Callooh Callay — Restaurant in London

For those of you naysayers that don't believe in love at first sight, Callooh Callay is here to prove you wrong.

From the very get go - upon hearing of a Narnia inspired wardrobe entrance - I was absolutely smitten with the idea of having drinks here. I was so keen to document my magnificent entry through the wardrobe that I even documented it - oh so casually, one might say, if posing by the door a half dozen or so times with a gleeful smile counts as 'casual'.

The bulk of the bar is a cool, enigmatic space reminiscent of fantasy speakeasies. With a gramophone playing lazily in the corner and disco balls twinkling overhead, I was thrown into a state of playful confusion. I was in a speakeasy jazz bar (or so the dulcet smooth jazz overhead told me) and I was eyeing a menu that looked suspiciously like an Oyster card.

Which it was, of course. In perfect miniature lay before me an Oyster Card: drink edition menu. Filled to the brim with whimsical aphorisms like the "Spruce Willis" ("a drink as long as McClane's rap sheet"), whittling down my choice to a few drinks was going to be a difficult feat. Listening to the giggling, slow dull murmur of the crowd around me, I gathered my courage and ordered the Disco Gin Pernod, a drink filled with Tanqueray gin, mulled orange syrup, sweet Vermouth along with a nice little Cynar and Pernod absinthe.

I'm no heavy drinker - I tend to shy away from burly drinks filled with Vermouth and Whisky - but I absolutely adored the Disco Gin. It was as playful as its namesake, with hints of bitter overlapping slight sweetness - perfect for an eager yet fearful novice like myself. Being an American and not privy to absinthe, I was (inappropriately enough) giddy like a child to try my drink. I was shocked: the absinthe wasn't bitter like I expected, but instead had a tamed sweetness; never cloyingly sweet, but rather a drink that had been expertly tempered with other happy mixins.

All in all, I can't wait to come back and take another leap through the wardrobe - who knows what I'll find on the other...

Tucked away in the heart of Shoreditch, this place is a quirky little gem that perfectly balances creativity, charm, and top-tier cocktails.

The Atmosphere

The vibe here is playful yet sophisticated. From the Alice in Wonderland-inspired name to the eclectic decor, Callooh Callay feels like you’ve stepped into another world. The main bar is stylish but cozy, with dim lighting and vintage furnishings that create an intimate yet energetic atmosphere. If you’re lucky enough to find your way to the secret bar through the wardrobe, it’s like discovering a whole new layer of magic.

The Cocktails

The cocktails are where Callooh Callay shines. The menu is creative and constantly evolving, with a focus on bold flavors and unique combinations. Every drink feels like an experience, from the presentation to the first sip.

One of my favorites was the “Drink Me”—a beautifully crafted concoction that perfectly balanced sweetness and a hint of spice. The bartenders clearly know their stuff and are more than happy to recommend something if you’re feeling adventurous.

What Makes It Special

It’s the perfect spot for date nights, catching up with friends, or celebrating something special. There’s a sense of whimsy and creativity that you don’t get at your average cocktail bar.

Tips for Visiting • Reservations: It’s a popular spot, so booking ahead is a good idea, especially on weekends. • Hidden Spaces: Don’t forget to explore—there’s always a surprise waiting around the corner. • Experiment: The cocktail menu is adventurous, so step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

If you’re in Shoreditch and looking for a night out with incredible drinks, a good vibe, and a touch of the unexpected, Callooh Callay is the...

This would have been a 1 star review if it wasn't for our server, Becca - she was brilliant and tried her best to make the experience better for us. Nowhere on the website (that we can see) does it say anything about putting the details in the Special Requests section if you want to sit on the other side of the wardrobe (the secret area), so you must need to know this if you've been there before, which we hadn't because we were just visiting London and aren't locals. Becca managed to get us through to the other part after another booking fell through. The music was far too loud for the type of place and the bar at the front is cramped, so I would have left a 1 star review if we had to stay there. When we ordered drinks, I saw that one of the cocktails had absinthe in it, so I asked for an absinthe and lemonade (not an unusual request in Edinburgh where I'm from) and the waiter kept asking if I was sure with utter shock in his face and voice. He came back from the bar and said that I couldn't have it as there was not enough - how is that possible if there is a bottle of it behind the bar to make cocktails with? The experience was a real let down and I just felt like I was the one in the wrong the whole time because I didn't know the secret of putting my chosen seating in the special requests part and I didn't know that no one in London drinks absinthe with a...