Slip into Barts, and you enter London’s theatrical take on the prohibition era. Concealed behind the façade of Chelsea Cloisters on Sloane Avenue, Barts bills itself as “London’s original speakeasy.” To gain entry, guests ring a bell, peer through a peephole, and whisper a password to a sliding hatch — the kind of ritual that makes the arrival part of the fun. Once inside, the décor leans moody and eclectic: vintage memorabilia, comic-stripe wallpaper, bric-a-brac, warm lighting, and theatrical touches that reward discovery. Cocktails at Barts push boundaries. Expect playful theatrics: drinks served in teapots, flaming presentations, hidden surprises, and drinks disguised in paper bags or with color‐changing elements. The spirit list is extensive, and their menus include vintage liquors, fine wines, and Champagne. In back, or through unexpected corridors, lies the Secret Garden — an outdoor terrace space, tucked away from the street, with heaters and atmospheric touches that make it usable year-round. On select nights (especially Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), Barts runs Speakeasy Sundowns — late-night parties behind the hidden door until the early hours. They also host DJs, live music, and take private hire bookings (venue capacity noted up to ~80). Despite its theatrical flair, the bar retains a sense of intimacy. Staff maintain a sense of exclusivity, and walk-ins are accepted, though the password/ritual is part of the mystique. In short: Barts is more than a bar — it’s a playful, immersive world of hidden doors, crafted cocktails, secrets, and a sense of invitation into something just out of view.
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