Hawksmoor Chicago is set to enhance its offerings with the opening of its new cocktail destination, the Beef & Liberty Bar, on September 19, 2023. This new concept combines the rich cocktail culture of late-1990s London with the restaurant’s renowned commitment to quality and craft, inviting patrons to explore a menu that features innovative drinks inspired by that vibrant era.
The Beef & Liberty Bar will be located within the historic LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse. This unique setting, with its restored vintage barrel-vaulted ceilings and timber joists, complements the bar’s theme, which channels the energetic late-night atmosphere of London’s Soho. The design aims to transport guests back to a time when the cocktail scene was marked by creativity and glamour.
Bringing London’s Cocktail Scene to Chicago
Bar Director Liam Davy highlighted the essence of the new menu, stating, “This menu takes its cue from the cocktail renaissance that swept through London in the late ’90s and early ’00s.” He emphasized the glamour of that era, where diverse crowds mingled in dimly lit basements, enjoying cocktails that have now become modern classics. Davy described the cocktail list as a “love letter to Soho basements, loud music, and late nights,” capturing the spirit of a pivotal moment in cocktail history.
The menu will feature signature drinks such as the Sub-Zero Martinis and Duke’s Martinis, the latter being served at a chilly -2°C in insulated flasks, with a limit of two per guest. Other notable cocktails include Dick Bradsell’s ‘Ello Treacle, a rum-infused Old Fashioned, and Salvatore Calabrese’s Breakfast Martini, which incorporates orange marmalade for a unique twist. The playful Silk Stockings cocktail, reminiscent of dessert, rounds out the drink selection.
A Culinary Journey Through Time
In addition to the extensive cocktail offerings, the Beef & Liberty Bar will introduce a food menu inspired by the golden age of London bars. Guests can look forward to classic British bar snacks such as Scotch Eggs with smoked apple ketchup, Welsh Rarebit, and Yorkshire Sloppy Joes. The menu is designed to evoke nostalgia while providing a modern twist on traditional favorites.
With its unique blend of historic ambiance and innovative cocktails, Hawksmoor Chicago’s Beef & Liberty Bar promises to be a new late-night destination for both locals and visitors. As the city continues to embrace diverse culinary experiences, this bar stands out as a celebration of a vibrant era in cocktail culture, making it a must-visit spot in the heart of Chicago.
