British and Irish drinking culture excel in one key area related to the layouts of drinking establishments and that is the prevalence, uniqueness and cozy factor of snugs, or small, secluded drinking areas sprinkled throughout a pub. Bonn Lair features that same kind of organic partitioning, a series of snugs marking the footprint of the space seen initially by the one created by the semi-enclosed front porch. Given its own roof ledge, its own set of Guinness posters and a window to the street outside, Bonn Lair has created one of the Sacarmento’s most comfortable looking smoking spaces, rivaling anything the city’s dive bars provide.
Through the green door and deep brown wooden shingled exterior, Bonn Lair inside feels like a bit of a British maze, a twisting pathway that winds to the main bar area underneath a canopy of British flags. Space is at a premium here, the square footage instead devoted to creating as many distinct seating areas as possible. The main bar sits in the center of the room, anchoring a very slim selection of bar stools underneath a collection of bar mugs. British taps can be found here as well as a vintage-style cash register that adds to the appeal.
Opposite the bar, a row of deep, wooden booths lines one wall, each booth sitting under a robust set of framed photos, retro prints and faded paintings that serves as cover to the walls that line Bonn Lair. Above, a ledge provides an opportunity to display all manner of drinking- or British-related merchandise, ranging from rugby jerseys to branded pint glasses to serving trays. Just taking in the sheer volume of decoration is enough to last a pint or two, the ledge above these booths displaying some of the pub’s more memorable items.
