London speakeasy Nightjar is set to open its second bar in the West End next month, Nightjar Carnaby. Set to open in Kingly Court, the bar will recreate its east London vibe at the new Soho site, featuring original cocktails, late-night live music, Prohibition-era décor, and a menu full of vintage spirits and cocktails.
“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to bring everything we’ve learnt over the last decade of Nightjar to such an iconic space in what was once the home of live music in London,” said founders Roisin Stimpson and Edmund Weil, who also co-founded London’s award-winning bar Swift. “The city has changed so much in that time, and as we started to emerge from the pandemic, we felt there was an even bigger appetite for what Nightjar has always provided – skilfully created cocktails, live music and hospitality that culminates in an overall experience that can’t be found elsewhere.”
Prohibition-inspired cocktails will include the Toronto, a ‘rich and smoky’ Old Fashioned-style drink made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, orange blossom smoke, coffee and roasted pecan maple syrup, Fernet-Branca, and candyfloss. Other options include a Barrel Aged Zombie, which is made using Foursquare Spiced Rum, Appleton Estate 8 Reserve Rum, Hendrick’s Absinthe, Santa Teresa Claro Rum, Aluna Coconut Cane Rum, Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, Merlet apricot brandy, Maraschino, mamajuana cordial, fresh pineapple juice, and Fever-Tree ginger beer; as well as the Name of the Samurai, Nikka whisky from the Barrel, Genmaicha popcorn tea infusion, fresh squeezed lime, Junmaidaiginjo Samurai Sake, Matsui Umeshu, mirin & rice syrup, galangal liqueur and burnt bamboo shoots.
“The venue, which is steeped in Carnaby musical heritage, will showcase a late-night and live jazz offering to the area, adding a completely new dynamic to the Kingly Court offer,” said Julia Wilkinson, restaurant director at Shaftesbury. “Nightjar also brings a large array of classic cocktails, vintage spirits, and liquors alongside the concept of an exciting new live music destination. With something for everyone, we are delighted to introduce existing and new Carnaby customers to the pioneering Nightjar experience.”
The venue will also offer a selection of small plates, such as smoked mozzarella and jamon serrano toasties and Catalonian romesco with olive crackers.
For more information, head over to Nightjar’s official website.
Earlier this month, bar Swift hit the road and headed for some of the world’s best international cocktail bars for a series of guest bartending nights, for the Swift Takeover Tour.
