A SPECIAL THEMED MENU:
The Shining Meets Mixology
December 2024
As we wrap up the whirlwind of 2024 (a very good problem to have, by the way), we couldn’t let the year go by without sharing one of the most memorable projects we worked on. It was pure joy to craft and curate this one, and we just had to share it with you!
As anyone who knows us can tell you, we’re huge movie buffs. We love blending the dramatic, iconic, and downright cult-favourite moments from film with the art of mixology. Why? Because both have the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and create an atmosphere. Everyone, at some point, has probably fantasised about stepping into their favourite movie. Whether you imagined yourself as the lead character or one of those iconic, unforgettable roles, merging cocktails with cinematic elements lets you step back into that world for just a moment longer.
So, what better way to bring that dream to life than with a cocktail menu inspired by The Shining?
Why The Shining? Here’s the Lowdown:
When we were invited to take over the bar for a guest shift at a super-exclusive private members club in Dubai, the venue immediately reminded us of the creepy, winding corridors of the Overlook Hotel. We’re talking about an expansive, atmospheric venue with a layout that echoes the hotel’s design—think deep-red carpets and long, eerie hallways. While the venue was far from being spooky, the space had that same maze-like feel that set the perfect stage for a thriller-themed cocktail menu.
The venue spans three floors and is a treasure trove of fine art, with different bars and restaurants creating unique, immersive experiences. It’s a place where members spend their entire day—from breakfast to business lunches, afternoon meetings, and evening dinners, all capped off by laid-back post-dinner cocktails. And since art plays such a huge role in this club, and cinema is widely considered the 7th art, it felt like the perfect place to unleash our creativity.
Halloween had just passed, and we were gearing up for the holiday season, but we didn’t want to keep things too spooky. We needed something that bridged the gap between the eerie and the festive. Enter The Shining—a gripping thriller that takes place right around winter, making it the perfect fit for the season.
Setting the Stage: The Ultimate Cocktail Menu Experience
Before we even thought about the cocktails, we were absolutely buzzing about creating the right vibe. And trust us, it took some serious attention to detail. For example, Jack Torrance (the main character) spends a lot of time obsessively typing a strange sentence on his old-school typewriter: "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." So, what did we do? We designed the menu in the same American Typewriter font, instantly transporting guests into the world of Jack’s madness.
But the fun didn’t stop there. We took it a step further and mirrored the entire menu! To read it, guests had to stand in front of a mirror, just like the scene from the movie when Danny sees “REDRUM” on the door—backwards. It was a quirky, memorable touch that really got people talking (and laughing).
A Sneak Peek into Room 237...
To build even more excitement and set the tone for the night, we decided to take it up a notch and create a teaser video—with a twist! Inspired by The Shining but filtered through the lens of the bartender world, we crafted a short parody that brings the eerie vibes of the movie right to the bar.
It’s playful, it’s quirky, and it’s guaranteed to leave you curious (and maybe even a little creeped out). Trust us, this is one teaser you won’t want to miss—click below and take a look. You’ll see how we brought the world of The Shining into the cocktail realm like never before.
[Watch the teaser now!]
The Cocktails – A Thrilling Taste of The Shining
And now, let’s talk about the drinks. Since this was a thriller-themed menu, we didn’t hold back on the flavours. We wanted to thrill, chill, and give our guests something they’d never forget. So, without further ado, here are the cocktails that took Room 237 by storm:
TWINS
"Come play with us!"
Lime, Grapefruit, Himalayan Salt.
A fresh twist on the classic Paloma that’ll have you playing all night long. The perfect way to kick things off! This one was particularly popular, with guests loving the refreshing combination of flavours.
The Result?
Guests absolutely loved it! The mirror-reading menu created a sense of intrigue, and the cocktails were a smash hit. While all the drinks were well received, Twins and RedruM were particularly praised for their bold flavours and creative presentations. It was an unforgettable night where the worlds of cinema and mixology collided, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.
Thanks for taking this little trip through Room 237 with us—until next time, may your drinks be as thrilling as your favourite movie!
