New downtown Phoenix cocktail bar prepares to take flight as a vintage air travel experience
Pretty Decent Concepts, the team behind Wren & Wolf and Trophy Room is opening another new bar in downtown Phoenix. Scheduled to open in late November and designed in collaboration with Peter Bowden, Carry On cocktail bar is inspired by vintage luxury transportation during the "golden age of travel," between the 1950s and '70s.
“So there were lounge areas, and the possibility of four, five, even six-course meals," author and historian Graham M. Simons told CNN. "Olympic Airways had gold-plated cutlery in the first class cabins. Some of the American airlines had fashion shows down the aisles to help the passengers pass the time. At one stage, there was talk of putting baby grand pianos on the aircraft to provide entertainment.”
At Carry On, the team hopes to recreate the essence of those opulent travel experiences through a theatrical, immersive drinking venue.
What to expect at Carry On cocktail bar
Guests will enter an intimate 30-person private plane cabin with leather chairs, chrome accents and warm, soft lighting. But don't look for bar stools, there aren't any.
During the 90-minute timed adventure, all 30 guests must board and depart as a group.
“In the 1960s, air travel was part of the excitement that came with going to a new destination” said owner Teddy Meyers. “People actually dressed up for flights and the act of boarding a plane felt glamorous, enticing, and exclusive in itself. We can’t wait to bring that atmosphere back to life with this new concept."
What's on the menu at Carry On
According to Meyers, menu details will be released closer to opening date. However, he did share that the menu is designed around the concept of a maiden voyage and will change annually.
Guests are greeted with a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. The menu will then offer five cocktails inspired by the point of departure and five inspired by the destination.
As for food, Myers said the team is developing a few complimentary bar snacks like peanuts and other typical airline snacks re-imagined with a chef's touch.
Expected opening: May, 2024.
Details: 2 N. Central Ave., Suite 101, Phoenix. carryonphx.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wren & Wolf team to open Carry On cocktail bar in downtown Phoenix