-
Secret entrances and immersive environments ? Speakeasies hide behind anonymous doors, wardrobes or even old telephone booths. This concept is not just a historical reference, but a strategy to make the entrance an integral part of the experience .
-
Retro materials and furnishings ? The rooms recall the era of the ’20s and ’30s with velvet sofas, crystal chandeliers, dark wood walls and brass or copper details . The color palette is often characterized by warm and enveloping colors , such as burgundy, forest green and midnight blu
In the panorama of contemporary design and lifestyle, speakeasy cocktail bars represent a fascinating trend that combines history, mystery and excellent mixology. These venues, inspired by the clandestine bars of the American Prohibition era, offer a unique experience, characterized by secret entrances, retro atmospheres and refined cocktails.
What are speakeasies?
The term “speakeasy” originated in the United States during Prohibition (1920-1933), a period in which the production and sale of alcohol was prohibited. To circumvent the law, clandestine bars were born hidden in unsuspected places , accessible only to those who knew the password or through recommendation. The name derives from the expression “speak easy”, an invitation to keep a low tone of voice so as not to attract the attention of the authorities.
Today, speakeasies are legal venues that evoke that secret and intimate atmosphere, often without external signs and with entrances hidden behind anonymous doors, wardrobes or telephone booths. Access may require an advance reservation, a password or membership of a restricted circle of customers. Inside, the decor recalls the ’20s and ’30s, with soft lights, vintage furnishings and jazz or swing music, offering a journey through time to its customers.
Where to find speakeasies in Italy
In Italy, several cities host speakeasies that combine sophisticated design and high-quality cocktails. Here is a selection of some of the most renowned:
Milan
-
1930 Speakeasy : Considered one of the most exclusive venues in the city, the 1930 is hidden behind a nondescript entrance and the exact address is known only to a select few. The decor recalls the Prohibition era, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting. To access it, you often need to be accompanied by a member or receive a special invitation.
-
Backdoor 43 : Located on the Naviglio Grande, it is known for being one of the smallest cocktail bars in the world, with space for only four customers at a time. Entry is via a discreet door, and once inside, you can interact with the masked bartender who prepares bespoke cocktails.
-
White Rabbit :In the Isola district, this speakeasy is hidden behind an anonymous shop window. To enter, you need to know the password, which can be obtained by registering on the official website. Inside, the atmosphere recalls a clandestine gambling den from the 1920s, with period furnishings and staff in themed clothing.
Rome
-
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy : A pioneer of the genre in Italy, this place requires an online reservation and a password for entry. The environment is cared for down to the smallest detail, with vintage furnishings and a selection of cocktails that ranges from the classics to the most innovative.
-
Club Derrière : Accessed through an entrance hidden behind a wardrobe, this speakeasy offers an intimate atmosphere with leather sofas and soft lighting. The drink list is sophisticated, with cocktails that combine traditional and contemporary ingredients.
Turin
- The Mad Dog Social Club : Located near Piazza Carlina, the entrance is via an anonymous door and once inside, you are welcomed into an environment with brick vaults and retro furnishings. The selection of cocktails is wide and varied, with particular attention to revisited classics.
Florence
- Rasputin : This speakeasy is located in the Santo Spirito neighborhood and the exact address is deliberately kept secret. Access is via word of mouth, and once you enter, you find yourself in an elegant environment with dark wood furnishings and soft lighting. The cocktail menu is inspired by traditional recipes from the Prohibition era.
Naples
- L’Antiquario : Hidden among the streets of the Chiaia district, this venue offers a refined atmosphere with vintage furnishings and a selection of classic and contemporary cocktails. Entrance may require advance booking, and once inside, you are welcomed into an environment that evokes the living rooms of the 1920s.
How to access speakeasies
Access to speakeasies often requires following certain procedures that help maintain the aura of mystery and eexclusivity of the venue. Here are some tips on how to prepare for an evening in one of these fascinating cocktail bars:
-
Advance reservation : Many speakeasies require a reservation made through their official website or through specific channels. For example, some venues may require you to send an email or fill out an online form to request access.
-
Password : Some speakeasies provide a password required for entry. This can be obtained during the booking process or by solving puzzles or riddles proposed on the venue’s website
The origins of speakeasies: from clandestinity to cocktail culture
As mentioned, the concept of speakeasy was born in the United States during Prohibition (1920-1933), when the production and sale of alcohol was prohibited by law. This ban led to the birth of a real clandestine culture , with secret clubs frequented by politicians, gangsters and celebrities of the time.
These bars were usually hidden behind anonymous facades , accessible only with a password or recommendation. The drinks were served in teacups or disguised bottles to escape police checks. Al Capone and other leading organized crime figures operated many of these establishments, turning them into exclusive meeting places for society’s elite.
After the end of Prohibition, the allure of speakeasies did not completely disappear. In the 1990s, with the rebirth of cocktail culture , these bars came back into fashion, initially in New York and London , and then spread throughout the world, including Italy.
The influence of speakeasies on design and interior decor
In addition to the gastronomic and cultural side, speakeasies have also profoundly influenced the world of design and interior architecture .
The hidden cocktail bars are designed to create an intimate and exclusive experience, through precise aesthetic choices :
-
Secret entrances and immersive environments ? Speakeasies hide behind anonymous doors, wardrobes or even old telephone booths. This concept is not just a historical reference, but a strategy to make the entrance an integral part of the experience .
-
Retro materials and furnishings ? The rooms recall the era of the ’20s and ’30s with velvet sofas, crystal chandeliers, dark wood walls and brass or copper details . The color palette is often characterized by warm and enveloping colors , such as burgundy, forest green and midnight blu Leave a comment
-
Discovering the hidden speakeasy cocktail bars in Italy: what they are, where to find them and how to get in
