Below Stone Nest is a cocktail bar and live music venue in the basement of a former Welsh Presbyterian chapel at 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5EZ, in the heart of London's Chinatown. Today, it forms part of the broader Stone Nest arts venue. Though much of its story is legendary, the venue blends real historical depth with a modern underground atmosphere.
🔹 1. The Chapel That Became Culture Originally built in 1888 as a Welsh Presbyterian Church, the building was deconsecrated in 1982 and later repurposed as a nightclub (Limelight) and an Australian-themed bar (Walkabout). In 2012, it began its transformation into the cultural venue now known as Stone Nest, and in 2021, the bar Below Stone Nest officially opened its doors.
🕯️ The venue features moody lighting, candlelit tables, and a preserved ecclesiastical interior, providing an intimate setting for music nights, DJ sets, and performances.
🔹 2. Urban Myths and Legends Like many old Soho buildings, Below Stone Nest has inspired local stories:
Some say gangsters and smugglers once used the basement in the 19th and early 20th century, though no documented evidence supports this. Others claim the building was formerly known as "The Ene", named after afteShackleton, but no official records confirm this connection. Rumours, widely believed to be urban folklore, suggest that tunnels running beneath the venue to other parts of Soho are allegedly used for smuggling or quick escapes. Patrons and staff occasionally speak of ghostly footsteps in the basement, adding to the mystique, though again, no confirmed hauntings exist. 🎭 While these tales add to the charm, they should be considered part of the venue's flair rather than verified history.
🔹 3. Live Music and Modern Culture Though not confirmed as a launching point for major bands like Arctic Monkeys or The Libertines, Below Stone Nest hosts an eclectic lineup of jazz, indie, experimental, and electronic performances. It's a favourite for those looking to experience alternative nightlife in a unique historical setting.
🎸 Why Visit? Experience the ambience of a Victorian-era chapel turned modern underground bar. Discover intimate live shows, DJ sets, and curated cocktails. Soak in the myths and legends that give Soho its layered, storied soul.
History, Legends & Atmosphere
Short description for travellers: Discover London through hidden corners and royal landmarks! This short walking tour takes you from elegant parks to West End theatres, from underground cafés to sites where history was made. Along the way, you'll see:
🔹 St James's Park & the Blue Bridge – where aristocrats met secretly, and Cold War spies supposedly exchanged signals. 🔹 Trafalgar Theatre – once home to scandalous plays and haunted by a ghostly actress, they say. 🔹 *Wesley's Café at Central Hall Westminster – where the UN was born in 1946, and where today you sip coffee beneath memorial plaques. 🔹 Hidden Soho paths** – where 18th-century actresses and courtesans played their games of power and charm.
This route blends real history, urban legends, and the unique atmosphere that makes London mysterious and unforgettable. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of monarchs, spies, and theatre rebels?