Opium

After a year spent searching for a space in which to open a cocktail bar, Eric Yu and Dre Masso opened Opium in December 2012. When they came across the unique space that is number 16, Gerrard Street it was love at first sight. Situated in the heart of Chinatown, the three floored, multi-roomed venue allowed Eric and Dre to create the unique Bartender’s Table, situated in The Academy, The Apothecary Bar, where spirits are dispensed into Chinese medicine bottles, and The Tea Parlour where they showcase their love for Chinese Teas and Dim Sum. Opium's bar and floor team were carefully chosen and cherry picked to create a team of bar professionals who are masters of and passionate about what they do. Running the show is Esther Cuesta Medina, who is widely regarded to be'one of the most influential people in the bar industry today. When not at Opium Esther is highly sought after for her knowledge and travels the world teaching the art of bartending and 'mixing drinks with a dash of love', including an extended tour of China earlier this year.