Our Review Of Supermax King's Cross: A 70s Sonic-Inspired Speakeasy

You’d be forgiven for missing Supermax if you were leisurely walking around King’s Cross - tucked away beneath pizza connoisseurs' Happy Face, down a flight of hazy pink-coloured stairs, lies the cool speakeasy from the team behind Spiritland, a similar North London bar that puts its sound system front and centre. 

If you know a thing or two about your music, then you might have seen the name of the venue before; Supermax is a tribute to the Austrian disco group who had a hit in the 70s with a song called Love Machine. The entire space draws inspiration from the decade, fusing Italian culture with 1970s Milan throughout its interiors - think bold, neon lighting, leather and terrazzo.

Step back in time for an evening of disco and funk with your friends at this sleek den.

DesignMyNight Reviews Supermax King's Cross

There was no doubt that the subterranean den was slinky and cool; it made the perfect spot for a first date, as indicated by a couple next to my partner and I who were meeting for the first time and describing their likes and dislikes to each other like an elevator pitch.

One thing I immediately noted and loved was how friendly and laid-back the staff were, alongside the heavyweight JBL sound system that DJs frequent on the regular. There were also two ruby red disco balls dangling from the ceiling that were supposed to go on at 10pm every night, but made an early appearance at 9pm when we visited (it was a Friday after all). My first drink arrived with a little more alchemy than anticipated: the Maxcalita (£14) featured Cazcabel tequila, mezcal and cherry syrup but required a quick blast with a torch and wood chips to create a smoky effect and flavour. It was silky, tangy and a little spicy when my mouth caught some of the salt from around the rim, and I enjoyed its sweetness.

My partner’s Old Fashioned (£12.50) had a similar smoky essence to it, without the fire display that drew attention from the couple next to us. I’m not usually a fan of an old fashioned but the addition of mezcal won me over, leaving a refreshing and clean aftertaste as opposed to the relentless burn I usually get.

A gorgeous, speckled black and gold bar and giant speakers are at the forefront of Supermax.

Before ordering our next drink, we made our way through a modest snack platter (served 'on the house’ with Aperitivo drinks from 5pm until 7pm) comprised of garlic bread made with pizza dough, olives and two different types of arancini (tomato and cheese, and mushroom). These were all delicious, and I’d consider them bar snacks that would keep you going on a night out. Before my partner's Albicocca (£14), made using Dropworks rum, he was warned by the supervisor that they typically advise people to cap this drink at two because it's so lethal yet tasted like juice.

Surely there was more to it than that, I thought. As he presented the cocktail with a cloud-like foamy head and a golden body, he torched it with absinthe ‘to remind people they’re drinking alcohol’, he laughed. It was then that I understood its deadly connotation and, sure enough, it was like necking back apple juice.

The menu features an array of nibbles like olives to pair with your drinks.

I, on the other hand, opted for a drink that was born to be enjoyed on a sunlounger surrounded by the smell of SPF30: the Lemon Spritz (£12.50) (which came with half a bush’s worth of herbs as garnish). This was the drink equivalent of sucking on a stick of lemon sherbet, a thoroughly enjoyable sensation and equally refreshing, yet slightly dry like a white wine. It felt almost wrong to be enjoying such a summery drink in the basement of a bar, but Supermax pulled it off. It pulled a lot of things off, from the cool atmosphere that wasn’t too try-hard to the unimposing music that didn’t require you to yell above. I’ll be recommending it to friends looking for their next date around King’s Cross, and passing on the Albicocca lore.

Overall: Supermax 

For a trendy speakeasy in one of the most popular commuter and working areas in London, Supermax’s menu prices were pleasantly affordable and it’s worth checking out their aperitivo hour too, for more value for money. I loved the overall retro feel, while remaining firmly in the 21st century, and would suggest visiting for drinks from 8pm onwards if you’re chasing the party spirit.

Thirsty? Check out our guide to secret bars in London.