Netflix issues cease-and-desist order on unauthorised Stranger Things-themed bar

LOS ANGELES — The world is turning upside down for a Stranger Things-themed bar in Chicago that has been ordered by Netflix to close its doors.

“The Upside Down” pop-up in Chicago, named after the dark parallel universe from the Netflix show, launched in August and became a hit. The bar serves drinks including a syrup-flavoured cocktail called Eleven’s Eggos and features decor that matches the show, like the Christmas-light alphabet wall. Due to the bar’s success, the owners had planned to extend their six-week run to coincide with the premiere of Stranger Things Season 2. However, Netflix issued an (albeit cheeky) cease-and-desist letter.

“Unless I’m living in the Upside Down, I don’t think we did a deal with you for this pop-up,” the letter reads. “You’re obviously creative types, so I’m sure you can appreciate that it’s important to us to have a say in how our fans encounter the worlds we build.”

According to DNAInfo Chicago, the bar’s owners and manager insist there are no hard feelings and plan to end the pop-up on Oct 1 as originally planned.

Season 2 of Stranger Things will premiere on Oct 27. VARIETY.COM/REUTERS