Exploring The Library Bar in Aylesbury

Published on Jul 20, 2023

This morning, we had the pleasure of stepping into the enchanting world of The Library Bar, conveniently located in the heart of Aylesbury. With parking available right outside, as well as nearby residential parking and a multistorey, you won’t have any trouble getting here. However, once you step inside and take a glimpse of their enticing cocktail menu, you might wish that you opted for a taxi instead!

We were welcomed in by the owner, Samantha, and we immediately found ourselves captivated by the ambience she had created in this beautiful old space. You can't help but notice the high ceiling and dark wood panelling befitting of the old library. The eclectic mixture of art and furnishings suggests a resident collector and evokes images of a witchy traveller's accumulated possessions. The deep green walls and elegant wood panelling add a touch of sophistication to the space. As you settle into one of the plush sofas or take a seat at a table, you can't help but admire the captivating art pieces from local artists adorning the room, adding a touch of vibrant creativity to the cosy atmosphere. This all combines to create a “dark academia” style that’s backed by the venue’s credentials.

A Haven for Creative Events

We spoke at length with Samantha about her plans for the venue. It’s always exciting to hear the ideas of a fellow woman in business. The venue already hosts a variety of events and has been off to a flying start. Packed to the rafters for open mic nights, pub quizzes, and drag events, to mention a few.

Of course, it's not all business talk; we were also the willing audience to Samantha’s ghost stories. The Library Bar has at least one resident ghost, affectionately known as Jerry, living in the cellar. The (mostly) friendly ghost adds an extra layer of intrigue and charm to this already extraordinary place. As long as you're not hanging out in his domain, you should be fine!

Upcoming Workshop: Decoupaging Pumpkins

While we were with Samantha, and with the spirits on our minds, we couldn't help booking an event of our own. On October 16th, we will be leading a *decoupaging pumpkins workshop to celebrate the oncoming Samhain.

*Decoupage just means decorating with paper.

Samhain is the original Gaelic festival that was co-opted into Halloween. It marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. This is typically thought of as the time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest. The tradition of displaying carved pumpkins (or back in the day turnips) to scare away evil spirits began in Ireland and Scotland and adds a fascinating mystical touch to the workshop.

What to Expect at the Workshop

At the decoupage workshop, we will offer a variety of materials to decorate your cardboard pumpkins with, but you are also welcome to bring your own books, wrapping paper, or even napkins to personalise your pumpkins. Whether you choose a spooky design or opt for a more modern look to match your home, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination. The benefit of our pumpkins is you can get them out year after year.

The basic ticket includes one small (test) cardboard pumpkin and one medium cardboard pumpkin to decorate. For those seeking even more fun, the upgraded ticket offers an additional large cardboard pumpkin to decorate. As an added treat, mini afternoon tea and your choice of a spooky speciality cocktail are included with your ticket, providing the perfect complement to an already enchanting experience.

With Samantha as our host and The Library Bar as our magical setting, we can't wait to have you all at our decoupage pumpkins workshop. If you're searching for a place that ignites your imagination and transports you to a realm of wonder, The Library Bar in Aylesbury is an absolute must-visit. So come for an exciting event or relax in the cosy charm of this gem of a bar, we look forward to seeing you there!