Cleo Pires opens bar in SP with mystical decor, glitter drink and magic show

Custom-made decoration for Instagram with horoscope symbols, glitter drinks and a schedule of magic and jazz shows set the tone for the new bar opened by actress and singer Cleo Pires in Vila Madalena, in São Paulo.

Alquimista has been operating for a week on a soft-opening basis, still making adjustments to the menu and decoration, but it is now possible to visit the bar from Wednesday to Saturday. The house is inspired by the world of magic and mysticism, according to Kiki Salviato, owner together with the actress. “Cleo is super mystical, into these energy things,” he says.

The two are also partners at Candy, a mix of nightclub and Japanese restaurant in the Cerqueira César neighborhood. The alchemist of the new bar, in fact, is the nickname of partner and bartender Raul Dias, a friend of the duo. He prepares drinks with the same theme.

One example is the abracadabra (R$35), which mixes Jack Daniel’s Fire and Jack Daniel’s Apple whiskeys, pumpkin schrub, apple syrup mix and lemon juice. The drink is served in a small cauldron and comes with a pumpkin candy covered in edible glitter.

The glitter also goes over the arcanum (R$38), which contains vodka, liqueur 43, tangerine and lemon juice, sugar syrup and activated charcoal, which results in a very sweet drink with a black color.

For a snack, there are dishes such as fried chicken, which is marinated with yogurt and breaded in seasoned potato starch, served with toasted clove lemon (R$50). Another suggestion is a croque monsieur made with pastrami, Dijon mustard and béchamel sauce, served with salad, for R$65.

Food and drinks are served on tables decorated with alchemical symbols, runes and horoscope signs. The chairs, which are yet to arrive, were found at antiques fairs.

Pictures on the walls display photos of wizards. A fake library displays books on subjects such as meteorology and alchemy, and the idea is that it functions as a door to a secret bar.

Another environment, called the alchemist’s room, is reserved for group experiences. Here, the bartender will make drinks according to each person’s star sign. A second room serves Black Princess beers.

The entire decoration is designed to take photos for social media — even in the women’s bathroom, which has a large circle-shaped mirror with neon lights, for group poses.

A stage, surrounded by a fake tree, will host live jazz and magic performances, with interaction with the public. There will be tarot readings and runestones coming soon. The schedule will be announced on the bar’s social networks.