Charlie Borrow
Leather goods store · Bethnal Green ·
Leather goods, antiques restoration, and a speakeasy bar
Information
59 Virginia Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 7NF, United Kingdom Get directions
Leather goods, antiques restoration, and a speakeasy bar
59 Virginia Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 7NF, United Kingdom Get directions
"Charlie’s is only open on Thursday nights. We’ll forgive them for not providing us with £10 spicy mezcal margaritas every single night of the week because frankly, this basement bar off Columbia Road is too charming to ever be mad at it. From the bowls of ridged crisps on the tables to the fact that the dark wood panelling was carved by the owner himself—who also happens to own the leather goods and furniture restoration shop upstairs—this place has that whole secret speakeasy thing going on without any of the pretentious faff. There are only five cocktails on the short menu, but if you’re into proper frothy espresso martinis then you should know that that’s one of them. " - heidi lauth beasley
"“Crisps are the key to my heart. But I was already head over heels for Charlie’s, a small, sultry basement bar off Columbia Road, before the eponymous owner placed a huge bowl of ridged ready salted next to my negroni. Located below a leather goods and furniture restoration shop (also owned by Charlie), the only sign of the bar’s existence (which is only open on Thursday nights) is a small chalkboard in the window with its name and the words: Ring Door Bell Hard. Already charmed. Descending the steps will whisk you to a different world—think moody speakeasy, dark wood-panelling (carved by Charlie), flickering candles, a handful of low stools, and a couple of seats at the bar. The menu is just as small and charming with a few St. John wines, bottles of beer, and five classic cocktails. The espresso martini and spicy mezcal margarita came out on top but honestly anything you drink will taste ten times better than usual because you’re drinking it at Charlie’s. And not just because they come with a side of crisps.” - DM " - Heidi Lauth Beasley, Daisy Meager, Sinead Cranna
"The allure of Charlie’s, a small, sultry basement bar off Columbia Road, begins before you take your seat. Located below a leather goods and furniture restoration shop (also owned by Charlie), the only sign of the bar’s existence (which is only open on Thursday nights) is a small chalkboard in the window with its name and the words: Ring Door Bell Hard. Already charmed. Descending the steps will whisk you to a different world—think moody speakeasy, dark wood-panelling (carved by Charlie), dim lighting, flickering candles, a handful of low stools, and a couple of seats at the bar. There’s only space for 35 people so it feels intimate, like everyone there is in on some delicious secret. It’s the perfect place to flirt over a spicy mezcal margarita or strong negroni, whether it’s your first date or 100th, or huddle in a small group, putting the world to rights after a frothy espresso martini or two… or three. The menu is just as small and charming with a few St. John wines, bottles of beer, and five classic cocktails. One of the best parts? Charlie enthusiastically tops up bowls of ridged crisps at every table throughout the night." - Daisy Meager
