There’s an old Western folk myth that says that anyone who puts a seashell to their ear will hear the sounds of the ocean’s secrets. There’s a more contemporary Lima expat folk myth that says if you spend enough time on an expat message board, you’ll hear the name Molly’s whispered into your ear.
For the uninitiated, Molly’s is probably the most famous, and certainly the busiest, Expat Bar in Lima. A joint venture between Irish and American expats, Molly’s is a one stop shop for booze, live music, pay per view sports events, Anglo-American food, and an all-round good time. It has a fantastic reputation through word of mouth, largely because of the team behind it. The owners are active members of the community, the managers listen to feedback from the punters, and the service staff are friendly and bilingual. It’s an effective formula that means travelers and settlers have an accommodating space to spend their evenings and weekends.
When we heard whispers that the team behind Molly’s were opening a new, upscale night spot, we paid attention. Through a few phone calls and messages, we were able to get an invitation to the soft opening of EDEN.
Located on Calle Bellavista 215, EDEN seems a little inconspicuous at first. It’s hidden behind large metal gates and the front entrance is dark and alluring. A tiny frame of fitted lights are hidden behind metal facades around the entrance portals and look like flickering flames. They allude to the story of Eden in which the first woman, Eve is tempted by the Devil to break an oath with God. The entrance, I guess, is the doorway to temptation. Once inside, you are met by several small social spaces, one of them with it’s own bar, glitzy lighting, and dedicated bar staff.
The other space is a more traditional sit-down-and-dine area, away from the noise, lights, and fun that awaits through its long, central corridor.
Once inside, we were truly greeted by the vision of EDEN. A two story-complex of vibrant plants of greens, pinks, and purples that decorate the whole space. Fluorescent lighting, coupled with ayahuasca inspired murals provide a dreamy, mythical ambience. The sounds of thumping cheesy pop and house classics from the DJ booth took me back to the days when the world was beautiful and intriguing, back when I had less responsibility and, more importantly, back when I had a bigger humans taking care of me. EDEN delivers!
We had an opportunity to chat with Noel Conway, one of the owners of EDEN. He was rightfully smiling from ear to ear.
“What do you think?” He asks me.
“A level up from Molly’s” I cheekily reply.
“Damn right!” He responds.
And it is damn right. Despite all of Molly’s strengths, it’s not always for everyone. During it’s busiest nights, it’s pretty difficult to find a spot to chill, find a space to boogie, or find a vantage point to watch one of their gazzilion televisions. It’s an Irish pub, after all. It’s not what anyone would consider, or want, to be a classy affair. It’s a place to be loud, mingle, drink like a pirate, and have good craic. EDEN caters to a very different crowd.
“We’re still trying to find our identity here.” Noel explains. “But we know that EDEN is upscale, classy, somewhere you can lounge with friends, or take a date for some great food.”
“The place seems to have an identity of its own? Ive not seen something like this in Lima before.” I press.
“Yeah, but you ain’t seen nothing yet.” Noel’s grin becomes bigger. “Walk with me.”
Noel gave us a tour of the place, from front to back, explaining the story of EDEN along the way. Remember those big metal gates I spoke about at the beginning of the article? Well they slide into themselves to open up the front, outdoor space for breakfasts, brunches, and lunches.
“It’s transitioning from winter to spring.” Noel continues. “Once the sun starts coming out, this place will transform. The ceiling of the main area also opens up, so during the summer, it’ll be an outdoors bar.”
I’m blown away now. I can already see myself lounging in the upstairs area, chilcano in hand, and a warm breeze flowing around me and my more desirable friends. A spot certainly deserving of its location in the tropics.
Furthermore, the artwork, murals, woodwork, and metal work were done by a handful of people. The artist who hand-painted the murals was flown in from Cuzco to complete the daunting task. He’s spent six months in town, airbrushing all of the walls with phenomenal detail. Two brothers from Venezuela built the tables, bars, balconies, and metal work with one, grand unifying design. As you schmooze from room to room of EDEN, you’re also going from one gallery to another with a level of detail that rivals the Lord’s seven days preparing the original garden (talking snakes was a bad idea).
And, as always, the Molly’s level of attentive, accommodating staff was on point. We were warmly received, ordered in English and Spanish, and had our pints pulled quickly. Fantastic service.
I am confident in my overall impression that EDEN will be the new Miraflores night spot this summer and may very well change how new venues consider their design options.
To find out more visit @edenbarlima on instagram or head to Calle Bellavista 215 to see it for yourself.
Awesome write up Johnny. Bang on. It’s still only 75% finished in terms of where it will be.