A new gin bar has been launched by caterer and bar operator Searcys, featuring London’s first chilled gin on draught.
The Gin Joint at the Barbican arts complex offers about 40 gins including London dry gin Broker’s which is available on tap. It is the first outing for the brand’s dispense system, provided through UK distributor Hi-Spirits.
Located on Level 2 of the complex, the new outlet features a 30-seat bar and an 88-cover restaurant serving dishes with a British flavour.
The bar offers contemporary and classic gin-based cocktails, presided over by head bartender Jack Bowles. They include the Peppercorn, made with Beefeater Gin, grapefruit juice, rose syrup and black pepper, and the Lambeth Lemonade, combining Beefeater 24 Gin with Lillet Blanc, raspberry syrup and lemonade.
Every evening from 7pm to 9pm, a promotion called Gin Democracy allows customers to try any of the 40 premium gins on offer for the price of a regular house gin at £8.50.
Customers can also join the bar’s Gin Club which includes tastings with master distillers and a gin-influenced dinner menu.
The L-shaped bar, overlooking the water features of Barbican Lakeside, has been refurbished with an earthy colour palette, new natural sisal flooring, relaxed leather sofa seating and bespoke copper light fittings. It was the work of leading hospitality design practice Harrison.
The restaurant is open Monday to Friday for lunch from midday to 3pm and for dinner from 5pm to 10.30pm.
Searcys, which also runs events catering throughout the Barbican, specialises in running restaurants and bars in historic and cultural buildings and landmarks such as The Gherkin in the City of London and The Rep in Birmingham. It also runs Searcys champagne bars.
Gin Joint is the latest in a wave of new listings for Broker’s Gin which has also become a pouring brand at gin bar The Star at Night in Soho and the house pour at the Drink Shop Do café-bar in Kings Cross, Anise bar in the City of London, Crobar in Soho and the Black Dove in Brighton.
