Speakeasy Concept At Lena's To Celebrate Prohibition Week

ALEXANDRIA, VA — A century after Prohibition took effect, banning alcohol wouldn't be so popular, but the concept of speakeasies continues to be trendy. Velvet & Rye, the latest seasonal concept at the Loft at Lena's, offers a step back in time to Roaring Twenties and Prohibition-era speakeasy dining. The concept will host various activities to celebrate Prohibition Week and the anniversary of Prohibition from Jan. 16 to 22.

Jan. 16 marks Prohibition Remembrance Day, when the 18th Amendment was ratified to prohibit the production, transportation and sales of alcohol. Although it was ratified by key states in 1919, the amendment didn't take effect until Jan. 17, 1920. It wasn't repealed until 1933 with the 21st Amendment.

As another year begins in the 2020s, it's only fitting to remember the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition era a century ago. Lena's Velvet & Rye will offer various activities, including Prohibition Cocktail Classes, Bootleggers Brunch, social media trivia, a Roaring ‘20s Cocktail and Costume Party, and cocktail kits to go.

Bootleggers Brunch will be held Sunday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, Jan. 17 from 11 a.m. At the Prohibition Cocktail Class, learn how to make four of Velvet & Rye's Prohibition-inspired cocktails. Classes are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Jan. 20, live jazz with the Vaughn Ambrose Jazz Trio is planned from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is required for cocktail classes.

Customers can also take the festivities home with to-go cocktail kits. Starting Monday, Jan. 17, Velvet & Rye will release one cocktail each day for a limited time.

Another activity to try at home will be Prohibition Social Media Trivia. Velvet & Rye will host Prohibition trivia on social media. Test your prohibition history and knowledge for a chance to win prizes.

Festivities wrap up Saturday, Jan. 20 with a 1920s Fashion Contest. Dress in your 1920s-best fashion for brunch, dinner or cocktails. Diners can enter for a chance to win a $50 Lena's gift card, crystal shaker, and two rocks glasses by posting a photo to Instagram with hashtags #LenasVelvetandRye and #VelvetandRyeProhibitionWeek.

The Loft at Lena's is the fourth seasonal concept at Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap's loft space. Past concepts have included Loft at Lena’s – Winter Lodge, The Loft at Lena’s – Full Bloom and The Loft at Lena’s - Oceans 21. Lena's also offers Lena's Oasis with heating during the winter. The spaces were opened as creative ways to offer dining when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The Loft has disinfection technology fans installed that kill 99.99 percent of airborne pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19.

Make reservations for the Prohibition Week activities at www.theloftatlenas.com/prohibition-week.