London’s nightlife gets a sensory reboot as Experimental Cocktail Club (ECC) Chinatown reopens with a bold new identity blending heritage, sound, and modern mixology.
Relaunch
Fifteen years after it first opened its discreet, unmarked door on Gerrard Street, Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown has returned this October with a complete reimagining one that fuses design, sound, and cocktails into a singular sensory experience. ECC marks the next chapter in London’s ever-evolving cocktail culture, bringing fresh life to one of the capital’s most storied nightlife institutions.
Drawing inspiration from Chinatown’s rich cultural history, the new ECC interior pays tribute to the symbolic dragon, weaving scale-like patterns through plush carpeting, fabric textures, and a 1960s screen panel. Expect a tactile mix of bamboo, braided wood, stainless steel, and deep-hued velvet in shades of violet and brown.
The result? A setting that’s decadent yet grounded — an atmosphere where time slows, conversation flows, and every detail invites you deeper into the experience.
What to Expect
Music takes centre stage at the new ECC Chinatown, designed as much a listening room as a cocktail bar. The weekly programme moves through an eclectic soundscape — from sundown disco and ambient grooves, to live acoustic sets, French Touch, and electro-infused nights. Weekends bring warmth and rhythm with Afro House, Amapiano, and deep house, while Sundays slow the pace with curated vinyl-inspired sessions celebrating hip hop, soul, and R&B. In an age of constant scrolling, ECC will also host no-phone nights, encouraging guests to be fully present in the moment — no distractions, just sound, spirits, and connection.
The Drinks
The cocktail menu, curated by General Manager Timothy Falzon and the ECC bar team, mirrors the venue’s dual ethos: heritage and reinvention. Divided into four chapters, the menu takes guests on a journey through the bar’s history and creative evolution:
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ECC Classics: Revived house favourites such as the Saint Germain des Prés and Old Cuban, reimagined with custom Chinatown Bitters.
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Design & Place: Cocktails inspired by the bar’s identity and surroundings, including Turmeric is the New Black (turmeric vodka, chamomile, Champagne) and Hay Jude (hay-infused cognac, beurre noisette distillate, bitters).
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Seasonal Rotation: Launching with creations like Sundowner Society (Ocho Tequila, plum, Aperol, lime, bitters) and You Make Miso Happy (bourbon, pineapple, miso, garlic eau de vie, lemon).
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Vintage Collection: A homage to cocktail heritage featuring the De La Louisiane and Vintage Negroni, crafted from aged and rare spirits.
The drinks list also showcases French spirits and liqueurs, reinforcing ECC’s roots in the Experimental Group’s Parisian heritage. Completing the experience, ECC introduces a curated late-night food menu from chef Jackson Boxer, featuring two signature sandwiches: the indulgent French Onion Soup Croque and Mortadella & Stracciatella.
A charcuterie selection from Authentique Épicerie and artisan cheeses from Neal’s Yard Dairy round out the offering — refined, shareable plates designed to complement the cocktails without overshadowing them.
The Details
Experimental Cocktail Club Chinatown reopens Friday 3rd October 2025. Expect decadence, design, and a dash of rebellion — the perfect mix for the next era of London’s nightlife.
Where: 13a Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PS W.
Booking: Here
Opening Hours: Sun-Mon: 6pm-Midnight Tues-Wed: 6pm-2am Thurs-Sat: 6pm-3am
