The speakeasy became a favorite spot for influential writers, poets, playwrights, journalists, and activists, including members of the Lost Generation and the Beat Generation movements.
Moving to London, he worked as a drummer for Jess Conrad and then as a booker for John Sherry Artists, finding work for a number of prog-rock/college bands - including Wishbone Ash - and frequenting showcase venues such as the Speakeasy.
His play Speakeasy, written with George Rosener, became a 1929 film of the same name.
When the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act were passed banning alcohol consumption, people would host "cocktail hours", also known as "happy hours", at a speakeasy (an illegal drinking establishment) before eating at restaurants where alcohol could not be served.
Runyon's career included, among other things, playing at Al Capone's speakeasy club, The Coliseum, and giving lessons to many musicians, including the likes of Charlie Parker.
The Who refer to the club in their song "Speakeasy" ("Speakeasy, drink easy, pull easy") from the album The Who Sell Out (1967), as does Elvis Costello in his song "London's Brilliant Parade" from the album Brutal Youth (1994).
While naive Eddie (he orders milk at a speakeasy) is pulled into the bootlegging business by Panama Smith (Gladys George), he remeets Jean Sherman (Priscilla Lane) - a girl he formerly wrote to during the war while she was in high school - now working at a nightclub.