A swanky new hotspot for gin lovers is set to open in Clifton Village, replacing a long-serving bar which closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Like many others, local businessman Rhys Thickett was saddened by the closure of Amoeba on Kings Road, which built up a loyal following over its 18-year run thanks to a wide range of cocktails, spirits and wines.
Keen to make sure the site next to Clifton Arcade did not lay empty for long, the 32-year-old snapped up the lease soon after the bar's previous owners announced their plans to move on and is now carrying out a major refurbishment.
"Ameoba was a Clifton institution and I’m planning to carry this forward with a complete refurbishment and a new highly distinctive image which will definitely have the wow factor," he said.
"It had become an integral part of the fabric of the community so I decided to take it on and hopefully give it new lease of life for the next eighteen years."
Set over three floors and intimate in nature, the new bar - which will have a new name when it opens in September - will be a paradise for fans of the juniper-based drink.
Rhys plans to source a bottle of every top prize-winning entry from this year’s World Gin Awards and have them all available for customers to enjoy.
To mix the extensive range of gins Rhys is sourcing his tonics from The Artisan Drinks Co in London, with the aim of steering clear from the more commonly-found Fever-Tree and Fentimans.
He also plans to host events including 'gin afternoon tea' on Saturdays, while the venue will be available to hire out for groups of people looking to celebrate events.
"Now that the new look is starting to take shape I'm really excited and can't wait to get going," added Rhys.
"There are some great pubs in Clifton Village but I feel the area is crying out for a decent bar, and I'm hopeful we can fill that void."
Rhys hopes to throw the doors open for a soft launch next month before opening to the public in September.
