The diversity and creativity of London’s nightlife is no secret. Each bar, pub, and lounge brings its own flavor to the iconic city. However, there is one particular establishment that stands out not just for its cocktails and ambience, but also for its unique moniker. Enter the mysterious "A Bar with Shapes for a Name."
Nestled in a cozy alleyway off Shoreditch, one wouldn’t immediately notice this place. The entrance is marked only by an abstract neon sign, displaying various geometric shapes: a triangle, a circle, and a rectangle. No words, no lettering, just shapes. It’s this minimalistic and abstract approach that instantly sets the tone for what’s inside.
The moment you step in, you're welcomed by a delicate balance of raw industrial designs mixed with soft, sophisticated finishes. Exposed brickwork and metallic pipings are contrasted by ambient globe lighting, casting a soft, golden glow over the bar.
The theme of shapes is present everywhere, from hexagonal bar stools to the rhomboid patterned floor. There’s an almost museum-like quality to it, where each corner has a story to tell, a shape to show. The main bar counter, a long slab of polished marble, features inlaid designs of various geometric figures.
The shape-themed creativity doesn't stop with the decor. The menu is a curated list of drinks inspired by geometric forms. For instance, the “Golden Triangle” cocktail combines three primary ingredients, each representing a corner of a triangle, blending them together to form a harmonious taste. The “Circular Logic” is a drink that’s presented in layers, each with a different hue, representing circles within circles.
Their mixologists, each sporting a pin of a shape (denoting their rank or specialty perhaps?), are artists in their own right, painting your palette with flavors in the most surprising ways.
Being in Shoreditch, "A Bar with Shapes for a Name" attracts an eclectic mix of patrons. From designers, architects, and artists, trying to find inspiration or simply admiring the concept, to curious tourists and locals looking for something off the beaten path, the crowd is always vibrant and diverse.
Apart from its regular offerings, the bar frequently hosts themed nights. “Geometry Nights” are particularly popular, where DJs play ambient tunes complemented by visual displays of shifting shapes and patterns.
Moreover, there are workshops on the weekends, such as “Cocktails and Shapes”, teaching participants the art of mixology through the lens of geometry.
"A Bar with Shapes for a Name" isn’t just another place to grab a drink in London. It’s an experience, a journey through the fascinating world of geometry infused with the world of mixology. It shows that inspiration can come from the simplest of things, like shapes, and turn into a concept that enthralls an entire city.
If you ever find yourself wandering the streets of London, yearning for a place that’s both familiar in its offerings but unique in its presentation, follow the shapes. They’ll lead you right to this unforgettable bar.