FIT FOR A QUEEN

THE QUEENS IS CAPE TOWN’S NEW MEMBER’S BAR WITH A DIFFERENCE

The mention of a USP is the first indication that there’s branding afoot and the establishment’s home-away-from-home positioning is not an eccentric whim. It also hints that it’s not entirely impenetrable to the public, provided they meet certain requirements.

This is hardly surprising, as prior to focusing on spirits full time, Yossi captained Y&R South Africa, an ad agency famed for its creative campaigns and clever communications.

While not strictly a members-only club, this lounge is something much more restricted: you gain access either by being in the inner circle or by being a guest of someone who is. There are two exceptions though, like occasional open evenings and members of the public who express interest in tasting the Single & Single whisky range Yossi produces.

In addition to these limited-edition bottlings, other treasures that patrons have access to are the spirits in his personal collection, which he has been building for some 30 years. Matthew and his team will serve these alongside masterfully created cocktails – both signature and classics – as well as fine wines and luxurious champagnes, each of which can be paired with Sicilian cheeses, cured meats and bespoke sushi.

“I want to do all the things the bars in Cape Town want to do, but it’s not commercial. I want to be generous. I want to use the best ingredients money can buy,” Yossi enthuses. This abundance extends to the exotic, fresh-cut flowers scattered about the steel blue interior and the multiple local botanicals, tinctures and bitters atop the bar.

Soon too, the lounge will become an exhibition space, featuring original artworks from rotating galleries, while musicians will be invited to perform.

About 60 guests can be seated, either inside on comfortable couches overlooking the city or at tables on the secluded patio, protected from the Cape Doctor.

“We want to create traffic, but we want traffic that we’re happy to have. It’s a little bit of giving back and a little bit of a showcase. This is our gesture,” he concludes.

For more information or any queries, email info@singleandsinglewhisky.com