Caution: this article may bring you into Disrepute.
Because once you hear this tale of an impressive heritage, understated members’ club atmosphere, and narrative cocktails, you’re going to be literally trampling people to get in.
Ready? Then we’ll begin.
This bar is the lovechild of the duo behind Brixton’s smash ex-pop up Sovereign Loss and the team behind the riotous Barrio bars. Together, they’d make the perfect parents of a sleek vintage watering hole with a sense of mischief and impropriety. So, sensibly, that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Upon arriving at Disrepute, tucked beguilingly in a dark corner of Carnaby’s Kingly Court, you’ll find yourself making your way down a set of stairs before emerging into an intimate, wood panelled basement den.
First to catch your eye will be the long bar, backed up by an impressive array of spirits for the discerning connoisseur. Next, you’ll start to take in glamorous touches of marble and brass, the subtle hints of 60s counter-culture and rebellion woven into the decor in a nod to the site’s previous life as The Pinstripe Club (which hosted everyone from Audrey Hepburn to John Profumo). And finally, if you ask very nicely at the bar, you might find out a little more about Disrepute membership. The general feel is of a well-kept secret but without the exclusivity – and once you have that card, you’ll be able to settle into a dark corner until 3am, leaving you with little excuse not to consume the entire menu.
Which – heads up – takes an untraditional route, with fictional descriptions in place of ingredients… but they’re stories with the happiest of endings – i.e. you, sipping on retro-inspired libations like the Juvenescent, which combines Chilean pisco with English sparkling wine and a Babycham reduction, and the Scandal and Espionage, made up of vodka, brandy and honey syrup.
You’re going to live happily ever after. In Disrepute.
NOTE: Disrepute is open Mon-Sat, 5pm-3am and Sun 5pm-12am. You can book ahead on their website HERE.
Disrepute | 4 Kingly Court, W1B 5PW
Like drinking round here? Check out our guide to Soho’s best bars