Brasserie Olivia is to open a new speakeasy, Venus Bar, beneath its Chelsea restaurant on 9 October.
The opening will extend the French brasserie’s offer into late-night hospitality following its launch on the corner of Sloane Square earlier this summer.
Operated by La Nouvelle Garde, Venus Bar has been developed with long-term design partner B3 Designers and will take inspiration from the atmosphere of late-night Paris during the 1970s.
Guests will access the bar via a wooden staircase at the centre of Brasserie Olivia.
The 22-seat space will feature warm oak panelling, antique objects sourced from French markets and a collection of vinyl records spanning French singers from the 1940s to 1980s alongside rock and classical music.
Guests will be able to select records to be played on the bar’s turntable and bespoke B&C Acoustic speakers.
The interior will also include round oak tables, chartreuse green velvet seating and antique silver candlesticks.
A chrome bar will anchor the drinks offer, which has been developed under the guidance of bartender Jennifer Le Nechet.
The cocktail programme will use techniques including clarified milk punches and fat-washed spirits, with drinks designed around familiar flavours presented in different formats.
The menu will include a cucumber and gin milk punch inspired by tzatziki, a tomato-infused Negroni with Provençal influences and the Subway to Venus, which introduces a spicy Mexican-inspired element to the list.
An extensive French wine selection will accompany the cocktails, with approximately 75 references covering a range of regions and styles.
Food will include oysters freshly shucked at Brasserie Olivia’s oyster bar alongside French snacks such as gougères.
The bar takes its name from the Venus Fountain in Sloane Square, with a silver Venus sculpture positioned above the bar.
Charles Perez, CEO and Co-Founder of La Nouvelle Garde, said: “Venus Bar is a reflection of the vibrant late night scene of Paris and we are excited to inject this energy to the centre of Chelsea.
“We want our guests to feel right at home, picking the records we play and tucking into a late-time night cap, discovering our drinks which we hope surprise with Jennifer’s never-ending creativity.”
Venus Bar will open beneath Brasserie Olivia on 9 October.
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