Deansgate is an area of Manchester I didn’t explore enough while at University there, my new discovery of Elixir Tonics and Treats last month is proof of that. This cocktail bar is an emporium for keen cocktail drinkers, with great presentation, allure and drama. This de luxe establishment is plush and indulgent inside, though as the name suggests this bar is aiming to evoke feelings of intrigue, with shelves of old bottles, candles and dusty luggage!
On a Saturday night in February, it was full to the brim, and seemed to be thriving off the popularity. We sat in one corner of the venue and watched groups of friends squeal as bartenders delivered cocktail after cocktail. It is a smooth operation here and the staff certainly know how to please a crowd. The birdcage concept is a favourite with regulars – a delicate pretty white birdcage is filled with coupette glasses with cocktails of your choice, and arrives at the table alight with a sparkler, a piece de resistance.
The man you need to find at Elixir is Andy – a master mixologist and magician behind the bar and a friendly comic host: he made our time at Elixir fun and exciting. He serves us a couple of rounds of delicious drinks. I still can’t decide whether the Love Lace Martini looked or tasted better… a very sweet drink, similar to a Pornstar martini, with an accompanying shot of Prosecco and lemon sorbet. Presented on a platter adorned with colourful flowers, and an edible doily on top it looks too good to drink. Saints and Sinners is a good choice too, a punchy fruity concoction made with Manzanilla Sherry, Limoncello, gin and grape syrup, finished with a gold leaf sugar rim and a grape skewer. The attention to detail is impressive at Elixir, every drink arrives dressed to thrill.
Slightly tipsy and ready for dinner, we left the delectable and delicious Deansgate bar as more guests arrived to enjoy the Tonics and Treats that fuel the stylish Manchester crowd.
More information on Elixir Tonics and Treats here.
Many thanks to Manchester Tourist Board for their help with this trip, more information here.
Thoroughly Modern Milly travelled with Virgin Trains.
Typical journey time between London and Manchester is just 2h 7m on one of the state-of-the-art tilting trains, six days a week. Engineering works slow things down a little on Sunday mornings, but by lunchtime they’re operating services – at 2h15m – just a shade slower than Monday to Saturday. Trains every 20 minutes, six and a half days a week.
Booking in advance and travelling off-peak is the best way to get great deals – including some fantastic First Class bargains. Single fares start at: Advance Standard £12.50 and Advance First £38.00, book here.