Whistle stop visit...

A speakeasy worthy of worship?

Some friends and I were recently left wandering the streets of Shoreditch trying to find a place for a drink. Particularly, something low key and not filled to the brim by young'uns.

Lured by the promise of a speakseasy style bar with a bath tub of gin (me: to see, friends: to drink from), we made our way to Worship Street Whistling Shop.

Making our way below ground, we were greeted with low lighting, comfortable seating (there's a dining and bar area) and Victorian curiosities dotted around the venue.

At around 9pm on a Saturday the place was pretty quiet with a few couples dotted around and the majority of people in the dinning area. Perusing the menu, there were 16 different cocktails to choose from and being a group of 8, we managed to try a few different drinks off the menu. Unfortunately, we were collectively mostly left unimpressed. Some drinks were given a little more attention (Rose Sangree - decorated with a juicy blackberry, lavender and a sprig of bark) while most were simply poured into their glasses. It's not to say that the bar staff were talentless or awful but with most drinks priced between £9 - £11 pounds we expected more. Pouring you a glass of water to drink while the cocktails were made was certainly a nice touch but not enough to compensate for the £11 lemonade I ordered.

We stayed for a while having a chat but weren't inspired to stay on for another drink instead planning to head to Duck & Waffle for better drinks with a view. Whistle Stop Whistling Shop is more likely to be one of those bars you visit once and tick off the list than a regular drinking hole.

Would we go back again? I would probably say no unless someone was absolutely desperate to visit. With the limited menu and exxy cocktails I'd be more likely to choose somewhere else and considering the area you know you wouldn't be hard pressed to find one.

There was no sight of the gin tub which was rather disappointing for my Welsh friend. Upon further investigation online I have discovered it's actually located in a private room out back so not readily seen.

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Worship Street Whistling Shop can be found at:

63 Worship St
London EC2A 2DU

Tel: 020 7247 0015


Opening Hours:
Tues: 5pm - midnight
Wed & Thurs - 5pm - 1am
Fri & Sat: 5pm - 2am

You can book a table for drinks and/or small eats online or on the number above.