Do you ever just think to yourself ‘Oo I’d really like some Crystal Meth right now?’
Maybe not.
But some Crystal Meth themed cocktails? That’s a different story.
It’s been nearly 10 years 😱 since Breaking Bad came out in 2008 and the world was introduced to the one who knocks. How? I don’t know. Must remember to rewatch the entire series at some point.
Being a big fan of the show, I was delighted when I stumbled across an ad on Secret London for a Breaking Bad themed pop-up bar in East London (of course), called…
ABQ London
What: Pop-up Breaking Bad Themed Bar in the form of an RV
Where: 455 Hackney Rd, London E2 9DY
When: Mon/Tue: Closed / Wed-Sat: 5:30pm – 12:00am / Sun: 5:30 – 10:00pm
How Much? £30/ticket + any extra cocktails you want (£3.50+) TICKETS HERE
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – you just can’t beat a bit of science + alcohol. Partly because the more you drink the more amazed you become but also because it really adds to the experience.
This cook-your-own-cocktails RV (motorhome) is like no bar you’ve been to before. It’s kitted out with all the meth-making essentials; from test tubes and beakers, to overalls and gas masks (safety first, afterall).
You’re welcomed into the RV by the staff, who bore a pretty good resemblance to Jesse Pinkman and his friends, and directed to a table where you’ll either have a bench to sit on or a barrel. If you go as a pair, be prepared to sit with strangers – we personally had a lovely and lengthy chat with another couple about Love Island. Clearly, everyone had great taste in TV.
You’re also given a set of token yellow overalls which while are great for pictures, are terrible for heat and pretty rank to put on after the person who wore it for two hours before you 😷
Your ticket gets you a welcome drink and two cocktails of your choice so once your settled, you receive a menu in the form of a manual and you get ready to start cooking.
Your equipment and ingredients, which depends on your cocktail, are brought over to you by the ABQ Team and you are given a very quick, step-by-step run through of how to make your poison. Unsurprisingly, the names of the cocktails are all Breaking Bad related:
A little tip – pay attention to the pictures as well as the ingredients – it’s more fun when you get to make the cocktails in different ways as oppose to using Nitrogen Cavitation twice!
We opted for an IFT (I’d be impressed if you guessed what the acronym stands for), a CRT Fix, a Granite Street and Blow. For all those that were slightly concerned by my mid-week line snorting – Blow is the reason. I’ll leave it at that!
The sessions run in 2-hour slots, which go surprisingly fast although if it is a full house the small ABQ team can be in demand so sit patiently or buy a classic cocktail to quench your thirst in the meantime and picture yourself in the Albuquerque (ABQ) desert.
This immersive date destination is perfect (if a little strangely located) for both Breaking Bad fans and for doing something a different, and personally, if there’s dry ice and dress up involved – I’m there! (That sounded weird, but I’m sticking with it).
Thanks for reading – Check it out and let me know your thoughts!
PS: I don’t know why this video is so large but at the same time… ❤ DRY ICE COCKTAILS!
