1913 at Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario: Honest Reviews

Tucked behind a hotel room door in the basement of the new Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, the 1913 speakeasy offers a mixologist-driven cocktail program that nods to the historic Kellogg’s factory on the site. This review draws from the hotel’s official descriptions, guest posts on platforms like TripAdvisor and Reddit, and independent travel blogs to help you decide if this hidden bar is worth seeking out. We’ll cover how to access it, what to expect from the drinks and food, and how it compares to the hotel’s other nightlife options.

Last checked: 2026-07-15

Speakeasy Name: 1913 · Access: Hidden behind room door 1913 in the basement · Cocktail Style: Mixologist-driven, handcrafted, loud flavours · Valet Parking: Free for up to 3 hours

What is the Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario about?

The Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario opened in Spring 2025 at 100 Kellogg Lane, a historic site that once housed a Kellogg’s cereal factory. TravelIndustryWire reported in February 2025 that the property would feature three distinct culinary and beverage concepts, including Sessions Restaurant & Bar, the GMT-5 Lobby Bar, and the hidden 1913 speakeasy. The hotel is the first Hard Rock property in Canada.

According to the official Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario dining page, 1913 is a mixologist-driven speakeasy focused on thoughtfully inspired cocktails. The name pays tribute to the year the Kellogg’s factory opened, and the menu includes cereal-infused libations that reference the site’s industrial past. A meetings and events page further describes the space as one where early 20th-century aesthetics mix with rock music, positioning it as a daring option for private gatherings.

The implication: 1913 reflects the hotel’s broader effort to build on local history, giving guests a venue that feels distinct from a standard hotel lobby bar.

What is so special about Hard Rock Hotel?

The 1913 speakeasy is the property’s most distinctive offering. It operates daily from 5:00 PM until close, is open to the public (not just hotel guests), and offers free valet parking for up to three hours while dining.

The 1913 experience

Guests enter by walking through a room door labelled 1913 in the basement, an access method that several reviewers on TripAdvisor and Reddit have described as “intriguing” and “part of the fun.” Once inside, the atmosphere combines early 20th-century decor with a rock music backdrop, as noted on the hotel’s own events page. Blogger MommyGearest described the vibe as “late-night swanky,” suitable for a party dress or velvet blazer, and noted the presence of dancing later in the evening.

Cocktail craftsmanship

The drink menu leans toward handcrafted, loud flavours. According to the hotel’s official website, cocktails include options that are cereal-infused—a creative link to the 100 Kellogg Lane history—and others themed around Canadian rock anthems. A YouTube travel video profiling Canada’s first Hard Rock Hotel described the drinks as “flashy craft cocktails featuring in-house infusions.” One reviewer on Instagram highlighted the Sueno Azul cocktail, calling it “deep and smooth.”

Food and small plates

Food at 1913 goes beyond typical bar snacks. MommyGearest’s review praised inventive small plates such as cava-battered olives and watermelon-and-goat-cheese bites, and called a beef tartare and bone marrow pairing “spectacular.” Larger dishes like pistachio-crusted halibut and ribeye are also available. The YouTube travel segment described the offerings as Mediterranean-inspired, positioning the speakeasy as a venue that transports guests to a different time and place.

The bottom line: 1913 differentiates itself through a combination of secretive access, historical cocktail gimmicks, and Mediterranean-influenced small plates—a mix that appears to appeal strongly to date-night couples and groups.

Is there anything to do in London, Ontario?

London, Ontario has a developing nightlife and cultural scene, and the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel has given it a new hub. Beyond 1913, the hotel’s GMT-5 Lobby Bar offers a more casual alternative for pre-dinner drinks or a quick nightcap.

According to the same official dining page, Sessions Restaurant & Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a more open setting. For visitors who want to leave the hotel, the surrounding 100 Kellogg Lane complex has been redeveloped into a mixed-use area with retail, entertainment, and event spaces.

The trade-off: London does not have the sheer volume of speakeasy-style cocktail bars found in Toronto or Montreal, so 1913 fills a niche. However, for travellers expecting a hotel with multiple, varied nightlife venues, the three outlets may feel limited after a longer stay.

When did the Hard Rock Hotel open in London?

The Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario officially opened its doors in Spring 2025. Pre-opening coverage from TravelIndustryWire in February 2025 confirmed the three F&B concepts including 1913. Reviews and blog posts began appearing in June 2025, with MommyGearest publishing a detailed staycation review that same month.

In January 2026, CBC News reported that the hotel was listed in the Forbes Travel Guide, though without a star rating at that point. This recognition, while not yet a full rating, indicates that the property—and by extension its speakeasy—had attracted attention from a major travel authority within its first year of operation.

The pattern: a rapid trajectory from opening to industry recognition suggests the hotel has executed its concept well, but the lack of a star rating means 1913’s reputation is still being built on guest reviews rather than formal accolades.

How does 1913 compare to the GMT-5 Lobby Bar?

For travellers deciding between the two hotel bars, the table below summarises the key differences based on official descriptions and guest feedback.

Pros and cons of 1913 at Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario

• Pro — Unique concept: The cereal-infused cocktails and hidden access create a memorable experience that stands out among typical hotel bars.
• Pro — Food quality: Multiple sources (the MommyGearest blog and the YouTube travel video) praise the Mediterranean-inspired small plates and larger dishes.
• Pro — Free valet: Free parking for up to three hours removes a barrier for local visitors.
• Con — Smoke exposure: A reviewer on Reddit noted that the speakeasy can feel smoky, which may be a deterrent for non-smokers.
• Con — Hidden access: While part of the appeal, some TripAdvisor users found the entrance confusing and reported that signage was minimal.
• Con — Limited hours: Opens at 5:00 PM daily, which makes it an evening-only venue. Travellers looking for a mid-afternoon cocktail have to use GMT-5.

Best for segments

• Couples: The intimate speakeasy setting and inventive cocktails suit a romantic date night. Block a table for two.
• Groups of friends: The lively atmosphere and dancing element (as noted by MommyGearest) work well for small groups celebrating an occasion.
• Nightlife enthusiasts: For visitors who prioritise unique cocktail bars over generic hotel lounges, 1913 offers a genuine speakeasy experience.
• Business travellers (after-hours): The free valet parking and late-night hours (until close) make it a viable option for decompressing after meetings.

Alternatives in set

If 1913 is fully booked or does not appeal, the GMT-5 Lobby Bar is the most direct alternative within the same hotel. It offers a more casual, walk-in-friendly environment. Sessions Restaurant & Bar is another option for a full dinner with a broader menu, though it does not have the speakeasy aesthetic.

Outside the hotel, London, Ontario has a handful of cocktail-focused bars, including the Mule (known for moscow mules and small plates) and the Church Key Bistro & Pub. Neither replicates the 1913 secret-door experience, but they provide comparable cocktail quality in different settings.

Our pick: Is 1913 worth visiting?

Location and getting there

The 1913 speakeasy is located inside the Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario at 100 Kellogg Lane #1, London, Ontario N5W 0B4, Canada. The hotel is about a 10-minute drive from downtown London and roughly 5 minutes from Highway 401 via the Wellington Road exit. Valet parking is available at the hotel entrance, and—per the official site—parking is free for up to three hours for 1913 diners.

Timeline: Hard Rock Hotel London and 1913 Speakeasy

• 1913: Kellogg’s factory opens at 100 Kellogg Lane.
• February 2025: TravelIndustryWire reports that Hard Rock Hotel London will open with 1913, Sessions, and GMT-5.
• Spring 2025: Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario opens its doors.
• June 2025: MommyGearest publishes a detailed review of the hotel and 1913.
• January 2026: CBC News reports the hotel is listed in Forbes Travel Guide.
• Early 2026: TripAdvisor and Reddit accumulate guest reviews of both the hotel and speakeasy.

For those curious about the hotel itself, our Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario guide provides full details on the property’s opening and amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions