Hey kittens, hope you’re all having a long bank holiday weekend. Although it’s rained the past two days, the sun has finally come back out again just in time for us to enjoy a couple of drinks in the sun… Speaking of which, why not try a Tia Maria cocktail? Last weekend I was invited down to the #TMDarkRoom by Tia Maria to try three of their cocktail specialities.
The event was held in the old Dwell store at the Great Northern and open to the public. As it was so sunny last Saturday, it turned out to be a really good day to hold it – with lots of bars up Portland Street and Deansgate nearby, there were more than a few daytime drinkers stopping by for a sample of the free drinks!
Once inside, I was greeted by a choice of 3 cocktails (all with Tia Maria in, of course!). One had gingerbeer in, one was an Expresso Martini and the last a White Russian. Despite hearing wonderful things about the Expresso Martini (and it did look yummy) I’m a big fan of the White Russian so naturally went for that choice. Having not given Tia Maria a proper try before, I was pleasantly surprised; the taste wasn’t overpowering and it went down very nicely on a hot day. Lovely.
Besides from the drinks, there was a fair bit of pampering going on. It kinda reminded me of a ‘girls night in’ but outside, inside… If that makes sense! The highlight for me was having a manicure done by the famous London based nail company, WAH Nails. I’d never had one before and always wanted to try, so was delighted to be able to choose a manicure of my choice. They had designed 5 specific Tia Maria nail art designs to go on the accent finger (or ring finger) or each hand, and I went for a bright pillarbox red, almost art deco design. Very me!
Each nail art design was inspired by a different Tia Maria cocktail, with WAH Nails allowing each customer to choose the main colour on the rest of their fingers. I personally loved watching the other gals have their nails done and seeing how everyone’s choices could make the finished look turn out so differently for each person, almost bespoke designs. They also lasted amazingly well. A week later and my manicure it still in place – almost unheard of!
Toni and Guy were also on hand to provide a range of hairstyles for those girls getting ready for a night out. Some of the most popular styles I saw were beehives, tight plaits and big loose waves. They also had a fair bit of hair chalk at the ready, giving girls who wanted it some red and blue ombre tips – pretty cool. As y’all know, I have pretty darn curly hair, so I didn’t try this myself, but it was fun to watch!
The host for the night was Radio One’s Gemma Cairney, who compared for the evening and also played a DJ set later on in the night. She seemed really friendly and we had a little chat – she even told me how lovely I looked, which is a huge compliment coming from a babe such as herself! There was also a live band set up.
There were also cocktail making demonstrations going on, showing attendees how to recreate their favourite Tia Maria cocktail at home. I only wish we had been given a bottle of the good stuff to take home ourselves so I could recreate my Tia Maria White Russian – I just guess I’ll have to raid the streets of Manchester to find one myself!
The highlight of the night for me was meeting Kavita, of SheWearsFashion blog, arguable one of the most successful fashion bloggers in the UK. She was an absolute doll and I felt so humbled to be able to meet a gal who is essentially as inspiration, not only to myself but to so many other bloggers as well. As well as letting me in on some insider gossip, she also told me that she was off on her travels in 2 days and as we speak, she’s jetting off to Bangkok. Amazing! I hope she has a fab time!
Over all, I had a lovely evening and it was a really nice way to start a night out. Tia Maria are touring their #TMDarkRoom all over the UK this summer, so make sure you look out for them stopping by at your local city. I’d definitely say go and have a gander at what’s going on. This isn’t your night out by any means, but it is your starting place, so spend an hour getting ready here before hitting your fav bar – I did!
So kittens, what’s your favourite cocktail? Leave me a comment below and let me know – I’d love to try it!
Ahh I'm glad you and Kavita had such a lovely time together! I and Kavita are exploring Bangkok atm and the weather is super hot! It would be great to meet you in Manchester too xx
Full time I'm an ambitious Head of Marketing and Communications in the luxury industry. Part time, I'm an enthusiastic British Fashion, Beauty and Lifestyle blogger and YouTuber from Manchester, UK. This blog has been my outlet for the past 7+ years, and as a longstanding, Award-winning blogger I take the most enjoyment from creating content I truly love and believe in. All authentic. Always.
Looks like you had a lovely day! I due to attend that event myself but had to pull out last minute! Darn, cas I loooove cocktails!! :)
Ahh I'm glad you and Kavita had such a lovely time together! I and Kavita are exploring Bangkok atm and the weather is super hot! It would be great to meet you in Manchester too xx
Awh looks like a great event, I've never had a tia maria cocktail but I will have to try and whip some up one day. X
HOW I WEAR..