The Alchemist is perhaps the snazziest cocktail bar in Manchester. Everything about this bar projects style and sophistication… it is a place to be and be seen. The company has one bar in Leeds and two branches in Manchester, in Spinningfields and the newer outlet on New York Street.
After a trip to the Opera House it provided us with a before-bed tipple. The interior is smart, glitzy and super cool, the huge orderly bar showcasing the numerous spirits used in the sassy cocktails. On a Monday night the bar was unusually quiet and we were pleased to have the undivided attention of the barman and manager.
The golden fold out menu has pretty illustrations but offers too many drinks, I felt confused and anxious trying to pick… I hate choosing a disappointing cocktail. Between us we tried three:
Smokey Old Fashioned: Woodford Reserve, maple syrup, Jerry Thomas’ Bitters, oak smoke and an ice ball £7.50
This twist on the classic old-fashioned cocktail is served spectacularly smoking at the table. This dramatic drink is a typical boy’s choice but we both loved it. Ideal for sipping, with a deep and woody taste and a hint of sweetness from the maple syrup. The ice ball looks great but does make it tricky to drink effectively!
White Martinez : Hayman’s Old Tom gin stirred softly with lemon bitters, lemon zest and Gancia Bianco Vermouth £6.95
I’m afraid I was not a fan of this dangerously strong drink. Clear cocktails always feel slightly alarming to me and this recipe followed the pattern… after one mouthful I could almost feel a headache brewing. A citrusy concoction for brave drinkers.
Apricot Bramble: Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice and sugar topped off with apricot liqueur in a little milk bottle £6.50
It is definitely a heels-and-party-dress kind of place, which usually I wouldn’t go for, but with cocktails this good I can’t resist The Alchemist.
More information here: www.thealchemist.uk.com
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.