Botanist Bar Welcomes New York’s Famed Employees Only Cocktail Bar, Feb. 4

The Goods from Botanist

Vancouver, BC | On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the team at Botanist Bar in the Forbes Five-Star Fairmont Pacific Rim will welcome New York City’s iconic Art Deco cocktail bar, Employees Only (EO), for an exclusive, one-night-only cocktail collaboration.

Guests are invited to experience a special menu featuring eight original cocktails, with four creations from each bar team. Representing Botanist Bar are Grant Sceney, Fairmont Pacific Rim’s creative beverage director, and his team, while Employees Only will be represented by Matt Maretz, bar manager and principal bartender, alongside fellow principal bartender Frances Elizabeth DeVoe, the first female to receive the coveted white jacket from EO. Together, the teams will work side by side behind the bar, offering a rare opportunity to experience two award-winning cocktail programs in one setting.

“Employees Only New York is one of North America’s most influential cocktail bars – they have created a lasting impact on modern cocktail culture since opening 20 years ago, and it’s a privilege to welcome Matt and Frances into our space,” says Sceney. “Botanist Bar and Employees Only share a love for incredible hospitality and excellent cocktails. It’s going to be a great night.”

Employees Only opened in 2004 as a hidden gem in New York’s West Village, created by five friends seeking to enrich the city’s nightlife with a late-night spot for expertly crafted cocktails and upscale food. Behind its fortune teller’s entrance and art deco interior, Employees Only became an inviting escape, transporting guests to an old-world ambiance with a lively, unpretentious vibe. Over the years, it has gained global acclaim, earning awards like “World’s Best Cocktail Bar” from the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and appearing consistently in the “World’s 50 Best Bars” list.

“We’re very excited to come to Vancouver and partner with Botanist Bar for an incredible night of cocktails and amazing energy,” adds Maretz, who oversees Employees Only’s bar operations in New York and represents EO on the global stage.

The Botanist Bar x Employees Only collaboration takes place on February 4, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests are welcome to drop in throughout the evening. No reservations required – first come, first served.

For more information, please visit botanistrestaurant.com.