Ever wondered what it would be like to live life in a by-gone era, smell the air, sample the food and absorb the atmosphere of a time that was simple yet beautiful in its elegance? Then take a trip down to Worship Street Whistling Shop. Named after the 19th century term for a speakeasy bar, this Shoreditch hidden gem is the brainchild of the team behind Purl in Marylebone and is destined to be a top London bar for the adventurous fun seekers of London. It is a gin palace dedicated to showcasing the drinks, food and atmosphere of the Victorian age in London.
Discovering this top London bar is not an easy task however it breathes a breath of fresh or should I say old air on the somewhat soulless Worship Street. Stepping off the street and down the tight staircase and we were greeted by a Victorian saloon of gas lit street lamps, wood and glass panelling, exposed brickwork, romantic candle lit coves and a fully stocked Gin Palace waiting to be consumed. The atmosphere inside is buzzing with happiness and eagerness of being discovered.
After being sat by Dickensian dressed waiter, adorned with braces, waistcoat and pocket watch, we feasted our eyes over the eagerly awaited menu. With King George and Queen Victoria adorning the menu cover you get the sense that it is a royal occasion and special drinks choices are in order. There is a fantastic choice of cocktails all carefully crafted in the in-house drinks laboratory that you can peer through. After a long selection process we opted for the Panacea Cocktail and a rather refreshing English sparkling wine. Whilst the cocktail was a delightful concoction of whisky, lavender, honey and sage dust, it was sipping English Champagne that made this visit a rather special one. Once the bubbles had sunk in we managed to take in some of the wonderful Victorian ambience with a mixture of romantic couples and gaggles of friends on a night of London exploration. The vibe is magical and fully captures a scene of what London bars were like in the 19th century almost to the point where you might find yourself imagining Charles Dickens tucked in the corner with a pen in hand.
For Gin lovers, The Worship Street Whistling Shop has a special treat in the form of the Dram Shop. This is a secret bar with the finest Gins you could ever wish to find. We kindly asked the waiter who gave us the key and let us to explore the room to our heart’s content.
We couldn’t leave without exploring the Worship Street Whistling Shop food menu, which is again 19th century Victorian, inspired. You can sample anything from Pork Cheeks to an Oyster Feast. There is something for everyone on the menu; whilst those who like their British classics will be content with the Fish and Chip we couldn’t resist trying the Magic Mushroom Soup which was a delightful gastro experience.
This Shoreditch drinking den is an authentic, multi-sensory experience that allows you to take in a 19th Century night out in London in the eyes of Dickens and we are definitely coming back for more!
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