1854 is objectively stunning. 

Intentionally designed craft cocktails, an expansive offering of mocktails and alcohol substitutes, a delicious food menu, and an atmosphere harkening back to the days of prohibition combine to set 1854 apart as a truly unique experience in Cookeville. 

I sat down with 1854 co-owner Rachel Smalling to discuss the inspiration for the speakeasy and what customers who visit can expect. 

She stated, “As a child, I thought I wanted to be an architect and I’ve always had a passion for taking something old and making it new. My first venture (Lakeside Inn in Monroe) gave me the confidence to say, ‘Hey, I can do this.’” She continued, “A couple of years ago, Alex (Rachel’s partner) and I were sitting in a small speakeasy in Manhattan called The Raines Law Room. There were maybe 20 people in there, velvet curtains and fireplaces. I thought, ‘Cookeville needs a place like this,’ and believed it might be something we could pursue. We started researching and visiting as many similar venues as possible. We would sit at the bar, talk to the bartender, and learn as much as possible. In addition, we worked with the Upper Cumberland Development District (UCDD) for market research to make sure this was a niche that could work. Then we started sourcing locations. We found our space and got busy.”

Upon entry, it’s obvious no corners were cut at 1854. 

Every syrup and sweetener is made in-house, as is all the freshly prepared cuisine. 

Rachel explained, “Visitors are surprised by the elevated dining that we offer; I would describe it as rustic elevated. Everything is handmade and my kitchen lead Lauren Swift is incredible at creating exciting items that our customers truly enjoy. Trey Taylor, my bartender/mixologist, and Lauren have worked with me since January to create our drink and food menus and we’re so proud to serve these carefully selected items to the people of Cookeville.”

1854 was created as a place of escape, every detail considered with relaxation and being present a central focus. From tapestries to antique cocktail glasses, the entirety of the venue (located upstairs near Poets on the Square), from floor to ceiling, was carefully curated to transport all who walk through the doors to a different era and feeling. 

“It’s a great space to get away. To enjoy your evening and who you’re with. You can come in and sit at the bar and feel like you’ve gone back in time to an elegant space,” Rachel commented. “My favorite part of the process has been watching visitors relax and be engaged in conversation with the people they’re with. I haven’t seen any phones out other than to snap a picture of their drink. Everyone is so engaged with where they are and who they’re with that it creates a great energy in the space. I built this for the people of Cookeville for this very reason, to get away and be together.”

– by Andrew Buckner, photos by Abby Weeden