London’s ‘underground apothecary bar’ Hokus Pokus has a new alchemist at the helm!
Supremely talented bar manager Sergio Jiménez (House of KOKO, Shoreditch
House) is putting the finishing touches to an exciting new menu of luscious libations.
What’s more, with Halloween just around the corner, he couldn’t resist adding a few
spooky specials into the mix too!
Located where Bloomsbury meets King’s Cross this unique venue is renowned as a
living tribute to the local area’s rich history. Sergio has expanded these starting points
to include not only the neighbourhood and London at large, but further afield as well.
To curate his 12-strong collection, Sergio and his team have blended historical
influences – with an emphasis on the Victorian era – with contemporary techniques
and in-house ingredients to offer a theatrical and quirky experience like no other.
Highlights include Olympia, an interpretation of the modern-day classic, Naked &
Famous, which blends, shakes and strains mezcal, Aperol, Benedictine and grapefruit
& ginger sherbet, before serving them in a coupette. Sergio has taken as his reference
Edouard Manet’s controversial painting, Olympia, which caused an uproar in 1863 with
its depiction of a confident and confrontational nude woman. It caused a particular
scandal over the Channel in Victorian England where public nudity was considered
obscene. Today the work is regarded as a masterpiece and a testament to Manet’s
artistic vision and courage.
Mother’s Ruin is Sergio’s take on a classic gimlet and derives its name of course from
the description once given to gin. During the 18th century, people started filling
bathtubs with botanicals and neutral spirt that would eventually become gin. Fast
forward a couple of centuries and here at Hokus Pokus, gin, bathtub cordial and
rosemary or elderberry bubbles are stirred, chilled and poured into a Nick & Nora
glass.
Other delights in store include The Journey – a homage to Mexico’s favourite spirit
with its blend of Tequila Blanco, rye & hazelnut orgeat and acidified pineapple juice –
and Princess Peach, a twist on that other modern classic, Pornstar Martini, which
combines vanilla vodka, champagne, passion fruit bubbles and peach sorbet.
Aside from the main event, Sergio has also been hard at work creating a limited-edition
collection of eerie elixirs specially for Halloween. And what better source material
could there be than the legendary sci-fi film series, Men In Black?
Among the spooky sips that will be served on the night itself are Hokus Pokus’ tribute
to the aliens’ coffee-making skills – The Worm Guy’s Latte – which combines Siete
Misterios Mezcal, pumpkin puree, almond milk, coffee and cinnamon – and Greater
Grape Soda – vodka, grapefruit, red wine reduction, violette liqueur and soda. Not
forgetting of course, the MiB itself – a monochrome marvel which truly is out of this
world!
Aside from enjoying their cocktails, guests will also be entertained by a DJ and a
magician. What’s more if they cite “HP Men in Black” when making a reservation for
the 31st, each member of the party will receive a complimentary drink.
The all-new and exciting Hokus Pokus menu can be savoured in suitably fantastical
surroundings created by award-winning British artist and designer Henry Chebaane.
Renowned as a brilliant storyteller and creator, here he has juxtaposed an audacious
mix of retro-futuristic steampunk, apothecary-style furnishings, theatrical lighting,
Victorian engineered details and two centuries of esoteric British literature to create a
truly ‘out of this world’ destination.
Hokus Pokus is open Tuesday to Thursday 5pm to 12am and Friday & Saturday 5pm
to 1am.
Hokus Pokus, 1 Belgrove Street, King’s Cross, London WC1H 8AB
(Below The Megaro Hotel)
www.hokuspokus.co.uk
