Squiffy Picnic review: The Cahoots tagline is 'High spirits, scoundrels and swing', which I would say is accurate. Situated in Kingly Court Carnaby Street, Cahoots is a late night bar that transports guests back to post war 1940s and to an abandoned underground tube station. As well as a late night bar, every Saturday afternoon they also offer an alternative afternoon tea by the name of 'Squiffy Picnic', think more gin cocktails than Earl Gray but tea dresses and victory curls are still very much welcome. After walking past the entrance a few times, we finally spotted the secret underground station entrance and waited to be called in by member off staff with a spiffing old english accent, who never once strayed from character during our chat, from there were taken into the underground and shown to our table. The attention to detail and overall theme of Cahoots is quite simply fantastic; tables set in vintage train carriages, draped bunting, tube maps and mismatched furniture all come together to set the perfect location for a jolly good knees up. Female staff dressed in perfect vintage tea dresses and the men smart in their waistcoats all were additions to help the transportation back in time. I was very impressed. During our visit we were treated to gin based cocktails, with the option to purchase additional, as well as a hamper of classic english picnic goods. I was particularly happy with the vegetarian option; which even came with my veggie 'pork' pie, usually I find with a lot of vegetarian options I feel I am missing out but at the squiffy picnic I think I had an alternative meat-free for everything in the normal hamper! The food itself was delicious and extremely filling, but it is basic and very much something you could make at home, however I do believe the Squiffy Picnic is more aimed at the overall experience and the food is just an addition to that. read more

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Cool bar, great theme, big selection of cocktails (not so much beer), and a very fun atmosphere. Open late on weekends but could be a bit of a wait(might have to book). Would recommend. read more

Cahoots Bar - Menu and door - Bars Near Me - Soho, XGL

Resturant/Bar - Cahoots - London Soho Date of Visit: 19.12.17 Time: 6.30pm Review: I would recommend trying to book and try to get the carriage seat if you can as this is a themed 1940's Underground station and it looks great from the staircase down to the cloak room (themed as ticket hall) and then to the bar. It is always busy with queues for walk-ins but staff from the start are friendly and helpful. Dont expect a large menu for food however as there are only a handful of dishes. There is however a very large Alcoholic drinks menu with special drinks written on a 1940's style newspaper and all created for that era so very clever but they also have a small selection of mock-tails and bar staff are well versed to make anything you wish as they are real mixologists. Location: 13 Kingly Court, Carnaby Street, Soho, W1B 5PW Parking: There is an NCP car park in Soho but this will be a little walk away and this is in Kingley court to the side just opposite the back entrance of Cinnamon Soho. Decor & Lighting: Perfectly themed and done well with dull but adequate lighting. Ambience & Acoustics: Authentic background music. With all staff wearing themed clothing as well so it really adds to the ambience. DB Level: Sorry i forgot to take a reading but i did not have to shout and could hear conversations without too much of an issue. We had the following: Drinks: Large selection on offer with a few mock-tails as well as bar staff being able to mix anything you desire, i had them make their own non-alcoholic drink for me. Food: Fish Finger Sandwiches, Pork and Sage Sausage Rolls. Not large dishes but filling and tasted good. I preferred the sausage rolls which were really meaty and tasted great. Bill / Cost: £30 per head for two plates and 2 drinks Conclusion: A great place for an office party or a get together as its different but well done and not tacky. With such friendly staff and good level of service this really in my opinion is better than going to a bar where the music is too loud and where you are not served without grabbing attention then being charged over the odds...or maybe this is me just getting old...I would however suggest they get a bigger food menu. Rating: 8.0 out of 10.0 read more

Well.....im in love. This bar is just awesome. That really is the only word for it. Went there last night and had one of the best nights out I have had in a very long time. The staff are great, the bar theme is just brilliant and the drinks ooooh the drinks...are well made and very tasty. The thing that sends this place over the op for me is the live music. Set during the Blitz this bar is all things London circa 1946. The staff are dressed up accordingly the bar is full of memorabilia and is just fun! We were lucky enough to get a table near the band. Table service was great. Everything was great! Just cant fault this place at all! read more

Fabulous, just fabulous: the 1940s décor, overall atmosphere, big band and swing tunes playing on the speaker and later, a live band!, the staff in period attire and the constant customer service (I felt like I had been transported to the US with all the attention we got!). The drinks are spelled out in a Cahoots "newspaper". It's pretty pricey for drinks but they have creative combos and names. I'm only dinking a star because as much as I loved the tunes, they were just a wee bit too loud. Thus you are often yelling to your companion to be heard. read more

I randomly saw an article about the place and knew I had to test it! Amazing. After you find it. We booked a table and eveything went smoothly. Very nice guy at the front door greeting us and fast service downstairs. And the atmosphere was absolutely awesome! The music, the lights.. Oh. Amazing. Only a tourist in town, so I don't get that many opportunities to go again, but surely hope to go there again some day! read more

Super cute speakeasy that has surprisingly good cocktails. You'll feel whisked away in time, my only complaint is the wait time to get in every now and again. Just make a res and you won't have to worry. read more

Cahoots has been one of my favorite places I've visited so far in my three months working in London. We made a reservation to go on Saturday night (a must). Our table was ready for us when we got there by the DJ. Everyone in my party thought the music was great and so were the drinks. Everything was very well thought out and highly unusual. The drinks were expensive at £10 each but completely and totally worth it. Think kaffir lime leaves, egg whites, fennel infused vodka, etc. Once our drinks were very delayed and the server even sent over a shot of whiskey for us ... great service, too. An awesome time was had at Cahoots. Enthusiastically recommended. read more

While I honestly can't say for certain without skimming back upon 600+ reviews, this may be the very first time, dear reader, that I've reviewed an establishment that I didn't visit strictly for the contents of their food menu. No matter - my visit to Cahoots Bar was without question one of my finest visits to more or less anywhere, and can very easily be categorized as one of my favorite bars in the world. You need to visit Cahoots. period. Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? Honestly if I weren't so set in my ways I'd simply write a novel of sorts with regard to the atmosphere at Cahoots, dish out five stars for the service and atmosphere alone, and be done with it, because this is one of the greatest concepts I've ever seen. You walk up to an unmarked door in an alleyway in Soho and you're greeted by a plainly dressed man. "What are you looking for?" he asks you. "Cahoots!", I emphatically exclaim. "Cahoots? Never heard of it". Ah, British humor I see - I've trained for this. A cheeky grin. "Looking for a drink?" he asks. "Only if it's the good stuff" I fire back. "Think you can help me out?" "Might well be able to do", he says, and the game continues for a brief bit longer before my buddy and I are allowed to pass. What's this? Another window. A train ticket window. "Two?" the man behind the counter asks. "Two", we both say. We're given two small tickets. This is fun. This is exciting. This is different. We pass through another door. Another man! "Tickets?" he asks. We each show him our tickets, he thanks us, and we pass through the final archway, now several meters below ground. What my friend and I stepped into was absolutely phenomenal. I'm not going to spoil it entirely to ensure anyone reading this visits themselves, but the atmosphere at Cahoots resembles a post-WWII London speakeasy in a former train station, and it's absolutely marvelous. Single Star Granted, although I'd gladly give all five here. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? To be very honest with you I don't remember how much my beers cost or how much my party's meat and olive plate costs, but it simply doesn't matter. I would have paid double what I ended up paying at Cahoots just for the atmosphere alone, and while it's important to note that the place fills up quickly and is booked far in advance, the value here just in the experience alone is tremendous. Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? My beers were good, although next time I'll be getting cocktails as the bar staff appeared to be highly trained and professional to the degree where I felt odd just having them hand me a bottle of lager. The olive and meat plate? Also good, and significant in size. What more could you possibly want? Let's be honest, I'd give both stars here even if the food was rubbish. Dual Stars Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? Cahoots is one of the finest experiences I've had at a bar - plain and simple. Come here. Star Granted. read more

My friends and I were so lucky to get in ! It's only with reservations (you'd better book one or two weeks in advance), but thanks to our resilience and luck, we were able to get in around 11pm on the second night of the opening. Even before getting into the bar, you already feel the atmosphere. It's like a time travel (only better, because of the cocktails) : the place, the lamps, posters and even the staff seem to come from an other decade. But the best part (obviously) is the bar and the bartenders ! There is an incredible choice of cocktails, with funny names and flavours you've never seen before. I had one with chocolate in it : so weird but delicious ! The music is really nice too, with old tunes remixed for our modern ears. A place to see and try !! read more

What an intriguing little find! Super-cool, secretive spot with sexy waitresses in retro gear, and a sense of going back in time. I had an incredibly tasty and filling roast-potato sandwich served with gravy (that's a British goop I wouldn't normally eat, but weirdly it was perfect with the toastie!) The noise level was pretty high and I don't think it's the most romantic date spot, but definitely a place to check out. I'd say ask for directions too - if, like me, you tend to get lost in your own house ;) read more

4 store for the ambiance and decor, other than that, I wasn't too extremely impressed. Drinks were just ok. We did get the roasted almonds which were delicious. Our waitress seemed confused whenever she would decide to come check on us. read more

Cahoots Bar - Bars Near Me - Soho, XGL

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This place is a time machine. From the minute you walk through the door and mutter your code word, gone is the touristy, modern, overwhelmingly busy central London as you're immersed into a cosy, buzzing 40s atmosphere. The attention to detail with the decor is fantastic and the tube theme really works because everything looks authentic - including the music and staff. Cocktails were typical London prices - between £9-11 - and considering the place and just how adventurously unique the ingredients were - think peas, peeled potato skin, stock cubes etc. - I thought they were fairly priced. The staff knew their stuff with the cocktails and were able to make suggestions according to your taste - there's a LOT to choose from. And the cocktails were great! From the music to the all-round friendly service to the cocktails to the atmosphere, this bar would be a hit in any era. read more

Very expensive but glad we went for a drink! The decor is fantastic, making you feel you're in post-WWII London. It would be great for a date read more

I had a lot of fun here. Theme bars are always crazy and this is a particularly fun one. I loved the decor and the music. The cocktails were brilliant. We booked for a Sunday because my bestie from Canada was visiting and it was the only weekend night available, but the fact that it was Sunday certainly didn't dampen the mood. It was full but not overwhelmingly so, and there was live music which really set the mood. Cocktails are about £10 a piece which are obviously on the pricy side but they're so inventive and interesting that I had no problems paying that for a special night out at such a cool establishment! Unfortunately, we were forgotten for a while after we ordered our first round which meant we only got 2 cocktails each in our 2 hour time slot. The manager graciously gave us our first cocktails on the house for the wait (we didn't even mention it, he just did it of his own goodwill!), so it ended up being a MUCH cheaper night than expected, but I would not have said no to paying for more drinks! I will definitely be back. :D read more

Amazing experience! I had high expectations and they were met plus more. Drinks were delicious, theme was delivered throughout entire experience. Music was great, low lighting and bartenders/waitresses dressed the part. read more

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This bar opened last week and I went on its second night. The decor is absolutely beautiful and so authentic to the tube - with station signs, advertisements from the 1940s and beautiful lighting and decorations. The railway carriage was particularly amazing. The menu was one of the most beautiful I've seen - embedding the drinks in war propaganda and old newspapers. The drinks themselves were delicious and came in quirky glasses such as milkbottles. I had reserved a table and unfortunately the service was very slow. This was due to the new till system I believe but it meant we had to re-ask several times for our drinks and they took nearly an hour to arrive. However, the management were very understanding gave us our drinks on the house, which more than made up for the service. Some of the staff were in character and others weren't, which was a bit confusing. read more

I must say, I have been recommending this place to people visiting London (so is there a better review than that, really?) as it's such a unique experience. It is ridiculously cool inside - and the staff are really attentive and nice. I do find a lot of things stressful about 'secret' bars and arriving is quite tricky, as you kind of feel like you have to say a secret word. I don't think you do, as you book in advance - but I still find stuff like that more stressful than fun (though am still a sucker for it!) The cocktails are all in really fun, served in different glasses (the temptation to steal is overwhelming) and we shared a milk bottle, and poured it into tea pots. I'd love to order the big sharing clock but it's far too pricy! I was a bit cross as our table was very small when we arrived, it would have been a real squeeze for four so they moved us to another one but then booted us out at 7pm, an hour before our original reservation was meant to end. Considering our bill came to well over £100 this irritated me. I'd recommend to everyone to only come maybe for one drink, or two, and not expect to set up shop here. There was a huge queue out the door when we left, so I appreciate we were lucky to have our table... But then when you're paying a lot of money for drinks, I don't think you should ever feel 'lucky' to be somewhere. read more

I love, love this place! Every member of staff is in character, the drinks are gorgeous and the bar itself couldn't be more fun yet beautiful. Newspaper menus, 1940's atmosphere what more do you need for a cool and unique evening! I can't wait to go back, a real gem in London!!! read more

Cahoots is great fun. Superb attention to detail in the theming, and super attentive staff. Really good atmosphere and the drinks were amazing, although you definitely pay for the experience at around £12 a drink. That being said, we were on a slightly cramped table so it might be a better venue for couples and small groups rather than big group gatherings. read more

It's a cute concept, but very 'commercial'. I suspect it draws a lot of tourists. In any case, came here for a pre-dinner drinks. I had the 'Ploughing the Fields', and it was decent. All the staff were just wonderful, from the doorman to the bartenders. read more

I loved this place. Fun from the get go with the cool entrance and password malarkey. I felt a little self conscious with the vintage language but got into it soon enough. It's a truly fantastic vibe downstairs and fully into theme with a fantastic set up and decor. The cocktails are amazing and I loved the unusual combinations and that they were all themed.. The food really isn't all that tho. The sandwiches were really basic and dull. I would have expected more filling in them but hey ho as an experience this place ROCKED! read more

I have to try and toe a line here because on the one hand you need to go to Cahoots IMMEDIATELY but at the same time, I really don't want to give much away because that's half the fun From the doorman, the staff and the atmosphere is fantastic. They make everything so much fun and they make you feel at home. As for drinks, this place is home of what I'm pretty sure is the world's longest cocktail list so you will definitely find something you enjoy. There's a good mix of simple and classic cocktails as well as more crazy, eclectic cocktails for those adventurous few. Fantastic drinks, great service and I could not recommend this any more highly. The only downside is that I didn't get to stay there forever read more

Oh my goodness! What a truly 'spiffing' evening! I saw two Yelp Elites post about this, and couldn't book a table fast enough! Genuinely had such a fab evening, I have already decided I want to go back for my birthday! Kingly Court is easy to miss if you don't know it's there, and Cahoots more discreet still. Greeted by a chipper ol' fellow on the door, were let in to see the captain. As we descended the stairs, I genuinely felt as if we were travelling back in time, they really didn't miss a detail. Authentic style signs, staff dressed as if they'd walked out of a 1940s photograph, and such a great buzz. We were shown to our table, and given our 'newspapers' to mull over, along with a ration card for the peckish among us, and a can of tinned peas (popcorn). Within the newspapers, carefully disguised as war-time adverts and articles you will find the extensive drinks list. With such a choice and every one making our mouths salivate, we ended up asking the waitress for her recommendation of cocktail, containing our favourite liqueur. Some might say this is risky, but really in somewhere which has really pulled out all the stops (ahem) you expect the staff to know what they are talking about, and for the drinks to really be top class. We weren't disappointed. The drinks were delicious, I really should have made a mental note of the names to help future Yelpers with the tough decisions, but I can only remember the gin-based vera lynn which came in a statue of liberty glass - too cool! I just love the decor, so realistic and attention to detail, the staff were grate and made you feel welcome, and I adored the music in the background, gave the place such a great vibe! Plus it was packed on a Tuesday night, I love a busy atmosphere and it certainly had that. I was sad when the time came 'to get off the train', but the only thing allowing me to leave was the prospect that I shall be back with a group of scoundrels again soon! read more

Loved it! The entrance was hard to find, but eventually found it inside the court. The drinks were wonderful and slightly strong and even though we had to move seats to accomodate another larger party they gave us delicious free drinks as recompense for the trouble. I highly recommend this place but def have a reservation before coming!! read more

One thing to note about Cahoots is that, from the moment you approach the entrance, you have to play along! Being a themed bar means that the staff keep to character and approaching the door asking to come in 'for a drink' just isn't going to cut it. You're about to catch a train back to the 1940's, old chum! Getting into the spirit upstairs (then spirits downstairs) is all part of the fun. I don't want to give away any surprises, it's something you have to experience for yourself to really do Cahoots justice. All I'm going to say is you may find yourself sipping drinks with Catherine Hepburn and Vera Lynn. Tally ho! read more

A fun, hidden gem in Carnaby street, based on 1940's train station, happy staff stay in character, serving delightful food and welcomed drinks! Able to get in on spec cheered me up as I hadn't been able to make a booking! Over 21's only though! read more

Loved it! Make sure you ask for a "train ticket" at the entrance, and not a seat at the bar (this is a train station after all). While definitely themed and maybe a bit touristy, we had a great time here! We showed up at 3pm on a Saturday to ensure we got a seat. A couple amazing cocktails later (from the extensive and fun list) and we are big fans! There was a line by the time we left an hour or so later, so make sure you make a reservation if you know you're not going to have time to wait. read more

The drink was good and with good environment. But the place may need more decorations if they really wish to do it properly... read more

We booked a table in here for my Dad's 50th as I had heard good things and thought he would appreciate the theme. I don't want to give anything away as it's a lovely surprise but I'd say that this isn't just your average "theme bar" But an actual experience which will make the time you probably had to wait to get a reservation worth it! The attention to detail is wonderful and our cocktails were delicious. his is not a place to come if you're in a hurry as the time it can take to get a cocktail can be quite slow. The staff themselves are lovely though so make sure you allow the full allocated time to take it all in! In the evening they have a live band and dancing so it's worth booking in advance to get a table from 8pm. read more

As far as bars go, this is great. It is a bit pretentious, but you will forgive them because the attention to detail is really impressive, everything, from the decor, to the waitresses attires, to the menus is a perfect, a movie set. Cocktails are really good, but come here for the full experience. read more

Very nice place which takes you to the probation era. The staff was very helpful and prompt. Even recommended cocktails which we really liked. Overall great place for having cocktails and relaxing with friends. Would highly recommend. Reservation recommended. read more

Fantasico! Le costumes are adorable, their hair styled and their hips sway to the classy '40s music of swing and jump blues! Their drinks are in your face, out of this world, novel, and totally Britain! If you had trouble finding it, it makes it all the more worth. Anticipation, like anything is the chase. Finding this underground prohibition rebel takes wit and a mum tongue. This new joint even has power outrages to really drive hone the feel of a rogue encampment. Complimentary water and popcorn is served with all your mixed drinks desires. We had as a pair of couples: Give peas a chance; quite remarkable actually, Verra Lynn; sweet but full of flavour, Pickledilly Circus; dry and powerful for a real bond man. And plenty more. All of their drinks are hand crafted and genius. There is something for everyone. read more

Cahoots Bar - The bar and workers. - Bars Near Me - Soho, XGL

First time in London. I suggested it to friends that live here. We met up for drinks and snacks. Very cool and fun place to visit. Their drink menu is very diverse. Enjoy! read more

Very cool speakeasy with vintage and retro feel! Drinks were scrumptious and I'm glad my friend and I had stumbled upon it. We gotta give it up for the awesome bouncer he was entertaining and kind. Thanks sir :) read more

Great bar that I'd definitely recommend to anyone! If as a true Londoner you've already been to a few concept bars (like Evan and Peels in Earls Court) this isn't a new thing, but I love it every time. With that being said, the staff are really enthusiastic and in character. Downsides are the LONG waiting que to get a table (1.5 month for me), the cocktail prices and the table we were sat at was so close to the piano that we could barely talk. Although on a positive note: the piano player was amazing and the cocktails very experimental and delicious! read more

I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of entry fee to Cahoots as it is truly a London treasure! I took a friend there that was visiting the city and needless to say that it definitely impressed. It wasn't any pricier than a normal cocktail bar in London but what made the experience different is the attention to detail in the decor and the competence of the staff. Plus, it genuinely felt like we had stepped into a time machine. Will definitely be going back! We called two hours prior to make a reservation, not too sure about walk-ins so do check beforehand. read more

Cahoots Bar - Bars Near Me - Soho, XGL

Cahoots was an incredibly cool experience which we happened to discover through Yelp! With it's secret entrance and speakeasy feel, we were transported back to decades ago where all the servers never broke out of character in a post-WWII era. While the drinks erred on the pricier side, as you are paying for an authentic experience, our server was incredibly patient and took the time to learn what each one of us liked in order to recommend the most appropriate drinks for us. Reservations are for 90 min slots, giving you more than enough time to try at least 2 unique cocktails. Our server even convinced us to do a round of shots before our time was up. All in all, I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to have a fun time and take in a unique experience in London! read more

INCREDIBLE atmosphere and attention to detail - staff in '40s gear, each of them with their own personal back story, tube signs, an actual tube carriage, delicious cocktails with so much thought and love and care having gone into the making of them. Cahoots is taking London by storm! Get the Vera Lynn or the lapsang tea infused gin cocktail! read more

I work near Carnaby street, so very familiar with this area and place. So many raving reviews here.... I just don't get it?? Been there 4 times, It's a nice retro London underground themed bar, that is just too small. Your paying for the decor....that's all! The drinks selection is vast but miniscule in quantity. Yes, cocktail at £9 each is average for the area, however, not all drinks are equal..I would suggest 'Pear today, gone tomorrow'. Bookings are essential on WE, some of the seating have such uncomfortable chairs...really ruins the atmosphere and I see that all the time, people asking to be moved around. Nice looking place, staff seem to overact with this whole theme but I'm just not in a rush to go back there again. read more