Premier Hospitality

Bootlegger

Bootlegger
Written by Roma Publications

Bootlegger – Bringing moonshine madness to monument

Bootlegger

The Bootlegger, London’s newest, prohibition-inspired drinking den, is now open for illicit consumption in the financial heart of the capital. Located on Lime Street and celebrating the glamour of the speakeasy, The Bootlegger brings America’s roaring twenties into sharp focus.

The intimate bar launched in November 2015. Exposed brickwork, period flooring and copper-wire lighting form the backdrop for the drinking den, while the eclectic furniture, vintage fittings, period photography and secret props transport drinkers to the dark, underground world of prohibition decadence.

Hidden between a locksmith and a restaurant, The Bootlegger is a tucked-away gem. This is an important element to its prohibition style ambience, as Luke Trickett, Design Director at Wildfire, explains:

“The inconspicuous entrance is the perfect front for the concept. We didn’t want anything too grand in terms of illuminated signage so we applied a simple vinyl to the inside of the door to create something mysterious and only accessible to those in the know.”

The design of the bar works on different levels, with hidden meanings and every little detail considered to deliver an experience with depth.

“We helped the team at The Bootlegger realise their vision on a tight budget,” explains Luke. “We didn’t want to overdesign and create something phony. Instead we kept things quite simple and added intrigue by implanting hidden meanings in all of the graphic routes.”

The same approach was taken with the interior. “The idea was to return the building to its former glory,” confirms Luke. “We stripped the space back to its original materials, created features of what was there and added little touches where necessary to bring the room to life.”

Open Monday to Friday from 4pm until late, and available for private hire at weekends, The Bootlegger offers an exceptional selection of hooch-filled cocktails.

Bootlegger

Signature creations with a forbidden twist include the Kahlua-based The Informant, a Grey Goose pear vodka-inspired Giggle Juice, and a Cariel vanilla vodka, which is transformed into the Dizzy with the Dame. An accompanying light menu offers salted snacks, olives and cheese plates.

Weekly live music adds to the intoxicating ambience of The Bootlegger, showcasing a diverse mix of classic rhythms from blues to jazz, Charleston to Motown. A DJ welcomes in the weekend on Fridays.

The Bootlegger transports guests back to a different time. The basement bar, with operational prohibition-era cash registers, vintage cocktail shakers, mason jars and crystal decanters encapsulates this infamous age, celebrating the era where the focus is squarely on the alcohol.

“A job like this is the polar opposite to much of what we do,” admits Luke. “We normally work within mass-population environments such as sports stadia, so a commission like The Bootlegger can be especially rewarding. We call a project like this a “sparkler” as we get to be really creative and help smaller operators fulfil their ambitions and dreams.”

The Bootlegger has 65 covers in the bar and advanced table bookings are advised.

Opening Hours:

4pm – Midnight – Monday to Wednesday.

4pm – 3am – Thursday and Friday.

Private Hire Saturday and Sunday*

*Private hire also available Mon-Fri on request.

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Roma Publications