Out with the old and in with the new is a coined term for hospitality groups, but not for Sunset Entertainment Group, owners Chris Breed and Alan Hajjar understand and value old Hollywood history. This is why they have decided to utilize a historical landmark such as the Pig N Whistle Restaurant and turn it into a nightlife destination. Breed and Hajjar, the men responsible for countless destinations in Los Angeles have partnered with prominent promoter Robert Kennedy to create Los Angeles’ newest lounge, Confession, in the historic building. Confession will offer a carefully curated menu of great bites and tasty cocktails to its trendsetting clientele.

Playing on the sensuous charge of the word “confession,” the new spot sets a stage for decadent design as it transforms the landmark building to resemble an illuminated cathedral, evoking the feelings that come with “confessing” your mischief and sensuality. As you enter, your eyes are drawn to the historic ceiling design and fanciful hard-carved wood décor by renowned architects: Morgan, Walls, and Clements, the trio responsible for many of Los Angeles’ premier landmarks, such as: The Mayan Theater, El Capitan Theater, and the Belasco Theater. A deejay booth overlooks the dance floor; with a spiral staircase taking you up to the VIP lounge, an area set behind the deejay with an Arial view.

Breed & Kennedy envision this as the ultimate destination for everything - relaxation, sublime drinks, superb food, and socializing. Under the soaring cathedral ceilings, tastemakers, celebrities, and other guests looking to escape the bustling dance hall scene can escape to its intimate private lounge for specialty cocktails crafted lead by Frederic Vial and late-night exquisite bites created by its house Chef. Fredric Vial has been inspired and mentored by Francesco Lafranconi, one of the world’s foremost Mixologists and current Executive Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits. Today he will bring those who entertain at Confession Lounge some of his inventive and classic cocktail recipes such as the Pinga Mary and Negroni Matto.

A pioneer of the Los Angeles social scene, Breed partners with Robert Kennedy to bring their legendary hospitality skills to new millennial standards. Kennedy saw the recent changes in Los Angeles nightlife move from club to lounge, house music to open format, bar menus to mixology and has incorporated these changes into Confession. “Our approach to Confession was simple,” says Kennedy. “We wanted to treat the venue like a fashion brand, understanding that there will be updates, changes, new launches, and cater to all moods. We are not looking to reinvent the nightlife scene but really respect and honor all of the great amenities inside some of Hollywood’s hottest clubs.”

Here is how Confession will work, Pig N Whistle’s main room will turn into a lit up nightclub at 9pm with a VIP and DJ booth in Arial view will offer traditional bar service. Here guests can enjoy cocktails, reserve private booths, and dance to sounds of DJ’s. A winding staircase will take VIP’s to an elevated room with 5 VIP tables behind the DJ stage. Guests of the main room can wander to the back of the house where they will find a back room and patio which will offer a dining and mixology bar menu. Guests can nosh on salads, shrimp skewers, and meatball sliders while enjoying conversation with their guests at a private table.

Those of Confession Lounge get the best of all nightlife worlds when visiting. The experience is like none other offered in Hollywood.

PINGA MARY (Shown Above)

2 oz. Sagatiba Cachaca Rum

1 oz. Aperol

1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

½ oz. Simple

Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Muddle

Glass:Collins

Garnish:Italian Pancetta Strip, Red Bell Pepper Stick & Cracked Black Pepper

NEGRONI MATTO

1 oz. Organic Crop Tomato Vodka

1 oz. Campari

1 oz. Carpano Antica Vermouth

2 dashes of Fee Brothers Grapefruit Bitters

Glass:Rocks

Garnish:Cucumber, Grapefruit Twist

Photos by Rochelle Brodin