In Bordeaux, lovers of dark stories and places with a hushed atmosphere now have a new destination. Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasyopens the doors to a bar with an underground vibe where the tales of the master of the macabre come to life alongside cocktails created especially for the occasion. Amid flickering candles, live storytelling, and a setting inspired by Gothic aesthetics, the experience blurs the lines between theater, literature, and mixology.
An Immersion into the World of Edgar Allan Poe
Conceived as a journey in four chapters, this immersive experience revisits some of the American author’s most famous works. Throughout the evening, the stories take shape thanks to actors, while cocktails specially crafted for each tale extend the atmosphere right into your glass.
You’ll journey through the melancholic world of *The Raven*, follow the unsettling confession of *The Black Cat*, witness the equally fascinating and unsettling ball in *The Masque of the Red Death*, before concluding with the psychological tension of *The Tell-Tale Heart*.
Why does Poe’s world work so well in a speakeasy?
You just have to turn off the lights to understand. Edgar Allan Poe’s writings have always played with silences, shadows, and what lies beneath appearances. In a candlelit speakeasy, these stories find an almost natural setting.
Each scene capitalizes on the closeness between the performers and the audience. Voices grow quieter, gazes become more intense, and the stories take on an almost intimate quality. The cocktails, meanwhile, are more than just an accompaniment: they extend each story through their flavors and play a full part in this sensory experience.
What the first participants think
The experience has already captivated audiences in several U.S. cities, and here is a selection of audience reviews:
“An immersive evening from start to finish, with a truly well-crafted gothic atmosphere.”
“The storytelling brings Poe’s tales to life, and every moment is visually striking and captivating.”
“The themed cocktails really add another dimension to the experience.”
“A unique way to rediscover Edgar Allan Poe in an intimate setting.”
“Elegant, mysterious, and perfectly paced.”
Part immersive performance, part cocktail tasting, and part tribute to one of the greatest authors of fantasy literature, Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy offers an evening that’s a refreshing change from the usual night out. For just over an hour, you’ll be swept away into a world where every detail—from the lighting to the storytelling to the bar’s creations—contributes to an atmosphere that’s as elegant as it is unsettling.
The experience is for adults only and is offered on select dates only, with a limited number of spots available. If the idea of spending an evening steeped in mystery appeals to you, you’ll want to check out the upcoming sessions.
