In Lyon, on place Tolozan at the foot of the Croix-Rousse slopes, The Monkey Club is a cocktail bar built around the world of a 19th-century English club and a cabinet of curiosities. The venue fully embraces this staging, even telling its own legend set in London in 1888.
Why is the venue unusual?
The decor combines Chesterfield armchairs, a Victorian atmosphere and British references. The attraction lies as much in the setting as in the cocktail menu: the venue functions as a themed bar without becoming a theme park set.
When to visit in 2026?
The hours currently published are 18:00-01:00 from Tuesday to Thursday and 18:00-03:00 on Friday and Saturday. Monday and Sunday are not listed among the bar's advertised opening days.
Can you come as a group?
Yes. Several booking options are available, from a few tables to private hire. The Salle Absinthe accommodates around 18 to 20 people, while the entire venue can host much larger groups for a birthday, after-work drinks or a business event.
A little extra
The bartenders can tailor a cocktail to the customer's tastes rather than sticking to a fixed list. This is particularly consistent with the cabinet of curiosities spirit the venue embraces.
Before you visit
The Monkey Club is easily accessible from Hôtel de Ville-Louis Pradel or Croix-Paquet. For a group evening, booking is preferable: booking times may differ slightly from public opening hours.
The Monkey Club is particularly worth visiting for its strongly defined visual identity, which sets it apart more than a simple cocktail bar in central Lyon.
