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The couple behind a local speakeasy and the recently closed Ce Soir bar have opened a new 1970s-inspired cocktail bar which hopes to transport clientele into another decade – even if it’s just for an hour after work!
The Melting Pot offers classic cocktails and aperitivos, a vibrant wine menu, draught beers, IPAs and bottled ciders accompanied with charcuterie, dips and breads.
All of this is set within a “futuristic 70s vibe” – a concept that Stani and Brian Smith dreamed up almost a decade ago when they were creating Ce Soir, which closed its doors in the summer.
Pictured: Stani and Brian are a married business duo who are known for The Blind Pig speakeasy and Ce Soir.
As well as being the brains behind Ce Soir and The Blind Pig, Brian co-founded bars such Rojo – which recently also announced its closure – and set up drinks brand Forbidden Cocktails during the pandemic.
Qualified accountant Stani met Brian shortly after he opened The Blind Pig, and she soon stepped in to help with administrative and financial aspects of the business
"We soon realised that our individual strengths complimented each other very well," she explained.
"In 2014, we opened Ce Soir and when I became pregnant a couple years later, juggling a full time job in finance and our businesses got difficult and I decided to focus entirely on our family business."
Their newest venture, The Melting Pot, is located in Caledonia Place next to The Troubadour pub.
Pictured: The couple decided that it was "a no brainer to create a venue for our 70s senses" with The Melting Pot.
Stani and Brian explained the inspiration behind the bar: "There have been a couple of exciting decades in the last century that are timeless – the roaring 20s was definitely a decade that shaped our socialising and cocktail world, but the stylish funky 70s was a decade full of colour style and a very special time for music and social movements."
After covering the roaring 20s speakeasy theme in The Blind Pig, the couple decided that it was "a no brainer to create a venue for our 70s senses" with The Melting Pot.
Pointing to the funky wallpaper, circular patterns and futuristic seating, Stani and Brian said: "We noticed the fashion of the 70s seemed to always be in style one way or another and watching old 70s movies give off a vibe almost Jetson futuristic space age feel.
"We think it’s important to transport your clientele away into another timeless decade, escapism, even if it’s for after work for an hour or so."
Pictured: Cocktail-enthusiast Brian Smith is also the man behind the Forbidden Cocktails brand.
The Melting Pot is primarily a spritz cocktail venue, offering classic cocktails and aperitivos, and the owners also described the drinks as a "massive inspiration".
Stani and Brian said: "Luke Loddo, our groups bar manager, worked extremely hard building his creations such as the 'Pleasure Seka' and 'Caught In The Rain' – names inspired by 70s actresses and great tunes."
The couple promised a "similar service vibe" to the The Blind Pig which "aims to offer table service in a very relaxed environment".
Owner Brian gave Express a tour of the new hotspot...
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The Melting Pot is open Tuesday to Thursday from 16:00 to 23:00, and Friday to Saturday from 14:00 to 23:00.
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