Nathan Larkin and Gavin Wrigley are to open Double Down, a 150-200-capacity high-energy bar underneath the pair’s Speak in Code, CLASS can reveal.
With plans to open the lower-basement venue late this year, or early next, Larkin has described the new high-volume venue as “doubling down on who we are”, leaning into the batched, technique-forward drinks style of Speak in Code, adding an “irreverent”, “grungy feel”.
The space – part of the same Grade 2-listed building that houses the CLASS Bar Awards-recognised Speak in Code – will be created from an underground carpark and will see a lounge seating area, elevated area for music, floorspace for standing and an ice room which will be the first thing guests see on entering.
Larkin told CLASS: “Double Down will give us some venue flexibility and allow us the space to accommodate larger groups and more free-flowing footfall with a large section of non-fixed seating arrangements.
“We want to maintain quality and a very high standard above all, with some technique driven drinks, with super approachability for the guest.
“Expect a section of the menu to be highballs on tap - all batched and kegged in house. We’ll be investing in some tech equipment that allows us to meet modern drinking demands with efficiency and precision in a higher volume venue.
“That includes our own block ice production, with a section of the bar being dedicated to an ice production room.”
Drinks will include Tequila|Strawberry (tequila, Hoja Santa, strawberry soda), Gin|Tonic (Double Down gin, raspberry eau de vie, shiso tonic) while the house Old Fashioned will take the form of Whiskey|Coffee (rye, coffee distillate, cacao demerara, house bitters).
Local draught lager and Guinness will help to tap into the after-work crowd, supplementing the core audience: “cocktail enthusiasts, creative professionals, hip hop lovers and urban culture tourists”.
The bar, which will hold weekly events on Jackson's Row, will open until 1am weekdays and 2am weekends.