Based in the heart of Islington, Le Chapeau Cloche is part hair salon, part cocktail bar, featuring a hidden basement speakeasy called La Muse. A visit to La Muse is a truly unique experience. Whether you’re in the area hankering for a drink, or looking to get a range of hair treatments whilst drinking a cocktail or a glass of wine, this 1920’s inspired salon is a great space to relax.
From the outside you wouldn't know that La Chapeau Cloche is anything other than a hair salon, but if you open the door and walk through, you'll find a set of stairs at the back, leading down to a hidden basement bar. Tables are limited inside the cosy space, but it makes the perfect intimate setting for a date or a catch up with a close friend. The dark, moody space is often candlelit, and wood-panelled walls contributes to the 1920s vibe alongside vintage rugs, armchairs and flickering lamps.
La Muse bartenders mix up lots of classic cocktails as well as a number of signature specials. Try their Amaretto Sour, made with Amaretto, Cointreau, lemon juice, aquafaba, orange bitters, and topped with crumbled amaretti biscuit, orange peel, and edible flowers. Although the menu at La Muse changes monthly, this cocktail is always available, and some people drive from across London to have one of them. Boasting a variety of options and flavours on the menu, there’ll be something you can enjoy, even if you decide to keep it simple and grab a classic Martini or Old Fashioned.
Fancy a nibble too? La Muse has you covered with a selection of specialist fish pates, namely salmon, crab, scallop and mackerel, served with sourdough bread, as well as a delicious-sounding cheese board and avocado tartare.