West Hollywood’s latest sizzling spot doesn’t have an indication outdoors however it’s about to have traces out entrance. Located above Stone Avenue LA, Bathtub Gin, is a speakeasy-themed bar and restaurant. This superbly designed area really appears like a 1920’s fashion outdated Hollywood celebration, however as an alternative of seeing Charlie Chaplin, the upscale clientele is usually artists, fashions, musicians, and names within the leisure business.
It’s the venue’s second location, the primary of which opened in New York in 2011. Nonetheless, every places a unique spin on the theme. “The New York location is extra of a traditional Twenties speakeasy, imbued by darkish woods, damask materials, and classic fittings. Bathtub Gin LA [has] ornate wallpapers, Victorian furnishings, a bar setup as whether it is in your house parlor, and even a child grand piano,” says proprietor Dave Oz, who additionally owns Stone Avenue in each Los Angeles and New York.
The entire venues are owned in partnership with actor/producer/author Joel David Moore of Avatar and Dodgeball fame together with Laura Parkening, a 24-year West Coast hospitality veteran who serves as Basic Supervisor.
The Environment
Ouncescame up with the thought for Bathtub Gin as a result of he was at all times fascinated with the Prohibition period and the key events of the time. “I needed to recreate this sense and provide folks a very transportive expertise that enables them to disconnect from actuality and immerse themselves in one other period. The unique Bathtub Gin New York was created with the thought of transporting one again to the time of Prohibition. With our LA growth, we tailor-made this theme to our new metropolis, providing guests a peek into 1920’s Los Angeles. Given the second ground nature of the area, we needed to create the sensation of being at a secret 1920’s home celebration— maybe, at a palatial Hollywood property.”
The 1500 sq. foot area consists of two rooms, the Important Room and the Butterfly Room, which is for small personal events in addition to a inexperienced room for the performers. “When the unique Bathtub Gin opened ten years in the past, there have been far fewer ‘speakeasy’ bars round,” says Oz. “Whereas many have opened since, this was our authentic idea and, for my part, we have completed an amazing job executing the expertise. We have been very considerate in our LA growth: moderately than merely copy-pasting the unique venue, we needed to honor the native 1920’s historical past and provide our clients a motive to go to the brand new area.”
Bathtub Gin has a vibe like no different place in Los Angeles. Though it’s on the second ground, closed curtains make the area really feel hidden from the skin world. The coffered ceilings and print wallpapers create an air of authenticity, as does the vintage furnishings and decor. There are stunning Persian space rugs, chesterfield sofas, and darkish wooden built-in liquor cupboards.
“All of the furnishings was sourced by my Los Angeles associate Laura Parkening,” says Oz. “It took us 4 years to get the place open and he or she spent this complete time scouring classic outlets, secondhand outlets, and auctions for every piece. A few of the furnishings wanted to be strengthened or reupholstered, which she did herself. A few of the items are new however look classic, with that worn-in feel and appear.”
Extra distinctive facets of the design scheme embrace darkish wooden chair rail, dimly lit chandeliers and timeless herringbone wooden floors.
Nonetheless, probably the most attention-grabbing design facets is the copper bathtub in the midst of the principle room. Customized made in Mexico to match the unique bathtub in New York, however barely smaller in measurement, it’s fabricated from hammered copper and has gold claw ft.
The Menu
Each element of the venue’s environment was fastidiously chosen even all the way down to the menu, which was designed to appear like an vintage newspaper. It options quite a lot of craft cocktails which might be new spins on outdated favorites resembling an Espresso Martini, Entire Lime Daiquiri, and a S’mores Outdated Long-established. Mild bites embrace favorites like burrata, fried calamari, and the BTG Burger.
There’s additionally nightly leisure together with burlesque performances each Tuesday, jazz musicians all through the week, and a DJ on Saturday nights.
As for the longer term, Ouncesplans to open up extra venues. “We hope to proceed creating extra distinctive roaring twenties speakeasy experiences all through the nation, tailor-made to their respective cities.”
Bathtub Gin LA is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00pm to 2:00am and situated on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.