The Experimental Cocktail Club

The door man is a tosser. Enough said.

This would’ve been a five star review had it not been for the poor customer service at the end of the night.
Though a touch difficult to find, once you’ve located the unmarked door smashed between two other restaurants prepare yourself to be whisked up some stairs to a intimate, well designed bar. With a mirrored ceiling above and comfortable seating below we were ready to enjoy the imaginative cocktails to come.
In a word, they were fantastic. A nice mixture of infused spirits/​syrups shaken and stirred with great bravado. Delicious concoctions that demanded to be sipped and enjoyed.
Unfortunately my praise must end here. My first annoyance began after we had been sitting with empty glasses for 15 minutes or so with no sight of our server, about five minutes too long. Then after placing a second order it nearly took another 15 to get our drinks (with a few minutes between the two).
I did notice a backlog of orders at the end of the bar which makes me think they might’ve been understaffed, but that isn’t an excuse for splitting a delivery of two drinks.
Then finally it came time to pay, only their credit card scanner was down. (Apparently this was wide spread across the CC network.) We didn’t have enough cash to cover, and as we were traveling it would’ve cost us almost the same to use an ATM. Effectively doubling our bill.
At this time a little courtesy from the associates and manager would’ve gone a long way as we explained our plight and tried to work up a solution together. Instead we were met with belligerence, frustration and rising voices. Things that one hardly associates with good customer service. We finally walked away with an understanding, but any good feelings and enjoyment experienced earlier were long gone.
In closing I would rate their décor and crafted cocktails as a 5.
Their customer service however needs some work and thus they’d get a 1.

I was very excited to find this hidden cocktail bar in the heart of London! The door is unmarked and there is a man in a suit stood outside! You would never know it was there without someone telling you!
I had read a couple reviews that said the doorman was rude but I was greeted by a very friendly guy. All the staff were really welcoming and helpful.
We hadn’t made a reservation but I would recommend doing so if you’re thinking of going on a weekend evening. I went midweek and it was still busy.
There are several floors all with several tables and sofas to enjoy your cocktails on.
The cocktails themselves are all very well made. The guys behind the bar certainly know what they’re doing.
They’re a little bit pricey. On average they cost between £12-£13.50 with a couple of «vintage cocktails» costing over the £100 mark!
A great little hidden gem in the heart of the city.

Why London is always going to be the greatest city in the world is simply because no matter how long a time i spend there and think i know it all there is always something hidden away.
The ECC was no exception, being dragged out for a few drinks on a recent visit home my friend led me to this side road in Soho without telling me where we were going.
Being a promoter at some big venues I guess he knows about the non tourist joints and this is exactly that.
We did not have any problem getting in and I was already by this point anticipating something amazing down the narrow staircase and boy i was not disappointed.
A great space, with nice décor and ambiance. A dj playing some chilled out tunes and really really busy. We got a space at the bar since the tables were all booked it seems but that was fine.
I ordered my usual old fashioned, which took ten minutes to get served but these guys are all about precision. At 15 quid (28CAD) you could say that it is a hefty price to pay BUT this is the greatest city in the world!

I’d say it’s one of the best speakeasys you can hit in this god forsaken land we call World. Enjoy it, if you get inside ;)

Hidden away in China Town is this little speakeasy gem of a bar. While finding it might be a bit of challenge (look for the brown door and if there’s no bouncer outside just pull it open yourself) after you go inside you get transported to another era. From the cosy yet alluring décor with its oriental touches and ambience to the unusual menu of cocktails, this bar will win your heart. The price range is around the 12 – 15 pound mark but if you want to treat yourself you should definitely give it a go. Browse through the menu or ask for the bartender’s recommendations; either way you’re guaranteed to get a cocktail that will intrigue your tastebuds and will leave you wanting more.

I’m in a love/​hate relationship with this place. I have been trying to go here for years and every time I’ve tried to get in there is a line and an unfriendly bouncer who never lets us in whether we are 2 people or 10. And you can’t book for 5 people. So that is annoying as well. But I finally one night hit a sweet spot when they weren’t overly full and we got in. And once I was in, I loved it. Beautiful space, great setting, not too crowded, place to sit, and great cocktails. I absolutely will continue to try to get in here on a regular basis and might even stand the nasty bouncer and the wait – it is worth it for a sophisticated cocktail bar with a great vibe.

This place is kind of hard to find (we were told to find the brown door with a man standing in front – there are a few of those on this street) but once inside it’s awesome.
There are two floors with separate bars, space to sit at the bar and at tables, and a great selection of interesting drinks. The service is a little slow even when it’s not busy but that’s just the personality of the place and the drinks are worth the wait. I’d definitely go back!

Tucked away from the tourists in the centre of Chinatown is a little door with a doorman who acts all shifty like. Me and my friend had to say ‘uhh is this experimental cocktails club?!’ To which he opened the door and we timidly made our way up the stairs.
The first floor is a very bustling bar with a complimentary cloakroom, and it’s also where I spotted a celeb (my friend spotted someone from Made in Chelsea, go us!).
We made our way up to the quieter attic room where I chose what tasted like the strongest drink in the house and my friend opted for a mocktail which was DELICIOUS! Mine however knocked my bloody socks off and took me ages to sip down to the bottom of the glass — at least you get lots of alcohol for the sizeable price you pay!
Definitely worth a visit if you want to treat yourself to a decadent drink and escape from the tourists.

Find this place if you can.
But if you do, order a green Chartreuse Swizzle behind the green door.
Have funn

We stopped by following an afternoon of riding Boris bikes and eating some dumplings in Chinatown. I love good speakeasy’s from living in New York, and this one in London was no disappointment.
The bartenders are very friendly and very well educated on many different kinds of spirits. They took their time to explain how each drink was made, and the various nuances behind each ingredient.
The ambience is excellent, three floors of unique décor and subtle class — you wouldn’t even know you are in Chinatown. I also love how they don’t allow flash photography inside. AWESOME place, you should try it for yourself.

It’s fancy, it’s pricey, the bartenders will have great recommendations and will put on a show while they mix you a drink, and you’ll leave knowing that you had a good time, and probably could’ve gone to the pub and had just as much fun and spent less that half as much. But that’s the price we pay for fancy cocktails, so I’m not complaining (at least not that much). It’s open late, and if you get there before 11pm there’s no cover (£5 after that).

I cannot express how much I adore this place. Nestled behind a nondescript door in Chinatown, you’ll enter into a dimly lit, three-​level cocktail haven. It’s quite easy to pass by, but once you manage to find the door and allowed entrance, you’ll be hooked and always find your way back. It definitely has that vintage, speakeasy vibe. The DJ played great sets of old tunes which only added to the chilled out but classy atmosphere of the ECC. Candles on every table, brick walls, plush seating… And cocktails to die for. The bartenders and servers were dressed to play the part and very kind and attentive. I honestly couldn’t tell you the name of the first drink I ordered but it was hands down the best cocktail I have ever drank. Mixture of rum, spiced tea, coconut, and… milk? Of course I had to give it a try and boy, am I glad that I did. Well worth the expensive price tag! The second drink I ordered was amazing as well. Called La Medicacion. It was a tequila based cocktail, and I’m a tequila lover so I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a unique twist on a margarita I would say.
Overall, this is one place you must venture into if you’re looking for a chilled out night with a few friends, good (and strong!) unique cocktails, great music, and fantastic atmosphere. Go there. Right now. Just do it. You’re welcome.

I stood in Chinatown for 20 minutes, staring at my phone screen and alternating between Unilocal,City mapper and Google Maps, and STILL I couldn’t figure out where this place was. Finally, FINALLY it occurred to me to check the photos and try and search for the door instead of the sign. Phew.
The EEC is hidden away in a discreet cranny of Chinatown, sometimes guarded by a bouncer and sometimes not. It may look a bit nondescript from the outside, and the long narrow staircase up to it doesn’t really have a wow factor, but just take a step inside and you’ll soon change your mind.
Teapot lights in the bathroom, moody lighting everywhere else, low stools, a buzz of chatter and some expert cocktail makers doin’ their thang behind the bar.
On that note, don’t expect a flashy 30 second cocktail shaking display and then a brightly-​coloured concoction dropped down in front of you. These cocktails are works of art and take a while to make. So pull up a seat if you’ve managed to grab one and get engrossed in conversation — it’ll make the time pass quicker.
Once the drinks do arrive, you’ll see they’re worth the wait. We had a Your Mate and the blue cheese one, I forget what it’s called, but ohmygod they were amazing. You get a little glass of cucumber water with it and when you combine it with the blue cheese cocktail, it tastes exactly like a sandwich. It’s weird, but so good. The Your Mate was more like a typical cocktail you’d have anywhere. It didn’t really have any strange additions but it came in a beautiful cut-​glass highball and tasted of citrus with a hint of syrupy sweetness. Delightful.
The prices vary from £11 to £15 but they’ve got some special £200 ones on the menu too, so if your plan is to get obliterated, go somewhere else. If you want to appreciate the fine art of experimental drinking, it’s worth a visit.
One thing to note, though, is that you’ll need to make a reservation through email or you won’t get in. Period. Don’t make the mistake of thinking ‘Oh, well they have some seats free for walk-​in customers, I’ll nab one of those’ because chances are, you won’t. Just reserve. It takes seconds. C’mon now.

I guess I went to the Experimental Cocktail Club on a quiet night. I knew I was taking a chance at trying to get in without a reservation, but I thought I’d risk it. I had a friend visiting London and I wanted to impress her.
So, first issue was trying to find the right doorway in Chinatown. And we did it! Then was working out how to get in. We tried knocking — no answer. We tried pushing the door, but it wasn’t budging. All the while my friend is asking «Are you sure this is it?»
Desperate, I try to find some crafty tips on the Unilocal!app. when the door opened as a couple were leaving. We took full advantage and walked straight in!
We were courteously greeted with a big smile, shown to a table and provided with a short cocktail list.
The venue has dim, moody lighting and cool background music.
Loved the decorative touches in the toilets — vintage-​styled tiling and flamingo wallpaper — I LOVED the wallpaper!
Later in the evening we were served by the barman, a very cool, cute, ‘though tired, young French guy. He noticed we were wanting more drinks and called out from the bar asking what we wanted. We had had a few from the list provided, but it no longer appealed to us. From our previous orders he had remembered what tastes we liked and whisked up some cocktails for us — now that’s impressive! …And great service!
A little disappointed by the fact that he made me a Dark & Stormy — not very experimental — and not much different from a Dark & Stormy I’ve had anywhere else. It’s for this reason I’ve deducted 1 star.
He brought the drinks over to us himself and chatted with us. He was out having a cigarette and bid us good night as well left — not the typical aloof and surly attitude ECC is reputed for.
All in all, it was well worth the visit. A very cool venue, with an equally cool crowd. My only peev is the cocktails aren’t as good as I expected and maybe a little overpriced for what they are.

This is a gem in the midst of crazy Soho and cheesy Piccadilly. A «speakeasy» located between two Chinese restaurants, it is a dimly-​lit narrow bar with two levels. For a small space, there is a good amount of seating.
It’s a great spot for a date or to catch up with a friend or two in a cozy relaxed atmosphere.
The servers were attentive and helpful in recommending drinks. My friend and I both settled for a French 75 (I had cognac and she had gin). The drinks were excellent and I would be eager to come back to try others. I came in around 2am on a Friday for a nightcap so had no issue getting in, but other reviewers seem to say bookings are recommended for more peak times.
I would say at £15 a pop, drinks aren’t cheap so be mindful of that when planning your visit. I would say it’s good for a nightcap or a post-​dinner drink, but be prepared to drop some money if you’re planning a drinking night at this place.
All in all, I would absolutely recommend.

Ah, the ECC, heaven to some, bane of existence to others.
Let’s start with the facts: Despite this place being a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar located behind a derelict door in the heart of touristy Soho, it’s always busy. Always. Make a reservation or run into being turned away.
Reservations can be made through email only but they do keep half the spaces open for walk-​ins. Again, it’s a first-​come, first-​serve kind of place and those walk-​in spots go quickly.
Once you’re through the door though, you go up a long flight of steps into a mood-​lit, prohibition style bar with low chairs and the sounds of delicious cocktails being made. Settle in, as these are handcrafted cocktails that take a while to be made. Nothing’s going to be handed to you quickly over the counter so hopefully you like the company you are with.
The menu is long and clearly well thought out. Each drink, even semi-​familiar ones, have their own kick or twist to make it original. It’s not called the Experimental Cocktail Club for nothing.
I tried the St. Germain cocktail that everyone raves about and it was truly amazing. One of the best I’ve had in the city. Frothy, sweet but not too sweet with just a little kick. Yum. I also tried my friend’s Old Cuba which was peppery and sweet at the same time. Liked that one too.
Of course, as with all cocktail clubs like this, you’ll pay for the drink. literally. They’re anywhere from £11 to £14. so maybe not the spot to drink all night long.
Really, though, I don’t think I’ve had a bad cocktail here. As long as you’re on the list (or can sweet talk your way in) and have some time to kill, ECC is a good place to escape the tourists for an hour or two.

Quite a cool place! Was not initially impressed by the amount of time it took for someone to take our order but my first cocktail was excellent. Sadly I slightly failed in my second order because I got something involving egg which on reflection I was never going to enjoy and no one else liked it earlier. Things got worse/​better as I managed to knock it over while commenting on how I don’t think they have quite managed to push the décor from actually just crap to cool. Not good when you don’t care that you’ve lost half a really expensive drink. Having said all that, I think it’s a very fun bar especially pre dinner in Chinatown and I’d just avoid that particular cocktail next time.
Also worth mentioning how nice the door staff were, which was surprising given its all cool and stuff. Not so impressed with our server, but 1 out of 2 is something…

On my second attempt we managed to get in without a booking. And it was so worthwhile, they definitely make it a bit painful to get in and intentionally keep it not too packed but that’s why it works. Being sent away with my tail between my legs the first time around was ok as I knew it would all be worthwhile.
Like Linzi I loved the Renaissance cocktail, how can you go wrong with Sea Salt, Rhubarb and Champagne. I tried a few other cocktails but my love for the Rhubarb potion has clouded my judgement so it seems only fair to review the others again on my next visit, and there will be more, many more…

I always keep this one on my list of places to go when friends are in town — but as reviewers below let on, there is no bending of house rules here.
Make sure you book a table if you’re planning to go and know how many people are coming because once you hit your quota — there is no room for extra guests.
I’ve preferred this in the past as a date night spot — It’s much easier to get in with 2 people, rather than 4 or more and if you are in that awkward getting-​to-​know you phase — there is enough going on around you to provide a topic of conversation with an added layer of intimacy. The drink menu, from what I’ve seen over the last few years, doesn’t really change and over time this has become less of a hip «you can’t find the door on the busiest street in chinatown» to a place where pretty much anyone can figure out and pop by. That being said, the drinks don’t disappoint — and this is the place I first fell for elderflower!
Save it for when you’re impressing those out-​of-​towners coming from another city. Right in the heart of tourist central, it’s still for all intents and purposes, a «local» London upscale watering hole.