By Angela Green, Content Executive: Hokus Pokus celebrates first annioversary.
Hokus Pokus, the London ‘underground apothecary bar’ with a hugely creative repertoire of craft cocktails and botanical concoctions, officially marks its first anniversary this month.
Located where Bloomsbury meets King’s Cross, and led by the dynamic mixologist Greg Chudzio, Hokus Pokus offers drinkers a bit of imaginative alchemy and escapism.
The bar’s name and design were inspired by the many 19th century quack doctors who embraced chemical and technological discoveries to produce ‘miracle cures’. While Hokus Pokus does not go to these extremes, it definitely has a playful approach to mixology, featuring many options that are distilled, infused, pickled or smoked – some with added theatrical flame.
Greg Chudzio brings a broad professional background to the operation. He and his team pay great personal attention to the guest’s mood and personality, as well as their drinking preferences – from which base alcohol they like, to additional flavours, ingredients and infusions. The objective is to enhance the overall immersive experience, to experiment and have fun. Hokus Pokus is not just for a basic G&T or glass of beer.
The drinks repertoire features a series of evocative sections – Throughout the Seasons, Tea Potions, Sippers, Flamed Potions, and Smokey Potions – as well as Recipes from the Past and Tempered Prescriptions. There is also a short wine list (from £11 glass, or from £50 bottle.
Henry Chebaane, the British artist and designer of Blue Sky Hospitality, devised the interior that he describes as a mix of retro and futuristic influences, stating that “a bar is more than just drinking”. Theatrical lighting and apothecary furnishings create an audacious and ‘fantastic’ ambience, with Greg and his team maximising the underground mood and secret drinking den vibe.
H&C News has it on good authority that this bar is one to visit, thank you Maureen, we will soon.
Hokus Pokus – 1 Belgrove Street, King’s Cross, London WC1H 8AB (below The Megaro Hotel)
Bookings – 020-7843 2229
Open Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-Midnight and Friday/Saturday 6pm-1am.
Lakeland Dairies launch Celebrate Green campaign with £500 prize
