The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town: London’s Secret Speakeasy with Quirky Charm
Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
Tucked behind a disguised SMEG fridge door in Shoreditch, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is a dimly lit, vintage-inspired cocktail bar famed for its playful secret entrance, expertly crafted cocktails, and lively 80s music. This intimate speakeasy offers a unique atmosphere blending retro aesthetics with a relaxed vibe, making it a favorite for both casual nights out and special occasions in London’s vibrant East End.
A brief summary to The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
- 12-16 Artillery Ln, London, E1 7LS, GB
- +442070789639
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 5 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Friday 5 pm-11:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11:30 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early on weekends to avoid waiting upstairs, as entry is limited and no advance bookings are accepted for the bar downstairs.
- Ask to see 'The Mayor' at the Breakfast Club bar to gain access through the secret fridge door entrance.
- Try the house-special cocktails with playful names for a unique tasting experience crafted by expert mixologists.
- Enjoy the bottomless brunch on Saturdays for a lively atmosphere with unlimited drinks and select food dishes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
A Hidden Gem in Shoreditch’s Heart
Nestled beneath The Breakfast Club restaurant on Artillery Lane, The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town is accessed through an unassuming SMEG fridge door, creating an air of mystery and exclusivity. This secret entrance sets the tone for an immersive experience, inviting guests to step away from the bustling city streets into a cozy, subterranean retreat. The bar’s location in Shoreditch, an area known for its creative energy and eclectic nightlife, complements its quirky and unconventional character.Atmosphere and Interior: Vintage Meets Playful
Inside, the bar exudes a warm, vintage lodge ambiance with exposed brick walls, wooden accents, and nostalgic décor elements such as moose heads, oscillating clock eyes, and retro wallpaper. The lighting is dim and intimate, enhancing the speakeasy feel. The quirky touches extend to the cocktail menus, which are presented in novelty cat food tins, and the logo, featuring a cat’s head-shaped key. The playlist is a lively mix of 80s classics, adding to the fun and upbeat atmosphere that encourages mingling and relaxation.Craft Cocktails and Culinary Offerings
The Mayor is celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails, blending classic recipes with inventive house specials. Drinks such as the ‘Peat-Nut Butter-Cup’ and ‘Aloe, Is It Me You’re Looking For’ showcase creativity with quality ingredients and playful names. Cocktails are reasonably priced for London, typically ranging from £7.50 to £8.50. The food menu, though limited, offers tasty options like quesadilla platters, pulled pork sliders, and vodka-battered calamari, designed to complement the drinks without overwhelming choice.Service and Experience
Staff at The Mayor are known for their friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging approach, often adapting cocktails to guests’ flavor preferences and maintaining a lively rapport. The bar controls entry to maintain an intimate crowd, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere without overcrowding. The theatrical element of requesting to see “The Mayor” and entering through the fridge door adds a layer of playful intrigue, making visits memorable and unique.Events and Special Features
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town hosts a popular bottomless brunch every Saturday, featuring unlimited drinks such as Prosecco, Caribbean Rum Punch, and Bloody Marys alongside select Breakfast Club dishes for a fixed price. This event highlights the bar’s blend of fun and sophistication, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a lively weekend outing. Private hire options are also available, catering to groups looking for a distinctive venue in Shoreditch.Legacy and Cultural Footprint
Since opening, The Mayor has become a beloved fixture in London’s cocktail scene, praised for its originality, atmosphere, and quality. It stands out among speakeasies for its combination of theatrical entry, vintage charm, and approachable vibe, appealing to a wide range of guests from cocktail aficionados to casual visitors. Its location in a historically rich and culturally vibrant part of London adds to its allure as a must-visit destination for those exploring the city’s nightlife.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Lloyd's of London
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St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
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Cornhill Fountain
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St Olave's Church, Hart Street
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Statue of James Henry Greathead
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Lombard St
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20 Fenchurch St
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Arnold Circus
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St Margaret Pattens Eastcheap
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Unmissable attractions to see
Spital Square
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Devonshire Square
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Spitalfields Market
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Old Spitalfields Market
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Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Petticoat Lane Market
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Experience the vibrant history and diverse culture of Petticoat Lane Market, East London's iconic hub for textiles, fashion, and street food.
Dennis Severs' House
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Step into a candlelit Georgian townhouse and journey through centuries of Spitalfields’ silk-weaving heritage in a uniquely immersive theatrical museum.
Commercial St
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A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
Liverpool Street
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A historic and bustling transport hub linking London’s financial heart with vibrant East End culture and beyond.
Christ Church Spitalfields
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Sclater Street Market
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Fashion St
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Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Moonshine Saloon
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Experience the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon, London's premier cocktail bar offering unique drinks in a captivating atmosphere.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
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St Helen's Church, Bishopsgate
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Swingers Crazy Golf - City
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Essential places to dine
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Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
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Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
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Lyle's
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Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
14 Hills
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Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
Nomadic community
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A colorful, community-driven urban garden near Brick Lane, blending street art, creativity, and green space in East London’s vibrant cultural scene.
La Dame de Pic London
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Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
The Clove Club
1.0 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
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Madison
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Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Brawn
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Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
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.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
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Restaurant Story
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George
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Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Middlesex Textiles
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DPUS Designer Outlet
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Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Luna & Curious
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1 Poultry
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Traders Gate
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Barbican Shop
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Tower of London Shop
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Hay's Galleria
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Smithfield Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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Discover Shoreditch’s secret speakeasy behind a fridge door, where quirky vintage charm meets expertly crafted cocktails and lively 80s beats.
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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E1
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Ministry of Sound
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
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The Roxy
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly