When HDYTI contributor Deborah Kombe visited Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration in London, she discovered herself unexpectedly transported to the colourful jazz scene of Kansas Metropolis. With easy jazz, traditional cocktails, and a contact of Nineteen Twenties speakeasy type, the occasion supplied a charming sneak peek into one in all FIFA 2026’s most fun host cities.
A JAZZ FILLED INVITATION
In case you wandered into the plush, dimly lit rooms of Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration one latest night, you might need felt such as you’d stepped right into a smoky Nineteen Twenties speakeasy—jazz melodies floating by the air, sequined flapper women twirling between conversations, and cocktails dressed to impress. However this wasn’t simply one other London pop-up. For one evening solely, Kansas Metropolis, arrived in Covent Backyard to introduce itself to a worldwide crowd.
WHY KANSAS CITY, AND WHY NOW?
Hosted as a cultural teaser forward of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the occasion aimed to highlight KC’s lesser-known character: one wealthy in jazz heritage, soulful leisure, and Midwestern attraction. It was half immersive theatre, half networking evening, and half cultural export—and it piqued our curiosity.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SPEAKEASIES (AND KANSAS CITY COOL)
The time period speakeasy harks again to America’s Prohibition period (1920–1933), when alcohol was unlawful and hidden bars popped up in cities throughout the nation. Kansas Metropolis, curiously, grew to become an outlier. Because of a politically corrupt however oddly permissive native authorities, it by no means strictly enforced the ban—which meant its nightlife thrived whereas a lot of the nation dried up.
This freedom birthed a dynamic jazz scene, drawing artists and creatives to underground venues. At present, that legacy is embedded in Kansas Metropolis’s cultural id. This occasion in London was a playful nod to that historical past, recreating a slice of its legendary nightlife.
SAX, SEQUINS AND STANDING ROOM
From the flapper women—a playful nod to Nineteen Twenties type—to the velvet-voiced jazz singer and the artfully crafted cocktails, the night actually captured the aesthetic. The lighting was low, the soundtrack easy, and for a second, it felt like a bit of pocket of Kansas had settled into Charing Cross.
That mentioned, the vitality did taper off a bit of because the evening went on. The venue, whereas undeniably charming, leaned on the cosy aspect, and some friends started to slide out sooner than I anticipated. I had my eye on some superbly plated bites weaving by the gang, however by the point I made my manner over, they’d already disappeared—clearly common, and understandably so.
WHAT THE NIGHT GOT RIGHT (AND WHAT IT LEFT ME WANTING)
Nonetheless, the guts behind the occasion was clear. With Kansas Metropolis moving into the worldwide highlight as one of many FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities, this was a intelligent transfer—not simply to draw sports activities followers, however to ask curious travellers right into a richer story. Between its deep jazz roots, world-class barbecue, and rising inventive scene, KC may simply be one of many World Cup’s most shocking gems.
CONSIDER ME CURIOUS
If this night in Covent Backyard was a teaser, I’d love the chance to expertise the total efficiency on residence turf. There’s solely a lot a recreated speakeasy can provide—and Kansas Metropolis looks like a spot finest understood in individual, by the rhythm of its streets, the flavour of its meals, and the soul of its music.
Ever been to Kansas Metropolis? Or is it now in your radar like it’s on ours? To study extra about what Kansas Metropolis has to supply—from music and meals to FIFA 2026 plans, go to VisitKC.com or comply with @visitkc on Instagram.
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