Yes, we’ve totally failed to follow Do Not Disturb’s advice.
The thing about secret bars is, no matter how much they may argue otherwise, they really do want to be found. At least, that’s the excuse we’ll be using if we get an angry phone call from Do Not Disturb, the new speakeasy that’s arrived in the City of London. Despite the plush, 1920s-inspired interiors and the inviting drinks list, they do seem to be doing their best to put us off – just look at their front door:
If you do make it into Do Not Disturb, you’ll be treated to sumptuous maroon leather sofas, and splashes of vintage Manhattan glamour, including portraits of chorus girls on the wall. Low lighting and a laidback atmosphere evoke the speakeasies of old, as does the setting, nestled in the basement of swish new hotel Vintry & Mercer.
There’s a hefty amount of old world glamour on the drinks menu, too. Do Not Disturb’s hero cocktail is a vintage Sazerac, aged in a barrel to enhance the flavour (and, if we may speak candidly, the price too, as it clocks in at £25). The classic cocktails, including riffs on a Manhattan, a Negroni, and an El Presidente, all hail from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; their enduring popularity being a sure sign of a fine drink.
Less traditional libations including The Average Joe, an intriguing mix of Bulleit Rye and syrup flavoured with white wine, banana, and herbs. Meanwhile, the Reminder – which blends mezcal, Campari, orgeat, and kombucha – sounds like it’ll hit all the right notes. A couple of non-alcoholic cocktails, complete with an inviting wine and spirits list, makes Do Not Disturb a very happy spot for a drink indeed.
Meanwhile, Do Not Disturb offer a tempting list of bar snacks. Truffled polenta fries, teriyaki chicken quesadilla, and beef, burrata and pancetta sliders all catch the eye, but the standout has to be the peanut butter & jelly ice cream sandwich. I’m not sure how well it’ll pair with a Manhattan, but let’s be honest, it sounds bloody delicious. Anyone tries to talk to me whilst I’m eating that, they’ll get the same sentiment they will from the bar: Do Not Disturb.
Location: 20 Garlick Hill, City of London, EC4V 2AU. Nearest station is Mansion House. See it on Google Maps.
Opening times: 5:30pm-1am (Mon to Sat), closed on Sundays.
Price: cocktails are mostly £12-15, nibbles and small plates start from £4.50. Until February 24th, they’re offering 25% off food and drink as part of their soft launch.
More information: on their website.