Pure Experience

Published: Thursday | July 16, 2009


Grace-Ann Black, Gleaner Intern


Bartender Dionne Ellis. - photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

The uninformed might call it a brave move to set up a new bar lounge right next door to a well-established competitor, and then upping your investment with a club, a few months later, in 2009's economy.

But, after experiencing what the Pure Lounge (and its upstairs club, Plush) has to offer, you will see there's really no need for comparison. Pure Lounge creates a rare atmosphere that is more out of this world than in it. The all-white decor - everything down to the white marble bar - is an embodiment of a universal concept, that, when presented to you en masse, gives you a soul-deep feeling that works miracles on your mood, before you've even had a sip (wine or water)!

Marketing manager Matthew Samuda, describes it as "the only true lounge in Kingston", modelled after those popular in Miami Beach and LA, as "a place Jamaicans can be proud of, a place they can bring their foreign friends to when they visit the island. True to the name, Pure is also the only non-smoking lounge in Jamaica, opening at 5 from Tuesday to Saturday.

"We felt Jamaicans needed a different experience for the more discerning clientele, a touch of simple sophistication." Frankly, this is the only club I've heard of with not only a VIP booth but two skyboxes above the lounges for people to glance down from cloud nine like Grecian gods and goddesses on high.

Ladies, these two drinks are two very compelling reasons why you should continue with Pure on Tuesday on your tour of Bar Week. Twenty bartenders to serve you, Onaje Dell performing live on Tuesday, Sex & the City-style cocktails Wednesday for your drinking pleasure, haute couture fashion and free mani/pedis in the VIP booths come Thursday, and Johnny Walker specials on Friday are six more. So slip on your little white dress, and party like you're in the City of Angels.

Italian Martini


The Italian Martini.

1/2oz amaretto liqueur

1/2oz apple pucker

2oz red/white Ocean Spray cranberry

1/2oz Smirnoff vanilla vodka

Sour Appletini


The sour appletini with a splash of grenadine.

Smirnoff apple vodka

Midori

sour apple pucker

a splash of grenadine