There is a new kid on the (Covent Garden) block B.Y.O.C. aka ‘Bring Your Own Cocktails’ is a totally thrilling and unique concept to hit London’s bar scene. Whilst it may seem like just another speakeasy, it has a little something that makes it standout from the rest of the crowd. B.Y.O.C is a bar that doesn’t sell alcohol.
The Juice Club juice bar in the west end has recently opened B.Y.O.C. in its basement. You take along your favorite tipple, a base spirit such as vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whisky, brandy or liqueur. Wine, beer, champagne or something quirky or unusual is also okay. Pay £20 at the unassuming-looking juice bar counter, and ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’-style door behind opens magically, leading you down winding staircase.
This basement has enough room for up to 18 people and the room can feel quite cozy when at full capacity. Since it’s so dark down here, decoration is kept to a minimum, although a few artifacts and antiques keep things on theme. The walls are made from black chalkboard and you’re encouraged to scrawl a message while visiting.
Mixologist and owner Dan Thomson wheels over an antique Italian drinks trolley, laden with fruit and vegetable juices from upstairs, fresh fruits, herbs, spices, flavored salts, bitters, syrups and cordials. After watching him make some very elaborate creations on the table next to us, both my friend and I were filled with the same kind of excitement that grips a child on Christmas morning.
Thomson asks you to choose your liqueur flavor, a base spirit and whether you want your cocktail sweet or sour. I would love to say the resulting drink exactly how I imagined it yet it surpassed anything I could have imagined. Unfortunately I can’t remember all the ingredients that were added to my drink but a plain gin and tonic will forever be a cheap imitation.
With every round Thomson makes the drinks seem to become more elaborate. The bar is currently reservation only and whilst your visit is limited to two hours, you definitely get value for your money. B.Y.O.C is the perfect place for friends to have relaxing drinks and, from my own personal experience, is a great place to take a girl on a romantic date.
In lesser hands B.Y.O.C would just be a gimmicky concept, but Thomson’s top-notch mixology skills are enough to silence most critics. Some people may baulk at the £20 entrance charge, but it covers the cost of additional ingredients that make up your cocktail. Food platters will be introduced shortly and plans are already in motion to open more branches.
Like many visitors before me I was thoroughly impressed with the experience and have already added my name to the reservations guest list. Unfortunately that list is already over 800 people long so it may be a few weeks before I can return. Though as everybody knows, absence makes the heart fonder.
To make a booking visit: www.byoc.co.uk