George R. R. Martin opening medieval bar called Milk Of The Poppy

Author George R. R. Martin is set to open a medieval bar named Milk Of The Poppy later this month.

• READ MORE: Everything we know about the next Game Of Thrones book, The Winds Of Winter 

The bar, which will be located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been in the works as an idea for a while, with creative director Al LaFleur working on it even before he moved from Los Angeles to the state three years ago.

Described by LaFleur as a “medieval apothecary meets craft cocktail bar,” the bar is officially set to open on March 21, but it’s already hosted a few guests for private events. It features a 1,200-square-foot lounge that can seat around 55 people, as well as an outdoor garden patio with space for another 30.

LaFleur said, “It’s really cool to watch people walk in, and the first thing that they do is kind of just stand at the door … This big medieval door that has these beautiful metal handles to knock (at) the door.

“So you really feel like you’re entering a different world and kind of escaping. The first thing people do is walk in, they stop, and they look around. So they don’t even fully walk in before they kind of take the space in because it’s unlike anything I’ve seen in New Mexico, and it’s fun to offer something that feels like a little bit of an escape.”

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Martin, who wrote the A Song Of Ice And Fire series – adapted into Game Of Thrones – has named the bar after a fictional painkiller and anaesthetic he’s mentioned in his books. It’s made from crushed poppy flowers and appears similar to opioids.

However, LaFleur confirmed that none of the drinks will have psychoactive properties, so there won’t be any Milk of the Poppy on the menu. However, the plan is to incorporate “ancient techniques, flavours and ingredients,” with some fascinating original cocktails as well as food offerings that combine historical inspiration with local ingredients. For visitors who prefer more conventional choices, there will be plenty of well-known cocktails, spirits, craft beers and regional wines, too.

But the experience overall is set to be immersive, with LaFleur saying, “I think there’s a level of engagement people can expect when they come in and visit.”

Last month, meanwhile, Martin explained that while there’s talk of an Elden Ring movie, based on the role-playing game he co-wrote, he might not be involved because he’s “a few years behind” on his book.

So far, Martin has released five A Song Of Ice And Fire books, with the most recent coming out in 2011. The sixth book, The Winds Of Winter, was originally due to be released in 2015, but is still in the works. A seventh book, A Dream Of Spring, is also planned.

Last year, Martin said that the books may never be finished, explaining: “[Winds Of Winter] is still a priority. A lot of people are already writing obituaries for me: ‘Oh, he’ll never be finished!’ Maybe they’re right. I don’t know. I’m alive right now! I seem pretty vital!”

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