This bar have the best presentation for their drinks! I love it! Not only presentation but the taste of the drink was absolutely great!!!! I wish they open a branch in Los Angeles read more

I adore this bar. A great little venue with an incredible array of cocktails with unusual ingredients. They are well priced for the quality and size and come served in a variety of great vessels. I like that there is the option to buy some of these! Highly recommended, although once you visit you will go back again and again! read more

In a nutshell, Nightjar is trying way, way too hard and can't back up the image. It's a big menu of daring, complicated drinks. We gave it two rounds (of two drinks), because while the first round disappointed, we wanted to be sure that wasn't a fluke. Sadly, it wasn't. None of the drinks was better than mediocre -- too sweet, not enough acid, too gimmicky, etc -- leaving us feeling that the bartenders should have focused on mastering their trade a little more before taking so many risks. Compare it to 69 Colebrooke, where we went the previous night, and where everything was impeccable, leaving us wishing they'd taken MORE risks because we had to believe the risks would have paid off. Add to that that Nightjar is crowded (with, when we were there, a lot of ridiculous bros and couples engaged in really over the top PDA, making us wish PDT's no-PDA rule was in effect), the staff can't keep up with the crowd, fruit flies swarm around you, and the live music is just a little too loud for the kind of intimate vibe you'd expect at a table service kind of place, and the whole bar is just a disappointment. read more

holy amazing drinks, batman! this place reminded me a lot of Milk&Honey, it that it really captured the speakeasy feel. i would have never found it (well, unless i was really looking) unless i was taken there. Chris D took myself and some friends from out of town there and oh wow. We sat in a tucked away little booth for the first round, where the waitress kind of forgot about us. once the drinks did get made and brought over, they were out of this world. amazing garnishes, full flavours, beautiful presentations. the second round, we ventured out into the main room (as it wasnt quite as crowded as when we first got there), where we were given all kinds of yummy fried treats. this round, with us in plane sight, was much faster, and no less stunning. my friend Alice and i kept looking at eachother and saying ''how have we not known about this place before??'' read more

Great Cocktails, Music and friendly bar staff... we sat at the bar which is entertainment in its own right watching the bartenders whip up some fantastic creations.. good place to start the night, but the no standing policy means you probably don't want to stay here forever... read more

I really reveled in the jazz music while here. They had some unique cocktail choices. There was about a 10-minute wait at the front door. I have to say the door man was very pleasant. I am used to them being jerks. He asked how we were and gave us estimations of the waiting time. I am used to them usually being rude and just trying to mean mug everyone. Great place! read more

Great jazz club with cool ambiance and people. Server staff was great and had wonderful drink recommendations. I would recommend Nightjar if you are looking for something different than a pub with a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Also, you MUST make a reservation! read more

Unbelievably elaborate cocktails and surprisingly friendly service. The tapas are decent though not nearly as inspired as the drinks. A lovely spot overall for a respite, though. read more

Great atmosphere with dim lights...interesting drinks with a little dish of popcorn...nice tapas..good music...close to train or (tube)...service was excellent... read more

Last night, I traveled back in time. That's right, I defied the laws of science and manipulated the space-time continuum, and it only set me back around £20. How did I manage this amazing feat? By walking into Nightjar. The bar is located on an unassuming, unmarked street corner near Old Street Roundabout. To enter, you knock on a large wooden door, speak with a somber-looking entryman (or woman, in this case) and give them the name used when making a reservation here (btw, you pretty much always need a reservation). Then, you're escorted down some sketchy-looking stairs in a black corridor, and open another large wooden door. Here's where the time travel happens. On the other side, you find yourself in a dimly-lit, mysterious speakeasy of the 1920s, complete with bartenders wearing suspenders and newsboy caps, curious glass bottles on the various bookshelves lining each wall, and a wooden stage on which a four-piece jazz band was playing their hearts out. The only thing that I was upset about at that point was the fact that I do not own a flapper dress, nor a feather for my hair. And...that no one seemed to be up and dancing to the wonderful music! Surely, that type of behavior would have been unheard of in the Roaring Twenties (anachronism #1). To complete the nigh perfect ambiance of the bar were the libations themselves. The drink menu is split up into three 'phases' - pre-prohibition, prohibition, and post-war style drinks, all hand-crafted and of a pretty good quality (they only use premium liquors, it seems). This means you can get everything from a pisco sour, to a boxcar, to a pina colada, all for a pretty average price of £9-13 a piece. How's that for variety (although it slightly undoes my whole 'time travel' angle, anachronism #2)? Also, the bar is wait-service only, so no chatting up bartenders here (or you could, you just may look a bit awkward being only person standing). As we were in a large group, celebrating a friend's birthday, we had to forego the regular menu and ordered a few large 'sharing drinks' for the table. The ones we chose were the Nightjar 'Ti' punch, which contained gin, rum, chai mix, and lime juice, as well as the Pot and Ketel, which contained Ketel one vodka, hop bitters, lemon zest, dutch flowers, juniper berries, and citrus juices to top it off. Both appeared at our table with a flourish, as they were served in a teapot and a kettle, respectively, with liquid nitrogen included in the vessels to make them look like steaming pots of tea. Additionally, our server handed out little glass teacups with lots of ice in them, along with cucumber and cinnamon garnishes for the punch, and a cinnamon stick and physalis for the vodka drink. Being both a tea snob and a hater of rum and gin, I was wary of the punch when we first poured it out, but was incredibly impressed with what I tasted soon after -- it tasted exactly like (a really boozy and non-milky) chai tea! The Pot and Ketel was only meh, and tasted a bit too much like flowers for my liking. Later on, a member in our party ordered this ridiculously decadent chocolate liqueur cocktail, complete with a chocolate tuille and a full oreo sitting on top. It was some serious drink. There was a turkey-flavored cocktail that he was contemplating in its stead (wtf), but we persuaded him otherwise. In general, Nightjar was phenomenal, and the perfect venue for dressy group affairs (albeit rather quiet ones). I'd love to return, but I think I'd need a big occasion to celebrate in order to go there and have the same special experience that I did this visit. When I do go back for the Ti punch (and I will), call me Marty McFly, 'cause I'm in for another time-traveling adventure! read more

If your looking for a great night out in London then this sinuous place. Old school jazz and blues downstairs in a basement. The drinks are huge the staff are very friendly and the music is amazing. Not sure about the food but the drinks where great. read more

Okay, everyone calm down. This bar is 10 a penny in the States, why do u have to book a table two months in advance? Because u can have a drink without feelin like a sardine and chill. But! The pretentious attitude is unnecessary. Chill out. Nice vibe, especially with Nina playing through the speakers, perfect 4 a date with yr boo. But please London, this place is not special. UK is so backward sometimes, makes me angry! read more

It's a speakeasy type bar that does pretty well. I would say that I enjoyed the presentation and showiness of the drinks more than the drink itself, but it was still a cool experience. I don't know if I would necessarily go back a whole ton, but it would be a good place to take friends who want the speakeasy experience. Pricing wasn't too terrible, but definitely not on the cheap side. Make reservations and expect to be warm once you get inside! read more

When I decided to get on with writing my first review in more than two years, I wanted it to be one of a place I felt strongly about. That implied either a 1 star or a 5 star. But since I am such a positive person, I will start with the good example. I first heard of Nightjar when I saw that it was ranked 3 in a CNN list of best bars in the world last year. Since it was located pretty close to where I lived, I had to try it out. They have two reservation slots every evening. One pre-music (from about 6pm to 8:30pm) and one for the live music later in the evening. A reservation for one of the music slots seem to be difficult to obtain, and has to be arranged months in advance, but the early evening bookings are more easily available. Nightjar is not very easy to find, in spite of it being located in a pretty busy location. Look for the small door with the picture of a bird (a nightjar possibly) on your right when you start walking down from the Old Street roundabout towards Angel. Once your reservation is verified, you will be led down into the bar at the basement. The place has the look and feel of a reading room or a study at a posh mansion. The light is limited, almost certainly by choice. The walls are decorated with several interesting pictures and shelves. The floor area is somewhat limited, and the tables are packed close together. The menu is helpfully divided into multiple sections. One can go chronologically, starting from pre-prohibition, then going on to prohibition, followed by post-war and topping it all off with one of nightjar's signature cocktails. I have never actually stayed long enough to leisurely drink 4 cocktails at a single sitting. But the two or three that I manage to have are all drawn from different sections of the menu. The menu is diverse, with drinks made with a variety of spirits ensures that there is something for everybody's taste. The standard of whiskey cocktails is really high, which is an extra plus in my opinion. Whoever decided the names of the drinks also deserves a mention. I can't help being drawn to drinks like "Mad Hatter's punch" and "a real drink for millionaires". The food menu is limited, but the dishes are tasty. I would recommend the "Patatas Bravas" (sausage and fried potato with gravy) to go with your alcohol. You would need some to soak up all the booze in your stomach. On the whole Nightjar is a delightful place to visit ... One where I look forward to taking visiting friends from now on. read more

Love myself a classy speak easy! Creative cocktails! Very hard to find and even harder to get a reservation. I give it a 4 star as shocking enough my husband drink had a fly floating in it ! Eek ! The waitress noticed it after he was half way through his drink and was very apologetic and replaced it with a new one and also took it off the bill. Fly gate was a bit off putting. Mistakes happen so I forgive them even though it's still gross. I would give this place another try if I could wrangle myself another reservation. read more

Go on Weds and book a table if possible. It's free that evening and you'll get to hear live free music. Wonderfully secret and ambient inside. Does fab cocktails and has a great vibe all round. Will be back again! read more

Nightjar has beautiful and wonderful cocktails. The ambiance is warm and inviting and the stuff was incredibly professional. I recommend a visit for a date or any time you would like to enjoy an innovative cocktail. read more

The menu was overwhelming because it was almost too weird so we asked our very helpful bartender for advice and told him what our preferences are. My sister and I both got two drinks and we both have very different tastes but he nailed all four. The foragers shrub was probably the best drink I've ever had. The music was also very enjoyable and really made it a perfect night. Would highly recommend this to anyone, just don't get too scared by the menu. read more

Look, you're going to come here. It's popular, it's actually quite small given their seating policy and it's booked for days. I used to live in Imperial Hall across the road and have gone a few times over the years, from opening to now. I don't like it. The cocktails look pretty but are fussy, often over-sweet and just don't taste that good. The decor is lovely and the staff usually great but I go to a cocktail bar to drink good drinks. The Zetter Townhouse or Colebrooke Row do much better drinks for a little less ££. One to go to if you want to impress someone and think they'll be impressed by form over substance. Not one to go to if you want good drinks and the ability to drink somewhere without booking far in advance. read more

One of London's best cocktail bars to date: innovative, ever-changing menu, great live jazz and blues, dim-lit and exclusive. It won me over from the first time! read more

Great live jazz on Saturdays and the punch bowls are amazing. This place is a quintessential speakeasy with its inconspicuous entrance and pre and post prohibition cocktails. The service was very good, quick without being overbearing, and the no standing policy makes for a very pleasant atmosphere. read more

Great little speakeasy. A random dark door on the street marks the spot. Book a table well in advance. Very nice decor -- great service, great drinks, mediocre tapas -- but fret not. You're there to drink so drink it up. read more

Nightjar is an incredibly well put together establishment that might merit a higher score from the majority of reviewers based on their experiences. However, in the case of this reviewer's one experience, it didn't measure up to the high expectations set by photos and other reviews for one reason - negligent to non existent service. The night we went could have been a fluke caused by a few staffers calling in sick. It probably was given the number of other positive reviews, but the night we went it took well over 2 hours to get to our third round of drinks. Not because we nursed them or waived away service, but simply due to wait staff inattention or over-business. The table next to us left after their first round since they couldn't get to their second. The live music was good enough to delay getting anxious for a bit longer than it did for our table neighbors. Pity - such well designed concoctions and atmosphere. read more

Coolest cocktail bar in London! Drinks menu is unique and creative. Jazz band is always amazing. Make sure you book. I would suggest the 8:30 slot so you can stay around for the evening! read more

Hands down the greatest bar I've ever been to (and I've worked in a few speakeasies). There were three of us, we had 2 rounds each, and all shared. The Fishhouse Punch, served in an ornately carved, fish shaped drinking vessel, was the evening's winner but ALL were good. Quality spirits, unique ingredients (turkish delight jam anyone?) and the coolest cocktail glasses I've ever seen. Add to that live jazz, a lush ambiance and sexy lighting. I'd remove a star for the service, but I think it had more to do with our server being VERY busy on a Friday night. Still, my favorite cocktail experience. read more

While we appreciated Nightjar's attempt at a "speakeasy" atmosphere and highly crafted cocktails, I felt they missed the mark. First, the atmosphere is really lovely inside and the music fit the vibe. However, the tables are incredibly uncomfortably close to each other and one person has to sit on a small, short stool. Not good. They make a big deal about making a reservation and only having the table for a certain amount of time, which is fine. But the night we were there, it was 60% empty and they still sat us DIRECTLY next to another couple, which was very awkward. They also do not have any kind of dress code. We dressed up to fit the vibe of the bar (she in a dress, and me in a jacket and tie). There were other people in the bar dressed basically in athletic wear. This took away from the experience. We had a total of three cocktails. They all missed the mark. Two of them contained garnishes that were inexplicably complex and over the top. One drink (the Astro aku aku) came in a metal rooster as a vessel. The rooster's beak was coated in chocolate with a raspberry stuck on the chocolate (!?!). My partner's drink basically had a salad on top of it, and no straw was provided. When she tried to take a sip, the garnish fell all over her and was totally awkward to drink. The third was a classic cocktail that Nightjar felt the need to "reinvent." It bordered on disgusting. Their reinventions took away from the drink rather than adding to it. I would have very much more appreciated a classic cocktail made in the classic way, the way it was made in the 1930s. Not one that is coated in curry powder (!?!). For 14 pounds+ per drink, you can do a lot better elsewhere, I imagine. read more

Great cocktails that are well worth the price! They will make anything you ask for but I always like to try something new each time I go. Perfect place for a late night date! read more

Walking in to this bar felt like stepping back in time to a speakeasy during the prohibition. We were there for a swing jazz band called Top Shelf. It totally matched the decor of the bar and the cocktails were so impressive. We ordered one cocktail purely for the fact it was described as being served in a 'copper owl'... And it really was! read more

Nightjar - The copper owl cocktail - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

Really nice bar!! My friend booked this place a few weeks in advance and it turned out to be a great night. It's the perfect place to have delicious cocktails in a nice and relaxed environment. The service is really great. They always topped up the popcorn without prompting and was always ready at the right times to offer drinks. There was never a feeling of waiting which is very common when ordering cocktails. If you're after a nice place for some cocktails and without chaos, this is perfect. read more

Amazing cocktails, lovely atmosphere and excellent service. Couldn't be any better!! Drinks took a little while too come, but not uncomfortably long, we didn't say anything to waiter as we were happy to sit and listen to music and expected the drinks to take a while as they are spectacular. We were offered a free glass of champagne on the house which was unexpected but a really lovely touch. As were the pack of playing cards on leaving!! read more

Nightjar - Airmail cocktail - Lounges Near Me - London, XGL

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THE BEST PLACE FOR DRINKS IN LONDON!!! Nightjar is simply perfection. Magical is really the best way of describing our experience here! Reservations are required. My husband and I got amazing tickets to a show and had to change our reservations and there was not a problem and the girl on the phone was so nice! ( i guess iI am just so used to Californians) We walked by several times and than a women appeared asking for Mr. Meyer and we were like; yes! felt so cool we were ascortted downstairs and were welcomed to the 1920s Waldorf Astoria menu, speakesy and full decor. There drinks are the best ive ever had and i highly reccommend the one that comes in a flask! we purchased the playing cards of the different cocktails which was a great trinket of our time in the UK. Last note: live music wonderful but only two nights a week! so check before going! Nightjar equals while London is so magical!! thanks again for helping us change our reservation and being so nice!! read more

For sure the coolest bar in the East ! Excellent live jazz and great Cocktails . Book a table in advance it gets booked up very quick especially on Saturdays . read more

Such a big fan - beautifully presented cocktails that taste as good as they look, and the live jazz is awesome.

So I could have not had a more appropriate introduction to this place. Last night I was out, and passed a suspicious looking door right outside of city road tube stop with only two distinguishing features: a picture of a bird discretely painted on the door, and a random bouncer standing next to it. I presumed this must be a nightclub that I absolutely must get into, and to my surprise when asked, the doorman called downstairs, made sure there was a table available, played it up a bit and then sent me and my four companions down to our table. For those who don't know, Nightjar is a trendy prohibition-themed cocktail bar, almost all patrons are dressed to fit the aesthetic around them, surreal, and bordering on fancy dress. Gold dusted menus got glitter on my trousers, but no matter, a big punchbowl came, along with some complementary ciders on account that the punchbowl wasn't ready immediately. Nice touch. Great bar staff. Absolutely top notch from what I've seen thus far, and I shall be definitely paying another visit soon. read more

Every cocktail a flawless work of art ! Share a Barrel Aged Zombie with your date whilst you bop along to the live music and a second date is definitely on the cards read more

This is one of the coolest bars I have been to. We missed the live music, so I have even more a reason to come here when I am in town next. I recommend this place to everyone read more

Great cocktails very exclusive .... call ahead and book a table if you want to get in