Set on top of an eerie historical structure that once boasted to be the eighth wonder of the world, Midnight Apothecary’s mythical garden has helped regenerate a neglected space and revived a story previously lost to the past. The annual residency has become a regular summer favourite and has ensured the only spirits left to haunt the area are those served in the organic cocktails.
Midnight Apothecary adds a little dose of cocktail magic to the city.
Just a stone’s throw away from the banks of the Thames, you’ll find the garden perched fifteen feet above Brunel Museum. The roof has been transformed into a magical garden thanks to Lottie Muir and her dedicated team. Plants sprout from the ground, flowers hug the walls and fires burn away over the course of the evening.
A complimentary tour runs every hour taking you ‘down the shaft’ and into the museum. The shaft and the adjacent tunnel present two incredible feats of engineering conjured up by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his cunning pals to take cargo, then thespians and ultimately trains under the Thames. Both structures have played host to a huge variety of musicians, performers, builders, retailers and actors, all shedding their fair share of blood, sweat and tears across its now nearly 200 year old existence.
Lean into the fire, dose on marshmallows and listen to London go by.
The Food and Drink
Despite the decadent history of the area, the organically sourced cocktails served at Midnight Apothecary are fast becoming Rotherhithe’s top tourist attraction. Lottie Muir, The Cocktail Gardener, ensures all of her spectacular concoctions are made with fresh ingredients whether that be smoked sage, cherry blossom or acacia honey grappa. The menu is packed with seasonal, weather dependent produce meaning the selection on offer constantly twists as well as turns (and crucially evolves) with the unpredictable British summer.
My accomplice and I made our way through the carefully constructed menu starting with rum infused 'Rhubarbra Streisands', blended with ginger compote, lemon juice and soda. We delved a little deeper tinto the menu to enjoy the seasonal favourite May Bowl that mixed German Riesling wine with a Prosecco top. There’s also a commitment to local produce thanks to Hiver Honey beer and Jensen’s Bermondsey Dry Gin by-way-of the herbal and delicious Lilac Days cocktail. Each tipple packs a heavyweight punch but are equally invigorating enough to trick you into believing the medicine in your hand is some sort of superfood smoothie rather than an intoxicating beverage. Whilst the cocktails are the undeniable headline act, Greek street food vendors Pan offer a more than worthy accompaniment serving tasty cheese pastries and mouth-watering meatball pitta wraps.
The cocktails at Midnight Apothecary are thoughtful and organic.
Summary
In an age where every inch of free space is turned into new buildings and developments it’s refreshing to be able to relax in a slice of green, south London luxury. There’s a wholesome warmth that stems from rainy days spent maintaining the garden, greets you upon your arrival and burns through the roaring fires into the night. All of which culminate in the commitment to serving top cocktails worthy of those that have graced the area beforehand; whether that be kings or clowns, builders or architects, visionaries or apothecaries.
