Evans & Peel

I do like a speakeasy, but with so many popping up left, right and centre, I was starting to wonder if the speakeasy appeal may perhaps be starting to wane a little. That was until I went to the terrific Evans & Peel recently which instantly dissolved any possible appeal-waning! Firstly, Evans & Peel is located in Earls Court, which makes a refreshing change from most speakeasys which tend to congregate East side. Secondly, looks can be deceiving, as it's much more spacious than most and has a no-standing policy which makes it a very civilised establishment to while away an evening without feeling rammed. And thirdly, I've got a bit of a thing for detectives. Poirot, Columbo, Morse, Holmes and Clouseau. I love 'em all! What have detectives got to do with it I hear you ask? Well, Evans & Peel is in fact a detective agency. Or is it...

Like most detective agencies, you'll need to make an appointment. Once you find the agency door with its Poirot-esque font, you'll need to ring the bell and wait for Detective Peel to buzz you in. Enter quickly and quietly and ensure a subtle left and right glance to make sure no one on street level suspects a thing. Discretion is key! Once inside, you'll notice that you have slipped back in time to a land of gramophones; old-fashioned typewriters; vintage luggage and dusty bookshelves, as a very dashing Detective Peel greets you in his office. You are now ready for your appointment.

Having exchanged all the necessary welcome pleasantries and discussed your case with Detective Peel, as if by magic, he will transfer you into a dimly-lit bar, full of candlelit tables. Handsome, attentive bartenders escort you to one of these tables where once you've adjusted your eyesight, you can peruse the menu and settle in for an evening of imaginative cocktails and interesting snacks. I tried an 'A&T' cocktail (which doesn't stand for Arse & Tit) which was concocted by one of the barmen and was hugely refreshing. It was then time for wine. My friend prefers white, whilst I was in more of a red mood, so a carafe of each, wrapped in a brown paper bag, was the perfect solution. A cut-glass decanter of cucumber-infused water was a welcome touch, as was the giant warm pretzel with salsa.

There is a resident smoker at Evans & Peel known as 'The Flapper'. I'm not talking about an old moustachioed man in a pinstripe suit chugging on a fat cigar. I mean a food smoker, so many of the dishes on offer include tasty smoked delicacies. It took a lot of willpower to avoid ordering the inevitably delicious mac cheese, so we opted for a couple of sliders (mini burgers) made with delicious fillings such as pulled pork, salmon and chorizo. Even though it's not a full on restaurant, if you're drinking, then eating is a requirement at Evans & Peel, even if you just have a couple of snacks. And it's oh so worth it. Also, as mentioned, Evans & Peel like their clients to be seated for their consultation and quite right too

 

We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening at Evans & Peel and I have an inkling that I'll be making many more appointments there in the future. As far as detective agencies go, this has surely got to be the best in London.  Thanks to Detective Peel, the elusive Detective Evans, and all the Agents for a splendid evening.

Evans & Peel

310c Earls Court Road

London SW5

020 7373 3573

To make an appointment, email: detective@evansandpeel.com

Open 5pm - 12am Tue - Thur (12.30am Fri & Sat)

Closed Sun & Mon