The official launch of Dublin’s newest hotspot, The Camden Exchange took place recently, with some well-known faces joining in on the party. The atmosphere in the venue on Dublin’s Camden Street was electric as the city’s young urban creatives came out in force, and guests – among them Xpose’s Peter O’Riordan and Apprentice star Roisin Hogan, were treated to a selection of signature street food dishes whilst sipping delicious Bulleit Bourbon cocktails created by the skilled team of mixologists.
The soundtrack consisted of urban tunes supported by beatbox artist Danny Ladwa flown in from the UK for the occasion and accompanied by Dublin’s finest street percussionist Agustin, whilst a live a graffiti jam took place in the sprawling garden terrace.
The new venture is the brainchild of Justin Smith, Stephen Johnson and Barry Cassidy, who have combined their wealth of experience in the hospitality industry to bring something new and different to the capital. According to Stephen Johnson, who has been driving the venture since 2011: “We are looking to create a unique social space that nurtures the exchange of create ideas. The Camden Exchange is a space which celebrates originality, creativity and provides an incubator for newness”.
Drawing on its heritage as a bank, the concept for the Camden Exchange is a modern tongue-in-cheek take on a traditional market. The venue will host a monthly market where local artisan producers can trade their produce the last Sunday of every month from September, they have also devised their own exclusive Camden Currency which can be redeemed for special offers which will change on a weekly basis. Details of all offers will be available on www.camdenexchangedublin.com.
The Camden Exchange houses an impressive collection of craft beers chosen to compliment the street food menu, an original cocktail menu using bespoke combinations to create truly creative concoctions and a collection of rare spirits including an exclusive collaboration with Bulleit Bourbon. There is an exciting street food menu centred on using local, artisan ingredients. The market-fare style menu serves simple dishes cooked well including soft tacos of hake, Moroccan lamb kofta and a slow cooked brisket, all of which are served from an authentic 1970’s Vintage Citron Hy van which takes centre stage in the venue.