If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s shown us how to do things differently. And that’s what Scottish entrepreneurs Phil Donaldson, Richard Davies and AJ McMenemy have certainly set out to do with the opening of a flagship Abandon Ship Bar in Covent Garden, complete with a showstopping casual dining restaurant, bar and retail space. It’s been a hit in Glasgow, and if that’s anything to go by, we’re certain the same will apply in London.
Their long-awaited arrival on Neal Street marked the third Abandon Ship Bar opening for the MacMerry 300 Group – whose first bar of the brand opened in Dundee in 2019 and their 14th for the group. Designed for lovers of street art and good times, the daring new lifestyle concept stands out from the crowd, combining bold independent retail, incredible artwork and the best of modern Scottish hospitality.
In the Glasgow bar, there’s an 80s Tron-inspired arcade entrance complete with an Abandon Ship photobooth for the nights you don’t want to forget. Plus, there’s even a designated Pickle Shack where you can enjoy craft beer, great shots and even browse exclusive Abandon Ship Apparel merchandise.
Specialising in Americana soul food that’s bursting with flavour, guests can expect imaginative small plates from their kitchen alongside juicy burgers, mouthwatering Southern-style wings, as well as original and eclectic cocktails and craft beers from their team of top bartenders. Choose from the likes of ‘Dank and Stormy’, a mix of Dead Man’s Finger spiced rum, angostura bitters, warming ginger beer and citrus, or a ‘Pickleback’ which is a shot of Buffalo Trace bourbon followed by a chase of house pickle juice.
There’s also a space dedicated to fashion and home to lifestyle brand Abandon Ship Apparel, in a ‘Dressing Room’ laden with cool stuff and exclusive merchandise that you can browse while having a drink. And if you’re after both garms and a good time, for £30 you can bag a pint of house lager, shot of bourbon and a t-shirt.
Guests can relax on beautiful pastel pink and aqua leather-backed booths and high chairs whilst they soak in the surroundings and atmosphere that includes custom eclectic neon signage, incredible lighting, and stand out design features that include a resin-top sticker bar that pays homage to the evolution of Abandon Ship Apparel with design highlights from their last decade.
Abandon Ship is open in London now. You’ll recognise it by the sign on the front saying “Not everything sucks”. And they’re not wrong about that.