“We’re trying to do something a little bit different,” says the owner.

A new cocktail-focused bar lounge is getting ready to open in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.

Nestled in the perfect middle between casual and fine dining, The Watson will bring a refreshing, upscale element to Main Street – something that Michael Gayman, who owns the wine and charcuterie bar Bartholomew in Yaletown, feels has been missing in the area for some time.

“We’re trying to do something a little bit different,” Gayman tells V.I.A., seated at the mezzanine inside the soon-to-open bar lounge at 3080 Main St. The space formerly belonged to Kind Cafe, and is neighbours with a recently opened Southeast Asian-inspired burger joint.

Despite heavy renovation as the space gets ready to open in approximately two weeks, The Watson’s upscale but fun and welcoming feel peeks through the deep green hue coating the walls and the matching emerald furniture. Giant gold frames, soon to showcase the work of a local artist, and several brassy chandeliers add a high-end accent to the room.

The heart of The Watson is the bar; an eye-catching, grand focal point with dramatic arches, which will serve up a menu of 16 original cocktails created by staff at Bartholomew.

“We’re very cocktail-focused here,” notes Gayman. Of the initial 16-drink menu, eight will be stronger and more spirit-based takes on classics and old-fashioned sips while the other eight will be more mixed, creative fusions. Additional brunch cocktails, such as sangria and shared cocktails, will be available on weekends.

As for food, The Watson is keeping it simple and ingredient-focused, dishing shared plates and a few entrees. “Not overdone, rich, or heavy,” says Gayman.

Once the new bar and lounge opens its doors near the end of July, locals can come by starting at 4 p.m. on weekdays and 11:30 a.m. on weekends and hang out until midnight and on Thursday through Saturday until 1 a.m.

—This story by Maria Diment first appeared on Vancouver is Awesome