Some records deserve more than simply being played; they deserve the right setting, the right company and a cocktail to match.
This September, The Bloomsbury Club invites guests to become part of The Listeners Club. One of Bloomsbury’s most distinctive after-dark destinations returns with an immersive cocktail experience inspired by its creative soul.
Renowned for its striking interiors, live music and extraordinary atmosphere, The Bloomsbury Club brings a sense of occasion to the heart of the neighbourhood. Pressed into a menu of 7″ records, each exploring five defining musical eras, inviting guests to crate-dig their way through cocktails as if discovering hidden gems in a favourite record store. Every cocktail is a track, every sip is a note, every guest becomes part of the music.
The experience begins with a peek into the Club’s Collector’s Ledger – a leather-bound volume introducing each era through label art, complete with a track list of cocktails on the reverse and handwritten tasting notes, helping guide you to the track that’s right for your taste.
A celebration of creative mixology, evocative storytelling and distinctive flavour, each cocktail captures the character and atmosphere of its era. The collection has been composed by The Bloomsbury Club’s talented barkeeps, and is the first led by Bar Manager Antonio Papariello, whose creative vision has shaped the new menu.
Each era spotlights three original cocktails alongside a carefully crafted B-side non-alcoholic serve – a flip of one of its alcoholic counterparts created with exactly the same care and attention to detail.
The Jazz Age (1920s – 1930s)
The golden era of big bands, classic jazz, and rebellious speakeasies. These inventive cocktails are pressed with impeccable structure and undeniable swagger. The smooth and seductive Zou Bisou layers delicate stone fruit with soft citrus and a whisper of smoke from Monkey Shoulder whisky, creating an elegant, quietly seductive cocktail that lingers like the final note of a late-night jazz set. Meanwhile, Stardust Echo combines silky vodka, sake, and shochu with clarified nashi pear and fragrant green shiso for freshness and intrigue that tops off a sip that – just like an unforgettable solo – is delicate, refined and beautifully balanced.
Blues & Soul (1940s – 1950s)
Warm and soulful, these cocktails bring a depth that echoes the honesty of the artists who shaped blues and the emerging soul movement. Rich flavours are captured in the silky Monroe Glow where butter-washed Eagle Rare 10-year Bourbon Whiskey, elegant Cognac, and nutty sherry come together in a velvety, full-bodied serve inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s enduring glamour. Travel down Hit Road where the heat of whiskey is blended with the spice of ginger and black cardamom and finished with the sweet sharpness of lemon and maple syrup for a cocktail that hits every note.
Latin Jazz & Bossa Nova (1950s – 1960s)
Bright citrus, fresh botanicals and tropical accents draw inspiration from the musical cultures and vibrant flavours of Brazil, Cuba and across Latin America for cocktails that dance across the palate with unmistakable rhythm. Embrace the sultriness of an Ipanema Night where the toasted richness of Discarded banana peel rum and expressive freshness of Alabat XO Heritage Armagnac are sweetened with notes of date, cocoa nib and fig. Or pick up the tempo and get playful with Sway Baby where rum and tequila are freshened up with mint, lime and a lively kick of Sichuan pepper.
Funk & R&B (1970s – 1990s)
Bold basslines call for cocktails rich in texture and personality. These groove-driven creations layer unexpected flavours with silky finishes for serves that are big on character and unapologetically expressive. Are you a Super Freak or a Smooth Operator? If your vibe is funky and bright with the zesty freshness of pink grapefruit and lime, plus herbal depth of basil & coriander with jalapeno-infused orange liqueur, then Super Freak is your track. Whilst those who embrace elegant flavours of white grape, elderflower, sparkling sake and a twist of honey can proclaim themselves the smoothest in the bar.
Contemporary (2000 onwards)
Precision replaces excess as innovation meets craftsmanship behind the bar for the most up-to-date era. Electronic and indie influences inspire modern techniques, unexpected ingredients and flawless execution in cocktails that are clean, refined and confidently original. Make London your Midnight City with the deep, warming richness of Remy Martin 1738, lifted by aromatic apple pie, chamomile, verjus and toasted sesame. Or you can choose to Get Lucky by being the one hangover-free the following morning thanks to a refreshing zero-proof cocktail made with the bold whiskey-influenced flavours of Abstinence Cape Malt livened up with Yuzu Sherbet and Saicho Jasmine sparkling tea.
From the first sip to the fadeout, The Bloomsbury Club has all baselines covered. Where will your evening’s playlist take you?