Wrestling Demons

Nic Mac's artwork has been inspired by a story from Elizabeth Haigh.

DispatchesArt & Culture

Wrestling Demons

Leading London cocktail bars and top creative talent are wrestling their demons in a unique project raising awareness for mental health...

In a bid to highlight Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today, a collective of 21 foodies, artists and bartenders will share their hopes, dreams and fears to help improve understanding and raise funds for charities, The Drinks Trust and Hospitality Action, who are supporting those in the hospitality industry affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project has been conceived by Alex Fatho-Bland from Place of the Way, and is important given both our current predicament and in an age where we're talking about our mental health more than ever

The project has been conceived by Alex Fatho-Bland from Place of the Way, and is important given both our current predicament and in an age where we’re talking about our mental health more than ever.

Entitled Wrestling Demons, the project has been conceived by Alex Fatho-Bland from Place of the Way, and is important given both our current predicament and in an age where we’re talking about our mental health more than ever; Alex identifying a necessity for a campaign such as this.

“There is a stigma,” he explains, “but also a challenge expressing ones’ own mental health, with many wrestling their demons each day. Wrestling Demons offers different expressions from a variety of people, that you will be able to find something to relate to, go on to discuss mental health.”

Combining the efforts and talents of seven foodies—including chef Andrew Clarke of Mental Health campaign Pilot Light and Sally Abe, who won Gastropub Chef of the Year—each will go on to share their ‘demons’ with creative talent such as Nic Mac, who is responsible for the excellent lead image, Beavertown Brewery’s Nick Dwyer or tattooist Steve Vinall; the ‘demons’ then brought to life in the form of a cocktail by some of London’s top bars including Callooh Callay, Three Sheets, Bar Tincture and Heads + Tails. The project hoping to raise a ruck of funds, whilst prompting much-needed and truthful conversation.

A cause that reminds us to speak and to listen, to be kind and respectful, and to wrestle our demons together, if you’re able to, give them some support whilst treating yourself to some epic affordable art and cocktails from some equally epic collaborators. Affordable art and home-delivered cocktails will be available from each of the participating bars’ own delivery service, check the Place of the Way Instagram account for further details.

@place.oftheway
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Inspired by Story Deli, Nick Dwyer's artwork in turn inspires mixology from Bar Tincture

Inspired by Story Deli, Nick Dwyer’s artwork in turn inspires mixology from Bar Tincture.

Bar Tincture's Daisy Daisy is the resulting home-delivery cocktail inspired by Nick Dwyer's artwork

Bar Tincture’s Daisy Daisy is the resulting home-delivery cocktail inspired by Nick Dwyer’s artwork.

Three Sheets' cocktail will be based upon a piece of work David Oku will create, inspired by Terri Mercieca

Three Sheets’ cocktail will be based upon a piece of work David Oku will create, inspired by Terri Mercieca.

Sally Abe's story will inform work from tattoo artist, Steve Vinall, and in turn a cocktail from Callooh Callay Chelsea

Sally Abe’s story will inform work from tattoo artist, Steve Vinall, and in turn a cocktail from Callooh Callay Chelsea.

Nic Mac's excellent illustration was inspired by a talk with Elizabeth Haigh, the resulting cocktail has been created by Heads & Tails

Nic Mac’s excellent illustration was inspired by a talk with Elizabeth Haigh, the resulting cocktail has been created by Heads & Tails.