June 2016 will see the launch of the highly anticipated Bloomsbury Club Bar. Set in the heart of literary Bloomsbury, The Bloomsbury Club Bar takes inspiration from the lives of the famously hedonistic Bloomsbury Set.
Taking influence from the 1920’s and 1930’s, The Bloomsbury Club Bar menu celebrates the golden age of cocktails with a strong, seductive mix of forgotten classics and innovative new creations inspired by the Bloomsbury Set’s infamous members, set against a backdrop of luxurious decadence. The bar itself, housed within The Bloomsbury hotel, is furnished with plush leather armchairs, atmospheric lighting and wall-to-wall bookshelves, and leads on to the enchanting outside space, a twinkling grotto perfect for those long summer evenings.
Heading up the bar will be Bar Manager Brian Calleja, formerly of Les Deux Salons, Threadneedle Hotel and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. Calleja brings with him more than 10 years of experience within the bar and restaurant industry and is excited to launch his new project at The Bloomsbury.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar menu features a selection of original cocktails named for the literary icons and their libertine lifestyle: the Virginia Woolf is a tart yet fruity concoction of No. 3 gin, fresh lemon juice, homemade raspberry shrub, Cochi Americano and egg white; her straightforward husband is represented by the simple yet classic Leonard Woolf, Makers Mark bourbon, ginger syrup and orange bitters; while the essence of her salacious sister Vanessa Bell is captured with a daring mix of Beefeater gin, Cochi Americano, elderflower cordial and fresh lime juice.
Time Honoured classic cocktails include: The Blood and Sand, a bold mix of Macallan Gold, Cherry Heering, Antica Formula vermouth, orange juice and orange bitters inspired by the 1922 film of the same name; the tropical Mary Pickford, with Havana 3yr rum, pineapple juice, Chambord and Luxardo Maraschino liqueur; and the Toreador, a punchy combination of Quiquiriqui mezcal, Don Julio Blanco tequila, fresh lime juice and The Bitter Truth Apricot Brandy.
The signature cocktail for the Bloomsbury Club will be the Gin and Milk, a refreshing combination of Hayman’s Old Tom Gin with full cream and sugar gomme. Rumoured to be the late Queen Mother’s favourite drink, the Gin and Milk is an oft-forgotten classic that reflects the luxurious surroundings of The Bloomsbury Club.
Alongside the cocktails will be a vast selection of premium spirits, including over 60 different whiskies from around the world, as well as an array of liqueurs, aperitifs and craft ales. The Bloomsbury Club Bar will also offer a cigar menu with drink pairings, provided by the world-renowned importers, Hunters and Frankau.
‘Club Bites’ will be available to accompany the drinks menu, including: Serrano ham club with homemade ketchup; Chorizo and corn-fed chicken mini-burgers; Crispy Welsh lamb goujons with tamarind; Potted brown shrimp with toast crisp; Tuna tartar on Guinness bread with avocado, lime & wasabi; Salt & pepper squid with teriyaki dip; Crispy courgette fries with paprika and saffron mayo; Sweet potato fries; and Truffle fries.
The Bloomsbury Club Bar is a moody, seductive and atmospheric space, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening. The bar is split into two areas, the main bar and the outer terrace bar. The walls in the main bar area are adorned with artwork and books synonymous with the Bloomsbury Set, with a subtle English colonial influence. It has a traditional member’s club feel allowing guests to relax and enjoy their evening in style. The secluded outside bar resembles a relaxed bohemian space with booths lining the exposed brickwork and a canvas of fairy lights covering the ceiling. The venue offers the perfect destination for al-fresco drinking and an idyllic spot for a romantic evening with a loved one.