The Alchemist, Spinningfields Manchester

The Alchemist, Spinningfields Manchester is just one of those places that you have to visit. You’ve gotta go – just to experience the sheer theatre of the cocktails and the creations the bar tenders create. It really is something else and so after reviewing The Alchemist on New York Street, I was so excited to visit it’s big sister, the Alchemist at Spinningfields. Located in the middle of the trendiest and high class part of town, it’s the perfect location for such a sophisticated cocktal bar.

My date had never visited The Alchemist before, so I knew he would be in for a treat. I love introducing people to new must-see places, and I am sure that The Alchemist has become one of those places for him that he will take his visitors and friends, too. Traditionally, we started off with a cocktail creation each. I went for the Lady Marmalade cocktail, which was a fantastic smoking creation of, well, alcoholic alchemy. Created from chase marmalade vodka amongst other delicious ingredients, it’s served up into a glass of dry ice to create this fantastic tea concoction. My date went for a more ‘masculine’ cocktail, a sweet whisky creation. Is there is such a thing as a masculine cocktail? C’mon guys, we all love a fancy drink once in a while.

We visited The Alchemist on a Friday night and I guess I didn’t realise just how busy it would be. It was absolutely packed! We had to squeeze through a crowded bar area to get to the seated area, and we were lucky we had reserved seats as I am sure we had the last free seats. It might be too busy for some, but we still had impeccable service and if anything, it created a really great atmosphere for a relaxed yet fun date.

As well as cocktails, The Alchemist offers a wide selection of premium food, again with a relaxed atmosphere, yet one which you can definitely dress up for. Pretty famous for it’s starters, we decided to get a range of starters to share instead of going for a three course meal. We were set to go to the theatre after (which never happened, but that’s another story!) so we wanted something quick and easy – yet totally indulgent – to eat. We were not disappointed!

As I’m a veggie and my date isn’t, we got a mix of mostly vegetarian treats, with some little meat tid bits to boot. There was a whole array of starters on the menu and I totally trusted our fabulous waiter to bring out whatever he thought was best – and boy, he really went for it! We started off with an adorable copper pot filled full of Truffle and Parmesan Popcorn to awaken our appetite, before moving on to an avocado and pea salad which was adorned with nachos and presented in the most beautiful way. This was one of my favourites! My date also dived into some Prawn and Coconut Skewers served with Katsu curry, which was a really nice Asian inspired starter and definitely looked tasty to me.

We also shared some Humous with crisp bread and garden vegetables, which was to die for. Yassss humous. My date also tried some duck spring rolls (I am pretty confident that’s what they are – but correct me if I’m wrong as of course didn’t try these!), which he tells me were delicious. Finally, we were presented with a vegetarian sharing platter which was the creme de la creme of the meal for me. This beast of a platter is made for two people to share and contained falafel, cheese quasedillas, salad and much more on it. I have to stress I only asked for a bit of everything (not ALL of everything) but The Alchemist were so kind and truly spoilt us, so thank you for such a wonderful feast!

 As we had to hurry off to the theatre, we didn’t opt for a dessert (although I’m not sure I could have squeezed on in anyway) and I simply finished off the meal with a sweet cocktail. I was recommended the Screwball, which is described as an adult twist on a childhood favourite. Honestly, it lives up to it’s name. Made from raspeberry vodka, blue Curacao, apple and lime huice, bubblegum syrup and finished off with white chocolate foam, it is sue to be a favourite of any sweet tooth’s. And, with a cherry on top, it was the perfect finished to the evening.