Authored By Chloé Morrison
This fall, Chattanoogans who walk down Cherry Street will encounter one of those large, red, iconic telephone booths traditionally found in London. It will be the doorway into the city’s first speakeasy, London Calling. “It goes back to that whole idea of prohibition, which is a really fascinating era in American history,” London Calling owner James Heeley said. That’s the new bar’s vibe—a blend of old and new, of Chattanooga and London, of high-quality drinks and a dive-bar feel. Customers will enter the phone booth, interact with the telephone (can’t give away the secret on that yet) and come to a second, secret door that will lead to the bar, which will have an “old-school, prohibition-style party” atmosphere. The 2,096-square-foot space will blend an industrial, trendy, modern feel with traditional cocktail lounge seating. Heeley’s priority is to serve well-made cocktails but the bar will also have wine and beer, as well as a “grazing menu,” comprised of platters that people can share. “This would be something you’d find in New York City or London,” he said. “We want to bring the product and that level of service and that cool, exclusive, speakeasy vibe [to Chattanooga].” Customers won’t have to pay big-city prices though, he said. The music will be an all-British playlist. Think The Beatles or The Rolling Stones. And Heeley wants to expand music options to tunes that are popular now. From the cocktails to the music, the idea is to bring the best of old and new Britain into one space. “In London, we have some of the best food and drink culture in the world and it’s about melding that tradition with that new-age culture,” he said. The 715 Cherry St. location has high ceilings, hardwood floors and exposed brick. The back of the space opens into an alley that’s part of the Passageways project, and the bar is in the heart of the city’s Innovation District. Heeley said he fell in love with Chattanooga, which is where his fiancé went to school and has plans to include the city’s charm in his London-inspired business. “Our home is this city of Chattanooga; we are going to have a British element but will be using a lot of local spirits and all our food is from local producers,” he said. The passion project is self-funded. Heeley graduated from “university” and took what seemed like the next, required step. He “got serious” and found a day job, which he worked to save money, before deciding it wasn’t for him. He’s had the vision for his speakeasy for years and has worked in bars for years, he said. Heeley and his fiancé had to decide if they wanted to live in London or Chattanooga—which he said are two of the best cities in the world. He decided to bring Britain to the Scenic City. The city size, cost of living, weather and access to outdoor amenities are what made Heeley fall for the city, he said. “And just the positivity of the city—it’s palpable,” he said. He’s observed that Chattanoogans are passionate about their city, which he also finds attractive. “Chattanoogans love Chattanooga and anything from Chattanooga,” he said. “It’s nice to come into a city as an outsider and then be a part of this.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c Updated at 2:45 p.m. Sept. 18 to correct the business address.
