A NEW cocktail bar and lounge in Ilminster has officially opened, with a celebratory open mic night taking place to mark the milestone.
Gamesmaster Cafe, at 39 Silver Street, held an official opening event for the Level Up Bar and new cocktail lounge upstairs (replacing what was previously Punky Dory).
The event encouraged visitors to explore the new space, try drinks from the new cocktail menu served by the space's newest addition, Kat the mixologist, and enjoy live entertainment, including performances from Brian Ellis, John Adamson, and the band 'Watch the Sky'.
When asked how she was feeling about the event, owner Evelyn Ashford said: "I just think [the space] seems to have really got where I wanted it to be now. It's better than what I imagined, to be honest.
"It's evolved into something that's so much fun. The staff here all have such a good time, and I think that's reflected in the customers. It's just turned into a social club of sorts, and we have good cocktails - what's not to like?"
She added: "It's like having friends over to my house all the time."
Kat, who joined the team two weeks ago, said she thinks the cocktail lounge is a great addition, and that the atmosphere on opening night was 'great'.
She said: "It's like nowhere I have ever worked before. I think we do really nice things in here, and I hope people come and try us out."
The new cocktail lounge was met with only positive responses from the Ilminster community, with a group sitting in the lounge describing it as 'cosy' and 'raunchy'.
Daphne Staples, who runs No.57, said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic."
Visitors of the cafe said: "It's a much-needed addition to Ilminster. It's like a little oasis, a little slice of paradise.
"It's like being out in London."
Performers at the event said they felt the atmosphere was 'electric' and 'extremely welcoming', with the new lounge complementing the space well.
Faith Nadeu and James Woodcraft, members of Watch the Sky, said: "I think it looks great. It's really nice to have places like this popping up in the towns in Somerset where not much happens.
"It's a really nice, inclusive environment. This is the second time we have come here. We came to their first open mic night in December, and it's been brilliant."
Performer Brian Ellis said: "It's been a lovely night."
Performer John Adamson said: "It's a lovely atmosphere."
Share