Be In ‘The Room Where It Happens’…

Behind the unassuming door on Soho’s Greek Street, ascend a few steep stairs and into what appears to be a typical bar… but is anything but…

We were invited to the opening night of ‘The Room Where It Happens’… and, let me tell you, it was exactly as the title suggested.

You might be thinking, “Here We Go Again, another themed bar”, but ‘The Room Where It Happens’ is unlike any other bar I’ve ever seen. This is the place to be for all musical theatre fans and anyone who loves a good sing-along, it brings together London’s West End and New York’s Broadway… and blends them perfectly into a single venue.  

Rumour has it that back in the day, the original bar was frequented by Oscar Wilde, and I am sure he’d approve of the current establishment. The rooms were moody and designed elegantly, keeping with the theatrical charm and romanticism. The walls were decorated with musical posters and memorabilia, stained window glass and velvety seats… creating a very cosy and emotive atmosphere.  

The resident pianist, with the help of the waiters-turned-singers, got everyone on their feet, dancing and singing their hearts out. The playlist, you might have guessed, was compiled of well-known musical numbers. Each singer took a turn and delivered a show-stopping performance. I can’t remember the last time I have seen everyone having so much fun together, strangers and friends.  

The drinks were flowing abundantly, and so were the tunes. Some of the songs we enjoyed were “Lost in the Wilderness” (Children of Eden), “All That Jazz (Chicago), “Go The Distance” (Hercules), “Take Me or Leave Me” (Rent), and plenty from Hamilton.

I am not a musical theatre aficionado by any means, but it truly didn’t matter… the energy was infectious, and it was wonderfully easy to join in the fun.

‘The Room Where It Happens’ is the brainchild of Tristan Moffat from Piano Works, Maisie Sellwood from Sing Easy as well as Lucy Penrose and Dave Cribb, the minds behind Overtures, who brought this long-awaited concept to London.

This musical extravaganza can be enjoyed from Thursday through to Saturday, together with a musical inspired drinks list, as well as 2 for 1 cocktails and bottomless brunch on Saturdays, and “All That Jazz”.  

‘The Room Where It Happens’ is a must-visit destination for all musical theatre fans out there. Be prepared to be amazed, and I am certain you will be wishing for “One Day More”!  

• The Room Where It Happens, 5 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DD