Pop quiz: you’re a time traveller, and you can go anywhere in history for a night of decadent partying – where do you choose? Pop answer: you head to the unfettered revelry of twenties Berlin. (Just be sure the dial says twenties).
It was an era of pure excess, Art Deco splendour, avant-garde cocktails, cabaret, and fun …and that’s the experience at Engel, the newly opened cocktail bar in The Royal Exchange.
The bar itself is actually a partner to Jang, the Korean & Japanese restaurant housed in the same space. It’s all located inside The Royal Exchange which, being built in 1571, means it’s done a little time traveling of its own. And what’s come out is dazzlingly glamorous – there’s a mix of ancient stonework with jewel-coloured fittings, and swooping arched windows that are clasped by a striking red Art Deco bar.
From behind that bar you can get their cocktails, which are all very much inspired by Berlin’s drinks scene one century ago. They’re all served in rather expressive glassware, and you can get everything from a truffle infused martini, to the cognac-fuelled Skandal, which comes in a slightly surreal glass that make it look like you’re sipping delightful secrets directly out of someone’s head. There’s also a number (the prince of Berlin) that comes with a literal paintbrush that you can use to dab flavoured gels onto your tongue with.
To the side of that bar is the performance area, and if you come on a Wednesday or Thursday evening, you’ll pay an extra fee to be greeted by live cabaret & music, with a lineup of sultry jazz and laid-back blues. And if you’re not there for a show? There’ll be a silent, jazz-age movie projected into it.
And, of course, there’s bar food too. In fact, you can pop in from noon onwards if you fancy some of their German & Austrian grand cafe classics, including schnitzels, caviar, hot dogs, and even an old fashioned dessert trolley loaded with cakes.
They ought to pass the time quite nicely.
NOTE: Engel is open now, Monday to Friday. There’s an additional entertainment fee of £15pp on Wednesdays & Thursdays. You can find out more and make a booking at the Engel website.
PREVIOUS PERK: Nudge Members (+1) enjoyed a secret golden hour with 50% off the drinks bill from 22nd July to 5th August.
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