I met a friend up West the
other week and as we ventured off Regent Street into the buzzing
vibe of Kingly Court, we headed through a discreet doorway where we descended a staircase deep
underground into a tube station. As we entered the Ticket Office, we suddenly found ourselves in 1940's post-war Britain. We had arrived at Cahoots.
And the beginning of a rather splendid evening...
Cahoots is an elegant cocktail bar with a hint of speakeasy about it. Located in what was a genuine air raid shelter beneath the heart of London's West End, the space is now a 'disused' underground station complete with a tube carriage where you can sit and sip cocktails amongst the very authentic sand bags, posters and war-time decor. Despite being a 'theme' bar, this is a class act from the off. The attention to detail is magnificent, as are the extensive array of cocktails (and other beverages), all printed in the local Cahoots rag - 'The Kingly Court Herald'. Whether it's a refreshing 'Vera Lynn', a classic 'Gracie Fields', a peculiar 'Boiled Beef & Carrots' or a creative 'White Cloves of Dover' which tickles your cocktail tastebuds, with prices starting at a reasonable £8 a pop, there's no reason not to try a few!
If it's food you're after,
then let's not forget you are now in Post-War Britain, so it's only fair to
expect nothing more than rations. But when your ration tin comes filled with
such creations as 'Crisp and Salad Cream' and 'Spam and Cheese' sandwiches,
or 'Marmalade Crumpets', it's hard not to smile with childish delight.
The service at Cahoots
was exceptional. Despite it being fully booked and busy pretty much all the
time, everyone from the 'Station Guard' and 'Ticket Man' to the 'Train Staff' were
courteous, friendly and accommodating. We had a particularly lovely table
waitress who not only looked the part with her pinned-up hair, red lips and
1940's flair, but even her name, Phaedra, was fitting. As for the music, there's
a whole lot of swing, jazz, lindy hop and late night electro-swing going on. Cahoots
is a den of high spirits, snappy dressers, naughty scoundrels and elegant
damsels. Whether you're enjoying jolly japes with friends in a tube carriage,
or re-enacting 'Brief Encounter' in a cosy snug with your sweetheart,
you'll find yourself oblivious to the world and era going on above
ground.
I totally loved Cahoots
and it was so refreshing to find a unique place in the heart of W1 rather than
having to venture to deepest Shoreditch for the quirk-factor. Although I bet
the very convincing underground signs confuse the tourists no end. Which is
probably part of the fun! It's a brilliant place. I loved it. Just go! Oh, and
remember. It don't mean a thing, if you ain't got that... table booked in
advance. Ha!
Cahoots
13 Kingly Court (somewhere beneath)
London W1B 5PG
020 7352 6200
@CahootsLondon
Open 7 days a week from 5pm till late
Book in advance! (Strictly over 21's only)
