ECC Chinatown

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 13a Gerrard Street, (nr Macclesfield St), London, W1D 5PS, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 207 434 3559
Email: reservation@chinatownecc.com
Website: view ECC Chinatown’s website
Style: Speakeasy
Food: Bar Snacks
Established: 2010

Review

Epitomising the modern speakeasy, ECC Chinatown, was the first London outpost of Paris' Experimental Cocktail Club, is reached through an unmarked doorway that sits between two brightly-lit Chinese restaurants. You could easily miss it, though the door security staff and something of a giveaway.

The bar bills itself as offering the feel and service of a private members club without the cost of membership. Set over three floors - two floors with a bar on each, and a third for the toilets. The bare brick walls have been augmented with a tin ceiling, Chinese mural, small cocktail tables and low slung comfy chairs, though we'd recommend sitting at the zinc-topped bar.

On the menu is a short collection of signature cocktail creations, from short sour-style mezcal drinks to refreshing and bitter long gin cocktails.

No matter the night of the week, the atmosphere tends to be warm and buzy.