Where to Drink Cocktail in London Archives

March 9 2023

Hokus Pokus Alchemy Lab Takes Inspiration from 19th-Century Quack Doctors

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Taking inspiration from 19^th-centruy quack doctors, Hokus Pokus Alchemy Lab transports you to a retro-futuristic Victorian steampunk world with chopper pipes, visible electrical circuits and intriguing light and fog effects mixed with 19^th-century apothecary and British esoteric literature.

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♬ Witchy – NOCThrasher

Inspired by 19^th-Century Quack Doctors

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Hokus Pokus Alchemy Lab is taking inspiration from 19^th-century quack doctors who invented ‘magic medications’ by embracing the latest technological and chemical discoveries with the aim to cure all disease.

One of the most famous quack doctors was James Morison who opened ‘British College of Health’ in 1828 just a couple of doors away from where Hokus Pokus is today. Morison claimed to have found a miracle universal vegetable that cures all disease based on botanical compounds. He prepared pills from the said vegetable to be swallowed with lemonade.

The Atmosphere

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Hokus Pokus has a unique atmosphere like no other bars in London. Designed by British artist and designer, Henry Chebaane, the lab is a mix of Victorian-style steampunk engine room with apothecary furnishing. Alchemy books, medical glasses, and oddities are on display behind the windows of large wooden cabinets. Theatrical lighting and artificial fog enhance the whole experience.

Focusing on Botanicals

Blueberry Tequila

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Today, Hokus Pokus use botanicals in distilled form, instead of pill form (for their customers’ pleasure). When it comes to creating cocktails, the team is as sustainable as possible: they use every single part of the fruit for syrup, juice or just for garnishing.

There are a wide variety of drinks on the menu, from season-inspired to smokey to flamed potions. Most of the cocktails are customisable, so you can design yours exactly how you like it. As a result, no two cocktails are the same and there are endless variations to try.

Recipes from the Past

‘Blueberry Tequila’ cocktail and ‘Fizzy Pokus’ mocktail

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Feeling adventurous? Why not try some of the revise recipes of prescriptions from the past? ‘Hokus Pokus in Japan’ for example is a Sake based drink, combined with Yuzu juice, citrus elixir, and pomegranate syrup.

Alcohol free potions are also available for those who want to avoid alcoholic prescriptions. ‘Fizzy Pokus’ for instance is a refreshing blend of grapefruit juice and citrus elixir, pomegranate potion and soda.

Perfect Location

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Located in the very heart of London, Hokus Pokus is perfect for after-work drink, night-out with friends or late-night cocktail destination.

Walk-ins accepted.

Practical Info

Photo: Urban Adventurer

Address

1 Belgrove St, London WC1H 8AB

Opening Times

Monday: CLOSED

Tue-Thurs: 6pm-12am

Fri & Sat: 6pm-1am

Sun: CLOSED

Ready for your next adventure? Redeem your soul! Located near Victoria Station, Purgatory Bar is serving devilish cocktails and invites you for an immersive escape room experience: seal the Gate of Hell to prevent demons ascending from Hell to Earth.

London’s Quirkiest Cocktail Bar

Have you drunk cocktail from Cinderella’s glass shoe, Aladdin’s magic lamp or from a bunch of books? London’s quirkiest cocktail bar, which opened its doors this January, is not just a cocktail bar. It’s a charmed fairy tale scene.

Once Upon a Time…

Entering TSQ Playhouse’s door is like entering into a magical rabbit hole in a dreamy fairy tale: you instantly find yourself in a corridor of mirrors from where you sink into a mystical black and white world of projected twisted shapes and cubes.

And the Journey Begins…

“Well my friends the time has come. Raise your glass and have some fun.”

Velvet thrones, carousel horses, crystal chandeliers imprisoned in iron cages, a hot air balloon wall and a jungle bar counter. That’s what welcomes you in this magical adult playground.

Enchanted Cocktails

To begin your magical journey, you can choose from 5 different fairy tale themed cocktail menus: Virgin Island, King’s Carnival, Enchanted Forest, Aquaria and Cloud 9.

Now, just let your heart decide. Because whichever cocktails you pick, you won’t regret it.

Bon Voyage! Up up and above. This cocktail with a real hot air balloon will take you to the Moon and beyond. Bon Voyage is a sweet and airy blend of melon liqueur, kiwi, blueberry, passion fruit and lemonade.

The King’s library is now open! Book of Moron is part of the King’s Carnival menu. But be warned fellas! This book will trick you. Book of Moron is a funny blend of three different rums, vermouth and aromatic bitter.

If you had Three Wishes what would they be? Grab Aladdin’s magic lamp and rub it. Even if the Genie doesn’t not appear, some cocktail definitely will.

Kings and Queens

Two thrones – a black and a red – are waiting for the Kings and Queens of the night to rule the Cocktail Realm. Grab the golden tiara from the bar counter and live your dreams tonight.