But a new cocktail bar from the team behind dearly departed Northern Quarter drinking den Socio Rehab and Almost Famous is set to open later this month.
Ego Death – the state described in psychoanalysis as a ‘complete loss of subjective self-identity’ – will open beneath the new burger takeaway Super Awesome Deluxe on Thomas Street.
It will be accessed by an unmarked door, which will lead you into the basement, where there will be a New York speakeasy vibe, with ‘low-lit ambiance, candlelit cosy corners and exposed brick’.
Cocktail expert Cressida Lawlor, previous of Sexy Fish and London Cocktail Club, will be creating the menu, which will feature The Samantha, a ‘Champagne Cosmo’ named after Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones, and The Pick Me Up, a take on the Espresso Martini with Jägemeister, Kahlua, miso barley, coffee and chocolate milk.
There will also be an extensive library of bourbons and champagne by the glass, with doors set to open on 28 November.
Beau Myers, co-founder at Ego Death said: “It’s been 20 years since we opened Socio Rehab so it seems pretty poignant to be opening another amazing cocktail bar. We changed the landscape of cocktail bar culture then and that’s something we’re trying to do again.
“We’ve partnered with Cressida Lawlor to make this dream happen. She’s a total firecracker and reminds me a lot of myself 20 years ago, she’s the future of cocktails and bartending and has that maverick spirit.
“Together we’ve created Ego Death, hidden in a basement behind an unmarked door at the back of a burger shop will be this cocktail haven. An underground escape throwing out the best classic cocktails, bourbon, and champagne from top level bartenders.
“The night will start civilised and transition into an anything goes party vibe. An Ego Death is a spiritual experience where you’re reborn, shedding ego and issues. We’re hoping to offer a place where everyone can leave any issues at the door, cut loose and indulge.
“For me it’s a full circle moment opening a bar and giving over creative control to someone I trust. For Cressida, this marks a defining moment – her first bar. It’s the culmination of over a decade spent honing her craft at some of the world’s top bars and collaborating with the best brands. Now, she channels all that experience into creating this masterpiece.”
“It’s gonna be a lot of fun and the drinks bang hard.”
The bar will open Wednesday – Saturday with bookings for drinks tables until 22:00 available and walk-ins at all hours welcome.
Opening hours will be 5pm to 1am Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm to 3am Friday and Saturday, and 5pm to 1am on Sunday.
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