BYOC (Camden Town)

• BYOC Camden is based on a 1920s casino theme
• The aim of the game is still the same though
• The lights are set low to lend to the speakeasy feeling
• The thing we love about BYOC is the way they create their own selection of fresh handmade syrups and bitters and combine them with pressed fruit &
• The night is determined completely by what you bring with you and can see guests sampling some truly off the wall concoctions or simply sticking with the classics
• When BYOC first arrived in Covent Garden it was extremely popular due to it's fresh and unique selling point
• What Camden has done is made the experience more accessible with a much larger scale but the 1920s theme is a lot stronger than what's come before
• It's all dependent on what you bring with you and how your tastes are interpreted by the bartender
• What they really mean is Bring Your Own Spirits
• ) don't turn up with hip flask Negronis and jugs of Mint Julep
• All but one of the photos attached were provided by BYOC my camera couldn't cope with the darkness on this occasion
• Just in case they weren't allowed anything with even a hint of booze
• With the occasional input from Davide who was looking after a larger group to our left
• Trinidad Sour a twist on a Pisco Sour with 1/3 Angostura Bitters and a homemade shrub
• Chocolate Orange Old Fashioned with Dalwhinnie
• Passionfruit Daiquiri with a subtle chilli kick using Angostura 5yo
• Pisco Sour with a hibiscus shrub to finish
• They aren't afraid to mix it up with punch bowls and Tiki drinks depending on the crowd
• Jill clocked early on that we were serious about our drinks
• It may be different when they are at capacity
• The service was efficient and personal at the same time
• As it turns out it was Jill's first shift she absolutely smashed it
• You'll still have plenty to take home with you afterwards and your cocktails will be all the better for it
• It was a cold Tuesday evening and Hurricane Gonzalo was causing havoc in old London town
• Make sure you remember the street number (number 9 11) because this is the only clue that you&rsquo
• As you creep down a narrow staircase each step transports you back in time to a bygone era where alcohol was forbidden and all drinking had to be done under the cover of darkness
• Once in the basement you are confronted with retro roulette and blackjack tables with an array of bottles
• Because behind these gaming tables are the master mixologists in their starched shirts and braces waiting to make you a unique cocktail
• Black and gold rose patterned wallpaper) and lighting is low (flickering candles and table top lamps) mimicking a prohibition style speakeasy
• The occasional sound of a police siren outside was the only reminder that we were actually in Camden
• Watching the mixologists is so damn relaxing
• S a little private room coming soon as is a short menu of artisan cheese and charcuterie boards from London&rsquo
• Camden so good is its versatility
• S equally as good for a pre club drink with a group of mates
• A catch up chat with a friend or an end of the night safe haven for the discreet
• Plus if the evening is a bit of a &lsquo
• T a menu so all the drinks are bespoke and will vary depending on what bottle(s) of spirit you bring
• In house made cordials and syrups (the American chocolate and vanilla with maple syrups that we tasted were great)
• Just watching the way that the cocktails are dressed and garnished is fascinating &ndash
• What we got was more of a flip
• Even though this was more like it &ndash
• The finished drink was served to us in little frosted tea cups and can only be described as a smoke infused liquid chocolate orange &ndash
• By this time we were sharing and chatting with the other couples on our table
• Our barman kept up with us and delivered the goods every time
• The session passed and it was time to reluctantly leave
• We wandered back up the stairs leaving the past behind and with each ascending step we were nearer to the modern world
• As we stepped through the secret black door back onto Camden High Street it was back to real life
• Even if it was only for a couple of hours
• We turned up a little early and this was a surprise for my partner and she didn't have a clue were we where going so I managed to find it
• Just a black door on the road with the letters above
• Poker tables all with their own personal unique bar areas
• What we got was five cocktails and a big bowl of incense infused punch
• Each cocktail is made uniquely for you and your preferences are taken into account
• Amongst the amazing cocktails and a setting that I would never tire of seeing this experience would not be anything without the cocktail maker and Davido was brilliant
• Not only did you feel you were getting a personal one on one cocktail he was attentive and answered all questions we asked about how to make the syrups etc
• This isn't just a night out for cocktails this is an experience and a memory builder completed with a brilliant atmosphere and attentive service
• On top of some rum punch courtesy of a neighbouring group of women sharing is allowed and adds to what can easily become a boozy affair
• The bartender controls the drinks served but are open to input we had a few fruity cocktails to begin with before graduating to drier
• Stronger ones (the penultimate one was Campari heavy and met our request for 'something damn strong')
• A highlight for me was a Rum sour perfectly balanced and light
• 1920s speakeasy bar with poker / roulette themed tables and dark lighting makes for a good atmosphere for bring your own cocktail
• Would recommend bringing smaller bottles as we had tons left over and couldn't take them with us as we were going dancing afterwards but we gave them to another couple which was good
• The bartender talks your through what you want and what goes in the cocktail we were in a big group so he also made us a big punch bowl for when we were thirsty in between cocktails
• Our barman was beyond amazing and made the best cocktails we've ever had we'll be back
• Our first visit to the Brighton BYOC (after Covent Garden and Camden) and it was the best so far
• The bartender was extremely knowledgeable and experimental as well as being good fun and a great showman
• Robin there is an amazing mixologist and that french accent is just even better
• Shame there was no 'waiting' area
• Our mixologist was great she was really lovely and made the most amazing cocktails we have ever tasted
• I think BYOC is the best speakeasy bar I have ever been in London
• The unforgettable atmosphere combined with speakeasy style makes me forget about the real world for 2 hours

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