I’ve heard a lot about The Alchemist, mostly from friends in Manchester and Leeds, so was thrilled when I first heard that they’d be opening one in Newcastle! Taking up residence in the swanky new Grey’s Quarter of Intu Eldon Square, the bar has certainly had a lot of buzz leading up to it’s opening.

I was lucky enough to be invited along to the media launch on Tuesday (21^st March) with my work colleagues to witness the magic first hand, and boy was it exciting!

The Alchemist bills itself as a ‘celebration of the unconventional, dark and controversial’, which is certainly represented first and foremost by it’s interior. Dim lighting, gothic artwork, dark wood and warm copper tones, the bar is incredibly magical and captivating. Before drinks are even added into the equation, the place is already an Instagrammers dream!

I stood staring blankly at the drinks menu for a good minute, too in awe of my surroundings and the wizardry happening on the other side of the bar. I knew that The Alchemist was famed for it’s ‘molecular mixology’, but I didn’t realise just how theatrical the process would be! As drinks were being ordered by my friends, I was mesmerised, watching the bar staff in action.

Cocktails range in price from £7.25 to £12.95, which may not be cheap, but the quality of the drinks, the service, and the experience all make the price worth it. In fact, it’s very reasonable considering the effort that goes into making each drink.

In the time that I was there, I sampled the following drinks…

Solero – Ketel One Vodka, Passoã, Mango, Apple, Orange, Citrus, White Chocolate Foam (£8.25)

Solero is one of my favourite ice creams so imagine how chuffed I was to find that there was a cocktail version! It’s totally full of flavour, and is just like taking a bite of the lolly. The white chocolate foam is so rich and creamy too, I could happily just have a glass of that…

Dead Red Zombie – Bacardi, Wray and Nephew, Grand Marnier, Lime, Pineapple, Cranberry, Zombie Mix, Smoke (£8.95)

I’m a real fan of a Zombie cocktail, and this was certainly the best I’ve had. It was bubbling and smoking, with a mist like something you’d see in a horror film. It was glittery, deliciously fruity and rather moreish. I’m just gutted I didn’t get a decent photo- an excuse to go back and get another!

Bubblebath – Tanqueray Gin, Aperol, Chambord, Lemon, Apple, Fairy Liquid (£7.75)

This cocktail was definitely a favourite, purely because of how spectacular it looked! I really loved that it kept frothing and bubbling up whilst I kept sipping. Definitely a lot of fun, but I’d certainly recommend using a straw unless you want a foamy ‘tache!

Screwball – Absolut Raspberri, Briottet Blue Curacao, Bubblegum, Apple, Lime, White Chocolate Foam (£7.95)

Similar to the Solero, the Screwball was just like eating an ice cream! Absolutely packed with flavour, and that white chocolate foam again. Bloomin’ lush.

Aviator – Tanqueray Gin, Blue and Violette, Citrus (£12.50)

One of the more expensive cocktails on the menu, but in my eyes it’s worth it as it’s served in a hip flask…which you get to keep! You can also take the flask back to the bar and get a discounted refill. A strong drink, but packed with flavour!

I’m quite indecisive when it comes to drinks, especially with a menu as huge as the one here, so I want to thank the bar staff for giving me their personal opinion on a few, and helping me decide – all of the drinks I had were divine! I think with my next visit, I’ll be trying the Lightbulb Moment first. Quite a few of my friends went for that one, and I’m a bit annoyed that I didn’t, though I managed to steal a sip and it was lovely!

I didn’t get the chance to check out the food menu whilst I was there, but we were well looked after with delicious canapés being served to us and if they were anything to go by, I’m already excited about eating there on my next trip.

The Alchemist is officially open now, and is bound to be a popular destination! You can find it at 5 Grey’s Quarter, Eldon Square, Newcastle, NE1 7AP

Opening Times:

Contact:

Tel  0191 261 1112
Email  newcastle@thealchemist.uk.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TheAlchemistNewcastle/

Thanks for having us – I can’t wait to return and work my way through the menu!