;FNEKFNE FIC8E;F 8 KI<<$C@>?K
TENTATIVELY stepping through the unmarked door, I crept up the turfcarpeted staircase, following the scent of whisky.
Mickey Mouse wouldn’t be seen dead in a place like The Treehouse – a tiny, secret cocktail joint in the centre of downtown Orlando.
Welcome to another side of the world’s theme park capital, where the bars are hidden and the drinks are strong.
I was staying at boutique EO Inn, overlooking pretty Lake Eola Park. Tree-lined paths wind around the lake, with swan-shaped pedalos dwarfing the real thing.
Clean and immaculate, it felt as perfect and magical as anything Walt Disney could have dreamed up. Millions flock to this part of the world for colourful characters, thrill rides and guaranteed family fun at the theme parks of Lake Buena Vista.
Cocktails
But just half an hour’s drive away, downtown Orlando offers a very different vibe.
For those travelling without kids, combining time at the parks with the scenery, food and nightlife of “real” Orlando could be the perfect break.
The speakeasy-style bars, tucked in shady corners are definitely adult-only zones.
Around the corner from The Treehouse, Hanson’s Shoe Repair moves things up a notch. Guests require a password to enter. Contact them in advance or, as I did, ask a friendly barman or local.
The imposing black door opened to reveal a patio and classic cocktail list including the corpse reviver, a bone-shaking concoction of gin, absinthe and Cointreau.
Nursing a hangover the next day, I smothered it with food on a brunch tour with Orlando Foodie Tours. British-born Katie Bean set up the company to showcase the edible delights of the city’s neighbourhoods.
We kicked off with a headache-blasting turmeric, ginger and chilli shot at Sanctum Cafe,