Nestled among the popular drinking joints of St Nicholas Street is a non-descript shopfront; its only defining feature a row of antique books. But the mysterious display is in fact the secret entrance to one of Bristol’s many speakeasy bars, that you’d have no idea was there unless, well, you knew.
The Library is the latest venture by steakhouse Mugshot, dubbed an “exclusive and private secret cocktail lounge.” It serves a range of high end cocktails alongside canape dishes, but the decor is by far its main selling point.
When you reach the secret venue on St Nicholas Street you are asked to ‘ring the brass bell under the copper lamp’ to say you have a reservation or, on weekends, to try and get a table. You are then buzzed in, and are immediately met with a huge wooden bookcase filled with antique books, a table and a vintage desk lamp.
