquered the likes of Bethnal Green, Shoreditch, Islington, Oxford Circus and Covent Garden, it was this rock 'n' roll gaff on Goodge Street that really set the ball rolling for the brand's irrepressible owner/serial self-publicist JJ Goodman. Definitely not for shrinking violets, the laddish living-it-large vibe at LCC stays just on the right side of anarchy, and its drinks are a cut above what you'll find at lesser party pits – perfect for a night out with the gang. Whether it’s classy (Corpse Reviver #2), leftfield (Bacon & Egg Martini laced with Jack Daniel’s No.7) or trashy (Willy Wonka, a rum and amaretto sundae billed as ‘cake in a glass’), we like the results. Shots inevitably up the ante, likewise Cheeky Nandos – a smoking whiskey punchbowl.

The London Cocktail Club Goodge Street is little sister to the company’s original Covent Garden bar. Initially founded by childhood friends JJ Goodman and James Hopkins, The London Cocktail Club now boasts several sites as well as a clutch of (somewhat unlikely) celebrity backers. These partnerships were created when the founding pair took to the television in 2009 and worked to impress chef Raymond Blanc and Dragon’s Den businesswoman Sarah Willingham on ‘The Restaurant’ show.

London Cocktail Club on Goodge Street follows the format of its other family members with its appreciation for hedonism. The space itself is found in a basement site and is pointed to with a bright red light at street level. A rather ‘punky’ design sees purple tartan upholstery clashed with chipboard, graffiti covered walls and a chequered black and white tiled bar.

The success of the sites is owed to the founding principles that these spaces should be bars that bartenders themselves would like to drink in, where music is celebrated, and perfect drinks are dished up. The mixologists can usually create your favourite serve if it’s not on the menu, but if you stick to the pre-designed list, you’ll be able to enjoy retro drinks like Porn Star Martinis and Pina Coladas as well as more modern mixes. The Darth Jager combines apricot liqueur with lime and egg white while the Negroni Blanco stirs up gin, bitters and olive juice for a strong, bittersweet and aromatic drink.

Part of the appeal of The London Cocktail Club is the membership options it offers. Being part of the inner sanctum affords you two for £12 cocktails every night. The Goodge Street London Cocktail Club is open Monday to Saturday from 4.30pm until midnight and closed on Sundays. At the weekend the bar can become busy, but you’re able to reserve a space in advance should you wish.