Tucked away in the heart of Soho’s Carnaby district, Cahoots offers one of London’s most imaginative and immersive drinking experiences. This popular cocktail bar transforms an ordinary basement into a theatrical recreation of a 1940s London Underground station, complete with vintage signage, sandbags, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a disused Tube platform during wartime.
Though it is not located inside a genuine abandoned Tube station (real disused stations are rare and largely inaccessible to the public), Cahoots masterfully evokes the spirit of secret wartime gatherings that once took place in London’s Underground network. The name itself nods to the word “cahoots,” referring to those clandestine parties held in shelters and disused spaces during the Blitz and post-war years.
Stepping into the Station
Visitors enter through a discreet alley off Carnaby Street at 13 Kingly Court. A sign reading “To the Trains” guides guests down a flight of stairs designed to resemble old wooden escalators. At the bottom, the experience begins in earnest: a recreated ticket hall with period details, vintage luggage, ration-era props, and crackling tannoy announcements transport you straight back to the 1940s.
The main bar area is divided into “platforms” – Northbound and Southbound – connected by a narrow passageway. The highlight for many is the life-size replica of a classic Tube carriage, fitted with authentic-looking seating where guests can sit and enjoy their drinks. White-tiled walls, a large railway clock, faded advertisements, and piles of sandbags complete the convincing underground illusion.
Creative Cocktails with a Wartime Twist
Cahoots’ cocktail menu leans heavily into playful, theatrical 1940s-inspired creations. Expect strong, inventive drinks served in unconventional vessels such as vintage milk bottles, hip flasks, tin cans, or even shaped like iconic figures from the era. Signatures include sharing pitchers with names like “Meet Me Under The Station Clock,” alongside individual concoctions that evoke bootleg spirits and black-market flair.
Prices typically start around £16 and above, reflecting the premium experience. The bar also offers wines, beers, and light “ration-style” snacks to complement the drinks. On selected evenings, live swing and jazz bands, piano sing-alongs, or DJ sets add to the lively, escapist atmosphere.
Practical Information for Visitors
Cahoots is located a short walk from Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus Tube stations. The venue is strictly for those aged 21 and over and is not wheelchair accessible due to steps and the narrow layout. Hen and stag parties are not permitted, helping to maintain the intimate, themed experience.
Opening hours vary by day but generally run from early evening until late (often until 1am or 2am on weekends). Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for tables, as the venue is popular. Reservations can be made via the official website or through their booking platform. Larger groups should contact the venue directly.
The bar also features a more relaxed ground-floor Ticket Hall with a terrace, and a sister location called The Postal Office in Borough Yards, which includes a novel pneumatic tube system for delivering cocktails.
Why Cahoots Remains a Soho Favourite
Reviewers consistently praise the bar’s attention to detail, creative drinks, and fun, immersive vibe. While some note that the space can feel intimate and occasionally loud, most agree these elements only enhance the sense of stepping into a hidden underground world. The overall experience delivers a memorable night out for couples, groups of friends, or anyone seeking something beyond a standard London bar visit.
Whether you’re a local or visiting the capital, Cahoots provides a unique way to experience London’s rich Underground history through the lens of inventive mixology and theatrical design. For a proper “high spirits, scoundrels & swing” evening, few venues capture the imagination quite like this abandoned Tube station-themed cocktail bar.
For the latest menus, events, and availability, check the official Cahoots website before planning your visit.
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