Very disappointed with Nightjar. Had heard really great things, but it fell down on several levels: 1: Service was very inattentive and incredibly slow. Waiting 15 minutes for each cocktail order. 2. They charged a £8 weekend cover charge which was not mentioned when we booked the table. 3: It was incredibly cramped in the section that catered for tables for 2. 4: Most importantly, the cocktails were poor. I had the Toronto which sounded lovely on paper but tasted like a watered down bourbon. The other half had the DIki DIki which was nice for a couple of sips but became sickly sweet after that. Won't be back and would not recommend. read more

Keep in mind I live in Chicago, so I'm used to the cocktail genius of The Aviary. I have to say Nightjar is now my new favorite cocktail bar. I was blown away by the creativity and the flavors of every cocktail I ordered. Just wow! read more

The Nightjar is a speakeasy that requires reservations, and I found the wide selection of drinks really bewildering and I wish I could've tasted more than one cocktail, but finances didn't allow it and the cocktail I got (which was served in a cocoa pod) was so strong that I had to sip at it very very slowly. Nightjar is nice, cocktail-wise, but the seating area is just so goddamn cramped and the table so tiny that I felt uncomfortable and awkward the entire time. read more

Nightjar - a cocktail in a cocoa pod - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

What a fabulous surprise hidden behind the unmarked wooden doors. OK. ..it's marked, but tiny :) It's small, dark and perfect. We were able to sit in p one of the Cove booths on the side which stew great for groups. It's table devolve service which was fantastic. Menu is divided into sections based on eras of cocktails. They even have a group size cocktail section! The live calypso jazz music made the vibe even better. Cocktails arrived and we're a spectacle themselves. Overall, amazing. Go, you won't be disappointed! read more

Nightjar - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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I have been to a number of cocktail bars throughout the capital and this hands down is the best cocktail bar I have ever been to. I usually can find some fault with a place, but this venue is faultless. Apart, that is, from the fact it's not on the same road as where I live! Themed as a speakeasy bar, this is a relaxed cocktail bar with an amazing chilled out decor, wonderful, friendly and efficient staff and well constructed, tasty and beautifully decorated cocktails that are worth every penny! An average cocktail price is about £10 which whilst most would believe is quite expensive, this isn't somewhere where you go to binge drink, it's a refined and decadent establishment where you are presented with cocktails that are works of art. There is a reason why this won Best New Bar UK in 2011! Although I haven't been on one of these nights, they also have live music at this venue. read more

Nightjar is always on the list of 50 best cocktail bars in the world, so it was on my to-do list for a while. It´s actually not so easy to get in, as you need to schedule in advance, sometimes more than a week prior to your reservation to get in. But once you go down their set of stairs and arrive at the bar, oh boy, you´re in for a treat. For now, sit down, cause this is a long review. The decoration itself is amazing, it looks like what I imagine a speakeasy was, back in the day. Add dimly lit lights, a pianist playing jazz and it felt as I went back in time. When I arrived, I asked for a place at the bar. Turns out that they usually don´t allow people at the counter, but the hostess told me that she was gonna try to get me a place there. Meanwhile, I went to my assigned table (they have a no standing policy, so another reason to get a reservation). It was ok though, as I made friends with a local couple that were there also appreciating their cocktails in a table right next to mine. Their menu is amazing, and they have a lot of house cocktails. I asked for a London Mule, with Tanqueray gin, apple & rhubarb, kamm & sons liqueur, lime, honey, galangal beer and stout bitters. Yeah, all that comes in an amazing mini barrel, which actually is not so mini. I loved it. Next up was the Monterrico cocktail, with Zacapa 23 Rum, Bentianna, Gingerbread Syrup, Lime, Pimento Dram and Purple Carrot Juice. They also torched a chocolate bear so that it stays glued to the bottom of the cocktail glass. As you drink, it melts and adds a hint of flavor. Amazing. As the couple that I was chatting were preparing to leave, the waitress tells me that the head bartender, Marian Beke, has let me join him at the counter. Yes! The bar behind him is nothing short of amazing. Sure, their liquor selection is great, but what draws you is their huge collection of house bitters, tinctures, juices and infused liquors. All prepared by their staff. I chatted a bit with him about the house specialties, and I asked him to make me an unusual cocktail. He points at the Deep sea in the menu: Bols Genever, Sweet Vermouth, Old Tom Botanicals, Ocean Bitters, Squid Ink and Seaweed Wrap. Weird, I thought, but sure, bring it. The seaweed is wrapped around the glass, so when you take a sip of the cocktail, you get a bit of well, seaweed taste in your mouth. I loved it, it tasted just a bit like the ocean. Another perk of sitting at the bar is that they serve your cocktails on top of their house cards (with cocktails and ingredients) instead of regular coasters. A small detail, but a pretty cool one. Time for my last cocktail of the night. I ask him to make me a negroni, my favorite cocktail, with a house twist. I see the bartender getting the gin, carpano antica vermouth and aperol? Then he added a couple of dashes from what seemed to be some house bitters and stirred it. Then he poured the cocktail an old fashioned glass and covered with a piece of suede, and garnish it with a dried orange and a cinnamon stick. Beautiful. I had already tried a negroni variation with aperol before and didn't liked much, but this one was pretty good. The house bitters seemed to add some complexity to the cocktail. Tasted very orangey and a bit more sweet than a regular negroni, but very good indeed. This was one of my best experiences in a cocktail bar. The service was top notch. Cocktails were among the best I ever had, and their recipes are so exclusive that it's hard to replicate them elsewhere. Definitely worth a visit. ps. this review is long overdue and it was sitting in my unfinished list of reviews, but since I'm going to a speakeasy cocktail bar today, i figured i should make an effort and finally finish this one :P read more

Nightjar - London Mule - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Delicious and clever cocktails that come in fun glasses. Awesome speakeasy-style atmosphere with super friendly waitstaff who dress the part and great music to match. And the food is quite tasty too. Only complaint is the steep prices, but worth it for an occasion! read more

Recently recognized as the 3rd best bar in the world. Music: Live jazz music. Deco & ambiance: Sets you in a comfortable mood. You actually feel in a Speakeasy in the Roaring Twenties. Cocktails: Oh, the cocktails. These generation of bartenders are taking the profession to another level (THANK YOU!). They are not the traditional bartenders you see a Saturday night at a club serving you Tequila shots. These bartenders are brilliant artists with an ingenious creativity that surprise you with every drink. read more

One of the best cocktail venues in London. The cocktails are knowingly ridiculous, but the vibe is perfect, and preserved carefully by the wait staff, who minimise cackling tourists, and keep people entertained with their choices. read more

Very interesting cocktail venue with live jazz performance for every night. When the live performance is on, it can be quite noisy if you want to have girl chat with ur mates.also, not all the table has good view of the stage and we can't pre book the table location. Drinks: very imaginative presentation of the cocktails, want to try all of them to see how it looks!! Taste: more towards sour or slightly bitter taste even u order a sweeter cocktail. u can surely feel the acholhoc. I am more into the creamy or fruity sweet taste cocktail, so give it a four star. Surely recommend for a chilled night out and enjoy fabulous cocktails and music. read more

It's halfway between a theme park and a cocktail bar...and who doesn't like that? Although, it definitely made me feel a little guilty for not wearing a hat, red lips and smoking a long cigarette... Overall I thought this place was really fun. Perhaps not somewhere you just stumble into for a couple of pints with mates, but the feeling of cocktail reverence is cool to experience. The menu is broken down into eras (Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition etc.) and there are more unusual and unpronounceable ingredients that I would have thought possible, so keep an open mind on what you're willing to ingest. Besides, I feel like the presentation of the cocktails is almost more exciting than what they actually taste like here, but ours were all pretty delicious. We also ordered some food, and (this might be heresy to say) it was a highlight for me. Goddamn it was tasty. Tuna Tartare. Amazing. We were there on a Sunday and there seemed to be a new waiter training who forgot to put in our order for about 30 mins which wasn't ideal, but we were given a class of champagne once they realized the error so in my mind, problem solved. read more

A great twist on a modern speakeasy. My friend tried the whale-skin cocktail as was recommended by the waiter and my original review suggested to give it a miss. As it turns out, that cocktail unsurprisingly turned into a bit of a scandal: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/10/whale-skin-cocktail-raid_n_2271222.html They serve at a sustainable pace and it makes for a pretty civilized evening. They do a great job with all of the classics and have some absolutely stunning creations. There are a lot of details that I'm omitting because they're best enjoyed fresh. For best results, show up suited and booted and loose yourself in the atmosphere. read more

This discreet bar hidden between 2 cafes (one spelt with a K) near Old Street roundabout is the best thing to happen to Shoreditch since the Trilby. Head down the stairs, and you quickly feel like you're in a 1920's speakeasy, all very "New York" and sophisticated, so dress up, and get yourself a Manhattan! The drinks are simply amazing, varied, creative, many unique and the list lengthy - it may take you a while to make your choice. The cocktail menu is presented in the form of playing cards and the table service is great. Plenty to nibble on; fat olives, a board of cheese, spicy meat delights. What really makes this place is the live music; bands play most days (Wednesday - Saturday) for which a small charge between £3-6 is added to your bill, but it's worth every penny. You'll be spoilt for choice with their eclectic mix of gypsy swing, jazz, and American classics. Then the "Vintage" DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays get everybody moving. It's all super chic; you'll feel like you're in a movie. This place is for people watching and fun. read more

One of the best bars in town! cool atmosphere throughout and fantastic alcohol and music combined! only problem, is that it is always full during live music and you have to book a table way way way way in advance... keep the groove up Nightjar! read more

We had a chat to our lovely server, who despite only working at Nightar for a few months had a very good knowledge of the menu and settled on a Barrel Aged Zombie (£12) - Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Santa Teresa Claro, Wray & Nephew Overproof, Kraken Dark Rum, La Clandestine Absinthe, Aprocot Brandy, Maraschino, Mamajuana, Pineapple, Lime, Tamarind Soda and a Pit Cairn Punch (£10) - Cardhu 12 Single Malt, Tanqueray Gin, Durian & Jackfruit, Noilly Ambre, Honey, Berry Jam, Tamarind Soda. The Barrel Aged Zombie is great value given the amount of booze in it and comes with a thick slice of cake on top, soaked in Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum. Now, the only time I've had Wray & Nephew is in Spoons, for a laugh because it's 63% so I wasn't expecting to see it on the menu here. The cake was unbelievably strong on it's own but worked well with the rest of the ingredients in the drink (which really does come in a barrel) and by the time you get half way down the harsh alcohol edge pretty much disappears. The Pit Cairn Punch came in a very cool blue tin mug and was topped a couple of sprigs of rosemary and a smouldering pine cone, partly for effect and partly to infuse a hint of smoke in to the drink. read more

The best cocktail bar I've been to in London, hands down, and I've been to more than my bank balance approves of. Walking into this basement bar genuinely feels like stepping back in time to a 1920s speakeasy, and couple this with the fact that a different live jazz act plays each night and you have a great place to have a delicious, cosy drink. read more

Coolest bar ever! The drinks were awesome and the presentation was fabulous! The atmosphere is very relaxing and classy. This place was honestly my favorite part of London! read more

As a denizen of the NYC speakeasy scene, a 5-star review is a feat in my book. But these guys have got it going. The atmosphere is perfect - great space: large enough to breathe and have a private conversation, but small enough that you know the bartenders and waitresses are taking care of you. Dim but not too dim. Overall: perfect. The drinks are great - strong, as people have mentioned, but delicious. I found my favorite drinks off-menu by taking with the bartender. Watch them - they are performing all night as they mix drinks. Reservations are necessary if you're coming during the rush (8-11) but several parties and I were able to slip in around 11:30 pm after about a 40 minute wait. overall - GO GO GO. If you're a fan of good drinks, and the english pub doubles just aren't cutting it for you - this is a MUST GO. read more

I went with my boyfriend on Wednesday night the 13th. The doorman didn't let us in because we didn't have a reservation. He told us to wait on the side, after waiting for 10 minutes and having a couple of girls let in before us a minute after they arrived while being told that "they were before us" we just walked away. read more

Me and my friend went there during week days, it was Wednesday night. Around 10pm it was packed, door guy asked us to wait around next door, which is like deli/little bite place. There's table and have a bite of pizza it's perfect place to wait. Once your turn, door guy calls your name.. this place is table seating only, which is why it's hard to get in vibe but it's really not. Go there earlier hours it won't be long wait. And we only waited about 15-20 minutes only. Drinks are spectacular, decorating part is huge! And when we got there, jazz musician was playing. It was perfect dating spot! read more

Awesome spot in London! Phenomenal drinks and fantastic service. The entire vibe here is really a can't miss from both a local and tourist standpoint. Make sure to make a reservation! read more

The Nightjar is definitely worth a trip. Tucked away downstairs on City Road by the Old Street roundabout it perhaps puts too much emphasis on the speakeasy theme but the cocktails were good and reasonably priced. Any drink that comes with its own fencing and pine cone is OK in my book. (Bernardo's Blowout maybe) Good place for one for the road and more but getting the apprentice bar guy to practice his ice balls for the hour that we were there was a bit excessive and actually became very annoying. Although it has to be said he did a decent job. Would have been a 4-star other than that. Go here it's good. read more

There is a cover charge, which they add on - even if you don't stay for the music! It was my first experience of the Nightjar last night - wanted to experience the Piaf tribute as part of the Chanteuse theme. The vernue itself is excellent and the initial service by the Australian waitress was attentive and professional. But it was all downhill from there. When the act came on, it was as if she was expected to perform in the middle of a rugby scrum. The noise of the clientele was off the decibel scale and they showed no repect for the artist. If you expect to listen to the performers, then on this visit, the Nightjar is not a venue for serious music lovers. I had booked this venue for a company outing later this month - this won't be happenning. The food choice was over-priced, and very limited. There was no meat on the menue due to 'issues witht the meat slicer'! Need I say more? We ended up having the bill ammended - no way was I going to pay a cover charge for such an experience. The Manger was very polite and apologetic! read more

Wicked evening. Great vibe and awesome cocktails. Book in advance! Totally recommend this place to anyone. read more

They have anamazing menu taking you from pre-prohibition- modern times. Each drink comes with special arrangements from quail eggs sitting atop glasses, honeycomb filled seashells, to gold dust. These folks are serious about providing a unique cocktail experience. And they had an incredibly large menu for drinks that hardly to choose what will you drinks, the drinks are simply amazing, artistic, many unique and the list lengthy it may take you a while to make your choice. Their cocktail menu was presented in the form of playing cards & the table service is good. read more

It took three weeks to get a table and it was an early evening booking, but the cocktails! Oh the cocktails! Words fail me. Excellent service and a good vibe. read more

Its not as good as you expect to be, something is missing with the cocktails as it looks very exotic and unusual but it doesnt taste as good as it looks - but they do an amazing live jazz performance which is great for a saturday night hang out with friends. read more

Nightjar - Lovely live jazz. - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Great live band. As for the drinks, not any good, really. I've had way better cocktails elsewhere. Not to mention the presentation was too overdone. Service was terrible as the doorman was extremely rude to us. One waitress that served us was unfortunate a little rude too. Most definitely will not revisit. read more

Nightjar - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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Definitely not worth the money. I booked two months in advance for my boyfriends 30 years old birthday and they gave us the smallest table ever (we were 4 and we barely could fit) Only "birthday" thing we got was 4 little truffles with a candle (yeah my bad for choosing the place....). In the end, after a £250 bill they accused us of stealing a mug that was at our table all the time. VERY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE read more

I found out about this place on Instagram. I recommended it to my mother on her trip to London, and she had a great time. English glam cocktails! read more

After stalking this spot on IG for half a year, I finally made it. I wasn't aware you had to make a reservation and after not being able to find it as it has a small sign, I was standing in the rain waiting to be seated. It was a Tuesday - Not the best start. The doorman was kind but I wish he could have realized two females who didn't have an umbrella maybe didn't need to wait an additional 15mins to be seated. When we got downstairs there was ample seating . The drinks were tasty but I was expecting a little more pizzazz with the delivery or something. One out of the two waitresses that were helping was really rude. She kept reminding us we had to leave at a certain time and when we did there were still seats!!! It's unfortunate that my experience wasn't mind blowing as I was hoping. I had recommended it to friends before even going but now I will just warn them of the dilemmas I dealt with. read more

Liked this place. Crowded. Trendy. Good music and drinks are way crazy and good. The one with rosemary served burnt in a bento box is my favorite. read more

Fun little Parisian style restaurant/lounge. Great to accommodate big as well as small groups. They have a wide selection of appetizers and I was very surprised they had Blue Moon, my all time favorite beer that I don't often find in London. Great service and was very lively and busy on a Tuesday night. read more

Went here 8:30PM on a Monday night with a couple mates; it was full so we were advised to come back in a couple hours. Came back around 10PM, got a table after a few minutes. Very nice little place. Live jazz band playing so it got quite loud, but the music was good. They had a special on cocktails (three were £7 each); most are £12-£14. Flavourful, and pretty strong too. Huuuuge selection of cocktails, so I'll definitely be coming back to try more (especially the Zombie). read more

I'm torn between raving about the music and drinks at this place and chastising it for being a little more flamboyant than necessary in some of its execution. I've been here a couple of times now. Booking is essential here and they split the tables up into early evening bookings or late evening ones. I've visited once in the early evening and once in the late evening. The decor is part Victorian and part Art Deco, it's very nicely done and everything looks slick in a speakeasy cabaret way. The drinks here are great and the menu extensive without being too overwhelming. The problem I have with the drinks here is their presentation. For all of its 'no walk-ins' and 'we are a secret classy place' talk, the presentation of the cocktails is camp and a little tasteless, betraying Nightjar's overall aesthetic as a fairly upscale, understated 'in the know' kind of establishment. I didn't particularly enjoy getting icing sugar over my clothes because the champagne saucer my drink was served in was covered entirely in a dusting of it and then tied with a pink glittery bow. Together with the great decor and service, it created an incongruous atmosphere in which the extravagant drinks looked slightly out of place. It also doesn't help that the drinks menus include prices for the various drinking vessels and straws the bar employs in its service. Classy that gesture is not. But it's obviously not all bad. In fact, it's mostly very very good. The drinks are great even if I do find fault with their highly stylised presentation and boorish decision to offer their drinking vessels for sale. The late evening music is phenomenal for a bar that doesn't market itself as a music venue. I'm a big fan of late night jazz at Dalston Vortex and Ronnie Scott's so it's great to see that that niche is expanding out into the ever present London speakeasy bar. It's a shame other speakeasies don't take their brand a step further by offering late night blues, jazz or swing. I mean... enjoy the music of an era in a setting reminiscent of that era. It just makes sense! read more

This bar have the best presentation for their drinks! I love it! Not only presentation but the taste of the drink was absolutely great!!!! I wish they open a branch in Los Angeles read more

The best cocktail bar in London. Book early.

Not worth the wait if you value your time. Tried to go 3 times on a Tuesday night. Though the bouncer was nice and took our number down and kept telling us to come back. It never worked out. On third try he told us to join the line (4 hours after our first attempt to try and get a drink there). If you have some self respect, skip nightjar, and get a drink elsewhere. read more

The bar is awesome. If u like 30s it's the place to dream about. One of the best bars i have ever been to.

A very special place to spend the evening with friends. I have been there a couple of time and the music is really awesome. I also enjoyed the drinks and the food. read more