Cocktails and Chaos at Cahoots: London’s Underground Time Machine #

The Bar That Time Forgot (On Purpose) #

London is full of surprises, but Cahoots takes the cake—or rather, the rationed biscuits. Tucked away in a dimly lit Soho alley, this underground speakeasy is more than just a bar; it’s a full-fledged 1940s time warp. Step inside, and you’re no longer in modern London—you’re in a repurposed Tube station, complete with vintage train carriage seating, sandbags, and a cocktail menu that reads like a telegram from the past.

I arrived on a drizzly Thursday night, ducking past an unassuming entrance and descending into what felt like Churchill’s secret bunker—if Churchill had been into swing music and gin cocktails. A chipper host in suspenders and a newsboy cap greeted me with an exaggeratedly conspiratorial whisper:

“Welcome, old sport! You’re here for the rations, I presume?”

Absolutely, mate. Let’s get rationed.

The Cocktails: War-Era Spirits With a Modern Twist #

If you think wartime London meant dreary drinks, think again. Cahoots has an entire menu themed around illicit booze, repurposed household ingredients, and just enough whimsy to make you forget the blitz outside.

I started with the “Squiffy Nellie”, a concoction of Tanqueray gin, elderflower, and some mystery herbal syrup served in an actual tin can. It tasted like the kind of drink you’d sip while plotting to outwit the blackout patrol. Next up was the “Black Market Brew”, a smoky mezcal-and-coffee mix that came hidden inside a hollowed-out book. Because at Cahoots, even ordering a drink feels like you’re up to no good.

Other guests were sipping cocktails from old thermoses, milk jugs, and even a ceramic pigeon. I didn’t ask. Cahoots clearly believes that the best drinks are the ones that arrive with a side of mischief.

The Atmosphere: Swing, Secrets, and Suspender-Clad Shenanigans #

The best part of Cahoots? The ambiance. The whole place hums with an electric kind of nostalgia, as if the air itself remembers when Londoners had to drink in secret. There’s an old piano in the corner that sometimes bursts into lively swing tunes, and bartenders yell things like “Oi! Keep it hush-hush, the inspectors are about!” before slipping you your drink.

The crowd is a mix of in-the-know Londoners and wide-eyed visitors who stumbled in expecting a normal cocktail bar. No one leaves unimpressed. It’s the kind of place where strangers become comrades over shared flasks and whispered toasts to “the good old days.”

Insider Tips #

• Reservations are a must. Cahoots is no secret anymore, and walk-ins are rare.
• Dress the part. While there’s no strict dress code, vintage attire or a hint of 1940s flair makes the experience even better.
• Ask about the hidden menu. The bartenders have a few off-menu drinks up their sleeves if you know how to ask.
• Visit the Ticket Hall or Control Room. Cahoots has expanded into multiple areas, each with its own unique twist.

Final Sips #

Cahoots isn’t just a bar—it’s a portal to a different era, where the drinks are strong, the stories are tall, and the rules are made to be bent. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just looking for a night out with a twist, this Soho speakeasy delivers an unforgettable experience.

If you’re in London and you haven’t been to Cahoots yet, well… what are you waiting for, old sport?