We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, when it comes to high-end bars and their overall vibe, going for simple is one of the hardest things to pull off. How do you create a bar that looks, feels and, for all intents and purposes, functions as a living room but still manages to balance luxe with just the right amount of louche?
It ain’t easy but Mr Lyan and Lore Group have got the winning formula down pat. They’ve achieved it in spades at Seed Library in London and cleverly, by adopting the same blueprint, they’ve done it again at their bar of the same name in New York.
Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan; Alex Lawrence-Milia,
Managing Director, Venues; Teddy Murphy, Senior Waiter
What’s the story?
Every bit as effortless, elegant and egalitarian as the original which opened in 2022, Seed Library NYC has only been around for a couple of months but has already established itself as the place for drinks that go over and above in the cool department but are not so nerdy that they alienate those who don’t give a 4X about the gadgets and gizmos that go into their creation.
What said crowd do appreciate is bars with good pedigree. And with his numerous awards and accolades, Ryan Chetiyawardana, the man behind the Lyan brand reassures them on that front. The decor hits the sweet spot too. If you’ve been to the Shoreditch site, you’ll be familiar with the slinky, Seventies’ish aesthetic – as relatable as it is inspiring, inclusive yet giving exclusive member’s club feels in equal parts.
The drinks:
Yes, they’re cleverly conceived but we like the fact that they’re very much designed with fun in mind. More importantly, they’re de-li-ciouso…
There are 17 drinks in total, including a selection of Seed Library classics spun with iconic NY flavours. There’s C.R.E.A.M Margarita (Lalo Tequila, mezcal, passionfruit, clarified cream); ATOM, pickled chilli and lime); and Project Manhattan (Westland Whiskey, Laird’s Applejack, vermouths, blackcurrant – nuked).
Seed Library Signatures include Shepherd’s Delight (Renais Gin, Maker’s Mark, enzyme’d concord grape, raspberry, and lemon), as well as Pear + Apple Tonic highball (Christian Drouin white calvados, pear brandy and sonic water). For those who want drinks that are packed with flavour but minus the abvs, four of the signatures are available as non-alc options, including the S&P Spritz, (swapping out Grey Goose Vodka for Seedlip Spice), and Thai Basil Soda, (Seedlip Garden in place of Belvedere Vodka.
Fans of OG drinks from the Lyan stables, will be delighted to hear that the Lyan Classics are present too, including one of our faves, the Koji Hardshake, (Johnnie Walker Black, miso, lemon, koji and cream sugar;) Ribs, (Glenfiddich 15, chipotle, mint, and rosewood), the Beeswax Old Fashioned (Michter’s, bitters and NY State beeswax).
Hungry?
The emphasis on simplicity, playful even, continues with the food menu designed in collaboration with Renwick Hospitality. Good to see Loaded Tots travelling across the pond, these crispy tater tots served with spicy herb aioli have been a hit in East London ever since they made their debit on the first menu. This being New York, there’s the Lyan Burger with English cheddar, bacon and gherkins served on a potato roll, and Cheese Dip, with whipped feta, salsa verde and crispy naan bread. Fancy something sweet to pair with your Old Fashioned? Don’t miss the freshly-baked Chocolate Chip Cookie.
What we had…
We started light with the light, bright and ever-so quaffable Pear + Apple Tonic highball, then dialled things up several notches by going for the Irish Treacle (Redbreast 12, Kombu, cucumber, honey and fino – see above). To keep our drinks company we opted for the arancini, which soaked them up just nicely.
The verdict? If you like Seed Library in Shoreditch, you’ll be thrilled by the family resemblance. All of the key elements that SLS fans love are there – slinky interior, good choons, inventive drinks and comfort food amongst them. And if you haven’t been to the Shoreditch outpost you’re in for a treat as you’ll be experiencing the Seed Library effect for the first time. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
