Winter warmers and London’s first virtual hunting experience await you at Smoky Barrels.
Christmas looks a little different for everyone, but I’ve got to admit that a Highland hunting lodge would be a pretty nice way to spend the festive season – seriously, who’s saying no to rolling hills, roaring fires, and a warming nip of whisky? Luckily, you won’t need to hop a six-hour train to enjoy all that, as London’s favourite Scottish spot Mac and Wild have opened not one but two cosy hideaways in the form of Smoky Barrels. They’re filled with fine whisky, delicious food, and a healthy spot of competition, too – and your tickets are available here.
With two locations in Devonshire Square – one beneath Mac and Wild, the other in the former home of Pitt Cue – Smoky Barrels is every inch the country hideaway, apart from the fact that they’re conveniently found a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street. Although having said that, there aren’t many country retreats that can boast their own Whisky Wall, stocked with a delicious array of blends and single malts. For a relaxing time, you can kick back in a comfy armchair, sip away merrily, and enjoy toasted whisky marshmallows, which sounds… just about perfect right now!
Of course, that’s going to be a little too sedate for some people, and luckily Smoky Barrels has the answer, in the form of a virtual shooting range. You’ll soon find out who’s a dead-eyed shot and who can’t hit a barn door from point blank range, all without needing to traipse across the moors. It’s the world’s first virtual hunting bar, and we reckon it’s the perfect challenge for those who’ve already triumphed on the crazy golf courses and in the bowling alley.
As you’d expect from a Mac and Wild venture, the food is hearty and plentiful. Head along for your own festive lunchtime hunt and you’ll be able to dive into dishes like the Christmas burger (venison burger with pork stuffing, melted brie, caramelised onion, braised red cabbage, and creamed sprouts) or The Big Sleigh dog, which comes wrapped in streaky bacon and served with cheesy sprouts, cranberry ketchup, Baconnaise, Frenchies mustard, and crispy straw fries. Get your chops around that, and then enjoy an hour of shooting, beers, and bubbles – find your tickets for that here.
Night owls can join for the Late Hunt sessions, which sees the lodges filled with beer and bubbles for those who’d prefer to focus entirely on the hunt. Alternatively, hop into Smoky Barrels’ fully-converted Land Rover – also in Devonshire Square, and kitted out with festive decorations – for a Christmas celebration with a little extra horsepower! Smoky Barrels is open from November 23rd, and honestly, we think it hits the target pretty nicely…