Charlotte is finally catching on to the speakeasy vibe — and it will be a bit more approachable than what we are used to here.
The Cottom Room at Belfast Mill is going to be a cozy little bar in the upstairs space of Belfast Mill. In the process of being totally renovated the space is nothing like its former self. The final product will have barrel high tops, ottomans, lounge chairs and couches complete with custom made coffee tables.
The bar will be decked out with crazy bottles to make crazy cocktails. The bathrooms won’t feel like you need to take a shower after you go. And best of all, it’s a cocktail bar in my favorite place in uptown, Brevard Court.
Matt Marenna is the brains behind this operation and is setting out to provide Uptown with a place that feels sophisticated yet remains incredibly approachable like the rest of Brevard Court. Even thought its not nearly finished, I couldn’t believe it was the same place when I walked upstairs. It looks so different but there is so much more work to do.
The staircase is going to be redone, with window cut-outs added to give the entrance a feel of getting a sneak peek before you walk inside. The floors needed to be finished, the bar isn’t done, the furniture hasn’t been replaced and even the bathrooms aren’t quite done. But I got a sense of the vision and that’s what’s exiciting.
To make it approachable as can be, the cocktail menu (no vodka cranberries allowed) will have a wide range of prices ($8 to $15) and have quite an extensive list of cocktail staples like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds. There will also be some unique cocktails. One that has me particularly excited is the Hibiscus BLT (bourbon, lemon, tonic) and I know my girlfriend will be excited about his Tito’s & thyme concoction.
Beer will range from locals to stuff you’ve never heard of. But in keeping the “approachable sophistication” of the place, there will also be a lot of things behind the bar you could find downstairs at Belfast Mill.
Opening in just a few weeks (April 8), I am supremely confident this place will be a hit, with one small caveat. Execution has to be spot on. From what I have seen and heard Matt has nailed it and it feels like a place Charlotte wants, needs more of and will respond to. Just need to see it in action.
Check back with the Agenda in a few weeks for a further look on the inside and more information on the opening.
