Bar made from whisky barrel timbers comes to London

7th September 2009, 3:02pm

A new Tree House Bar made from reclaimed whisky barrel timbers is launching in East London later this week.

Just like the whisky itself, the Monkey Shoulder Tree House has been carefully crafted. Made by Cheeky Tiki, the conceptual designers behind London's Mahiki bar, the bar is made from pine, larch and cedar wood and also includes timber from reconditioned oak whisky barrels.

The establishment seats up to 40 guests in the bar area and offers plenty of outdoor seating.

Monkey Shoulder brand manager Tom Wade talks Eat Out readers through the design process of the project.

What was your aim when designing this venue?

We wanted to create a venue which reflected Monkey Shoulder's maverick and contemporary DNA that would appeal to 24-40 year old men who appreciate wit, authenticity and originality.

Monkey Shoulder's three monkies and their jungle habitat inspired The Monkey Shoulder Tree House Bar. We thought it would make an unusual and eye catching destination at summer festivals which is why we took it to The Big Chill.

And how did you achieve this? Using what material, flooring etc 

To create the premium wood finish we used a combination of FSC* certified pine, larch and cedar wood as well as oak staves from reconditioned whisky barrels.  Either side of the balcony which surrounds the Tree House are two pods designed around a whisky barrel and leafy sapling for private groups.

We chose to work with a small conceptual design and production company, Cheeky Tiki, to design and build the Monkey Shoulder Tree House Bar to our specifications.  Cheeky Tiki is the team behind award winning Tiki bar and celebrity hang out, Mahiki, in London.

Where did you get your inspiration?

The Monkey Shoulder Tree House Bar was inspired by the habitats of the tribes that spend there entire lives living in the treetops.  We thought, if you can have houses why not bars?

What is the size of the venue?

The Monkey Shoulder Tree House Bar is 1.5m off the ground.  The total structure is a generous 12m wide by 9m and 4m tall.

How many people can it sit?

Monkey Shoulder Tree House Bar can cater for up to 40 guests inside the main bar area and the two pods which are connected via walkways, can together seat a further 16 people. 

Timetable – how long did it take from start to finish? Did you plan for it to take this long?

The concept was thought up in 2008, but the actual design and build took about six weeks. Onsite construction is 1-2 days taking into account where the site is, access etc.

What would you describe as the key and unique features?

The fact that the Monkey Shoulder Tree House uses timber from reconditioned whisky barrels definitely makes the bar unique. 

In addition to this we included a carving of the iconic Monkey Shoulder bottle into an oak tree trunk which sits at the entrance to the bar. Hammered brass monkey plates on the pods and subtle branding throughout also contribute to the design. 

Inside, the Monkey Shoulder Bar itself is made of reconditioned whisky barrel staves and barrel heads, used as table tops, have been sanded down and turned into backgammon and draught tables.  

One wall features a large hand-painted mural showing the witty Monkey Shoulder take on the 'evolution of man and whisky'.  The artwork depicts a Neanderthal man walking with a cup of whisky up the Monkey Shoulder Tree House ramp and evolving in stages into a modern urban adventurer entering the Monkey Shoulder Tree House with a contemporary whisky cocktail in his hand. 

By night the Tree House is equally iconic and visually attractive when it is transformed by the orange glow of resin Monkey Shoulder Whisky bottle lanterns.  Tube lighting is tucked into the entire structure to help achieve an overall amber glow reminiscent of the colour of Monkey Shoulder Whisky.

If you were to change anything about the design, what would it be?

We are very happy with the design.  In terms of build Cheeky Tiki feel that maybe we could have made the modules smaller so that they are easier to handle.

Final comment on the project – are you happy with it?

We've had great reports in the media including articles in The Sun, The London Paper, Esquire and Harpers Bazaar who have included it in their summer Hot List; it's always good to hear other people loved your project.

It's a totally unique space unlike anything else out there.  After such a big success at The Big Chill festival, where is was one of the most talked about bars overlooking the entire festival and serving sunset cocktails with DJs, we really looking forward to launching it in London on 10-13 September 2009 at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.

And about your design company – how and when was it set up?

CheekyTiki was founded by Jamie Wilson and Anjy Cameron.
CheekyTiki Limited brings the South Pacific to the UK, Europe and the World.

They are the UK's leading purveyors of tropical arts and décor, providing all elements of modern and traditional South Seas style.  From complete design and fitting to small gifts and accessories, CheekyTiki is an expert source for all things tropical and exotic.

Clients include: Number 10 Downing Street, the Musee International des Artes Modeste in France, Appleton Rum of Jamaica, Trader Vics London and Mahiki.
Does Cheeky Tiki have a signature style?

CheekyTiki normally specializes in Tropical interiors, designing bars such as Mahiki in Mayfair and Kukui in Oxford.

Who are the key team members?

Jamie Wilson and Anjy Cameron - Directors.

What are their recent projects?

Kukui Oxford, work for various drinks brands including 42 Below Vodka, Seven Tiki Rum, Chairman's Reserve and an antique bath for Hendrick's Gin.

Related Articles:

• 23 Nov 2009 - New whisky labelling and bottling laws come into effect