Locals and regular readers will remember The Jellied Eel’s perfectly timed alfresco cocktail bar, which took over the pavement outside Strange Brew on Francis Road all summer-long, providing welcome respite from the last lockdown.
And if you’re a regular over in E17, you’ll know the visionary Jellied Eel crew are also famous for their cocktail bar in Manze’s pie and mash shop on Walthamstow market, which Time Out hailed as ‘one of London’s cult drinking experiences’ in a 5-star rave review.
But their latest project is arguably their most ambitious yet. Studio Paradiso harnesses “the spirit of Studio 54 and 1970s Manhattan”, says founder Paul Jellis, in an immersive winter pop-up at Leyton’s newest event space, Patchworks (which, incidentally, we recently raved about here).
The aim is for Studio Paradiso to make you forget the outside world – yep, we know that feeling – for one incredible night. Transforming the former furniture factory into a secret 1970s Manhattan loft party, guests can enjoy cocktails, champagne and indulgent fondue while being entertained by performers, including a pianist, incredible singers, and an internationally renowned circus star.
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A massive retro camper van provides the backdrop to a cosy winter paradise filled with 70s furniture, fur rugs, a vintage wood burner, disco ball, and superb period warehouse features. Excited yet?
And that’s not all. Performers include Silvia Pavone, who, after running away to the circus as a teenager, has become a world-class hula hoop star, using cutting edge LED technology to create an unforgettable, multidimensional visual experience. And house pianist Adam Sopp is an actor and musician who has appeared in BAFTA and Olivier Award-winning productions Sunny Afternoon and Last Night In Soho.
Of course, it wouldn’t be the 70s – or winter, for that matter – without fondue, and at Studio Paradiso the fondue is made with a very special ingredient: champagne. Layered into the Comté, Gruyère and Emmental, the Heidsieck Monopole Brut Grand Cuvée takes the fondue to new, oozy heights.
Served with classic accoutrements such as cornichons, new potatoes and freshly made bread, plus optional charcuterie boards, it’s presented on incredible vintage fondue sets. Yum. And vegans, fear not, there’s also a fondue for non-cheese eaters, made using cashew nuts, potatoes, miso and – you guessed it – champagne.
As well as Grand Marque Champagne from drinks partner Heidsieck Monopole, the cocktail menu will include a cockles-warming Winter Negroni using Aquavit and Pedro Ximenez sherry, a moreish Walnut Old Fashioned, and, naturally, silken Hot Buttered Rum.
Studio Paradiso launches on Thursday 25 November, and will open every Thursday-Sunday, with two events on a Saturday, until 19th December. After a Christmas break it then reopens from Thursday 30th December to Sunday 30th January. The New Year’s Eve special will include half a bottle of Champagne per person, a disco countdown to midnight, and a host of other surprises.
Finally, guests can even book a VIP table in the camper van itself for up to four people with a bottle of champagne, or a cosy date space for two in the old goods lift, with director’s chairs and lighted mirror – also with a bottle of champs thrown in.
Hands up who’s gonna ride in on a white horse?
Dates: 25th Nov–19th Dec, and 30th Dec–30th Jan. Thurs/Fri 7pm-11pm, Saturdays 1pm-5pm and 7pm-11am, Sundays 1pm-5pm.
Tickets: First strictly limited release of tickets £34-38, including fondue. New Year’s Eve tickets start at £65 including fondue and half a bottle of champagne per person. Book your tickets now here.
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