Honeywell Establishes Its Neighborhood in Harlem, Going Beyond Simply Serving Cocktails
In the vibrant heart of Harlem, a basement bar named The Honeywell has become more than just a watering hole - it's a gathering spot with cultural significance, fostering a sense of community reminiscent of the late community icon, Ms. Maggie Burnett.
The Honeywell, with its communal love and cozy, dimly lit space adorned with wood paneling and retro Art Deco wallpaper, offers an unpretentious atmosphere that sets it apart from other cocktail bars in the city. The establishment's matchbooks feature photos of the owners, bartenders, and even the legendary Ms. Maggie herself.
At The Honeywell, daily happy hours are a popular draw, offering discounted prices on classic cocktails, glasses of wine, and beers, creating an inviting space for college students, struggling artists, and longtime residents alike. The Deviled Eggs served at the bar are a hit, with the right amount of tang to tantalize the taste buds.
Ms. Maggie, affectionately known as such, lived in Harlem since she was 15 years old and was a respected figure in the community, known for her work in nurturing a neighbourhood garden named after her - Maggie's Garden. This popular gathering place hosts events such as bridal showers, children's birthdays, and block parties.
Sadly, Ms. Maggie passed away on January 15th, but her resilient spirit continues to live on in Harlem. Two weeks before The Honeywell opened to the public, its co-owner, Lauren Brie Lynch, brought a rendering of an orange-coloured matchbook featuring a photo of Ms. Maggie to her hospital room.
Despite limited documented connections between Ms. Maggie and The Honeywell Bar, the bar's owners aim to carry on her legacy by creating a space that reflects her nurturing spirit. The Honeywell hosts events like Drag Brunch, 1970s-themed dance parties, and creative workshops like crochet, knit, and embroidery classes.
Moreover, The Honeywell partners with CraftJam, a NYC-based creative workshop, to offer happy hour sessions for patrons to learn crafts while enjoying drinks. This unique fusion of community, creativity, and nostalgia keeps the spirit of Ms. Maggie alive in Harlem.
The garden, Maggie's Garden, is located on the south side of 149th Street and around the corner from The Honeywell. It flourishes with various plants such as tomatoes, collard greens, spearmint, and okra, a testament to Ms. Maggie's commitment to preserving and celebrating the neighbourhood's heritage.
As we remember Ms. Maggie, The Honeywell stands as a testament to her legacy, a place where her spirit continues to thrive and inspire the community she loved so dearly.
- The Honeywell, with its nurturing atmosphere and focus on community gatherings, reminiscent of the late Ms. Maggie Burnett, has expanded beyond a typical cocktail bar to become a hub for lifestyle events, offering fashion-and-beauty workshops, food-and-drink tastings, and home-and-garden classes.
- As Ms. Maggie Burnett was a respected figure in Harlem known for her involvement in the local garden and her role in fostering relationships within the community, The Honeywell strives to carry on her legacy by hosting events centered around relationships, such as Drag Brunch and 1970s-themed dance parties, creating a space where people can come together and feel at home.
