When Bitten got an invite to visit ‘Backseat Becky’s’ in the Westgate, I was first in line to check it out. Who doesn’t love the promise of tropical cocktails at a secret bar? And I’m pleased to report that what I found was a laid-back club serving tasty, well-priced drinks.

Backseat Becky’s really is a secret venue

Carefully hidden at the back of the Breakfast Club, the bar is only accessible via the Smeg fridge door. That’s right: you step through a giant cooler to get inside! There are a couple of small Backseat B’s signs – one is simply a retro TV set on a counter – but it’s best if you know where you are going.

Inside, you’ll find a cosy space styled as a tiki bar: a tropical-themed establishment specializing in exotic drinks. The décor includes a ceiling bristling with paper lanterns and a bright mural suggestive of a tropical jungle. It’s all very retro, from the colourful shirts worn by the staff to the nostalgic playlist. I even heard old hits like ‘Brown-eyed girl’ and ‘Brandy (you’re a fine girl)’, so they reach way back to the 70’s.

Let’s talk about those cocktails

Naturally, BBs serves up some classic rum-based tiki drinks from their compact bar.

I especially enjoyed the Rumble in the Jungle (£8.50): a tall glass of rum, clementine and lime juices, and ginger beer that packed a punch and tasted like summer. The Club Mai Tai (£8.50) also channelled those holiday vibes through the flavours of almond and pineapple, but it had a little less zing. There is a selection of more modern cocktails as well, and we had an outstanding espresso martini (£8.00) that was very smooth, indulgent and chic. I will go back for more of those.

Drinks sorted; it was time for some nosh

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the small menu, as your typical ‘bar food’ can sometimes be underwhelming. But happy days, the BB kitchen has it all sorted.

We polished off the sharing board (£18) with great gusto. It features a carefully choreographed mix of prosciutto, salami, cheese, olives and chutney plus some fresh-tasting home-made cucumber pickles. We savoured the chorizo sausage roll (£5.50) too, as it was meaty and flaky and delicious. The smoky brown sauce on the side was nice, but its strong flavour was too overwhelming for my taste. Our favourite dish was a simple bowl of deep-fried goat’s cheese balls with a honey dip (£7.50). Those melting little bites are the ideal pairing with a tall rum drunk.

Overall, we enjoyed our Friday evening very much. Backseat Becky’s has only just reopened after a long closure, and they have come back strong. The combination of delightful food and drink, super-friendly service, and upbeat music is a real winner for a date night or simply to hang out with friends.

Backseat Becky’s (The Breakfast Club)
The Breakfast Club 303 The Westgate, Queen St, Oxford OX1 1PG

Open Friday and Saturday nights, with happy hour from 5.30-7.30.

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own