Nightjar

Accessed through an anonymous wooden door just of the Old Street roundabout, this highly rated speakeasy bar was opened by husband-and-wife team Edmund Weil and Rosie Stimpson back in 2010. Since then, it’s become an enduring hit with the Shoreditch crowd.   

Continuing the ornithological theme, the couple went on to launch Oriole and Swift, although Nightjar was key to establishing their trademark style: a mix of seductive surrounds, cutting-edge drinks and live music harking back to the Jazz Age and the first golden era of cocktails.

No surprise then, to find a long and eclectic list that divides its mixes by historical era, including Prohibition and post-war. Recommendations include the Saratoga, a punchy Martini-style drink that features Woodford Reserve Rye Bourbon, Hennessy VS Cognac and Macchia Vermouth among its ingredients.

Elsewhere, the selection of Nightjar signatures includes the Kyrö – Napue Gin with pine-sap infusion, sweet vermouth, Linie Aquavit, cloudberry jam and grapefruit juice, served in a tree-bark beaker. Take it from us: Nightjar’s left-field ingredients and crazy drinking vessels are a gift for your Instagram account.

An impressive collection of vintage spirits is also on offer (think sloe gin from the 1940s), while tapas-style nibbles include ham croquettes and bourbon BBQ chicken wings. One caveat: Nightjar is strictly table-service only, bookings are taken online, and you will be charged for a no-show.

Slip behind the unassuming door on City Road and step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a moody, low-lit cocktail den that’s long been one of London’s coolest bars. Famed for its speakeasy vibes, live music and masterfully crafted drinks, this is the kind of place where every night feels like a celebration - whether you’re stopping in for a post-dinner drink or hosting your own private soirée.

Nightjar has been at the heart of London’s cocktail scene for over 15 years, helping pioneer the capital’s cocktail renaissance. Here, drinks are more than a quick pour; they’re theatrical, thoughtful, and often a little bit unexpected. The menu is a journey through vintage spirits and modern flair: think house-made infusions, rare bottles from the early 20th century, and signature Nightjar creations that have become industry favourites. Even the glassware feels like part of the experience.

Looking to host something special? The bar is available for private hire for up to 90 guests, making it perfect for birthdays, engagement parties or even brand events with a bit more edge. Their team can curate a bespoke cocktail menu using seasonal ingredients, serve up simple but satisfying canapés, and even arrange live jazz, blues or swing to soundtrack your night.

Even if you’re not hiring the space, Nightjar’s daily menu is a treat. Pair your drink with smoked Marcona almonds or a prosciutto and cheese sandwich (charmingly dubbed a 'Speakeasy Sandwich'), and round it off with a gooey chocolate lava cake. It’s unfussy bar food - but delicious.

Everything at Nightjar feels carefully considered, from the dim, candlelit tables to the vinyl records playing and the vintage spirit selection behind the bar. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply after a night with a bit more glamour, Nightjar Shoreditch is a sultry, stylish spot that delivers atmosphere in spades.