Future location of Madame Rochéle’s Apothecary.
A new Harrisburg cocktail bar will lean into an earthy, herbal vibe for its spring opening.
Justin Browning, owner of JB Lovedrafts, plans to open Madame Rochéle’s Apothecary at N. 2nd and Locust streets downtown, he told TheBurg.
“We are combining a few bar concepts into one space- apothecary, the fern bar and tea house,” he said. “We’re leaning towards a comfortable, warm setting with lots of greenery.”
The apothecary will open in the former Tacos Amigos restaurant, which closed last year. Browning is now leasing the space.
The apothecary will be Browning’s fifth business on 2nd Street. In addition to Lovedrafts, he owns Nocturnal, Sawyers, and Capital City Music Hall, which most recently opened.
Browning described Madame Rochéle’s Apothecary as a cocktail-focused lounge, also with non-alcoholic drinks, small plates and charcuterie. On Sundays, the bar will turn into a tea house with baked goods from neighboring business Anna Rose Bakery.
Creating new immersive settings “scratches a creative itch” for Browning, he said. The apothecary idea was inspired by fantasy books, games and films that Browning and his staff enjoy.
“An Apothecary was a historical health professional that would create and dispense ‘medicines’ through the use of herbs, tonics, tinctures, potions and so on. Very much like a modern mixologist does today,” Browning said.
Décor will feature live plants, sofas and Victorian-inspired pieces.
Browning is aiming for an early May soft opening, with a grand opening planned for Mother’s Day weekend.
“I hope it will have the same positive effect that our other bars and restaurants have had by providing a space to unwind, relax and to be entertained,” he said.
For more information, follow Madame Rochéle’s Apothecary on Facebook.
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