Callooh Callay
Whimsical cocktails and literary magic in Shoreditch's most enchanting bar.
A whimsical cocktail bar on Rivington Street in Shoreditch, London, inspired by Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky poem. Known for inventive, expertly crafted cocktails and eccentric decor featuring a Victorian wardrobe that leads to hidden rooms. The bar combines theatrical design with serious mixology, offering seasonal menus and a secret JubJub bar for members. Perfect for cocktail enthusiasts seeking imaginative drinks in a fun, quirky atmosphere.
A brief summary to Callooh Callay
- 65 Rivington St, London, EC2A 3QQ, GB
- +442072090588
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Luxury
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 6 pm-1 am
- Tuesday 6 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 6 pm-1 am
- Thursday 6 pm-3 am
- Friday 6 pm-3 am
- Saturday 6 pm-3 am
- Sunday 6 pm-3 am
Local tips
- Visit early in the week (Monday–Wednesday) for a more relaxed atmosphere and easier seating. Weekends are packed with a DJ and require advance booking.
- Don't miss the Victorian wardrobe—walk through it to discover the hidden back area, restrooms, and access to the exclusive JubJub bar.
- Ask the bartenders for recommendations rather than ordering blindly. They excel at crafting bespoke cocktails based on your taste preferences.
- Check the seasonal menu design—each iteration features a unique and quirky visual theme that adds to the overall experience.
- Arrive with time to spare and budget for premium cocktails; the quality and creativity justify the higher price point.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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London Underground
From Liverpool Street Station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, or Metropolitan lines), exit and walk approximately 8–10 minutes northeast through Shoreditch. Alternatively, from Aldgate East Station (Hammersmith & City or District lines), walk approximately 12–15 minutes northeast. The bar is located on Rivington Street in the heart of Shoreditch's nightlife district.
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Bus
Routes 47, 48, and 149 serve the Shoreditch area. Alight at stops near Old Street or Rivington Street. Journey times from central London typically range from 20–35 minutes depending on traffic and starting point.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Uber, Bolt, or traditional black cabs are readily available throughout London. Journey times from central London (e.g., West End, City) typically range from 15–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Fares generally range from £12–25 depending on origin and time of day.
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Walking
If staying in nearby areas such as Bethnal Green, Hoxton, or Spitalfields, Callooh Callay is accessible on foot. From Liverpool Street Station, a 10-minute walk through Shoreditch's streets brings you to Rivington Street. The route is well-lit and passes through the vibrant Shoreditch neighbourhood.
Callooh Callay location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Callooh Callay
A Portal to Literary Whimsy
Callooh Callay stands as one of Shoreditch's most distinctive cocktail destinations, drawing inspiration from Lewis Carroll's nonsensical poem Jabberwocky. The name itself comes from the famous lines: "O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!" The bar's entire aesthetic revolves around this literary foundation, creating an immersive experience that feels less like a typical cocktail bar and more like stepping into a fantastical world. Since opening over a decade ago, it has maintained its reputation as a venue that successfully balances theatrical presentation with serious craft cocktails.Theatrical Design and Hidden Spaces
The moment you enter Callooh Callay, you're greeted with an explosion of eclectic decor that immediately captures attention. A Victorian wardrobe dominates one corner—not merely decorative, but functional. Walking through its doors transports you to the back area, where you'll find the restrooms, smoking room, and access to the exclusive JubJub bar. This hidden speakeasy-style space seats only around 25 people and operates as a members-only or invitation-only enclave with its own bespoke menu that changes weekly. Beyond the wardrobe, the main bar features gilded palm-tree-shaped lamps, seating fashioned from a bathtub, vintage lighting fixtures, and gilded mirrors. A private booth sits against a mesmerizing monochrome swirling backdrop—best admired before consuming several cocktails. Bright colours and vintage touches throughout create an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and playfully irreverent.Masterful Cocktail Craftsmanship
Beneath the theatrical flourishes lies a serious commitment to cocktail excellence. The bar's menu changes seasonally, with each iteration featuring a new and quirky design—past menus have been based on tube maps, wildlife annuals, and comic books. Cocktails are inventive and thoughtfully constructed, with detailed tasting notes to guide selection. Signature creations showcase unusual flavour combinations: the Bristol Milk balances Ketel One vodka and Bristol Cream sherry with nectarine and orange flower, while the White Rose combines Bulleit bourbon, pedro ximenez sherry, marmalade, and egg white into a velvety, frothy creation. The bartenders are exceptionally knowledgeable, capable of crafting bespoke drinks based on your preferences or creating cocktails featuring unexpected ingredients like tagarashi (Japanese spice mix). The staff consistently demonstrate expertise in spirits and mixology, having won awards for their creations.Atmosphere and Social Experience
The bar's vibe shifts dramatically depending on when you visit. Weekday evenings offer a relaxed, intimate setting ideal for conversation and appreciation of well-made drinks. Weekends transform the space into a lively, energetic venue where a DJ performs and the bar fills to capacity—booking ahead is essential if you want to secure a seat. The crowd tends to be stylish and sophisticated, though the bar maintains a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Staff members are consistently praised for their friendliness, attentiveness, and ability to make guests feel at home despite the bar's undeniable coolness factor. The music complements the atmosphere perfectly, creating an environment that feels both fun and refined.The JubJub Experience
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the JubJub bar represents the pinnacle of Callooh Callay's offerings. This intimate members-only space hosts regular tasting events celebrating specific spirits or themes—past events have focused on premium scotch whiskies and other celebrated spirits. The bartenders curate weekly bespoke menus specifically for this space, allowing for deeper exploration of cocktail craft and spirit appreciation. Access is typically by membership, invitation, or special arrangement, making it a destination within a destination for serious cocktail enthusiasts.Practical Considerations
Cocktails at Callooh Callay command premium prices, reflecting the quality of ingredients, expertise, and presentation involved. The venue operates as both a casual drop-in bar and a bookable event space, accommodating groups and special occasions. The bar's longevity and consistent reputation suggest that despite the premium pricing, visitors generally feel the experience justifies the cost. The combination of imaginative drinks, knowledgeable staff, comfortable yet fascinating surroundings, and the ability to relax and socialise with friends creates a complete package that appeals to cocktail lovers and those seeking a memorable night out in East London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Hoxton Square
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Essential places to dine
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Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
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Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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14 Hills
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Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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St. John
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Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Da Terra Restaurant
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Madison
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Behind Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Petticoat Lane Market
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Middlesex Textiles
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Barbican Shop
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The Royal Exchange
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Unique Gifts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Unique
- Entertaining
- Lively
- Romantic
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Bohemian Styles
- Retro Vibes
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Adults Only
