By Stefanie Collins, editor bars&clubs
Showcasing current London bar trends, Bar Schweppes opened in Melbourne on 23 October for a short run of three bespoke cocktail filled weeks.
With its location a closely kept secret – those who book have it revealed to them on the day of their booking – Bar Schweppes aims to help patrons to step off the streets and into a journey of discovery and adventure as part of Schweppes’ Lost in London series.
Managed by the team at Tommy Collins (Hawk and Hunter, Little Ox, The Pop Up Patch), the bar is an extension of Schweppes’ series, which focusses on global bar and cocktail trends.
Schweppes senior brand manager Matthew Burr said Bar Schweppes has been created to allow guests to experience a selection of bespoke cocktails created by experts.
“Bar Schweppes brings a little piece of London to Melbourne. The bar will reflect classic London with a contemporary twist,” he says. “This is the first time in six years we have added new flavours to the mixers collection. There is no better way to experience them than to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a London-styled cocktail bar and have the bartender create a cocktail right there for you to enjoy.”
Showcased will be two new Schweppes cocktails, The ‘Ello Guv’nor (Schweppes Lemonade with Citrus & Cucumber, Pimm’s, mint, strawberries and cucumber) and The Piccadilly Citrus (Schweppes Orange Grapefruit & Bitters, Tanqueray Gin, lime and mint). Also available will be the official cocktail of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, The Flemington Fling (Schweppes Agrum Blood Orange, Smirnoff Vodka, fresh lime juice and mint).
Food at the bar is classically English, with features like the ploughman’s platter, the chip butty, fish fingers with mushy peas and chips, and Tom Kerridge milk buns with beef brisket, coleslaw, pickles and hot brown sauce.
Guests must register online at www.london.barschweppes.com.au.
Bar Schweppes will open for a limited time only – Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for three weeks from Friday 23 October to closing night on Saturday 7 November.