Here in London, we just can’t seem to resist a bar that makes us work hard for what we want. I mean, why would we opt for somewhere that allows us to saunter straight in, when we could go through an entire rigmarole of furtively sneaking through secret doorways, and murmuring confidential passwords into dodgy intercoms.
It’s certainly not a secret that London has its fair share of hidden bars but what you may not know is that this summer, Barts (legendary London speakeasy) is kicking their level of mystery and mischief up a notch as they invite you to sneak out the back door of their ‘apartment’ and tiptoe in to their sensationally secret, foliage-filled Negroni Forest – do I have your attention now?
Tucked away from the prying eyes of Sloane Avenue in Chelsea, Barts’ secret garden has been given a Monkey 47 makeover for the summer and has been transformed into a tropical oasis in honour of one of London’s most beloved beverages: the Negroni.
It makes sense, if you think about it – after all, speakeasies and Negronis are essentially a match made in boozy heaven: they’re both sophisticated, they’re both grown-up, they’re both ever-so slightly bitter, and they will both eventually get you in to trouble. What’s not to love?
Whether it’s the classic recipe that you’re after or you’re feeling tempted to try one of the delicious riffs dreamed up by the Barts team; you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a luscious forest, as you surreptitiously sip your drink within the deep green walls, adorned with tropical flowers, mysterious portraits, and Monkey 47 wallpaper.
Escape the rather whimpering twenties we currently find ourselves in, and allow Barts’ Monkey 47 Negroni Forest to transport you back a century to the roaring twenties, with a taste of life during the prohibition (just with tastier cocktails and a higher quality camera to get your content for the ‘gram). We’ll drink to that.
Plan your visit here.
📍 Chelsea Cloisters, Sloane Avenue, SW3 3DW