The Alchemist New York Street, Manchester

Whilst I am unquestionably a Digital gal, there’s some parts of science that I just don’t quite ‘get’. I like mystery and mythology, something that science is arguably the polar opposite of. However, after visiting The Alchemist, New York Street, Manchester, last week, I think I’ve discovered a new found love of chemisty… Alcoholic chemistry that is! Science + cocktails = the most incredible bar in Manchester.

The Alchemist, New York Street is located just in-between Piccadilly Gardens and St Pete’s Square in Manchester City Centre. It’s very central, which makes me question why I’d never been before I’d been invited by The Alchemist to give them a go. However as soon as I stepped inside, I just knew I was going to like this place. From a huge apothecary cabinet lining one side of the bar, to the mini test tube salt and peppers on the tables, The Alchemist certainly knows it’s theme and runs with it, which I love!

My introduction to The Alchemist started off in style, as I was welcomed with one of their signature cocktails. The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is certainly a thing of alchemy. Served in an old laborarty kettle with two compartments, I watched as the elderflower liqueur inside the kettle was evaporated from the lower chamber to the upper, which was filled with the ingredients such a fresh fruit needed to make the perfect cocktail. Once the alcohol was diffused with this flavour, the flame underneath the kettle was turned off. The cocktail was ready to be poured, and that’s where it gets even more fun…

The bottom half of the kettle is then poured into two test tube bottles, where the most amazing chemical reaction happens… Just look at all that smoke! A huge mass of dry ice smoke errupts and fills the table with smoke. It’s so exciting and we had quite a lot of attention from envious onlookers who we saw quickly looking through the drinks menu to order their own Mad Hatter’s Tea party!

Once the smoke settles down (and you’ve had chance to compose yourself after all the excitement!) it’s time to complete the final part of the cocktail. From the test tubes, you then need to pour the cocktail into two mini tea cups and saucers, playing up to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party name. Now, you’re ready for the final part… Drinking it!

And so for the drinking… Well, it was nothing short of delicious! Certainly not your traditional cocktail in any sense of the word. The drink itself is served warm and inspired by fruit tea. I can tell you that this is WAY better than any fruit tea I’ve ever had. Costing £20 to share between two people, I honestly think this cocktail is a bargain. Quite regularly I’ve paid more than £10 for a bog standard drink and this is certainly not that. For a special occassion this is SO worth it.

After our introductory masterpiece of a cocktail, it was time to soak it up a bit with some food! My guest and I dived straight in for mains, although we did see quite a lot of people around us only ordered starters and sharing these out between them – we saw sticks of what looked like shrimp lollipops that looked pretty incredible! Instead, I went straight for Fish and Chips; the portion size was generous, the fish was delicious and although a pretty traditional dish was served in individual containers to make it feel a little bit different.

My guest went for the steak, which I am told was also delicious! Despite there being such an unusual element throughout the whole of The Alchemist, the food options seemed to be pretty traditional ‘pub’ classics. I didn’t mind at all though, just an observation. Our mains were very yummy! And again, I liked the little lab bottle condiments.

However, there’s always room for dessert! My guest chose a traditional Sticky Toffee Pudding whilst I went for Affagoto, which brought a little alchemy back to The Alchemist! This was another chemistry experiment in a dish. Ice cream is served with amaretto and expresso, presented in a test tube and syringe. Disclaimer: I totally did this in the wrong order. Apparently you are meant to actually inject the ice-cream first, then pour over the test tube which results in another science explosion. Although I messed mine up, it still tasted delicious.

After our dessert, we were presented with two more incredible cocktails. The first, called Lady Marmalade, was served again in a large test tube with dry ice, was fruity and delicious. It contained – you guessed it – Chase Marmalade vodka with Belsazar Red, lemon juice and sugar. The second was called the Bubble Bath; and bubbly it was! Served in a tall glass, it quite literally kept on bubbling. I must have nursed this fizzy cocktail for almost half an hour and yet it still kept producing more bubbles, pops and fizzes! It was definitely a treat and so unusual – again caused quite a stir in other customers who wanted the same experience. These both cost £7.95 and £7.50 each.

Over all, I had such a fantastic time as The Alchemist New York Street, Manchester, that I am already planning my next trip. For such an unusual, magical experience the prices are SO reasonable. I would consider £7.50 the average price for your standard cocktail, yet creations such as the Bubble Bath are so extraordinary. Although very busy, The Alchemist New York Street had a fantastic atmosphere and the staff (we were served by Max and Joey) were beyond friendly and welcoming. I would highly encourage anyone in Manchester to visit here for a special treat… You certainly won’t forget it!