INOUT
Great bars in unusual settings, the best of Copenhagen and Easter-inspired cocktails
Preaching to the converted
Some of the best modern bars in Europe started life as very different buildings
De Ultieme Hallucinatie (Koningsstraat 316, Brussels) was once a mansion, and its restaurant bears the art nouveau stamp of original architect Paul Hamesse – think marble floors and rococo brasswork. The bar was a greenhouse, while the adjoining club, Citizen Zeb, was a horse’s stable.
Universum Lounge (Kurfürstendamm 153, Berlin) is set in the Bauhaus Universum Cinema, which dates back to the 1920s. Inside, the theme is more space age – futuristic furniture is clustered around a curved gold bar, while pictures of lunar landscapes adorn the walls. Drinks are strong – try a classic Cosmopolitan.
The Factory Club (The Custard Factory, Birmingham) stands in an old factory, built by the inventor of instant custard, Sir Alfred Bird. Split over three levels, with a glass-fronted bar that looks out over a large courtyard, it has played host to some of the biggest names in dance, including Afrika Bambaataa and Masters at Work.
Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen
Once only famous for vice girls and having more butchers per square kilometre than any other place in Europe, Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, just west of Central Station, is now one of the hippest parts of the city and the best place to spot hot new trends
Start your night at… Delicatessen (Vesterbrogade 120) By day, Delicatessen is an upmarket diner serving eggs and bacon to a coffee-drinking clientele.
Come evening, the chairs are pushed back and the floor fills with pre-club punters.
Move on to… Bang & Jensen (Istedgade 130) Housed in a converted pharmacy, Bang & Jensen is renowned for its comfy sofas and potent cocktails. It also scores points for serving breakfast into late afternoon. Start as you mean to go on with an Alabama slammer – amaretto, Southern Comfort, sloe gin and apple juice.
Finish at… Vega (Enghavevej 40) The Vega complex is split into four venues: Store Vega, a concert hall; Lille Vega, a small club; the Ideal Bar, an intimate venue that’s great for live music; and the Vega Lounge, a 50s-style bar with retro décor and table service.
Cocktail corner
Good eggs
Egg-based cocktails are the order of the day this Easter
The classic: Whisky sour
This timeless blend of whisky, sugar and lemon is served in bars all around the world. Take 50ml whisky – such as a strong Lagavulin or, if you prefer a milder taste, Maker’s Mark. Shake with 25ml lemon juice and 20ml sugar syrup. Thicken with one egg white and strain over ice.
The coffee: Bombardino
Small wonder this Italian beverage’s warming flavours and silky texture have found favour on the ski slopes. Shake 50ml black coffee with 50ml whisky and 50ml advocaat. Serve hot.
The cure: Prairie oyster
Raw egg suspended in tomato juice may sound revolting, but it gets that hangover-salving cysteine into your system quicker than you can say “fry-up”. Mix together 15ml tomato juice, 5ml Worcestershire sauce and a dash of vinegar. Add a good grinding of black pepper and break in one egg, taking care not to split the yolk.
* If you know a great nightspot that you want to share with other b.there! readers, let us know. Email: info@btheremag.com
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