Secretive space with 'mystery, exclusivity and a bit of theatre'

A CITY centre venue with blacked out windows and a subtle name hides a secret behind its unassuming frontage.

- By CHRISTOPHER MEGRATH

A former chicken shop on Old Hall Street received a major transformation two years ago but the owners didn’t advertise the new premise - they wanted to keep it a secret.

In 2023, the Fit Food Shack restaurant became a clothing and repairs space named Tailors.

Mannequins were displayed in the windows along with curtains hiding the interiors from passersby on the street, with a sewing machine emblazoned across the signage.

However, Tailors is far from your average store, because behind its doors is actually a secret bar with experimental cocktails its owners describe as a 'Willy Wonka speakeasy for adults'.

Stephen McCarthy is one of five directors at Tailors. Alongside close pal Mark, who he knew from their time in the Parachute Regiment; Paul, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers; Adam, a carpenter by trade, and his wife Gemma, the owners all invested their own money into creating a city centre speakeasy.

Stephen told the ECHO: “We've visited secret bars and speakeasies across the country.

“London has some great ones, but we always found that once you're through the hidden door, the magic tends to fade - we wanted to change that.

“For us, the experience doesn’t stop when you get in - it continues with the drinks, the service, and all the quirky bits and bobs we serve.”