Stepping inside Prohibition on Watergate Street is a bit like going back in time.
The quirky cocktail bar, tucked away above Waikiki on Watergate Street, pays homage to the Roaring Twenties, an era of prosperity, jazz and flappers, by its sultry decoration and vintage music.
It’s unique, but that’s exactly what style owner Josh Parmar was going for when he took over the place a couple of months ago.
At just 23, he’s undoubtedly one of the youngest bar owners around, but he’s got more than enough experience of the job, having previously worked at Panoramic in Liverpool where he did a four-year apprenticeship in food and beverages, before taking up the position of restaurant and bar supervisor at the Chester Grosvenor, where he developed a love of making cocktails.
“I have always been more bar orientated and developed a real passion for making drinks,” says Josh. “I always wanted to go into business one day so I saved really hard to one day make that happen.”
Happen it did when Josh took over Prohibition, with a vision for creating something completely different. But you’d be forgiven for knowing absolutely nothing about it, because there are no signs to indicate the fact there is a cosy bar tucked upstairs, as Josh wants his custom to come completely from word of mouth.
“There’s no signs because I don’t want people to just walk past and come in, I want to be unique and build up a reputation through word of mouth. I don’t want to be in people’s faces.
“Obviously I have to do a few things to promote it but I really do want word of mouth to take over.
“It’s in keeping with the theme of the place. The 1920s was the Prohibition era. Alcohol was banned so there were secret bars selling it.
"That inspired me with the idea for my drinks menu, which is a book with the menu hidden inside it.”
Josh added: “I just want it to be a busy bar, and am ideally aiming for young professionals and foodies to come in – people who really enjoy good cocktails and good service without crowds or loud music being rammed down your throat.
“It’s just a nice, chilled out atmosphere. I’ve put all my savings into this so I’m hoping it’s going to appeal to lots of people."
