Evans and Peel, Earls Court, London

If a format works well, then it is inevitably going to be copied. We had a wonderful time when in San Francisco in Branch and Bourban the detective agency come-secret speakeasy. It was with this experience in mind that I was really excited to head to the Evans and Peel detective agency in Earls Court. As before, we had to make a reservation as walk-in seating is limited and as before, we were only able to book a two hour slot.

 

 

There were about 10 of us and we had already been out for dinner and were heading to the detective agency for cocktails. I had read reviews, which stated that we might be asked why we were visiting the detective agency. The story unfolded over the table at dinner with Davinhos III taking the lead on our explanation.

 

 

So, we buzzed at the unassuming white door and were let in and asked to head down the narrow stairwell. It was at this point that we were greeted by the detective agency secretary. She enquired after our sorry tale for which we needed assistance. Well, as you can imagine, the eight of us had convened as we suspected that we were all Lord Lucan’s love children and we wished to locate him.

 

 

Satisfied with this explanation, plus the fact that we all use the same brand of tissues to add to our suspicions regarding our joint paternity, she went across the bookshelf, pulled a book out out and released the door for our entry in to the secret speakeasy out back.

 

 

We were led to our table and were able to take in the wooden panels and vintage décor. The chandeliers oozed 1920s prohibition glamour, as did the patrons. We sat beside an old radio in wooden fold down cinema seats under the eaves. We all decided that the venue elicited the ordering of cocktails, old fashioned and bourbon based ones at that. We were not disappointed the mixologist knows his prohibition cocktails. We partook in making merry and managed to sink a couple of excellent cocktails each, before it was time to open up the space for some other lucky clients.

 

 

We seeped out of the venue slinkily and discretely, not wanting to draw the attention of the Bureau of Prohibition. So, back out into the brash London night, we all discussed the excitement of the event. I should also mention that they do also have a fantastic menu which offers up some traditional delights such as the beef burger with chips, plus vegetarian option. I will most definitely be returning to Evans and Peel to sample both the food and cocktails next time, perhaps the gin? Also, not least because I’m sure we’ll need an update on progress to find our father Lord Lucan.