Nightjar Carnaby to open in April

London speakeasy Nightjar will open its second bar in the city’s West End next month.

Set to open in London’s Kingly Court, Nightjar will recreate its east London vibe at the new Soho site, featuring original cocktails, late-night live music, Prohibition-era décor and a menu full of vintage spirits and cocktails.

Nightjar was founded by industry veterans Roisin Stimpson and Edmund Weil, who also co-founded award-winning bar Swift in London.

The pair said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to bring everything we’ve learnt over the last decade of Nightjar to such an iconic space in what was once the home of live music in London.

“The city has changed so much in that time, and as we started to emerge from the pandemic, we felt there was an even bigger appetite for what Nightjar has always provided – skilfully created cocktails, live music and hospitality that culminates in an overall experience that can’t be found elsewhere.”

Prohibition-inspired cocktails will include Toronto, a ‘rich and smoky’ Old Fashioned-style drink made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, orange blossom smoke, coffee and roasted pecan maple syrup, Fernet-Branca and candyfloss.

Other options will include Barrel Aged Zombie, a tropical tipple aged in its own barrels. The cocktail is made using Foursquare Spiced Rum, Appleton Estate 8 Reserve Rum, Hendrick’s Absinthe, Santa Teresa Claro Rum, Aluna Coconut Cane Rum, Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum, Merlet apricot brandy, Maraschino, mamajuana cordial, fresh pineapple juice and Fever-Tree ginger beer.

The venue will also offer a selection of small plates, such as smoked mozzarella and jamon serrano toasties and Catalonian romesco with olive crackers.

Julia Wilkinson, restaurant director at Shaftesbury, said: “The venue, which is steeped in Carnaby musical heritage, will showcase a late-night and live jazz offering to the area, adding a completely new dynamic to the Kingly Court offer.

“Nightjar also brings a large array of classic cocktails, vintage spirits, and liquors alongside the concept of an exciting new live music destination.

“With something for everyone, we are delighted to introduce existing and new Carnaby customers to the pioneering Nightjar experience.”

Late last year, we explored how the pandemic has impacted the use of technology in the on-trade.