You might not immediately realise you’re at the entrance to The Liars Lounge when you get here. Situated on the second floor of the triple-layered building most know as Cane & Grain, you can dedicate a whole night to the address and be satisfied thanks to the three-fold establishments that each occupy a different storey. To keep things simple, though, let’s focus on the very top, where you’ll find the bamboo covered, barrel-adorned, loose-vibes of a dedicated rum and tiki bar, which only opens to those who know on Friday and Saturday evenings, although is available for private bookings throughout the week. And this short window of opportunity to experience the place shouldn’t be missed.
A quick look through the menu at The Liars Lounge reveals just how serious the team takes this tribute to the Caribbean, with New Releases cocktails all developed and perfected in house, and leaning heavily towards tropical flavours (Copa Banana, anyone?). For many, though, this spot is really about a range of rums so extensive the bottles could probably stretch all the way to Barbados. You won’t find details of these on the menu – a wise decision given that would run the length of a novella – but don’t let that put you off. Liars Lounge is all about getting recommendations from the real experts behind the bar who can talk you through the different styles and nuances of ‘demon water’. Looking to get involved yourself? Try booking in for a specialist Masterclass, where you’ll learn about the colourful history of Tiki, receive a schooling in the importance of good ingredients, and be guided through making two classics of the scene. The experience ends in the way so many nights do, with a few Zombies, unarguably the most famous of all Tiki cocktails, participants facing off in a head-to-head mixing and drinking contest before downing parting shots for the road.