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The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour: A Curiosity-Filled Cocktail Experience in East London

Discover East London's unique blend of cocktail artistry and eccentric curiosities at The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour.

4.7

Nestled in the heart of Hackney at 11 Mare Street, The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour offers a unique blend of cocktail bar and museum. This atmospheric venue combines an extensive collection of oddities and curiosities with expertly crafted absinthe-based cocktails and vintage-inspired drinks. Visitors can explore taxidermy, rare skeletons, and eclectic art while enjoying a cozy, candlelit ambiance that evokes a Victorian collector’s fever dream. The adjoining Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities adds a further layer of intrigue with its unusual exhibits and occasional events like tarot readings and lectures.

A brief summary to The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour

  • 11 Mare St, London, E8 4RP, GB
  • +442085335297
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Tuesday 3 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 3 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 3 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 3 pm-11 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

Local tips

  • Make a reservation in advance to secure a table, especially on weekends and event nights.
  • Try the house-distilled Devil’s Botany absinthe for an authentic local experience.
  • Visit the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities after enjoying cocktails to fully appreciate the venue’s unusual artifacts.
  • Check the event schedule for special nights like tarot readings, lectures, or absinthe tastings.
  • Note that the museum is accessed via a spiral staircase and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
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Discover more about The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour

A Fusion of Bar and Museum in London's East End

The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour is an extraordinary venue located on Mare Street in Hackney, East London, where the worlds of cocktail culture and eccentric museum collections intertwine. Founded by Viktor Wynd, a noted antiquarian and collector, the space is home to the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History. The cocktail bar itself is designed to feel like stepping into a Victorian collector’s fever dream, with walls adorned by taxidermied animals, shrunken heads, rare skeletons, and other macabre artifacts. This unusual setting creates a captivating atmosphere that invites guests to linger and explore while sipping on drinks crafted with care and creativity.

Absinthe and Artistry Behind the Bar

The Absinthe Parlour is renowned for its focus on absinthe, featuring the house-distilled Devil’s Botany absinthe, the UK's first absinthe distillery founded by the bar’s creators. Cocktails here are inventive, often inspired by the curiosities surrounding you, and the menu regularly changes to showcase new concoctions alongside classics like the Absintini. The bartenders work beneath displays of Chilean and Peruvian specimens, blending vintage-style drinks that complement the bar’s eclectic décor. For those less inclined toward absinthe, the staff are happy to prepare off-menu classics, ensuring a personalized experience.

Exploring the Museum of Curiosities

Beneath the bar lies the Viktor Wynd Museum, a compact but richly packed Wunderkabinett that houses an extraordinary collection of relics ranging from extinct bird specimens and old master etchings to erotica and medical oddities. Admission to the museum is separate from the bar but reasonably priced, with concessions available. The museum’s exhibits are adult-themed, so minors are only allowed when accompanied by a guardian before 5pm. Visitors often find the museum’s unusual artifacts spark lively conversation, making it a perfect complement to the cocktail experience upstairs.

Events and Unique Experiences

The Last Tuesday Society offers more than just drinks and displays; it hosts a variety of events including tarot readings, lectures on obscure and historical topics, absinthe tastings, and even occasional séances. These events enhance the venue’s mystique and provide engaging entertainment that deepens the visitor’s immersion in its quirky world. Private hires and parties are popular, with the venue’s atmospheric rooms providing a memorable backdrop for celebrations, corporate events, or intimate gatherings.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

The bar’s interior is dominated by velvet banquettes, dark wood, and candlelit corners that create a moody, intimate ambiance. The eclectic collection of curiosities adds a layer of intrigue and conversation starters at every turn. The venue’s location in Hackney places it within a vibrant, creative part of London, yet once inside, the modern urban bustle fades away, replaced by a sense of stepping into a secret world where the unusual and the extraordinary reign.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour operates Tuesday through Sunday with varying opening hours, closing on Mondays. Reservations are strongly encouraged, especially for the bar and museum, to guarantee entry. The museum is accessed via a steep spiral staircase, which may limit accessibility for some visitors. The venue maintains an 18+ policy after 5pm. It is located close to Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green stations, making it accessible by public transport.

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