The pandemic might have put a temporary hold on nights on the town, but it also did a number on the traditional London house party too. Happily, both are back these days, and one new bar will be combining them into an unforgettable night of revelry. It’s called The Little Scarlet Door, opening on Soho’s Greek Street on June 6, and inside you’ll find all the things a good party needs, with no need to clean up the morning after. Heaven!
If the name sounds vaguely familiar, it’s likely because you’re aware of Scarlet’s cousins: The Little Yellow Door in Notting Hill (the original site, once known for their emoji-only menu), The Little Blue Door in Fulham, and recent arrival The Little Orange Door in Clapham. But whilst the original trio leaned into the classic London maisonette for inspiration, Scarlet’s accustomed to life in the Big Apple, which means this pad will be decked out in the style of an NYC loft.
Stylish, bohemian, and yet just as familiarly out of our price range as a London flat, these lofts have inspired a décor highlighted by exposed brick, industrial fittings, and a chic colour scheme featuring reds, greens, pinks, and neon. In the time-honoured tradition of an uber-cool new opening, there won’t be a sign alerting you to the bar’s presence – just a gleaming scarlet door will indicate you’re in the right place.
Once inside, guests will be treated to a hedonistic mix of kitchen discos, bathroom catch-ups, and throwing out shapes in the living room. Each room across the two-floor venue has its own carefully-designed identity, whether that be the cosy vibes of The Nook, the sauce-stained cookbooks and gleaming Smeg fridge of the kitchen (which usefully doubles up as the bar), or The Shower, where your conversations will be overheard only by the rubber ducks that line the walls. For a true NYC vibe, head to The Vault; hidden away behind The Laundry Room, this space takes inspiration from Andy Warhol’s legendary Silver Factory, guaranteed to get you living the boho lifestyle.
If you’d like your house party to be a little more exclusive, you can rent out the downstairs area – bedecked with pop art, neon signs, and vinyl records – for an invite-only soiree. Whatever your choice, you can expect to enjoy DJs every night from Wednesday through to Saturday, and we haven’t even got to the cocktail menu yet.
Sharing cocktails are served up in vases and mixing bowls (classic), whilst cocktails here are all named after the mysterious flat-owner’s favourite films and TV shows. Try the La La Land, made with 42 Below vodka, Martini Rose, Mozart White, raspberry, and vanilla, for a tipple that’ll get you up and dancing! Meanwhile, you can nibble on the likes of charcuterie boards, fancy toasties, and mezze plates to ward off the hunger.
It’s going out, but it’s also staying in, so you’re guaranteed the best of both worlds. Oh, and the best part about The Little Scarlet Door’s house parties? There’s absolute zero chance of some berk picking up a guitar for his scratchy version of ‘Wonderwall’…