As I awkwardly shuffled through the melee of Trafalgar Square on my way to check out Blind Spot, this is absolutely the last place in London that I could have expected to find a secretive speakeasy known only to a very select few. Priding itself on an exciting live jazz schedule, a tasty array of snacks and a bespoke cocktail list inspired by the British Empire, this has to be one of the most elusive drinking spots in central London.
The Venue
Tucked away on the ground floor of the opulent St. Martin’s Lane Hotel, step inside the white door with the golden handle and keep walking; for beyond the initial pitch-dark scene is the faint flicker of candlelight. Blind Spot is comprised of one long, open room yet the bar seamlessly creates a seductive and luxurious impression. It’s lit almost entirely by candles and golden hues that glow from the cocktail bar at the front of the room, and is clearly a concealed haven of luxury and intimacy that impresses from the moment you take your seat.
Visiting on a Sunday afternoon, Blind Spot was populated only by a handful of guests, just like any true speakeasy should be. Blind Spot offers a wonderful getaway from the manic scenes of nearby Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus and there’s plenty in it for fans of live entertainment too, with live jazz and swing bands playing on Tuesdays and up-tempo DJ sets to look forward to between Wednesdays and Saturdays.
This candlelit speakeasy lies just a few moments from the buzz of Trafalgar Square.
The Food & Drinks
Firstly a shout out to our host, whose wonderfully friendly approach and flawless knowledge of the menu really helped us to make the most of our visit. Cocktails are the order of the day at Blind Spot, with an extensive selection of bespoke concoctions (each £14) slotting in alongside all the classics (£13).
A stand-out performer for the night was the Buttered Cinnamon Daiquiri, which infused butter and cinnamon with Havana Club 3 year old rum, topped off with fresh lime and sugar to offer an indulgent yet fresh and summery drink for fans of all things sweet. The Silver Pineapple (Havana Club 3yr, sauvignon blanc, fresh pineapple, fresh lime and sugar) also offered a zesty rum hit with the addition of the white wine adding an unusual twist. We also sampled the refreshing Sunset Square (Ketel One, apricot liqueur, watermelon and passion fruit) and The ‘45’, a seriously heady blend of Beefeater 24, Martini extra dry with keenum, peony flowers and rhubarb which packed a hefty punch.
While the Blind Spot is far from a sit down and dine type of bolthole, there are a number of sharing plates and appetizer-styled dishes that work perfectly to complement the drinks. The Sesame Prawns (£9) comprised of bitesize slithers of lemongrass prawn rolls and a sweet chilli sauce, while the Roast Pork Belly Hirata Steamed Bun (£10) was a delicate serving of tender meat rounded off with pickled vegetables and Asian herbs. The Crispy Baby Squid (£10) was tasty and generous in portion size, and our favourite for the night was the Mini Cubano Sandwich (£8) which saw delicious pulled pork, smoky ham, mustard and emmental cheese steamed buns presented in a quirky Cuban cigar box.
Expect unique cocktails and luxe sharing plates.
Summary
A hush-hush cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes and first-rate service, it’s easy to see why Blind Spot has proven such a massive hit with hotel guests and visitors roaming the West End in search of some breathing space. Stylish, seductive and promising a taste of vintage prohibition excess - pick Blind Spot for pre-theatre cocktails or a show-stopping date night.
