Introduction
London is filled with museums, bars, and cultural attractions. But few places blend all three quite like the last tuesday society & absinthe parlour. This hidden gem combines a cabinet of curiosities, a museum of the bizarre, and an award-winning cocktail bar under one roof. For travelers and locals alike, it offers an unusual experience that feels equal parts magical, mysterious, and unforgettable.
What is The Last Tuesday Society?
The Last Tuesday Society is more than a bar or museum. It’s a cultural organization with roots in the art world. Founded by artist and collector Viktor Wynd, the society was created to celebrate the unusual, the eccentric, and the overlooked.
Instead of focusing on mainstream art, the society highlights curiosities, surrealism, and objects that spark imagination. Its mission is to bring together art, wonder, and social gatherings in a way that defies convention. Over the years, it has evolved into a hub for lovers of oddities, artists, and adventurous Londoners.
Inside the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
At the heart of the society sits the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & UnNatural History. This museum is not like the British Museum or the Tate. Instead of grand halls, it offers a cozy, almost secretive space filled with bizarre and fascinating objects.
Visitors will find two-headed animals, preserved creatures, taxidermy, occult artifacts, old erotica, and mythical items. The museum celebrates the strange and unusual, inviting people to step into a world where the boundaries between science, art, and imagination blur.
Exploring the museum feels like walking into a collector’s private study. Every corner holds something unexpected, whether it’s a tiny mermaid skeleton or a Victorian curiosity. It’s an immersive experience that appeals to those who love mystery and discovery.
The Absinthe Parlour: A Hidden Gem in London
Tucked within the museum is the award-winning Absinthe Parlour, an intimate cocktail bar unlike any other in the city. With its dark wood, vintage décor, and candlelit tables, it feels like stepping back into the 19th century.
This is where the society’s love of oddities meets the world of spirits. The bar is dedicated to absinthe, the famous “green fairy” drink once beloved by artists like Van Gogh and Baudelaire. The atmosphere is theatrical, mysterious, and cozy—perfect for sipping a glass of absinthe while surrounded by curiosities.
The Absinthe Parlour has earned praise for its creativity. In 2019, it was awarded “Best Bar in London” by the DesignMyNight Awards. It has also been shortlisted for “Specialist List of the Year” thanks to its extensive absinthe collection.
If you’re looking for something that blends history, mystery, and fine drinking, then the last tuesday society & absinthe parlour is the place to be.
Absinthe Culture and Specialties at the Bar
Absinthe has always been linked to art and creativity. Known as the drink of poets and painters, it inspired countless works during the 19th century. Today, the Absinthe Parlour keeps that tradition alive.
The bar offers one of the largest absinthe menus in the UK. Visitors can try traditional French and Swiss absinthes served with the classic water drip ritual. For those new to the spirit, the bartenders guide you through the history and flavors, making it approachable.
Alongside traditional serves, the bar creates unique cocktails that showcase absinthe in creative ways. Drinks are balanced, imaginative, and designed to highlight the herbal complexity of the spirit.
In addition, the founders launched their own absinthe distillery called Devil’s Botany. This project allowed them to create modern London absinthes while respecting traditional recipes. It reflects the society’s desire to combine old traditions with new innovation.
Events, Workshops, and Experiences
The experience doesn’t stop at drinks and curiosities. The Last Tuesday Society regularly hosts events that make each visit different.
- Absinthe tastings and masterclasses let guests learn the history of the drink while sampling rare varieties.
- Lectures and storytelling evenings cover topics like folklore, history, and the occult.
- Workshops often explore art, alchemy, or creative writing.
- Drawing salons encourage visitors to engage with the museum’s collections through sketching and creativity.
These events attract a diverse crowd—artists, travelers, academics, and anyone who loves the unusual. The society has created a community where learning, drinking, and wonder come together.
Location and Visiting Information
The Last Tuesday Society is located at 11 Mare Street, Hackney, London E8 4RP. It’s easy to reach by public transport, and the neighborhood itself has plenty to explore.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm to late
- Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
The museum entry is separate from the bar. Admission costs around £12 for adults and £8 for concessions, with visits usually lasting about 30 minutes. The bar, however, is free to enter.
Visitor Tips:
- Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- Under-18s can only visit the museum before 5:00 pm and must be with a parent or guardian.
- The bar is best enjoyed in the evening when the candlelight adds to the atmosphere.
Why The Last Tuesday Society & Absinthe Parlour is Unique
London has no shortage of bars or museums, but none combine them like this. The magic lies in the way the society merges culture, curiosity, and cocktails.
Where else can you sip a handcrafted absinthe cocktail while sitting next to a two-headed lamb or an ancient relic? The mixture of education, mystery, and indulgence makes the experience stand out.
For travelers seeking something off the beaten path, the last tuesday society & absinthe parlour is a must. It’s not just about drinking—it’s about entering a world of imagination.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning your first visit, here are a few tips:
- Start with the museum: Spend 30 minutes exploring the curiosities before settling into the bar.
- Try the absinthe drip ritual: It’s the traditional way to enjoy the drink and adds ceremony to the experience.
- Ask questions: The staff are passionate about absinthe and the museum collections. They’re always happy to share stories.
- Attend an event: Check the schedule in advance for lectures or tastings. It adds extra depth to your visit.
- Go with an open mind: The museum isn’t for everyone. Some exhibits are strange or even unsettling—but that’s part of the charm.
Conclusion
In a city full of history and nightlife, few places offer an experience as unusual as the last tuesday society & absinthe parlour. With its cabinet of curiosities, immersive museum, and award-winning bar, it invites guests into a world where art, mystery, and absinthe come together.
Whether you’re a London local or a curious traveler, this is a destination that promises wonder, discovery, and a drink you won’t forget. If you’re ready for something truly unique, put it at the top of your list.
