The Escapologist

Tucked beneath the streets of London’s Covent Garden, The Escapologist is more than a cocktail bar — it’s a theatrical experience draped in Victorian intrigue. Themed around the legendary “Baron Von Took” and his daring escapes, the bar presents itself as the HQ of a clandestine society.

Walking through a hidden entrance, you’ll find yourself in a richly styled subterranean space part Masonic lodge, part secret men’s club — with carved pillars, starry ceilings, dark wood, plush booths, and hidden rooms. The aesthetic leans heavily into theatrical décor: rich textures, moody lighting, decorative symbolism and touches of opulence.

The drink program mixes classics with avant-garde twists. Their recent cocktail menu includes names like “Roasted Pineapple Colada,” “Lychee & Lace,” “Banana Duchess,” “The Monarch,” “Royal Bramble,” and “The Burning Baron.” You can expect craft cocktails, small plates during brunch or themed events, and a theatrical spin to much of what’s served.

One of their signature offerings is the Bottomless Brunch — on Saturdays, they host a musical/drama performance (West End style), coupled with brunch dishes and free-flow cocktails or bubbles for a time period. This illustrates how The Escapologist leans into being an experience, not just a bar.

For events, they offer multiple private spaces: The Vault (a hidden VIP area), The Grand Hall (a secret room behind a door), and the main bar & lounge areas. The whole venue can also be hired for parties (standing up to ~220).

The energy inside tends to build as evening goes on — earlier in the evening it’s more cocktail + conversation, later it tilts more toward party / lounge mode with DJs, theatrical lighting, and immersive ambiance.

In short

The Escapologist is a bar that aims to transport you — into a Victorian underworld of mystery, secret societies, and creative cocktails. Whether you visit for a theatrical brunch or late-night drinks in the vault, you’re signing up for entertainment, ambition, and an evocative atmosphere.