Life on Mars: A Cocktail Bar Inspired by David Bowie Opens in York

A new cocktail bar is set to make its debut in the vibrant city of York—one that pays homage to one of Britain’s most iconic musicians. Life on Mars, inspired by the legendary David Bowie, will open its doors on Lendal Bridge in early April, transforming the space formerly occupied by the Quirky Café & Bar.

A Vision Realized

Owner and mixologist Ross Woodford has a rich history in the hospitality scene. After successfully launching Life On Mars in Shenzhen, China, where he and his wife lived for eight years, Ross returned to York eager to bring his experience back home. Prior to this venture, Ross garnered attention while working as a bartender at Skosh and hosting pop-up bars that proved to be incredibly popular.

“They were always really popular,” Ross recounted. “So my gut feeling was people would be interested in what I could offer.”

A Melting Pot of Flavors

The concept behind Life on Mars focuses on innovative cocktails that merge European influences with Asian, particularly Chinese ingredients. Ross is eager to introduce customers to flavors that could be commonplace for a Chinese audience but may be novel to the locals in York.

“One of the drinks that’s going to be on the menu is using Chinese Mountain Peppers,” he explained. “It’s super zesty, like a lemony ginger hybrid flavor.”

Paying Tribute to a Musical Icon

The aesthetic of the original Life On Mars in Shenzhen was a blend of industrial and retro-futuristic vibes, deeply influenced by David Bowie’s eclectic style. The name itself holds special significance for Ross.

“I wanted to name the bar a little bit after my dad—he and I really loved David Bowie; it was his favorite musician,” he shared. “My father passed away over ten years ago now, so I wanted to name it after him without it being quite so obvious.”

A New Look for York’s Life on Mars

The York installment will showcase a different aesthetic, reflecting its location in a beautiful Grade II listed building. “We’re chopping and changing it a little bit,” Ross noted, “but we still want it to be bright and colorful.”

More than Just Cocktails: A Culinary Experience

In addition to its stellar cocktail offerings, Life On Mars will serve made-to-order Chinese dumplings featuring both meat and vegetarian fillings. While the cocktails will be the star of the show, Ross aims to create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone.

“The cocktails are the key, but we’ll have some wine, some beers, spirits, and mixers,” he elaborated. “I’m really into the idea of a bar as a social and community hub. For me, drinking isn’t about getting drunk; it’s about enjoying the experience.”

Building a Community

Ross has fond memories of Life On Mars in China, where regular customers built friendships within the bar’s walls. He hopes to foster a similar sense of community in York.

“Building that community is really important to me,” he said, explaining his aspirations for the bar. “I think the highest ambition that I’d sneakily hope for is for it to become a connection point between the East and the West.”

Exciting Cocktails on the Menu

One exciting creation set to feature on the opening menu is the ‘Space Oddity,’ which offers a twist on the classic Negroni with the addition of yellow bell pepper juice and a unique Mezcal.

So far, the buzz surrounding Life On Mars has been overwhelmingly positive, with many eager patrons engaging on social media. “I’ve had people messaging and commenting, even a few random emails from folks saying, ‘This sounds really cool and exciting,’” Ross shared. “It’s rewarding to see a positive reaction right away.”

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Life On Mars plans to host various events, from live music to thematic nights like Dungeons and Dragons. Ross envisions a dynamic space where creativity and community flourish.

For updates and more information on this exciting new venture, you can follow Life On Mars on its Instagram page.

Life On Mars promises to be more than just a bar; it aims to be a sanctuary for creativity, culture, and community—a place where the spirit of David Bowie resonates through vibrant colors, inventive cocktails, and the warmth of human connection.