Adam’s, a pop-up LGBTQ+ neighbourhood bar founded by Adam Caddy, will open at Snackbar in Dalston Junction on September 9th for three months.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from 5.30pm to 11pm, Adam’s will turn Freddie Janssen’s Snackbar from a daytime cult cafe, into a relaxed neighbourhood bar, with a focus on creating more safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community in London.
Caddy, who has 7 years’ experience in the hospitality industry including roles at Brasserie Zedel, and private members clubs Annabel’s, Quo Vadis and Century Club, has held the pipedream of opening a permanent venue for several years, however prohibitive costs in the current London climate had prevented him from being able to do so.
‘Over the last decade, London has lost 58% of its LGBTQ spaces – spaces which for me personally, have been hugely influential in allowing me to be myself, make lifelong friends and feel part of a wonderful community,’ Caddy says. ‘I want to do whatever I can to bring back more of these safe places, and the idea of a pop-up appealed to me greatly. I spoke to the team at Counter Spaces, who place aspirational hospitality brands with venues that can accommodate them, and fortunately for me was introduced to the brilliant Freddie and Snackbar. I can’t wait for Adam’s to open and look forward to welcoming anyone and everyone there.’
It will serve a well-considered and largely British drinks menu, put together by Caddy. There will be a short but sharp list of classic cocktails including Negronis and Tom Collins, with spirits from East London Liquor Company. The wine list will change often, but there will always be a white, rose and red, available by the glass and by the bottle. Beers will come from King’s Cross based brewery, Two Tribes.
Seating 65 – including 30 in the outdoor garden, lit softly by festoon lights – or 80 standing, Caddy hopes that Adam’s will become a relaxed bar for socialising with friends, old and new, as well as an ideal place to begin a wild night out.
The bar will also act as a space to champion rotating artwork from artists within the LGBTQ+ community, starting with a selection of pieces from Cornish painter and fashion designer, Samson Dougal. A life-long friend of Caddy’s, the talented Dougal, notably worked for Alexander McQueen and has previously dressed Rihanna, Beyonce and Paloma Faith in his own designs. The selected sketches of male and female forms will be on display and available to purchase.
Janssen says, ‘I’ve been thinking about utilising Snackbar in the evenings for a little while, although it’s not something I could manage on my own at the moment. I’m delighted to say the stars have aligned! Adam and his bar concept will bring the space to life in the evenings, while Snackbar will remain as it is during the day, which is perfect for both of us. Dalston is such an eclectic, vibrant neighbourhood and I am proud to offer the space to an inclusive concept like Adam’s.’
Long-term, Caddy hopes to launch other pop-ups across the city in different boroughs, especially areas lacking an LGBTQ+ hub.
Adam’s at Snackbar will open for three months on 9 September 2022.
Adam’s Bar | 20 Dalston Lane | E8 3AZ | London
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 5.30pm – 11pm
