A rose frothed gin cocktail with fresh rose petals
Unlike most memorable bars we’ve found in Seoul, we didn’t just stumble upon Weird Pharmacy. We sought it out.
We were enjoying ourselves in Itaweon when several well-dressed men handing out roses caught our attention. Attached to each rose was a business card with enough information to be intriguing: “Hendricks Gin, Weird Pharmacy, @ Flower Gin, August 27-30, 2015.”
We broke out our smart phones, determined to figure out what this special event was, and where we had to go to be a part of the party. In short order we had our answer and were headed towards where we hoped the action would be. We were not disappointed.
Weird Pharmacy Hendricks Gin Popup Bar – Mixing Drinks
Flower Gin is a flower shop during the day, a gin bar during the night, but during this four-day stretch there was a special: Erik Andersson is the brand ambassador for Hendricks Gin for Korea, China, and Japan, and was putting his mixology talents on display during his four-day stay in Korea, turning Flower Gin into Weird Pharmacy, a Hendricks pop-up. Outside the door a “doctor” was there to diagnose willing customers, and recommend the drink that would cure their ailments. Inside was where the magic happened. Fresh ingredients, new flavor combinations, and a bit of theatric flair kept us seated for several rounds.
The pop-up bar and brand-takeover concept seems to be a new and growing aspect of the Seoul nightlife, and I can’t wait to find the next takeover.
Our bartenders for the night (note the lab coat for our resident “doctor”)
How to get there:
The pop-up is over, but the bar remains. Take Line 6 to Noksapyeong Station. Take exit 2 and follow the sidewalk. Pass by the stoplight and intersection. Take the pedestrian overpass across the street. Flower Gin will be on your right side.