
Archer Street SW11
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Quick info
About Archer Street SW11
Archer Street SW11 is a cocktail bar at 3-7 Northcote Rd in London, where West End-trained singers perform live alongside DJs. The DJs play on both floors, and the venue has a top floor and multiple bars, so the music and the drinks are spread across the building. The bar opens Tuesday to Sunday and closes on Mondays. Door staff manage entry, and a queue forms to get in, though booking lets guests skip it. The dress code is smart, and sportswear, tracksuits and fancy dress are not allowed. An over-25 age policy applies.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live singers, cocktails, DJs on both floors and coat check.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live singers, cocktails, DJs on both floors and coat check.
Customer Review Summary
Live singers are the most frequent draw, called fantastic by reviewers, with one host singled out for setting the atmosphere. Close behind are the DJs on both floors, the music and the cocktails, including an Easter crème egg cocktail, plus a cheese board and friendly bar staff. One reviewer's booking skipped the queue, and another advises getting in early. The door draws the sharpest criticism. One group was refused entry over Y-3 lounge pants judged a tracksuit, and that reviewer reports a bouncer made a racist remark about a friend. Another was turned away for arriving alone. A longtime visitor describes drunk groups admitted after arguments, a crowded top floor with two bar staff and an unenforced dress code. Others mention a coat handover for one cocktail, a table reclaimed after two hours, and cocktails that tasted of acid and bitterness. One local business owner called the doorman rude and said the team would not return.
Customer Review Summary
Live singers are the most frequent draw, called fantastic by reviewers, with one host singled out for setting the atmosphere. Close behind are the DJs on both floors, the music and the cocktails, including an Easter crème egg cocktail, plus a cheese board and friendly bar staff. One reviewer's booking skipped the queue, and another advises getting in early. The door draws the sharpest criticism. One group was refused entry over Y-3 lounge pants judged a tracksuit, and that reviewer reports a bouncer made a racist remark about a friend. Another was turned away for arriving alone. A longtime visitor describes drunk groups admitted after arguments, a crowded top floor with two bar staff and an unenforced dress code. Others mention a coat handover for one cocktail, a table reclaimed after two hours, and cocktails that tasted of acid and bitterness. One local business owner called the doorman rude and said the team would not return.
Featured reviews
- J C
“This is by far my favourite place to come after work. Every detail is taken care of. When you finish work and you just want a drink and some good service, the staff at Archer St step up. From Dawn at the door to big Phil in the cloak room, to super Gabby behind the bar, there is simply nowhere else I'd rather be on a Fri or sat night. All round 5 stars. Great music, great cocktails, unbelievable service. Love it!”
- E Johnson2324
“I literally had the worst experience I’ve ever had on the Northcote Rd. We have frequented archer Street over the years for work events, for social events, for celebratory events and even Christmas events with our work team and friends. This evening I went in after work to meet a friend and was told that no ‘customers on their own’ were allowed to be there. The security man on the door was so incredibly rude, and I intend on telling all of our clients on the Northcote Rd about this awful experience. I’m the owner of a local business and we will not be going there with our team or supporting this business any more. I was utterly shocked and dumbfounded by the behaviour of the doorman-the bar staff seemed pleasant, however they also seemed quite surprised when he said this to me. I did try and call and speak to a manager after I left as I thought it would be the kind of thing to do given they are a local business but it went to an answer phone, so here is your feedback.”
- Iddo Mbongo
“Visited Archer Street Clapham with a large group and was refused entry on completely baseless grounds told my outfit was a “tracksuit.” For context: I was wearing a shirt, loafers, and Y-3 flared lounge pants. When I asked for clarification, the bouncer said it was “because of the 3 stripes that’s Adidas, that’s a tracksuit.” That is not how fashion works. Y-3 is a high-end Yohji Yamamoto x Adidas collaboration. The cut, fabric and silhouette are nothing close to a tracksuit. If your door staff can’t distinguish between streetwear and sportswear, you need people at the entrance who actually understand clothing brand, material, cut. That’s the bare minimum. But here’s where it gets far worse. As a large group, there was naturally some confusion about who was with us. A bouncer, not realising he was speaking to one of my friends said openly: “We don’t want to deal with black guys.” My friend heard it directly and told me immediately. That is not a miscommunication. That is racism, plain and simple, from your door staff. I’ve been to Archer Street Soho multiple times never an issue, always well treated, great service. Whatever is happening at the Clapham location is a completely different story. This was my first and last visit. I’d strongly encourage others to take note.”
- Hannah s
“I have visited this location a number of times previously, as well as the Soho venue, and I have always considered Archer Street to be a classy, premium bar. Unfortunately, my most recent visit on 2nd May was extremely disappointing and felt completely at odds with the standards your brand promotes. I had a friend visiting from outside London and was genuinely excited to bring them here based on the excellent experiences I’d had in the past, a sophisticated atmosphere, a strict over-25 policy, and a smart dress code. What we experienced was the complete opposite. Upon arrival, the host on the door initially refused entry to two separate groups because they appeared too drunk, and another group because they were wearing fancy dress items. However, after arguments at the door, they were eventually allowed in anyway. This immediately undermined the standards your venue claims to uphold. Inside, the venue was so overcrowded that it was difficult to move around comfortably. On the top floor there were only two bar staff serving, resulting in people shoving and pushing just to get to the bar. What was most disappointing was the complete lack of enforcement of your advertised dress code and entry policies. Throughout the venue I saw people wearing joggers, casual shorts, dirty trainers, fleece body warmers and other very casual clothing. Your website clearly states that Archer Street operates a “smart elegant dress code” and specifically prohibits sportswear, fancy dress items, tracksuits and sports trainers. It also clearly states that the venue operates a strict over-25 policy. Based on the crowd and atmosphere on the night, neither policy appeared to be enforced. We paid £10 entry each, purchased one drink, and then decided to leave. Considering the premium pricing of the venue the experience felt far from premium. The atmosphere was dominated by extremely drunk groups shouting over the entertainment, which completely ruined what should have been an enjoyable evening. This was especially disappointing given that we have previously spent significant amounts with Archer Street on drinks packages and group bookings because we genuinely valued the experience your venues used to offer. Your website describes Archer Street as: “Welcome to the ultimate destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience! Our two stunning cocktail bars transcend the ordinary, offering a fusion of performance and undeniable glamour…” Sadly, my recent experience did not reflect this description in any way. Instead of a sophisticated, premium night out, the venue felt more like a crowded student hotspot with little control over entry standards, dress code, or customer behaviour. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I would not choose to return or recommend the venue in future.”
- Aidan Bell
“It's where the beautiful single people of Clapham go to 'interact' on a Saturday night. Live music is fun. Not my kinda club anymore, but recognise a good vibe when I see it Big queue later so get in early.”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Archer Street SW11 is an experiential cocktail bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously: the destination for discerning Londoners looking for a great night out on the Northcote Road. We serve delicious cocktails in unpretentious surroundings combined with high-energy entertainment. Our singers are all talented individuals from London’s West End shows, song and dance academies and professional theatre. They will be on hand to ensure that you have a night to remember through exceptional hospitality and fabulous entertainment.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Location
Cocktail bars near Archer Street SW11
- Bar Social4.43880.3 mi
downstairs private room hire, reasonably priced cocktails, birthday celebrations
- The Little Orange Door4.71,7241.2 mi£10–50
bottomless brunch, £5 picantes, private room hire
- Lotus Bar4.07391.4 mi£10–40
cocktails, bottomless brunch, pizza
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Street SW11 | 4.0727 | — | — | live singers, cocktails, DJs on both floors |
| Bar Social | 4.4388 | 0.3 mi | — | downstairs private room hire, reasonably priced cocktails, birthday celebrations |
| The Little Orange Door | 4.71,724 | 1.2 mi | £10–50 | bottomless brunch, £5 picantes, private room hire |
| Lotus Bar | 4.0739 | 1.4 mi | £10–40 | cocktails, bottomless brunch, pizza |
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