Dining

Archive & Myth cocktail bar review: Hip new London speakeasy serves the ultimate Whisky Sour

Archive & Myth Whisky Sour

London has a new speakeasy and it might just serve the best whisky sour in town.  Archive & Myth, located beneath Leicester Square, is accessed by a password-protected door off Cranbourn Street, between the Hippodrome Casino and Magic Mike Live. A more central location is hard to imagine.

This clandestine oasis offers a stylish escape from the Square’s hustle and bustle, with a tempting menu of elevated classics and bites.

The drinks been created by hospitality veteran and award-winning mixologist Jack Sotti;  heading up his team is Head Bartender Laurie Howells. Their creations are served in both full-size and miniature vessels.

This clandestine oasis offers a stylish escape from Leicester Square’s hustle and bustle…

Prior to the opening, The Luxe Review enjoyed a preview of the libations on offer, and can confirm enthusiasts looking for indulgent beverages are in for a treat.

There’s probably no better way to settle into the Archive & Myth experience than with a perfectly chilled highball. The Mizuwari combines Japanese whisky with yushu, magnesium and sparkling water.

Then again, maybe the Soixante-Quinze is more your style – elderflower, Gentian, dry Torrontes, White Chocolate, gin, and a fritz of lemon oil, or how about a refreshing Absinthe Frappe, comprising Absinthe Blanche, condensed milk, basil, mint and lime.

And who can resist Rosita, a Tequila take on an Old Fashioned, with almond and choux pastry garnish?

For me the menu highlight is the whisky sour, a sublime confection of scotch, baked Braeburn apples, white miso and smoky Espadin mezcal. There’s more to explore, of course, but it’s not for us to spoil the surprises…

Lavish interiors have been created by  film, television, and theatrical production designer Rachel O’Toole. There’s a central bar with counter seating, the best seats in the house for those fascinated by the art of mixology.

Or you can sidle off to a plush nook, with brushed metal detailing. Exposed brick and dark woodwork accents complement an eclectic collection of theatrical artefacts.

Food comes courtesy of Hippodrome stablemate, Chop Chop by Four Seasons, so expect contemporary Chinese favourites, like Dim Sum, Spring Rolls, and Salt & Pepper Prawns. we can attest the latter are delicious!

With limited seating, you will need to book; access instructions are sent with the booking confirmation. Archive & Myth is open Wednesday to Sunday, 18:00 – 2:00.

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK