This blog isn't strictly anything to do with eating, but there was some good drinking involved. It was our last night in the City, so where else to go than the Wilson and Wilson Detective Agency for some prohibited libations. It was with this sentiment in mind I made a reservation for us at Bourban and Branch. A reservation is necessary. You won't get in without one, not least because the fake-fronted bar will email you the secret password which changes regularly and which you will need to have to hand for entry past the door man.
So, password in hand, we headed in the direction of the bar. Not quite clear what to expect, we walked past it and only when I asked the small gathering of individuals about the address that they noted they were also waiting for entry. Aware that this non descript doorway was our promise to some Speakeasy drinks, we waited to be invited to give the password and entered solemnly excited into the dark interior.
There are clear house rules in Bourban and Branch and with this in mind, I was not able to secure a photo of the cool wooden interior and the tall glass chandelior. Some of the tables were made of barrels and we were seated in such a bijou booth; just big enough for two to sit cosily.
It was table service for drinks and the staff were really helpful when I looked up and expressed my daunt at the extensive drinks menu. She asked whether I liked gin, I expressed that it could yet be my ruin, and she recommended the club cocktail - a heady concoction of gin and vermouth. Thats it. Gin and Vermouth.
We sat across the bar (photo borrowed from the website) in glee at our surroundings, enjoying the music and people watching the fashionable locals leaving and arriving. I should also say that a reservation here might also be time limited as we did have to move on as they were fully booked all evening. In this case, the gourgeous bar staff escorted us to the bookcase with our drinks, where upon pulling on one the said books, we were escorted through a secret passageway to their sister bar in the Library. Whilst still dark, I did manage some photos below.
We sat here and I happily finished my second Club Cocktail. What a fantastic experience. It was not just decorated like a speakeasy, but the whole extravaganza from being emailed a password, locating the venue behind its detective agency veneered fronting, to the secret doorway in the bookcase to the Library was a spectacular performance. It was done exceptionally well and I found the whole event exciting and thrilling and felt very spoilt indeed. Do not miss out on visiting here if in the City - its a fabulous birthday venue and I wish I could bring all my friends back here with me to share the enjoyment I felt.
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