Opening in Camberwell on May 22nd, the new bar will feature their signature ecclesiastic touch with handmade stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes, as well as church candles and church furniture. Drinks will be served in handmade vessels and every table will have complimentary communion wafers and communion wine.
Commenting on the bar’s religious connotation, Jose said: “We are not interested in the dogma of religion, but more in its magical ability to create community and the fine reverent art it creates.”
Inspired by South London’s eclectic vibe, the cocktail menu will feature unique creations made of locally-sourced and imported ingredients, including Mauby Bark, Granadilla Fruit, small label rums, Nigerian Guinness, African under the counter gin, Irish Pocheen, Sorrel, seasonl Caribbean fruits like ortanique oranges, Julie mangoes, guava, guinepp, sugar cane and jelly nut.
Having designed the cocktail menu, Mel explained: “There are also Asian influences with fruits like rambutan, durian, and jack fruit, and Greek zyphania, Turkish rakia and Turkish coffee. We also infuse our spirits with highly-sourced flavours. Whether it’s the Cantabrian bottle tomatoes we use, or raw buffalo milk, fermenting our own pineapple wine, making our own Limoncello and liqueurs. We even make our own family ginger beer and Kombutcha (fermented teas).”
Cocktail prices are around the £9 mark, with a £5 ‘Blessed’ happy hour daily from 6pm to 8pm. The menu also offers tapas from nearby Angels and Gypsies restaurant, and the bar will host live music events every Thursday to Sunday, showcasing South London’s singers and musicians.
Communion is the Raido brothers’ third venture after opening the Church Street Hotel in 2007 and Angels and Gypsies in 2009, both amidst wide critical acclaim.
“Everything we do is about having that special hand crafted touch,” added owner José. “From the inception of the hotel ,utilising hand painted Mexican tiles, handmade ironwork beds and furniture, to the restaurant’s relentless work ethic and creativity, making everything in house daily from the organic sourdough bread to our organic ice cream, and finally to the handmade cocktails & infused beverages of our basement bar. Our whole business was about creating a holy trinity, hotel, restaurant and bar; communion bar completes this.”