Stepping into Trillby & Chadwick feels like slipping through a time portal into the 1920s. The entrance alone sets the mood—mysterious, secretive, and full of anticipation—like you’re about to join the ranks of shadowy detectives and smugglers. Once inside, the atmosphere is pitch-perfect: dim lights, vintage décor, and an attention to detail that makes every corner feel like part of a carefully kept story.
The cocktails are nothing short of outstanding. Each drink is crafted with precision, presented beautifully, and infused with creativity that matches the speakeasy’s character. The music ties it all together, smooth and stylish, enhancing the sense that you’re part of a hidden world far removed from the streets outside.
Special mention must go to Alexis behind the bar. Not only does he know his liquors with impressive depth, but he also carries the spirit of Trillby & Chadwick’s legendary detective history with charm and wit. Listening to him weave stories of the bar’s past while mixing a flawless cocktail is part of what makes the experience unforgettable.
Altogether, Trillby & Chadwick is more than just a bar—it’s an immersive escape, where every sip and sound is wrapped in atmosphere. A must-visit in Helsinki for anyone who appreciates great cocktails, great storytelling, and a touch of mystery.
Here’s the (delightfully pulpy) “history” of Trillby & Chadwick—note it’s a fictional backstory but still a very good one
Origins (1898): The agency is said to have been founded in London by Hildebrand Trillby and Ashcroft Chadwick, quickly earning fame for cracking high-profile cases the Metropolitan Police’s Special Branch couldn’t (or wouldn’t) solve.
Helsinki office & Prohibition (1924–1932): A Helsinki branch supposedly opened in 1924 to help enforce Finland’s prohibition laws. In a twist, that very office “went rogue” and became one of the city’s most profitable secret bars—hidden in plain sight and never raided.
War-time end (1941): After Prohibition was repealed in 1932, the office faded from view and was destroyed by arson in 1941; the culprits were never found.
Rediscovered files (late 20th c.): Decades later, building works allegedly uncovered a fire safe with agency journals and the founders’ diaries—material that “revived” the legend.
Modern revival as a bar : The story now frames Trillby & Chadwick Detective Agency, a hidden cocktail bar in central Helsinki (run by Son of a Punch). The bar leans into the case-file lore across its menu and décor.