Over in Spitalfields, you’ll find a rundown old building, with letters falling from their perches and paint peeling slowly away from the walls. And it’s there that you’ll find Discount Suit Company. It’s an old, tatty-looking shop, with an unimpressive facade. In fact, it would probably be your last choice of shop to buy a suit from. But you’re not here for a suit. You’re here to check out one of London’s best, hidden cocktail bars.
Ignore the misleading facade which promises “alterations while u wait”. Discount Suit Company is found in the former stock room of the tailor’s shop above, and getting in requires a touch of know-how. For first-timers, the trick is to spot the small black door at street level and head down into the bar.
Discount Suit Company is a cosy little place that can be a bit of a tight fit sometimes. Between the low ceilings and small floor space, the bar can fill up rather quickly. Touches of its past life remain. The bar, for example, is actually a repurposed cutting table with stock drawers and various tools and detailing. Otherwise, the space has been stripped back to bare brick walls and shabby ceiling rafters. But that doesn’t mean the bar is lacking in comfort or feels at all industrial. Instead, there’s almost an air of an old tavern, with tankards hanging from the ceiling, and squashy sofas and cosy armchairs scattered about.
Topping off the speakeasy experience are Discount Suit Company’s powerhouse playlists. A huge supply of vinyl records means your evening drink will be soundtracked with a top mix of Motown, soul, and classic rock and roll – although you’ll be a little hard-pressed to find space to dance.
Discount Suit Company’s new menu
Now, the drinks here lean on classic serves, but with unique techniques and ingredients. Drinks often sound familiar but can include such ingredients as pistachio, whey, guava, and more. And new visitors to the bar are in luck because Discount Suit Company recently revealed an all-new menu of drinks, perfect for the oncoming season of intimate partying
Given London’s love affair with margaritas – especially of the spicy variety – we’re fairly certain the new Al Pastor will be a huge hit. The punchy tequila cocktail combines flavours of pineapple, citrus, tomato, coriander, and basil with a chilli kick. It’s very distinctly not a spicy margarita, but sure to win over fans nonetheless.
And for those after a spring-time treat, the Afternoon Tea conjures images of strawberries and sparkling wine in the garden. Made with Monbazillac (a sweet wine from France), strawberry aperitif, sparkling tea, and Seven Tails XO Brandy, it’s a refreshing sweet treat that hits all the right notes.
The menu also includes a summer-y tropical delight in the form of the Big Bird, with its flavours of melon, pineapple, guava and more. Meanwhile the Café Oaxaca is rich and refreshing with flavours of chocolate, pistachio, coffee, hibiscus, and more.
If you fall in love with a drink, Discount Suit Company is kind enough to help you find something similar elsewhere. The menu annotates each house cocktail with ‘if you like this, try this’ suggestions of drinks. The Afternoon Tea, for example, directs drinkers to try out other long, refreshing drinks like the Old Chums Reviver or the Ramos Gin Fizz.
Between the cocktails and the cosy vibes, Discount Suit Company is beginning to look like a pretty good fit. Ooh, suits you sir!