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.
El Supremo Rum, from Paraguay, has launched in the UK, bringing a distinctive national style – Caña Paraguaya – to British rum fans. Produced in partnership with CAPASA, Paraguay’s state‑owned sugarcane alcohol producer, the range draws on traditional production methods rooted in indigenous Guaraní culture. El Supremo is made using 100% sugarcane juice that’s reduced…
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
An Indian agave, recently launched in the UK, wants to woo you away from everyday tequilas. Maya Pistola, crafted from wild Agave Americana grown in Southern India, is making waves in the global agave‑spirits world. The spirit was recently awarded ‘Spirit of the Year – India’ at the USA Spirits Ratings 2025. This agave isn’t…
The Luxe Review 
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.
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.
First Pour: El Supremo brings Paraguayan Caña style sugarcane honey rum to UK
El Supremo Rum, from Paraguay, has launched in the UK, bringing a distinctive national style – Caña Paraguaya – to British rum fans. Produced in partnership with CAPASA, Paraguay’s state‑owned sugarcane alcohol producer, the range draws on traditional production methods rooted in indigenous Guaraní culture. El Supremo is made using 100% sugarcane juice that’s reduced…
From Shangri-La to London bar, The Orientalist launches ‘slightly premium’ all-Asian spirits range
A new spirits house showcasing novel Asian ingredients and distilling traditions has launched with four core expressions spanning vodka, gin, whisky and rum. Founded by entrepreneur Michel Lu, The Orientalist Spirits positions itself as an ‘all-Asian’ portfolio, drawing on ingredients, techniques and flavour profiles sourced from across the continent. Lu, whose background spans fashion, music…
This award-winning agave spirit from India is the perfect, pure alternative to tequila
An Indian agave, recently launched in the UK, wants to woo you away from everyday tequilas. Maya Pistola, crafted from wild Agave Americana grown in Southern India, is making waves in the global agave‑spirits world. The spirit was recently awarded ‘Spirit of the Year – India’ at the USA Spirits Ratings 2025. This agave isn’t…
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