Inside Somewhere by Nico – Glasgow’s new immersive cocktail bar
‘I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Glasgow anymore…’
Somewhere by Nico transports you to a cocktail party like no other
BYRES road welcomes a new doorway this month, to not only the hotly anticipated Somewhere by Nico, but to the new magical world inside it.
As you traverse the elegant staircase into Somewhere, you are transported into the immersive, low-lit space they have curated.
Situated above the already overwhelmingly popular Six by Nico on Byres Road, vibrant colours and furnishings welcome you into the current theme of the bar – The Land of OZ.
As you fall down the rabbit hole of luxury the Somewhere team take you on a six-course cocktail experience which traverses you across Oz’s land – and every single one of your tastebuds.
The bar was designed by Studio Two, co-founder Lauren Milner explained: “This is unlike anything else, anywhere else — any bar that is ‘immersive’ creates that feeling through digital experiences rather than through fabric and light, which is what we’ve done.
“Artwork is a key feature, the brief to them was ‘tell me your wildest dreams’. Everything from lighting to art is completely out the box, creating the perfect environment for the cocktails to come to life.”
“We really wanted to raise the bar for ourselves. People are looking for more than just a drink; they want an experience. “
Nico simeone
With moving bright pink and yellow flowers hanging over the booths, lenticular artwork on the walls and a roaring 20s style bar with staff slinging cocktails meticulously designed around the theme – they really have created a unique experience.
Nico Simeone, restauranteur and owner of Somewhere, said: “We really wanted to raise the bar for ourselves. People are looking for more than just a drink; they want an experience.
“The venue is exactly what we dreamt of. It has an exclusive members’ club feeling, something I think Glasgow needed but is definitely more than ready for.”
Overcoming the vertigo of falling into immersive venue you’ll be seated at one of the cosy tables and treated to the delights of the menu.
Course 1 – Welcome to Oz
The first course brins you to the start of the Oz story – wrapping you up in the tornado of flavours. You are presented with a trio of treats in the Kansas house and your cocktail in one of Dorothy’s iconic red shoes. The cocktail was a sweet and sour cheek-drawing fruity gin concoction combining JJ Whitley London Dry Gin and London Dry Spirit, topped with a chocolate pair of lips. Served alongside the opening drink was a hash brown with truffle curd, onion soubise doughnut and pickled walnut – parmesan royale tart.
Course 2 – Yellow Brick Road
Course two takes you along the colourful next steps of the journey on the Yellow Brick Road. The first of a few 0% offerings on the menu, the Mexican Agave Spirit gives a refreshingly light drink to perfectly accompany the spice of the jalapeno gel infused Queso Fresco Parfait which resembles the iconic road in its bright yellow hue.
Course 3 – Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Tin Woodman
Course three is not for the faint of heart, but ideal for those in search of one. The wooden plate comes complete with three drinks and accompaniments to signify the three iconic characters – the lion, the scarecrow and the tin man.
Cowardly lion – Up first out of the three and created with instilling you with courage, this blend of Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Project #137 Black Cherry Rum and Vermouth di Torino is not for the faint of heart. Accompanied by the Lion’s Mane a Ham Hough terrine encased in kataifi pasty this was a standout of strong earthy flavours and one of my favourites of the night.
Scarecrow – Now that you’ve been instilled with the courage of a lion, with the whisk fire in your belly to match – we go looking for a brain with the Scarecrow. He second of the 0% cocktails on offer, this London Dry Spirit with Hay Dandelion and Quince worked as a sweet and sour palate cleanser. Alongside was the brain, a goats cheese and pickled rhubarb assault of strong, dry flavour. Personally, this was the only piece of the whole menu I did no inhale rapidly – I’m not a fan of goats cheese, but for those that way inclined it will be sure to hit the spot.
Tin Woodman – Finally, we go in search of a heart. The tin man inspired section of the plate took form in a Diplomatico Planas Rum, coconut yoghurt whey, honey and blueberry blast of flavour in the fruity cocktail. A truffle mushroom, black garlic and balsamic heart lay waiting to be broken open by your fork. He layers of flavour through this snack made it a delectable end to this homage to the famous three companions on Alice’s journey through Oz.
Course 4 – Deadly Poppy
“Beware the sleepy odour of the deadly poppies!” The fourth instalment on the menu is served in a glass case filled with smoke, emulating the Wicked Witch putting Dorothy and co to sleep. The combination of Axia Mastiha and Feragaia spirits with red berries cordial and poppy seeds was a knockout both in presentation and flavour. A parkerhouse roll with a side of poppy seed and tahini butter helped to soak up the spirits to keep your red high heels on the floor – a clever tactic to ensure you aren’t whisked away by the Wizard.
Course 5 – Wicked Witch of The West
Course five brings the story to the dramatic dissolving of the Wicked Witch.
This brewed cocktail is conjured up with Bunsen burners and the bar staff look more like mad professors as they decant the smoking green liquid into a black kettle on your table.
Once the smoke dissipates and you can safely pour the Kinston 62 White Rum, par liqueur, white cane spirit, sage and lavender infused cocktail tastes as magical as its presentation.
Melting on the plate next to this serving is a puddle of confit garlic and parsley risotto with aged pecorino and leek ash.
Emulating the melted Wicked Witch the risotto tastes better than it looks, a delightful flavour representing a messy end to the savoury selection.
Course 6 – Wizard of Oz
“I am Oz. The Great and Powerful!” Representing the smoke and mirrors of Oz, this cold brew coffee cocktail is a tour-de-force of flavour and packs a bitter punch.
To counteract the bitterness of the drink is the fantastic caramel parfait infused with hazelnut praline and banana – the desert was a firm favourite of the accompanying dishes.
At the end of the whirlwind adventure through Somewhere’s enthralling menu – you are in a flavour induced haze in a cocktail eutopia.
The bar opens to the public on the 20th March with only limited availability for tables left over the six-week course of the menu which ends on 28th April.
If you are lucky enough to clinch a table and embark on the journey through the Land of Oz menu there will be something for everyone in its menu.
If not, you will have to look out for the next adventure and what is sure to continue to be an elusive booking at Glasgow’s newest bar.
Somewhere is now on the map, and it’s like nowhere else around.
Donald is a third year Multimedia Journalism student at Glasgow Caledonian University.
