PIN The Phoenix Artist`s Club

The West End`s Best Kept Secret

Juxtapostioned between the side street featured in Harry Potter opening scene and the famous Phoenix Theatre lies WC1’s most secret hidden gem. It’s tucked away underneath the Phoenix Theatre and is a wonderful break with the norm happening at street level. It’s a lively and nostalgic theatre bar & Restaurant located in the original dressing and rehearsal rooms of The Phoenix Theatre where Laurence Olivier made his debut on stage in the 1930s in Private Lives with Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence. You can sit at the bar and marvel at the wonderful bedecked walls or just walk up and down on the same floor where Johnny Gielgud once practiced his lines before ascending god-like to the stage above.

With fascinating signed posters, paintings and pictures from decades of theatre productions, a restored art deco interior (from another theatre) and hidden treasures behind every corner, there`s something new to see every time you go. That famous face at the bar might even decide to give you an impromptu performance.

What expect

Expect the unexpected in the West End's best known 'speakeasy' is a member’s bar but visitors can walk in unchallenged and stay there for as long as you like. The main room is a spacious and colourfully adorned bar/restaurant and outback supports a variety of ‘open mike and stand up events.’ Food is impressive whilst the bar sports a variety of ‘interesting beers and wines. However, we guarantee that you will be lost forever once you sample the electricity of the atmosphere engendered by an eclectic décor including novelty furnishings, such as theatrical spotlights and airliner seating. Guests have included Princess Michael of Kent, Keira Knightley, Jude Law, David Soul, John Hurt Kiefer Sutherland, Ed Sheeran and David Dimbleby and Janice Dickinson, presumably not all at the same time.

It's now open from 10.30am every weekday and also on Sundays.

Trip Tide Thoughts

OMG what a fantastic hidden gem. The only place we have a real passion for in the West End. If you get there early enough it's great for a quiet meet-up but later, be prepared for the bustling atmosphere and great entertainment.

How to get there

If customers are arriving by taxi, they can be dropped off right outside the venue.Tottenham Court Road Station (Northern and Central lines) is the closest step free station, and this is about 200 paces away. The following buses stop directly opposite the venue (North & South bound) at ‘Cambridge Circus’ – No’s 24, 29 and 176 (including respective night bus services). The door team will be happy to assist you with any transport queries.

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...