Bar consultant and creator of Drinks Enthusiast, Dave Marsland, returns with all the latest behind the scenes news from Manchester's bar and cocktail scene.
Room Go French
Room held an event in their stunning Rose Room, utilising the French styles of G’Vine gin - with cocktails created by Bar Manager Amir Javaid and paired with canapés to complement a three-course drinks menu. Yours truly hosted, as well as a guest appearance from global G’Vine cocktail competition winner and fellow Mancunian, Jamie Jones. Creations such as G’Vine Nouaison framboise, Lillet, lemon and black pepper paired with salmon tartare, G’Vine Floraison, rhubarb and cardamom cordial, rose lemonade and lime alongside five meat terrine were a welcome addition after a welcome drink of G’Vine and 1724 tonic. Room currently have the G’Vine Lily Fleur Fizz as their cocktail of the month, so make sure you swing by for some fantastic French drinks!
Room presented an evening of French inspired cocktails and canapés
Liquorice Celebrates 1st Birthday
Speaking of G’Vine - Liquorice Bar, just off King Street, had their 1st birthday with free G’Vine and Fentiman’s tonics given out to promote their perfect gin and tonic serve. Served with grapes as a garnish, the night went down in a whirlwind of gin, with live music creating a party atmosphere despite the miserable Manchester rain.
The Gincident
The Liquorists launched their annual Gincident last month, offering the chance to enjoy a variety of gins with gin based cocktails and a botanical feast - all on board a barge as it takes you from Castlefield to Salford Quays. Enjoying such delights as Martin Millers, Plymouth, Bols, BLOOM and G’Vine within cocktails with nautical themed names such as 'Rosie and Gin' and 'Messagin a Bottle', which came served within its own bottle within a brown paper bag. If you have been on any of The Liquorists trails, or indeed Gincident itself, you will no doubt inform your friends to join you next time as they launch their anticipated Five Drinks That Changed The World trail.
The Liquorists launched their annual Gincident trail complete with a barge, entertainment and great gin
Around the World at Manchester Whiskey Club
Manchester Whisky Club's August meeting incorporated a world theme of whisky, with countries such as South Africa, India and Sweden taking centre stage. Held at The Castle on Oldham Street, club founder Andy Duckworth made sure that we visited countries that are not usual for their production of whisky. One of the visitors to the club that evening was the new head of The Whisky Shop in St Ann’s Square. Opened two weeks ago, it’s full of whisky delights, both old, rare and totally unique - guaranteed to have something for everyone’s pockets!
The Northern Quarter's Castle hosted an evening of world-themed whiskey
Vintage to Visionary at Terrace
Hayman’s Gin and Bitter Truth bitters and liqueurs hosted their first ever cocktail competition - Vintage to Visionary. Held in Northern Quarter's Terrace last week, Manchester ace Susie Wong was one of four winners from the North who gets to represent our city down in the London final. Her creations of Vintage: The Truth about Belle and Visionary: The Nutty Geisha should hopefully bag the prize!
Coming up in the next few weeks we’ve got cocktail competitions galore with Angostura, Havana and Wild Turkey all hosting in Manchester and Mullen Bartending starts off their M League cocktail competition too! Not bad ey?
