Nightcap

What do you think of when someone says “Northern Quarter speakeasy?” For us, it’s usually a low lit wood-lined watering hole that pays homage to the glory days of clandestine drinking and cocktails. Nightcap, which sets is stall out under Hilton Street, a stone’s throw from bustling Stevenson Square, fits that bill perfectly. A longstanding fixture in the area, the ground floor is actually a separate concept — Another Heart to Feed — which is a popular spot for brunch dates and relaxed evenings spent quaffing great wines.

Expanding in 2023 to double the floor space, Nightcap was born in the basement as an after hours-style space that offered a more decadent counterpoint to the lackadaisical street level stuff. The atmosphere is complementary, mind, and both are welcome counterpoints to the overcrowded and deafening bars that are often the leading complaint people have about the Northern Quarter in the mid-21st Century. Simply put, this is a subterranean refuge for those who don’t want to feel packed in like sardines and do want to walk out at 2AM and feel confident they’ve not developed tinnitus or another hearing impediment. 

While most days operate an open door policy, Nightcap is also no stranger to more exclusive dates which place a stronger focus on music — house, disco, UKG and more have all been played here, and weekends in particular edge towards parties with admission based on free tickets. Partly a result of the tiny capacity, with standing and dancing room for just 85 people. Definitely representative of the surrounding area, which is packed with bars that prefer to play you great tunes than not, since opening for business it’s been well received by everyone from chin-stroking musos to those with a more indifferent attitude in terms what they want to hear. So long as the crowd and ambience are on point.