Why Beirut’s Speakeasies Kinda Suck (Sorry)

Every couple of months, we see a new trend in Lebanon’s F&B industry. First, it was Italian restaurants, then smashed burgers, and now, speakeasies. But why do Beirut’s speakeasies not live up to the true clandestine experience?

To be completely honest, we don’t think people here even know what a true speakeasy is. Let’s break it down for you.

What’s a Speakeasy?

To enter a speakeasy, you basically have to be “in the know”. Speakeasies became a thing back in the Prohibition era (1920s-1930s) in the United States when alcohol became illegal. Those who wished to indulge had to find secret bars or hidden lounges, so they had to “speak easy” (or quietly) about these underground spots to avoid getting caught.

Speakeasy in San Francisco, 1931. Photo credit: Underwood Archives—UIG/Shutterstock.com

Here are some common features you’ll find at at a real speakeasy:

– Have a discreet or hidden entrance

– Feature a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere for that “underground” vibe

– Serve craft cocktails or signature drinks

– Sometimes require a password or reservation to enter

The whole point of a speakeasy is that it’s supposed to be hard to find, not something everyone knows about. So when you launch and heavily market your new nightlife spot as a speakeasy…it kind of defeats the purpose.

What Are Some Good Examples?

London actually has some of the best impossible-to-find speakeasies. Here are some cool examples of London’s best speakeasies that maybe Beirut could learn from.

1. CellarDoor in Aldwych

Photo credit: @cellardoorlondon on Instagram

Blink and you might miss the discreet entrance, which was once a public toilet (yes, really). But step inside, and you’ll find a hidden gem that hosts cabarets, burlesque shows, live music, and even the occasional cinema night.

2. The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town in Spitalfields

Tucked behind The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane, all you have to do is tell the staff you’re ‘here to see the mayor’ and just like that, you’re led to a seemingly-normal fridge that doubles as a secret entrance.

3. As Above, So Below in Stoke Newington

It might look like a barbershop on the outside, but those who are in the know will head to the back and press a discreet button. A secret door will open to reveal a staircase leading to a cozy underground bar.

So…Why Do Beirut’s Speakeasies Pale in Comparison?

Because they lack the discreetness of real speakeasies. The ones you’ll find in Beirut are basically just super exclusive bars, not REAL speakeasies.

That’s not to say they’re not fun, some of them serve great cocktails in cool spaces. But if you’re expecting Prohibition-style hidden doors and passwords whispered at dimly lit entrances, you might be a little disappointed.

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