Last night we took a little trip to Bompas & Parr’s Alcoholic Architecture (Purely for research purposes, of course). This monastic bar in Borough Market features a delectable walk-in cloud of breathable cocktail air, designed to explode the humble cocktail to an architectural scale.



Upon arrival, a rather sombre host greets you, and you descend the staircase, winding your way around dark corridors lined with creepy relics. At the bottom, you are asked to don an incredibly fetching poncho, and make your way to the bar.



If you’re like us, you’ll skip the bar first and walk into the alcoholic cloud. Because who needs a cocktail when you can go hands free? Our cloud of choice for the evening was a G&T infused smog. After a couple of minutes trying to work out where you are in the room, you might notice that your entire body is covered in a light sticky concoction, which, as the night goes on, you will discover is rather tasty.



The cloud itself was entirely composed of gin and tonic (1:3) and blasted into our breathing hole using powerful humidifiers. The alcohol entered our bloodstream through our lungs and eyeballs. If you were wondering whether or not it's possible to sing in a such a thick and sticky cocktail smog, yes you can – but your beautiful choral hymn will be somewhat muted.




When you finally get to the bar, you’ll discover a drinks lists entirely comprised of spirits and beers created by monks: potations such as Chartreuse, Benedictine, Trappist beer and even the notorious Buckfast – a fortified wine so savage that Scotland’s parliament is reportedly drafting legislation to stop the caffeinated intoxicant from entering their country. However, if you were expecting your drink to be served in an incredible monkified receptacle, think again. Would you be able to resist pilfering a horn of plenty in a bar where you can barely even see your own knees? Didn’t think so.



Was it a truly religious experience? Not really. Was it fun parading about in a rain poncho in a small room breathing in your own weight in G&T? Absolutely.

Amen Bompas and Parr.