Tofan Bars to open Narnia-style bar in Kilburn
A new London bar offering hot cocktails served in teacups and jam jars and a giant Narnia-style wardrobe seating area opens this Friday.
The Betsy Smith in Kilburn is the first site of Tofan Bars & Restaurants and the design is inspired by "fantasy, the theatrical and fairground features".
Tofan is headed by Costa Tofan, who also runs two other London sites, the Winchester, Islington and the Lodge Tavern, Ealing Broadway.
The new site is an Enterprise Inns lease and also features a walled garden with pink flamingos, a velvet draped mezzanine level with a scratch n’sniff gallery from Flavorleague, New York; and Sailor Jerry rum themed gents toilets with tattoo and nautical decor.
A spokesman said: “The managers charged Kair Design with the task of conjuring an ambience in between Alice’s Wonderland and a Victorian playground.”
The cocktail list features the Willy’s Wonka (£7), comprising Evan Williams bourbon, blueberry pureé, blueberry liqueur, loganberry jam, egg white, lemon juice and a dash of gomme; the Jaffa (£7) which is served with a floating Jaffa Cake garnish and the Relish the Thought(£7) with ingredients including honey roasted parsnip pureé and caramelised red onion relish with a Dolcelatte cheese garnish.
The food offer features traditional pub dishes, sharing platters and a pizza menu, with a breakfast/brunch menu served from 8.30am and roasts on a Sunday.
The site will be open until 3am on Friday and Saturdays. Entertainment will include DJs and live acts, salsa, speed dating and sports screenings.
Jo Bruce is editor of BigHospitality's sister publication PubChef
