Central Leeds: American concept for bar of change

A city centre bar which changes its theme and look every few months is preparing for its latest concept after teaming up with Leeds' twin town of Louisville.

City Buzz reveals today, The Hedonist Project is set to swap the ski lodge for a stripped back American classic, ‘51st State’.

It will be a specialist bourbon bar, with a barrel stocked by only two bars in the world - 51st State and The Haymarket in the US state of Kentucky.

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The partnership came about after a bartender from both bars met at an industry conference in America.

Hedonist project director, Bruce Lerman said: “There are a lot of bourbon bars over there and the emphasis is on family and friends and the drinks are second. Our drinks will still be amazing but we are bringing a little slice of America to Leeds.”

Other than the bar, everything has been ripped out and moved and customers from the previous concepts, which have seen Hawaiian surf and a winter ski lodge theme, won’t recognise the place he adds.

In addition to bourbon cocktails, American beers and wines are on the menu and bar snacks include bacon in maple syrup. 51st State opens to the public on Friday March 3.

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