Taking up residence right in the heart of Newcastle city centre, Banyan has been the bar on everyone’s lips (and Instagram) since it opened back in March. I’ve been so excited to visit so when I was invited along to one of their cocktail masterclasses, I jumped at the chance!
When you walk into the bar it’s almost impossible not to get your phone out to grab a quick snap. The interior is so elegant with beautiful flower ceilings and leather booths, and it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable places I’ve been! We headed upstairs to one of the private rooms for the masterclass which was lovely and intimate – it’s the perfect setting for birthday parties and hen-do’s.

The table was set with copper cocktail-making equipment and bottles of booze and I couldn’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get cracking!

With the help of team Banyan, we made three cocktails throughout the evening; a Cosmopolitan, Disaronno Sours and a classic Mojito. Our Banyan mixologist talked us through each cocktail, step by step, then we were set to work with our shakers and strains to have a go at creating them ourselves!

I had so much fun attempting to recreate the cocktails, and I think I seemed to get better each time. Counting the measurements when pouring freehand from the bottle was probably the hardest part because we were all counting at different speeds…it was like when Ross is counting his spray tan on Friends!!

I think my favourite of the three was the Disaronno Sours. Believe it or not I’d never actually tried Disaronno before, so I was eager to try. The cocktail tasted just like some sweets and was so moreish – I could have easily drank another!

The evening was so much fun and with Banyan’s Gin and Cocktail masterclasses starting from just £25pp, it’s absolutely worth it and I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something a little different to do with your friends in Newcastle.

I can’t wait to head back to Banyan Bar and Kitchen to try more of their delicious cocktails…and to finally try some food too!

To check out their menu’s and find out more about the restaurant, you can visit their website here.

Huge thank you for the event invite, I had a wonderful time x