Apothéke (NY), Opening September 5

No opium-smoking, please.Photo: Noah Kalina

And here she is — your first look inside Apothéke, the apothecary-themed cocktail bar that apotheker Trummer will open inside a former opium den on September 5 (reservations will be accepted starting tomorrow, depending on Verizon). Co-owner Christopher Tierney modeled the lounge after old European apothecaries, which did indeed sometimes have bars — he designed the banquettes and added a large red couch and a small ottoman that Trummer scored from his buddy Daniel Boulud when Daniel closed for its makeover. The light sconces will be filled with an absinthe-like herbal liquid that emits a soothing scent.

The ceiling was uncovered when the one belonging to the previous tenant, Golden Flower, was pulled down, and was then painted with gold leaf. The bar was custom-built using imported marble and some pressed tin purchased from an antique store that also sold Tierney a 200-year-old door equipped with a cool sliding peephole. Stunning? A little bit, yes. And she’ll look even better after a Five Points, made with Chinese herbs, Austrian elderflower, Italian bitters, unfermented grape juice, and sugar cane rum. Best way to get in before the party opens? Talk to Tamsin Lonsdale about her event on Wednesday.

via NY Mag

See also: Apothéke Will Bring Opium Back to Chinatown