Imagine it’s a misty October evening in Vancouver, and you’re walking through the city’s shadowy streets. You turn a corner, and there it is—Black Lagoon, a pop-up bar that promises to drag you into a world where cocktails meet the supernatural. Located at Butcher & Bullock and running from October 1st to October 31st, this pop-up has earned a reputation as Canada’s Best Pop-Up Bar, thanks to its spine-tingling drinks and eerie decor.
Once inside, the decor is goth nightclub meets haunted mansion—candles flicker, fog swirls, and skulls peer down at you from above. Created by mixology mavens Kelsey Ramage and Erin Hayes, Black Lagoon is an international pop-up bar installation designed for those who relish in the weird, and wonderful.
The ambiance works well for setting the spooky tone, but to be objective, it feels like it’s missing that extra layer of immersion. While the decor is undeniably cool, it could have been even more elaborate to fully embrace the gothic vibe. It’s fun, for sure, but with a bit more attention to detail, it could have transcended into something bigger.
Now, on to the cocktails:
Let’s talk about my favourite: the Siren’s Song. Aged rum and Lot 40 rye whiskey provide a strong, boozy base, balanced by the sweetness of pineapple. The spiced oat orgeat adds a creamy, nutty layer, while the sherry brings a subtle dryness. Lime offers brightness and saline rounds out layers of flavours.
Next up is the Hex Appeal. It’s a mix of Fords Gin, honeydew melon cordial, lemon, vermouth, seltzer, and a touch of absinthe. The gin gives it a fresh, botanical base, while the honeydew adds a surprising sweetness. The lemon brings a nice tang, and the vermouth adds a little complexity. Dangerously easy to drink, yet it carries a punch.
While cocktails such as the Memento Mori (a killer combination of mezcal, Kahlua and cold brew) and the Nosferatu’s Rise (whisky, sherry and bitters) are the main attraction, the bar featuring candlelight and gothic decorations at Black Lagoon helps pull the spooky mood all together. But if I’m being honest, the vibe felt a bit incomplete. It could’ve used more thematic elements, especially when it came to the food. The bar snacks, while decent, didn’t align with the supernatural theme the way the drinks did. Some Halloween-themed bites could have really elevated the overall experience.
All in all, Black Lagoon delivers spooky cocktails in a fun, eerie setting. If you find yourself in Vancouver this October, make your way to Butcher & Bullock for a dive into Black Lagoon.
Mary in Vancity 
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