Reverend J W Simpson

Cocktail bar · Fitzrovia

Reverend J W Simpson

Cocktail bar · Fitzrovia

5

32 Goodge St, London W1T 2QJ, United Kingdom

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Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
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Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
Reverend J W Simpson by null
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Highlights

Dive into Fitzrovia’s hidden gem—a cozy, basement speakeasy with scruffy charm, comfy seats, and a killer inventive cocktail menu.  

Featured in The Infatuation
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32 Goodge St, London W1T 2QJ, United Kingdom Get directions

revjwsimpson.com
@revjwsimpson

$$

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32 Goodge St, London W1T 2QJ, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 7870 819257
revjwsimpson.com
@revjwsimpson

$$

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Jul 31, 2025

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@infatuation

Reverend J W Simpson Review - Fitzrovia - London - The Infatuation

"If our lingering obsession with Hot Priest is anything to go by, the fact that a reverend once lived in this Fitzrovia basement can only be a good thing. This quirky, speakeasy-style cocktail bar has been around for a while, but Reverend J W Simpson still manages to feel like a private, central London secret. This place also takes their cocktails very seriously and it’s ideal for a first date in central. The distressed walls and comfy banquette keeps things casual, while the inventive seasonal cocktail menu is a great little “so, are you pro lemon foam?” conversation starter." - Heidi Lauth Beasley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/reviews/reverend-j-w-simpson
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@infatuation

The 16 Best First Date Bars In London

"If our lingering obsession with Hot Priest is anything to go by, the fact that a reverend once lived in this Fitzrovia basement can only be a good thing. This quirky, speakeasy-style cocktail bar has been around for a while, but Reverend J W Simpson still manages to feel like a private, central London secret. The distressed walls and comfy banquette keeps things casual, while the inventive seasonal cocktail menu is a great little “so, are you pro lemon foam?” conversation starter. " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/guides/best-first-date-bars-london
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@onthegrid

On the Grid : Rev. J W Simpson

"A basement drinking den from the Bourne & Hollingsworth team, located in what used to be the home of an old clergyman until the late 80’s. In more recent years it was known as the Capricorn Club until raided by police under the suspicion of being a brothel. Through the mysterious black door and down the stairs you’ll enter a hidden gem of Fitzrovia, its interior is a mishmash of peeling wallpaper, tiled floors and battered wooden walls which, together, leave the clear impression of a space that has had many lives." - UsVs

https://onthegrid.city/london/fitzrovia/rev-j-w-simpson
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@infatuation

Where To Go When You’re Waiting For A Table At Circolo Popolare

"Reverend J W Simpson is one of those cool and kooky little basement bars that has probably bore witness to hundreds, if not thousands, of promising first dates. It’s the former home of a Fitzrovia reverend, and there’s a lot of the worn wallpaper, flooring, and kitchen tiling remains in each of the rooms. That means it has a nostalgic and cosy feel that sets it apart from a lot of other bars in the area. This place also takes their cocktails very seriously, serving creative takes on the classics, and an excellent ‘drinks with benefits’ menu with drinks full of ingredients like strawberry balsamic shrubs, açai liqueurs, and other things we don’t really understand but taste great." - heidi lauth beasley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/london/guides/restaurants-bars-pubs-near-circolo-popolare
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@onthegrid

"Rev. J W Simpson, Fitzrovia. A basement drinking den from the Bourne & Hollingsworth team, located in what used to be the home of an old clergyman until the late 80’s. In more recent years it was known as the Capricorn Club until raided by police under the suspicion of being a brothel. Through the mysterious black door and down the stairs you’ll enter a hidden gem of Fitzrovia, its interior is a mishmash of peeling wallpaper, tiled floors and battered wooden walls which, together, leave the clear impression of a space that has had many lives."

London
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Laura H

Google
Really enjoyed the cocktails we had here (great addition of a Parmesan crisp) and had very attentive service but will caveat that we were the only people in there at 6pm on a Saturday so perhaps better later in the evening if you’re after a crowd.

Walter Basile

Google
A gem in the city. Excellent cocktail bar with cosy and characteristic atmosphere. By looking at the menu, you can already recognise the care, the knowledge, and the passion of their offer. Drinks were all interesting and superbly made, and requests are welcomed by the bartender who has an interesting collection of liquors. Definitely recommended 👌.

Peter Regan

Google
Fantastic little cocktail bar in central London location about two mins from Goodge St tube. The owner Rhydian was a lovely chap with extensive experience and was extremely passionate about his cocktails. We went with his recommendations and they were delicious.

Meredith Goossen

Google
Cozy little bar with a cool cocktail menu. Feels like your aunts lived in living room that you actually want to visit. I had the inconceivable and it was yummy. Lively. It not too rowdy crowd. Understaffed unfortunately so we only stayed for one round but server was lovely!

Alexander Cowley

Google
Fantastic, hidden, subterranean cocktail bar with an ultra-knowleageable owner-bartender. If Rhydian draws you into conversation, expect to stick around and order another two or three rounds. Genuinely superb.

Mit Sharma

Google
This place is just amazing. The atmosphere is great and the drinks are some of the best I have ever had. I cannot recommend this place enough

Catherine Betancourt

Google
This is my favorite cocktail bar in London, it's great if you want quality drinks and an atmosphere where you can actually chat to your friends rather than have to scream over loud music. The owner is so knowledgeable and often crafts incredible personalized cocktails if you let him know what you like. I haven't met any other bartender who takes the time to get to know what people like and make recommendations or craft entirely unique drinks based on guest preference like he does. I highly recommend this place if you are a fan of high quality cocktails and a cozy vibe.

Nandini Pandey

Google
Truly lovely underground speakeasy with excellent and creative cocktails, thoughtful service and great conversation from the proprietor Rhidian, and a welcoming, chill ambience with good but soft music that makes it easy to converse. I've had great cocktails at bars all over the world and this place is a new favorite, with inventive and literary drinks you won't find anywhere else and plenty of room to chill with friends. A rare find in London. Will come back often!
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Paul C.

Yelp
Spectacular cocktails and an extraordinarily welcoming and hospitable experience. When you're in Fitzrovia it is a must do - period. Unpretentious and shabby chic vibes. You'll be glad you stopped in. Entrance can be missed - but don't.

Wes D.

Yelp
This was absolutely one of our favorite finds on our last London trip. We ended up cancelling other reservations to make another stop in here the following night. Some of, if not, the best cocktails we have found. An absolutely world-class place if you are interested in high craft cocktails.
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Rachel R.

Yelp
Such a charming spot for a cocktail - but don't tell anyone or it will soon becomes overcrowded! We snuck in on a Friday night around 6pm. There were just a few open seats left. The menu changes seasonally and is complex - often the drinks are paired with a bite of cheese or topped with caramel whipped cream. They are all drinks thar go down far too easily. The only food is assorted nuts or a dish of olives, so eat before you arrive or you will sure leave hammered. Staff is very friendly and table service is great. It's lively enough to feel fun but you can still chat with your friends without yelling. I will be back. A lot.
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Daniel P.

Yelp
So my new-to-London friend tells me to introduce her to some cocktail bars that are near her work at Warren St. Now I also used to work by here so had to find a place neither of us had been to before (well I wanted to try something new too!!) and thought this the perfect opportunity to try out this place. I saw it in an article about hidden speakeasy bars and LOVE these places so already was excited. After a quick reservation (which we didn't need since it was a Wed!) 4 of us (we picked up some stragglers) rocked up outside. None of the others had been to a place like this so when they saw the scruffy sign outside and the corridor that descends into nowhere they thought I was leading them astray. But I wasn't - I led them down to a basement bar that resembled the epitome of shabby chic. Being quiet we got a great table and the waiters were really friendly and helpful - you could say this was because they were bored but here I actually believed that they were trying to help us pick cocktails we liked best. And it worked! Cocktails at 8 - 10 pounds and given the taste I was more than happy to pay (if you don't want a cocktail just don't come here tbh). Service was topped with nibbles and water without asking (which is always a nice touch), as well as a taster of new cocktail they were working on. If they put this cocktail on the menu I will be a regular here, it was perfect! The final touch came when my friends popped through a wall to beautifully laid out toilets as got really excited about the secret door. Deserves the full rating!
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Minnie M.

Yelp
If you miss the discreet entrance leading into the a bare hallway of Reverend JW Simpson, look for the slightly bored looking bouncer in front holding a clipboard. Slightly bored looking bouncer asked us if we had reservations, and fortunately I had made one earlier that day for 8 pm on Friday, because it was very busy down in the basement. Save yourself a wait and make a reservation. The basement itself was charming in the sense you really feel like you're hidden away from the bustling street of Goodge in an unfinished basement (bf had a slight asthma reaction) with a young and trendy crowd. We ordered the £9.5 Laird's Old Fashioned and the £8.5 Blackberry Smash, which were very delicious and easy to drink. Perhaps a bit lighter on the alcohol than drinks I've had at other similar speakeasies, but definitely worth checking out. The menu had pictures of the types of glasses used for the drinks, which helps if it impacts your decision when ordering (see images I loaded of the menu). Coming back for sure, this is going on my list of favorite watering holes in London.
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Rowann B.

Yelp
If you want good cocktails go here! My friend and I spontaneously decided to get cocktails after dinner and stumbled across this place! You would hardly notice it in the street because it's just a black door with the name Reverend JW in gold type above the door. The atmosphere is great. It has a speakeasy feel about it. If you read the beginning of the menu you'll read a bit of history about the place too! I had the Tiki Flip cocktail. A great rum cocktail with an infusion of spices - I could have had ten! It was Thursday and it was pretty busy so I guess at the weekends it gets packed. I would definitely go again!
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Katie W.

Yelp
Emailed them for a booking and got seated right away right in the back by an (unused) fireplace. Very fresh cocktails and old school decor! Again found this place through Thrillist and Minnie's review. It is an "untouched" flat that used to belong to a priest and still looks lived in. There is a secret door in the wall that goes to the bathroom which was cool. Would probably be "a fan" if I lived here but just "A-OK" for a tourist as it lacked the "wow" factor.
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Maxime P.

Yelp
Went here with my partner as we were cocktail-bar-hopping for his birthday. After finding out about this place on a Time Out list I had to check it out. It's very discrete frontage of just a black doorway with the bar name above was very alluring, and the decor once inside fit perfectly with the speakeasy style, but in a much less pretentious way than other 'Great Gatsby'-loving bars. The seating and lighting was good, though I was expecting a bit more vibe from this kind of bar on a Saturday night. It was getting to the end of the night but there was only one other group in there and the staff seemed ready to go home. That said, the cocktails were lovely and very classy so I will be revisiting.
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E L.

Yelp
This bar failed to impress, despite the initial good impression. Good service and cool toilets, but the cocktails were average, and the bar had no vibe when I visited on a warm June evening. It's a good address as an alternative to the London Cocktail Club.
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Cécile T.

Yelp
Reverend JW Simpson is not the kind of bar you can end up at by accident. it is slightly hidden. Seriously, it's 5 minutes away from my workplace and I walk past it daily, and I had never noticed it! Just go through the black door, go downstairs (you'll see a lovely stained glass on the way) and there you are. I went there because a very lovely friend bought vouchers for me and his girlfriend (to tell you the truth maybe he just wanted us to be away for the night haha!). We had three lovely vodka-based cocktails, one of them we got to make ourselves, and a vodka and cheese tasting. It was a Tuesday night but the bar was full - but not loud. We had a great time. The tasting took place with other people who had the same deal and we even made some new friends. The event/tasting was promoting Black Cow Vodka - a vodka made from milk! I am usually not a huge vodka fan but even on its own it went really well with the cheese. The cocktails were good and the staff very sweet to us. Cocktails are around £10 and they have regular tasting sessions if you fancy learning a little more about what's in your - very pretty - glass!
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Caren H.

Yelp
Cute cocktail bar. Needed a place to go with a medium-sized group of people and we were able to rock up and get a nice cozy table. The place is lacking a bit of soul and I like my cocktail bars to be open late, but this is a nice little spot for good cocktails, popcorn, and conversation.
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Jennifer S.

Yelp
Cute little place with hipster bartenders. Candles cast a dim glow, so a bit romantic as well. I got the fennel top daisy- a crisp mix of hendrick's gin with fresh green apple and mint, citrus, a touch of fennel top liqueur - £9 and then the Blue leaf clover with a red rose petal- Rathbone new london dry gin with homemade blueberry syrup, lemon and egg white - £9. The second sounds amazing but it was surprisingly bland, save for the nice presentation.
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Judy H.

Yelp
Hidden speakeasy that isn't pretentious with great cocktails and service. What more can you ask for? You can find slight twists in their drinks - espresso drink with rum instead of vodka for example. Great for a pre or post dinner drink.
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Nurilya A.

Yelp
I booked Reverend SW Simpson for my birthday for 20 people on Jan 29th. When we arrived the bar was not even full and it took half an hour to get staff attention to order our first drinks needless to say that they had other people still sitting on our table 20 min past our booking time. The evening started fairly well and were looking like a great night but wait till later. The service was overall slow but then I took into account the fact that the bar was busy. At the very end the administrator announces that they have put everything on one tap despite me asking couple of times to manage separate taps for a large group of people for obvious reasons. After they started demanding people to pay the bill and being extremely rude to everyone and acting so unprofessionally and waiving bill at everyone. There was no sign of politeness and customer service you would expect from what claims to be a cosy place and the bar who wants to place itself at the top rank in London scene. Most of my friends said they paid separately and it was impossible to know how many items of that bill were even credible items. Before we even left and finished our drinks they started sitting other people at our table!!! Oh well it couldn't have gone any worse than this. Ruined my birthday and left a very bitter experience. The staff even did't take time to apologise or make things up. So people watch out before deciding to take a big group of people there. It might still pull things off for smaller groups and dates where similar things unlikely to repeat. I tried to pass on a feedback in a friendly manner to the lady over the phone when getting back my booking deposit but she could't care less and came across very ignorant. I rarely leave negative feedbacks but couldn't leave this one out. In fact this is my first negative review!!!
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Travis L.

Yelp
Always surprised to find a great, but not pretentious, cocktail bar. This one is tucked away with an underground speakeasy vibe and a variety of creative and traditional cocktails. Staff was attentive and helpful. Will definitely return!
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Catherine M.

Yelp
Was there for their Cinco de Mayo Spirited Sermons. Packed house for a Tuesday night but still enough room for everyone. Event included a tequila tasting where we got to self-pour our drinks which was great. Drinks were decent, service was efficient. Disappointed in their "margarita" which didn't actually contain tequila, made with white wine instead. Made for an interesting, light cocktail but seemed to be misleading named.

Qype User (jamesc…)

Yelp
Great little cocktail bar on goodge street fairly relaxed, good cocktails.