Cocktails at Cahoots

I love a good themed bar, and had been dying to go and check out Cahoots, an old WWII air raid bunker turned 40s style cocktail bar. I think everyone else in London loves it too, asyou have to book a couple of weeks in advance to get in. But finally I managed to secure a table.

The whole experience is all very secretive, starting from trying to find the actual entrance to the bar. It’s hidden within Kingly Court in an alley behind the Sweaty Betty shop. You can spot it by trying to locate the ‘To the Trains’ sign.

When you walk through the door, there is a conductor type standing by the door, asking punters what they want. The magic word is: I’m here to see the captain. Although don’t worry if you forget as it is blatantly written on the door as well. The conductor type calls downstairs and then you’re in. You have to make your way down the steps, that look very tubey, complete with the green and burgundy tiles and TFL signs we all know so well.

After ditching your coat at the coat check, a lovely dolled up hostess guided me into the cheery 40s style bunker turned bar and on to my table. I was slightly early, so I had some time to take a good look around. Since there were only two of us, we were sat at a smaller table in a corner by the bar, but for bigger groups there are tube style banquettes with table in a separated area. Sitting there feels like you’re on an actual tube train from the 40s.

On the other side you’ll find seats that look like they were ripped out of out of use trains as well. The staff looks the part as well; Girls wear flowery dresses and blood red lipstick, the boys are dressed in waist high, pleated trousers held up with suspenders.

The drinks have a 40s slant to it as well. Cocktails come in dainty teapots, union Jack flasks or fighter pilot mini-busts. There isn’t much food, perhaps purposely done so to add to the atmosphere. It’s worth taking a tour to the loo as well, as there are some interesting educational posters in there warning women for men with syphilis. All very authentic.

Table reservations are only for a two hour time slot, which is a bit of a shame. But I guess that is the price to pay for going to something London loves.