The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town

Words by Simon Difford

Address: 12-16 Artillery Lane, (hidden inside The Breakfast Club), London, E1 7LS, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7078 9633
Email: henri@themayorofscaredycattown.com
Website: view The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town’s website
Door: Go early
Style: Speakeasy
Food: Bar Snacks
Established: 2012

Review

A 'secret' hidden basement speakeasy reached via a Smeg fridge from The Breakfast Club restaurant on the ground floor, which incidentally, is named after the owner's favourite episode of Cheers.

On arrival, ask discreetly whether there's space below stairs. Once you've made it through the fridge and down below, you'll find a bar with rough wood on the walls, vintage movie posters and cultish dolls decorating the place. The toilets are wallpapered with magazine cuttings from one-hit-wonder pop stars and shocking reminders of the 1980s. Despite its proximity to the City, expect a Shoreditch vibe, reflected in a fashionable, young clientele.

The drinks selection focuses on classics, though there are some clever house twists, and the back-bar has clearly been carefully chosen. Juices are squeezed to order, ice crushed when it's needed. Drinks are well made, well-presented and arrive in a timely manner, served by friendly staff. Don't exit via the fridge - that would give the game away.