Sometimes people approach me to tell me they think my Bow Ties are beautiful (always makes my day) but they don't know where they would wear one. This Blog series seeks to answer that conundrum with some fabulous, dapper places and event suggestions that you can don your limited edition handmade to order Bow Tie to, and have a ball while you're at it.
As World Cocktail Day (Friday 13th May) approaches, and with it the launch of my new Bow Tie: The Cocktail, I thought I would share some beautiful cocktail bars here in Amsterdam. Quintessentially low key glamorous places where wearing a Bow Tie, will elevate your experience and quite possibly identify some new chums, full of admiration for your neckwear style too.
Cocktails and Bow Ties are a perfect pair when it comes to old school elegance. When chosen carefully, and with consideration, both are packed with craftsmanship and can make a ordinary day spark into an event of delight and curiosity.
I was introduced to cocktails through my love of classic Hollywood films. Bette Davis sipping a martini with an expertly arched brow creates an impression on a gal.
To be clear, my love and advocacy of a good cocktail is not about getting inebriated, on the contrary, it's about accessible elegance, creating a moment of luxury from a day of ordinariness. Too many cocktails messeth the man/woman (and sometimes the Bow Tie) and defeats the entire point of the experience.
So sip and enjoy as I share some of the cocktail bars I love here in Amsterdam.
The Flying Dutchmen:
Singel 460 / Website
In a building dating from 1662, featuring a government protected painted ceiling, world renowned bartenders Timo Janse and Tess Posthumus run this beautiful bar in the heart of Amsterdam. The Flying Dutchmen celebrates the true art of cocktails and spirits. Dedicated to bringing the culture of mixology to Amsterdam, Timo and Tess also run the annual cocktail expo, 'Perfect Serve Barshow' where peers from across the world come together to host masterclasses, showcase skills and share new innovations.
Awarded a host of Best Cocktail Bar awards from publications such as GQ, Esquire and awards bodies as far afield as New Orleans, USA, you do not want to miss sampling the liquid delights on offer at this bar.
And your Bow Tie will be most certainly welcomed!
Table bookings available via the website.
Hiding in Plain Sight:
Rapenburg 18 / Website
Stepping into Hiding in Plain Sight is a vintage lover's dream. Intimate and on 2 levels, this tiny speakeasy style bar is packed full of curious details from the menu presentation (hand bound books) to the glassware and the taxidermy on the walls.
The menu is as delightful as the decor and the atmosphere is always fantastic. Go to treat your imagination and your tastebuds and be sure to don a Bow Tie, you'll fit right in!
Table bookings required for groups of 4 or more
Tales & Spirits
Lijnbaanssteeg 5-7 / Website
Devoted to combining beautiful classic and vintage elements with a contemporary mindset to wow you, this cocktail bar is fun.
Every cocktail has a story and one Tales & Spirits delights in sharing, find your favourite and who knows, maybe you'll become part of it!
With a dress to impress dress code, one could assume a Bow Tie is a prerequisite and certainly will help open the door to your next great cocktail in Amsterdam experience.
Door 74
Reguliersdwarsstraat 74 / Website
A prohibition style bar, which means they don't make it easy to find, but once you are in there, soak it in, sit back and enjoy.
Classic cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere, definitely a cocktail bar to experience when here in Amsterdam. I encourage you to make a reservation and to wear a Bow Tie - first impressions at the door, particularly Door 74, can clear the way for a fabulous evening to remember...if you don't indulge too much that is.
Bookings available for up to 8 people via the website.
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The Cocktail Bow Tie will launch at 9am on Friday 13th May, Curio subscribers will find a discount code in their inboxes that morning - to sign up head here
I am always on the look-out for another beautiful cocktail bar to experience, so if you have found one here in Amsterdam you think deserves a mention, particularly if it welcomes a dapper dickie bow, let me know in the comments.
I also would love to know your tipple of choice...have you tried the Dapper Apple?