Zum Barbarossa has finally landed in London to introduce the city to an Amsterdam-born speakeasy experience, blending expert cocktails and late-night revelry in a hidden basement bar. With a design inspired by Art Nouveau and a history rooted in Amsterdam’s underground culture, this new Soho venue invites guests to discover a unique blend of European nightlife, complete with live DJs, a bespoke cocktail menu, and a Paris-style bar that captures the essence of a bygone era.
Zum Barbarossa, from the family behind critically acclaimed Soho restaurant The Seafood Bar, is set to transform Soho nights with a blend of opulent decor, electric music, and an air of mystery. Hidden beneath a 1730 Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, the bar invites guests into a dimly lit, intimate space reminiscent of a Parisian lounge, complete with vaulted historical arches. With a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics sound system and a DJ lineup featuring deep house music, the vibe here is both energetic and refined, offering a perfect backdrop for Soho’s late-night crowd. Marie Martin, the renowned design studio behind the venue, has infused Art Nouveau elegance throughout, creating a lush, timeless atmosphere that transports guests back to the bold, ornamental spirit of early 20th-century Europe.
On the menu, Zum Barbarossa offers a meticulously curated selection of cocktails, each designed to highlight unique flavours and inventive pairings. Guests can indulge in signature drinks like the Spicy Rose Paloma, Banana & Pineapple Daiquiri, and Tommy’s Spicy Mezcalita, each mixed with a distinct twist that sets it apart from the typical cocktail repertoire. For those with a taste for small bites, the bar serves an array of luxurious snacks, including caviar with blinis and crème fraîche, passionfruit-lime dressed oysters, and truffle parmesan chips, perfect for pairing with the vibrant cocktail selection. Each dish and drink has been crafted by expert mixologists and chefs, ensuring a seamless fusion of flavours to accompany the night’s festivities.
Zum Barbarossa’s origins trace back to early 1900s Amsterdam, where the name pays homage to the original basement venue’s iconic entrance mosaic, depicting a fruit tree and two clovers. Originally known as a hotspot for clandestine gambling before a police crackdown, the Amsterdam cellar eventually became a renowned nightlife venue, now embarking on its first international venture in London. With Pep de Visscher, co-founder of Zum Barbarossa, leading the way, the London location maintains the spirit of the original while embracing the unique, vibrant energy of Soho’s nightlife scene, merging European elegance with modern-day thrills for a night out like no other.
Zum Barbarossa can be found at 77 Dean Street, London W1D 3SH. Opening times are 17:00 to 00:30 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
