The Experimental Cocktail Club is something a little different from your usual London bars.
Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of Chinatown (at 13 Gerrard Street to be precise), you could not be blamed for walking past the battered looking door without ever suspecting that a little treasure lay up those stairs. However, once you have located the doorman and gained access, you are transported into a small but chic Parisian style speakeasy, packed with elegant punters sipping on divine cocktails, listening to the tinkle of the jazz piano, or the laid back sounds of the DJ. The decor is fabulous – ornate wallpaper sits next to exposed brickwork. Dimmed lights and candles give off a subtle glow. There is an old piano (not working) built into the bar and the mirrored tables are surrounded by comfy, cosy seating.
There are two floors to choose from. If you get there early, you may be lucky enough to find yourself a seat, but if you want to be sure of a space it’s definitely best to make a reservation. Despite the smoking ban, the atmosphere feels like it should be smoky, and in a way you feel transported back to days gone by – this is definitely no modern, soulless space like so many of the other bars you may find in the area.
As the name would suggest, the ECC prides itself on it’s rather delicious cocktails. They are seriously awesome. There is a menu of unusual and original cocktails but if you ask nicely, they’ll make you up just about anything you ask for. We have become rather fond of the Amaretto Sours, but nothing that I’ve tasted yet has been anything less than wonderful. At £10(ish) a drink, it’s not cheap, but in my opinion, it’s worth it.
The staff are busy (sometimes frantic) but I’ve always found them polite and courteous, even if they’re not always super-speedy. The front doorman greets me with a smile and the Manager and Bar Staff have proven to be lovely – offering suggestions and taking the time to chat when they can.
As you can probably tell, I’m a fan of The Experimental Cocktail Club and seem to always find the time to pop in when I’m in the area. Having introduced various friends to the bar, I’ve since heard that many of them have returned on consequent occasions – which has to be a great sign.
If you love your cocktails and like your bars a little more grown up than the chain venues that pop up all over the city, this one’s definitely for you.
Have you been to the ECC? If so, please let us know your thoughts below!
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JJ - Editor
Londoner. Excessive Tea Drinker. Foodie. Party Goer. Geek. Email jj@thislittleladywenttolondon.com.
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