NYC’s Newest Bar Is An Opulent Ode To Oscar Wilde
Given Oscar Wilde once called “work the curse of the drinking classes”, it’s safe to say the legendary author knew a thing or two about a quality tipple. Now, a lavish Victorian-themed bar has opened in his honour in New York City.
Oscar Wilde (the bar, not the person) “pays homage to his genuinely prolific story” in a 1909 building designed by Henry T.J. Fuehrman in NYC’s NoMad district. Ironically, it served as headquarters for Prohibition Enforcement from 1919, until it was discovered phone lines at the office had been tapped for months.
After Prohibition was repealed in 1933, the classic establishment was occupied by several novelty and apparel firms. Now, it claims to be home of the city’s longest bar, which comes in at just over 36m.
And, thanks to an extensive art and antiques collection, it closely resembles a museum. A 1700s fireplace inlay from Hope Castle, stained glass from Milan and 26 antique clocks all set to 1:50 – the time of Wilde’s death in 1900 – are all in the mix.
A 1819 Player Piano forms a large part of the dedicated whiskey bar, while two life-size bronze statues of Wilde have taken up permanent residence at the establishment.
Oscar Wilde is the latest venue from Frank McCole and Tommy Burke, Irish entrepreneurs behind the equally over-the-top Lillie’s Victorian Establishment, which is dedicated to Lillie Langtry, an actress and friend of Wilde’s.
“Coming from County Mayo and County Monaghan in Ireland, we grew up reading Oscar Wilde and studying his literature,” McCole and Burke said in a press release. “We want the bar to celebrate his legacy and become an inclusive destination for all.”
With that in mind, you might consider ordering Champagne or absinthe – Wilde’s preferred drinks – in his honour.
Oscar Wilde is located at 45 West 27th Street, New York.
[media_embed]https://youtu.be/Hf49XLd7EoY[/media_embed](All images: Oscar Wilde)
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