Alchemist NYS, Manchester - Roving Reporter Raves, and Demands Special Pad

Now, as I'm sure that many of you will be aware, I am a brave sort of soul, not really the type to complain about being poorly, or about MISSING OUT ON THINGS AT HOME IN BED WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD IS CAROUSING AND HAVING A REALLY GOOD TIME...wait, sorry - where was I? Ah, yes - not one to complain, which is why you would have had to have gone over my Twitter timeline with a very fine toothcomb indeed to glean that last week I had a touch of tonsillitis and was confined to bed. This unfortunately-timed illness coincided with a rash of lovely events that I would very much like to have attended, including the launch of the new Alchemist Bar on New York Street in Manchester; ever the consummate professional, however, I managed to procure a roving reporter to attend in my stead (I KNOW - from my SICK bed - ALWAYS working). This is what the lovely Olivia made of it all...

COUNTRY GIRL GOES COSMOPOLITAN

It’s no mean feat opening up a new bar, especially in a fast moving and vibrant city like Manchester; with so many cocktail bars in the city now, you’ve got to be something pretty special to get noticed... and that’s exactly what the Alchemist NYS does. They know what to do and precisely how to do it.

From the very minute we walked through the door there was a vibe about this place, a special vibe, the type of vibe that makes you want to go EVERYWHERE and see EVERYTHING. And when I say ‘see’ of course I pragmatically mean taste everything too, after all how could I really comment on how good the cocktails were if I didn’t test at least a few of them. So that’s exactly what I did.

First up was the White Cosmo, a refreshing and unique potion of St Germain Elderflower liqueur mixed with white grape juice and lemon bitters and finished off with a vodka-laden frozen white orchid. For a let’s just say ‘well experienced’ cocktail sampler like myself this was liquor heaven *licks lips, tries to refrain from jumping on the next train for another hit*. Other sampled cocktails included the French Martini, Rosebud, Apricot Bramble, Lemon and Cherry Pie and Passion Fruit and Lychee Meringue Martini. I particularly enjoyed being fed, by a very glamorous assistant, the Passion Fruit and Lychee Meringue Martini which was accompanied by a spoon *plans to mark this down as my new favourite ‘food’*. And the most special thing about the carefully selected cocktails on their menu... their uniqueness, a finishing touch that just makes that bit of difference to take it a step away from the norm and every other Cosmo (or whatever it might be) out there.

This is one stylish hub with all you need from a city centre bar. There are a number of different areas in this spacious bar, from booths to luxurious Chesterfields, large bar standing areas and an outside terrace. What more could you ask for? Whether you’re in the mood for a meal or just a drink, I’d definitely put this place on your ‘to do’ list *checks diary for next available visit*.


The Alchemist is part of the prestigious Living Ventures group, and whilst a number of drinks were provided free at the launch that Olivia attended, she chose to stay on after the free bar had finished and purchase a number of additional cocktails. Rumours that she has got above her station and demanded I buy her a spiral-bound reporting pad for next time are, as yet, completely unfounded.