Coming from a tea service at Notch 8’s rotating tea salon space, we flowed down to Fairmont Vancouver’s basement speakeasy for the afterparty.
This is Kringle’s, a sophisticated lounge that Santa would hope to grab a glass at, after his long night of delivering presents; and it has returned for its 2nd year.
Dressed in red with the warmth of Christmas fostered through velvet, tapered candles, plastic pine, an electric fireplace, and opulent chandeliers. As per all their speakeasy pop ups the decor engulfs and transports you.
The featured room is definitely the “ball” room hung with metallic ornaments on ribbon, it certainly deserves a photo moment. The rest of the spaces are just as cozy with pockets for more private conversations.
There are 12 winter themed cocktails to choose from and non-alcoholic options as well.
Some interesting cocktails that caught my eye includes the “Home Alone” with gummy bear infused vodka, the “Ginger Snap” with cantaloupe and ginger, and the “Sugar Plum Fairy” with plum wine. Those are what I would have ordered, if given the option, as the most interesting sounding. However, the following is what was batch made for the room.
The Frosted Margarita looked like a melted snowman giving its white and watery consistency. I would have liked this one to be named as such with a mini carrot nose and coal eyes as garnish to match. Tres Generaciones Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, lime, coconut syrup, cream, and rosemary. It had an interesting mish-mash taste with the sharp medicinal tequila on the forefront, followed by a tropical coconut without the creaminess and the boldness of savoury rosemary.
The Holiday S’mores was incredibly potent. Northern Keep Vodka, Baileys, Crème de Cacao, Caramel toffee, and cream. Extra sweet to mask the bold spirits. The gooey marshmallow made for a nice chase, although i would have liked it more toasted and blackened as a s’mores inspired drink. Plus some graham cracker to help further foster the theme and cut into the overwhelming spirited-ness of this.
My preferred of the three cocktails we had was the Yuletide Rose Fizz, a lighter option with Empress Elderflower Gin, apple cider, winter syrup, lemon, and egg white. A refreshing spritz that didn’t read winter to me, but “holidays in some where hot”.
Not just drinks, you can also order share plates and small bites at Kringle’s as well. The options include chicken wings, beef carpaccio, tuna tataki, truffle fries, and the same crab and lobster rolls at their Winter Chalet in Notch 8, but minus the alfalfa.
The following is what we tried as a larger buffet option, so take the photos with a grain of salt.
The Frito Misto was a mix of deep fried calamari and prawns topped with scallion and served with tartare sauce for dipping. Pretty standard, it tasted as expected, so they were no standouts on this.
The Artisanal Charcuterie & Cheese didn’t feel all that artisan with baloney, deli ham, and salami sticks. Similarly the cheese platter wasn’t anything I couldn’t assemble myself from my local grocery.
Pickled beans from a jar, bulk apricots, and cranberries. I am hoping this was just the platter we were given as media as the menu does list baguette instead of the dried fruit cracker we got here.
Similarly the Bruschetta was pretty unremarkable as smashed avocado, olives, and feta cheese over a hard crostini. A little disappointing and I would have preferred the avocado as a dip with tortilla chips instead.
I would have liked to see a more winter-focused menu or dishes to best pair with the cocktails. I would think salty and homey holiday party bites like pigs in a blanket, scalloped potatoes, and a sweet and salty nut mix.
In short, the Fairmont is a great destination to celebrate the holidays at with two pop up options that you can enjoy before, after, or in conjunction with a dinner at their lobby restaurant Notch8. I recommend the high tea service over catch up with a girl friend and drinks after dinner at Kringle’s, or for pregame before catching a winter themed event downtown.
Worth mentioning is that they will also be selling collector’s Hotel Vancouver ornaments. Delicate in gold, it depicts the castle in the city with its iconic teal roof. Only available this season until supplies run out. Get yours from their Festive Retail pop-up near the concierge desk.
Kringle’s at the Castle
900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6
(604) 662-1900
