Hedonist Drinks consists of three talented Leeds bartenders who have taken a slightly different approach to the pop up bar concept – by having a permanent venue.
Back in Spring 2015, Hedonist Drinks (which consists of Bruce Lerman from Epernay, Dan Crowther from Sandinista and Tom Finnon from Smokestack) began their Hedonist Project and opened Hogarth's Gin Joint – the first ever gin pop up in Leeds, which was sandwiched between Sandinista and Belgrave Music Hall.
Hogarth's was in place until the start of June, when the team took on another sponsor and transformed the spot into the Rum Shack. This Jamaican style bar was created in partnership with rum distillers Nephew & Wray, and stayed in place until September 5, followed by a brief weekend takeover of Meat Liquor in the middle of September.
Now, Hedonist Drinks has got a flaghsip bar on Lower Briggate – a venue they plan to use as a permanent location to continue their Hedonist Project for the long term.
Like before, the bar will change its theme every three months meaning the decor, music, menu, drink, food and even name will be replaced, with the only constant being the Hedonist Project's 'thumbprint'.
Next in store for the project in its new home is a whisky bar, which will be ready to go mid-November and continue through the winter.
Future pop up are likely to be more food led, and there has been plenty of interest from potential new sponsors overseas, meaning it's anyone's guess as to what could be in store next.
Keep up to date with developments at the Hedonist Project Facebook and Twitter page.
Hedonist Project, 156 Lower Briggate, Leeds, LS1 5DL.
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