Alice had to tumble down a hole to gain entry into Wonderland. Which is nothing compared to the stunts you’ve pulled trying to get into quirky, exclusive Ninetyeight Bar and Lounge.

But here’s your ticket to the tea party: previously open for private hire and to a select few only, Kath Morrell’s discreet Shoreditch space is finally accepting new members.

Head down the innocuous stairway of Morrell House — a period building that doubles as a business centre and wedding venue — to a room both bizarre and visually arresting. Vintage French furniture, trays of sweets and a gilt-edged bar with toy trains carrying shot glasses and sugar cubes decorate the 100-person venue. (Is that a racing car tacked to the back of that Louis XIV chaise lounge?)

Every night is different, so you could find yourself at a jazz evening, DJ night or sonnet reading sipping chocolate and rum chai or a cigar-infused cocktail (much better than it sounds) and snacking on anything from Thai food to chocolate-covered carrots. Making for very merry unbirthdays, indeed.

Ninetyeight Bar and Lounge, Morrell House, 98 Curtain Road, EC2A 3AF (020 7729 0087 or ninetyeight-bar-lounge.com). For membership enquiries (£300), e-mail info@morrellhouse.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Ninetyeight Bar and Lounge