Bar Américain at Brasserie Zédel

Not being able to pre-book a table at this bar, especially if you're a large group, is frustrating as the place tends to already be full to the brim by 6pm on a week night and we wanted to celebrate my step-mother's birthday last night with a group of us. As a result we all had to stand at the bar because they couldn't accommodate us on a table. This was fine though frustrating for a few not in our party who were restricted from ordering at the bar as a result.

We only enjoyed the house wine and beers on this occasion, both of which were lovely, but I have been on previous occasions and know from experience they serve a delightful martini, here.

I adore the art deco interior, it all seems very french and refined, with thick, velvet curtains over false windows (this bar is deep below Piccadilly Circus) and wonderful aviation inspired wallpaper. The bar staff are friendly, but the waitresses seemed a little put out by us being a larger group - they really should allow bookings for larger parties so as not to startle them!

This is a bar hidden beneath Piccadilly Circus. It is through a quite unassuming entrance in Sherwood Street. There is a café with some tables outside called Zedel, if you go through this café, down two flights of stairs, you will come to a surprising bright French looking foyer with a cloakroom, French restaurant and Bar Americain.

It is a beautiful, low lit, late art deco decorated room. It has lots of dark wood and individually lit tables. The cock tails are very good and the service excellent. They have a good wine list and also a nice selection served by the glass.

The price is around what you would expect for somewhere as attractive so central.

Its the perfect place to meet if you are eating in Brasserie Zedel as the waiters will come to fetch you and your drinks when your table is ready.

A beautiful quiet cocktail bar in a very central position.

What a secret find of a bar this place is. I was introduced to this bar just recently and was astounded that I hadn't discovered this place earlier. Also it’s right in the heart of Piccadilly. Ok I'm probably a little biased, I love all things Art Deco and anything reminiscent of the swinging era is always a big hit with me. From the outside it just looks like any other small café (Brasserie Zedel) however once inside you'll discover all hidden floors and bars beneath. This place is full of character from the classic posters on the walls, the Art Deco signage, decadent and grandiose interiors. There are regular cabaret and burlesque acts running in other bars/rooms but if that's not for you and you may be lucky to grab a seat in the Americain bar. This is a classic speakeasy place, staff are incredibly polite and although this is fairly pricey I guess you shouldn't expect less, complimentary popcorn and a tasty selection of cocktails to choose from. This is quieter with jazzy lounge music in the background and makes a pleasant change from the noisy touristy bars nearby

Speakeasys are on the rise and what's better than one right in the middle of town. Hidden below Brasserie Zedel, Bar Americain is one of three art deco style spaces below. Delicious and different cocktails, the bartenders know what they're doing. Great for a first date as you can listen to the easy jazz in the background during the silences. Or if it's going well, go next door to something and listen to the live show that night.

Beautiful decor and (surprisingly) more affordable than you might think. A nice place to drop in for an aperitif or nightcap with a side of luxury, it sets a very nice tone for the rest of your evening.

The cocktails were amazing I must admit. But it took way too long for us to get any sort of service. We were seated by the host and then spent almost 30 minutes trying to grab the attention of one of the waiters. Hopefully they were just having a bad day. Might have to give the place another chance.

Write a review...Love the 30s era feel of the room. There was a bit of queue to get in but the staff were pretty adept of getting people to the bar and then subsequently to a table in a reasonable amount of time. Drinks were pretty delicious and like people said, pretty straightforward. Definitely recommend in the Piccadilly Circus area and want to get away from the garish lights :)

Hidden underneath Brasserie Zedel, this is the perfect spot for a nightcap. Feels like being transported to another era. Is fabulous and decadent. We arrived late on a Thursday and it was packed, hot and really loud. Would be better when quieter. Spoiled the experience a little but I guess it's good it's popular! Hope it stays around in one guide or another for many more years. 

Bar Americain is only for Londoners in the know. Why? Because you don't know it exists! Hidden underneath Brasserie Zedel (a good french restaurant, right by Piccadilly Circus), you'll need to walk through the bar and head down 2 flights of stairs to find this treat. Piccadilly Circus has a severe lack of decent bars, so I treasure this one and come quite often with family, friends and for work related drinks.

I reiterate the reviews below which say this is like stepping back in time, but in a good way. I love the decor in this place- it's classic, kind of speakeasy, and glamourous. It's normally quite busy in here but I've always been able to get a table. Cocktails are superb, and it's table service, which makes it feel a bit more special. I brought my family here for a pre-dinner cocktail- they were all very impressed.  NB- Dinner across the hall at Zedel is good, and reasonable too.

Nice cocktails but pretentious staff.  Seem a bit put out when you ask for a drink. Such a shame as it has so much potential!  Maybe they will take note of reviews....