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Nightjar

129 City Rd, London, England
ClosedOpens at 18:00
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About

Down a discreet stair, this basement bar offers one of London’s most complete speakeasy experiences. Nightjar is known for polished cocktails, a deep menu that draws on different eras of drinking, and live jazz and blues that give the room real character. The appeal is not just the showmanship of the drinks, but the sense that every part of the evening has been carefully considered, from the service to the pacing of the music. It feels intimate and a little theatrical without becoming gimmicky. For a night that leans more toward atmosphere and craft than noise and rush, it remains a strong choice.

Menu

This list does not claim to be up to date, complete or correct. The drinks and prices on the bar’s own menu are authoritative.

Affogato£18.00

Rémy Martin Cognac VSOP, Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, Mascarpone Fat Wash, Coffee Liqueur, Cadello 88, Amontillado Sherry, Nightjar Coffee Ice Cream

Inspired by Jamie Oliver’s playful 2013 cocktail take on the classic Italian dessert, Nightjar elevates the Affogato to peak indulgence. A luxurious base of VSOP Cognac and a touch of single malt Scotch with a mascarpone fat-wash. Rich coffee and vanilla liqueurs, dry Amontillado Sherry, and our homemade coffee ice cream combine for an exceptionally opulent, intricate, and decadent dessert experience.

Flavor profile:CreamyRichIndulgent
Oct 1, 2026
Beyond the Sea£16.00

Gin Mare, Fino Sherry & Kombu Seaweed, Shiso Leaves, Limoncello, Absinthe, Fresh Grapefruit, Olive Brine Air

Another masterpiece from our original bar manager, Marian Beke, Beyond the Sea is designed to spark emotion and transport the guest through every sense. Loosely inspired by the Salty Dog, it’s an exercise in immersive drinking. Served in a seashell vessel recalling seaside holidays, its accompanying briny ‘air’ evokes sea spray. The cocktail’s fresh, umami characteristics – from Gin Mare, house-made satkara limoncello, and Fino sherry infused with kombu and shiso – complete this singular and memorable sensual journey by the shore.

Flavor profile:MaritimeBrinyFreshGlass: Seashell vessel
Oct 1, 2026
Bramble£15.00

Fords Gin, Apple Marigold Cordial, Elders Elderflower Liqueur, Chambord Black Raspberry, Orange Hydrosol, Fresh Lemon Juice

Dick Bradsell’s 1984 London creation, the Bramble, is a revered modern classic: a gin sour famously ‘bled’ with rich crème de mûre. Our interpretation begins with floral gin, then builds aromatic depth using an apple marigold cordial and elderflower liqueur in place of gomme for nuanced sweetness and herbal notes. Bright orange peel hydrosol further lifts the bouquet, complementing the essential lemon and berry. A sophisticated, perfumed evolution of this celebrated and refreshing serve.

Flavor profile:FloralTangyBerry notes
Oct 1, 2026
Breakfast Martini£15.00

Tanqueray Nº Ten Gin, French Toast Fat Wash, Marmalade, Muscat Wine, Fresh Lemon Juice

Salvatore Calabrese’s renowned Breakfast Martini, a witty twist on a classic Daisy, was famously inspired by the first time his English wife served him marmalade on toast. He took the jar into work at the Lanesborough Hotel, started experimenting, and the rest is history! Taking that breakfast inspiration a step further, our variant infuses the gin with a French toast fat-wash, lending a uniquely buttery texture and roundness to the overall drink. Complemented by rich marmalade and fragrant Muscat wine in place of orange liqueur, it evolves into an exceptionally textural and perfumed sensation.

Flavor profile:ButteryZestyMarmalade notes
Oct 1, 2026
Breakfast of Champions£15.00

Hennessy Cognac VS, Nonino Grappa Moscato, Amazake Rice Pudding, Maple Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice

A creation of Martina Breznanova, this cocktail is a perfect example of Nightjar’s signature experiential drinking with a playful heart. Arriving in a ceramic egg, unveiled from a smoke-filled dome, it combines Cognac, Moscato grappa, maple, and a smooth infusion of amazake rice pudding. Our amazake is fermented in-house, then clarified to lend the drink its natural sweetness and creamy texture.

Flavor profile:ComplexDelicateCreamy notes
Oct 1, 2026
Champagne Bellini£18.00

Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto Liqueur, White Peach, Tamarillo Tincture, Moët & Chandon Brut Champagne

Born at Harry’s Bar in Venice, the Bellini is a famed example of mid-century mixology: simple, refreshing, with limited ingredients. However, the original’s reliance on perfect fresh peaches poses a sourcing challenge. Our efforts to replicate it consistently and sustainably took us in some interesting directions. The substitution of Champagne for Prosecco propels it to a new dimension of elegance, while Italicus bergamot liqueur and a tamarillo tincture introduce perfumed, layered scents. A sophisticated sparkling sensation, honouring the original’s invigorating spirit.

Flavor profile:SparklingDelicatePeachy
Oct 1, 2026
Charlie Chaplin£15.00

The Lakes Classic Gin, Madeira Wine Infused with Bael Fruit, Akashi-Tai Plum Umeshu, Aronia Berries & Peach Bark, Nightjar Grenadine, Fresh Lime

The Charlie Chaplin was reputedly first created in the fertile ground of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel around 1918. The fact that it first appears in print in the 1931 Old Waldorf Bar Days is a striking illustration of the lacuna that Prohibition imposed on US cocktail culture. The original cocktail charmed with its simple union of sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lime. Our rendition reimagines this classic, building upon a botanical gin base with expressions of Bael fruit-infused Madeira, rich plum umeshu, and tart aronia berries. These additions enrich the drink’s delicate floral qualities, achieving a fine balance between sweet and sour for a memorable, fragrant experience.

Flavor profile:SweetRichStone fruit notes
Oct 1, 2026
Don Julio 1942 Spiced Margarita£20.00House Margaritas

Don Julio 1942, Mezcal, Tamarillo Liqueur, Cointreau, Fresh Lime Juice, Agave

Rather than adding heat, our premium Margarita builds complexity through the contrast of rich agave, smoke, and acidity. Don Julio 1942 provides a deep, rounded foundation, while a touch of mezcal introduces a subtle smoky character. Tamarillo liqueur brings a distinctive sharpness and fruit-driven acidity, complementing the freshness of lime and adding another dimension to the drink. Cointreau and agave soften the edges, bringing everything together into a richer, more expressive Margarita with a long, savoury finish.

Oct 1, 2026
El Presidente£17.00

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Rum, Ardbeg 10 Scotch Whisky, Italicus Rosolio Di Bergamotto Liqueur, Cocchi Americano, Nightjar Grenadine, Oud & Patchouli Bitters

Havana’s classic ‘aristocrat of cocktails’, El Presidente, has undergone numerous reinventions since its first arrival in pre-WWI Cuba. Finding the original recipe a little short on character, our bar team sought to explore its full potential by re-envisioning its traditional components. The foundation is enriched with 12-year Venezuelan rum and a touch of peaty Islay whisky. In line with this vision, the original dry vermouth is replaced by Cocchi Americano, a notably full-bodied white aperitivo. Complemented by bergamot liqueur and our proprietary oud and patchouli bitters, this creates a deeply perfumed, smoky and full-flavoured expression of the Cuban icon.

Flavor profile:RichBoozyTobacco notes
Oct 1, 2026
Harvey Wallbanger£15.00

Belvedere Organic Vodka, Galliano L'Autentico, Roots Mastiha Liqueur, Clarified Carrot & Orange Juices, Nightjar Orange Liqueur, Muyu Vetiver Liqueur

A totem of 70s disco culture. This drink blends vodka with clarified carrot and orange juices, adding orange liqueur and Mastiha. It harmonizes with Galliano's herbal vanilla character, offering a smooth, citrusy, and vanilla experience.

Flavor profile:SmoothCitrusVanilla notes
Oct 1, 2026

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