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Clough Club
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants Tapas/Small Plates Lounges, Tapas/Small Plates [Edit]
212 Abbott StreetVancouver, BC V6B 1B2
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 558-1581
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 12 am
Fri 4 pm - 1 am
Sat 5 pm - 1 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Clough Club
10 reviews in English
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
3/31/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The first time I poked my head into Clough Club I knew I'd be back. I was there for a Yelp Cocktail event and was stunned by the interior design. Although I only spent my first time in the back of the bar, I was blown away by the great attention to deal, fun artifacts and general mood of the venue.
After RAVING about the Manhattans to some friends we decided to poke our heads in on a Friday night and much to our surprise we were seated right away and began people watching.
The Clough Club is dark, blacked out windows and dark wood interior make you feel like you're really in the belly of the beast. Their cocktail list is small and very specific but I bet you could order anything you wanted and they'd make it with care.
The staff were super friendly, and my friends were shocked to learn it was a Donely venue. It doesn't have that same.... level of ... well you know ... It was great.
The place was packed with post-Canucks game fans and it was hopping. I love it when it's nice and busy. We ordered a Clough Club Cocktail, a Manhattan and a Sailor Jerry's on the rocks. No complaints from any of us, really and the drinks were on par with anywhere else in the city, which is nice. Sometimes you hit these places and they are a total ripoff.
All in all I was impressed and I will go back!Listed in: April Challenge - The Underdog
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Review from Christine C.
Vancouver, BC
5/10/2012
I've had two experiences here, the first was regrettable, and I will go into it as it was completely ridiculous, the second much better.
First experience (this is a retrospective from March, but what the hell, I've been busy): reserved for a party of 12 for my birthday. I by no means am a big birthday person, but any excuse to get out and have a good time is definitely my thing. I got there first to usher the guests in etc, since none of my friends had been here before (neither had I, but one look at their cocktail list had me).
I walked in to what looked like a 50+ swingers party, (and I actually think it was). I was greeted by a really rude lady who told me that the bar was closed for a private event, obviously I freak out thinking "Where on earth am I going to get a spot for 12+ people on a Thursday night at 7pm, AND how am I going to deal with my friends coming and going?!", I asked to see the manager while pulling up my confirmation on my phone. A server came up and told me that they had a table for us in the back (which was actually quite nice), turns out the lady belonged to the event and not to the bar). From here things got worse, we wouldn't have stayed had organizing leaving not been so difficult.
Our server came to the table and asked for a drink order, my fiance and I ordered two gin martinis, tanqueray, olives, straight up, to start. Our server was being very awkward, and asked if we didn't want something from their cocktail list, we had to argue with her to get her to bring us our first drinks. She made it seem as if they didn't have the gin, or know how to make the drinks this really strange conversation went on for what felt like an hour. I would normally never say something like this but I was really annoyed, so I responded "this is a cocktail bar, doesn't your bartender know how to make a classic martini?! If you don't have tanqueray we'll have whatever gin you've got!" Finally she got the point, turns out she just "really believed in their bar list" and thought we'd be better off ordering from it. I had to REASSURE her that we'd eventually get there but for now bring us our goddamn cocktail!
As our guests arrived the service got worse, we had about 20 people in and out spending LOTS of money, and our server treated us terribly. She even spilled my fiance's beer on him and DIDN'T bring him a new one OR take it off of the bill. Then she did the only worse thing she could have done, halfway through the evening she realized that we weren't cheap customers and started being REALLY OBNOXIOUSLY NICE TO US. ... I don't think I need to go on about this... I hope they fired her.
SECOND EXPERIENCE: went back last week, because the bar was nice, the cocktails were good, the bartenders we dealt with were great, it was only that one server.
We were right we had a few cocktails and apps and enjoyed everything. Cudos to the bartender who made a dirty joke to me in front of MY DAD! clearly he could read people because my dad loves that kind of stuff, but it would not fly in front of most people.
So definitely try this place! If your server seems like the one I described, politely have one drink and try again. it's worth it, but not worth THAT. -
Review from Lindsay E.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I never would have picked the Clough Club for a decent brunch hangout, but when it was suggested we go check it out, I was pleasantly surprised.
Neil had a fantastic looking benny (complete with half a avocado in the salad) and fernet & coffee (which came in a huge french press) and I had the most delicious quinoa salad.
It wasn't busy in the least, a nice change for a bunch spot, and the server & atmosphere couldn't have been better.
I'll be back! -
Review from Christian H.
Vancouver, BC
4/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
So, I was able to go to Clough Club for the Elite cocktail event. The Clough Club had a classy pub look with dim lighting. The music was entertaining and the bartenders were very friendly. The back room, which was a great place for our small event, had an interesting light window (see the pictures). The bartender that taught us about cocktails was awesome and though I did care for every brandy and whiskey he gave us, I was glad to have the opportunity to learn from his knowledge. Now, the most important part, the food... =) The empanadas were AMAZING... I would order them for sure every time I am at Clough Club. I would highly recommend going to Clough Club for a nice laid back evening with a cocktail in your hand.
And as always, Have Fun!!! -
Review from Vincci L.
Love everything about this place. The dark atmosphere creates a mysterious vibe, the 110 year old space retained as much as possible. The back room which has an optical illusion that could trick some if too inebriated.
The cocktail list and spirits selection is unique, complementing the tone of the space perfectly.
But definitely get the Apiary: Bourbon, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, egg white, Fee Brother's walnut bitters, topped with a honeycomb on top. Yes, a honeycomb. It's amazing.
Even the entrance to this place could easily be missed. But maybe that's a good thing, I wouldn't want people to be filling the space up as I will need my Apiary fix now and then. -
Review from Robin M.
I've got a confession to make: I used to despise -- nay, HATE -- the idea of cocktails. To me, they were nothing more than cheap liquor disguised by some kind of sacchariniciously sweet syrup-like concoction served in a wimpy glass by someone who would much rather just crack open a beer than bother slapping together a half-assed and weak excuse for a drink.
Turns out those things I was sipping on weren't actually cocktails. Turns out real cocktails are the kind of magical potions you'd find in middle earth -- a little touch of this, a small dash of that, a twist of another thing, and suddenly I'm invincible.
Now that I've been trained in the ways of the alchemist, I can appreciate the simple pleasure a place like Clough Club can bring. With three full pages of craft cocktails to choose from, the menu is a direct signifier of what they're attempting to accomplish with this space. The dark spirit heavy list is a smart and intentional choice, as the overall aesthetic of the 110 year old space has been designed to feel as though it has come from another era. Beautiful lighting, an old barn door, a secret back room -- sorcery, it is.
Clough Club, what a pretty little surprise you are.Listed in: Which town? Gastown., Goings On and Going Out, Craft Cocktails
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Review from Colene C.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was really impressed with this place, especially since it's a Donnelly establishment and those places tend to have a certain....ambience about them.
The Clough Club's got great character which shows in how they retained the 110 year old building's heritage features. I love that! There's lots of seating: a front bar area, a table in the back hallway, stools behind the front bar, then down the hallway, yet another bar in the back!
I didn't eat anything there, though took a quick peek at the menu and see that it's all reasonably priced (cheap even, for Gastown standards). The real stellar point is the cocktails which are all dark-spirits based. The Apiary is delicious: Bourbon, honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, egg white + Fee brother's walnut bitters. Trust me. That's the drink to get.
I'm half afraid to write about this place because I don't want it to get over-run with people but sometimes you just gotta share the good stuff. Go forth and drink! -
Review from Curtis H.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2011
I stumbled upon this little gastown gem this week, and had to write a review!! Hands down, this is the coolest place in gastown.. I'd even stretch it, and say it's the coolest place in vancouver. The decor is very hipster meets haunted house, and it's definately worth a visit.
The head bartender Samuel really knows his stuff. This place is definately more of a bourbon/old school type drinking hole, so be prepared to have a lesson in how a proper cocktail is made. I can't remember exactly what drink I had, but I know it had walnut bitters in it, and a chunk of honeycomb. It was as beautiful to look at as it was to drink.
The only reason I"m not giving it 5 stars is for a very minor reason, but still a reason. The food portions are extremely small. We ordered the beef empanadas, and they were very tasty, but there were only 4 tiny little pieces. (barely an appetizer for one person)
But seeing as this place is brand new, I'm sure they will iron out any minor kinks in the next couple months. Go check this place out before it becomes too popular and trendy!!!!
p.s.... go to the back room, and sit by the neon green tunnel... it's amazing!! -
Review from Chuck T.
Vancouver, BC
2/22/2012
This is hands down... the coolest bar in Vancouver. The back room has this crazy neon tunnel thing which will blow you away. I figured out how they did it afterwards... If you look up and to the right (in the back room) there's a creepy hand sticking out from the wall too. Enough about the decor.... The drinks are amazing. I tried the Apiary and man was it good. So good, that I had 4 of them. They use real honeycomb in it. Didn't get to try the food, but will definitely be coming back soon to try it and have a few more of the Apiary.
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Review from Melissa R.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2012
If you're looking to get together with friends and enjoy delicious cocktails - look no further than Clough. The ambiance is like that of an old fashioned murder mystery novel. You immediately feel enveloped in curiosity and ambition to drink and have a great time. The bar is divided into 2 sections with lots of room to sit and mingle or just peruse. Our bartender was Miles. He mixed amazing drinks and offered up some great booze banter. If you're in the neighborhood you'd be crazy not to stop in and at least have look.
