Inventive cocktails in a cozy basement speakeasy vibe with standout hospitality; can get crowded and slow at peak times, snacks are limited.
Murder Inc. Cocktails delivers solid grade B performance through exceptional staff warmth and hospitality and well-crafted, creative cocktails. However, service slowness during peak hours and a cramped basement setting prevent higher grades.
Down a narrow staircase off Oxford Street, this basement bar hums with warm, speakeasy charm. Guests rave about staff who make you feel looked after, and one summed it up neatly: "They guided us and kept the mood just right." It can pack out fast, so expect a lively, intimate room more than elbow room. The drinks lean playful and polished rather than showy: riffs like Blue Legume, Florida Man, and a standout dirty martini sit beside well-made classics. Expect strong, well-balanced pours and staff who steer you toward your palate. A few outliers found a drink too bold or service slow at peak, but most describe a bar that is creative and welcoming without the fuss. Families should note this is a late-night, stairs-down cocktail spot with a compact snack list. Kids will find little to eat beyond olives, nuts, or occasional nachos; the appeal is firmly adult. If you need a kid-friendly menu, choose elsewhere.
Area vibe: Central London back street near Oxford Street; lively nightlife and post-theatre crowd.
Safety: Busy, well-trodden area; typical late-night bustle with doormen presence.
What's nearby: Close to Oxford Street shopping and West End theatres; many bars and eateries nearby.