Elixir Tonics & Treats Opens Its Doors – The Perfect Elixir For Life

What could be better than a sneak preview of Elixir, the new much anticipated bar that seems to have hot-housed the best in bar talent from our fair city. We couldn’t wait to take a gander and at this new hostelry which is situated on Deansgate, just opposite Australasia.

“Go in for a discerning drink, a bar that caters for everyone from educated palettes to draft beer.”

Regardless of the striking, hand crafted ornate doors, it’s not a fortress. Elixir is a welcoming, accessible, sophisticated bar without the pretence. With its rustic, reclaimed appearance and Chesterfield comfort, it’s a piece of the Northern Quarter in the ‘nice end’ of town.

The brainchild of Escapade Bars Dan Purnell and with the General Manager being the affable Jaime Wilkinson, it is the prefect cocktail for a winning bar with its rustic interior all exposed bricks and comfy, knackered leather seats, a banging DJ and quite excellent service from Gary and the team.

There’s a lot of faces you will know from the scene including Andy Pope (pictured), the papal poppa of cocktails who has flamboyantly trained all the staff. Andy lives & breathes cocktails and has created the bespoke menu himself with all the attention to detail one expects of a true cocktail OCD’er.

We slurped Lovelace Martini’s, Andy’s take on a Pornstar Martini, an infamous citrus twist on a classic cocktail. A pornstar creation named after Linda Lovelace, the ‘Deepthroat’ heroine,  with the trademark martini and fizzy shot (£9) but this time made from  Stolichnaya vanilla vodka, home-made Gooseberry puree, Lemon and Pineapple juice and a gorgeous Prosecco and Lemon Sorbet shot and topped with a Sugarveil garnish – sure to be an Elixir classic.

One special surprise brought to our table was the La Petite Voliere: “The Little Birdcage” (pictured). An elegant sharing cocktail. Delicate and romantically finished with an array of luxurious chocolates and truffles from Elixir’s bespoke chocolatier. Enjoy Elixir’s petite cocktails in eight mini coupes to share (£40).

Elixir (official address 123 Deansgate) is now open to all and promises much if our preview is anything to go by.

Go in for a discerning drink, a bar that caters for everyone from educated palettes to draft beer. Not just taps, oldey worldey Victorian taps. Oh, they do cute bar food too. Pictured: scampi, thick cut chips, king prawns served nicely on a board with tartar sauce and mushy peas – no danger.

The passing trade may be scarce with the pillars. That might change with the outdoor furniture – they’re even getting heated seating. Everyone’s got outdoor heaters but they’re thinking of your tush too.

It may even live up to its name and cure all ills!

LOCATION

123 Deansgate, Manchester M3 2BY

CONTACT

0161 222 8588

www.elixir-manchester.co.uk

@ElixirMCR / facebook.com/Elixir-Tonics-Treats