Épernay Manchester shake up excitement with fancy new summer menu

Épernay is one of the city’s most elegant Champagne and Cocktail bars. Their offering of an extensive selection of spirits, wines, champagnes and cocktails makes them an attractive haunt for after work drinks, a romantic rendez-vous or a night out with friends.

‘exceptional combinations to quench
that summer thirst.’

With its alluring ambience, this stylish bar displays a luxurious interior, exposed brickwork bar and plush seating. The balcony area overlooking Great Northern Square is sure to be a favourite in these quickly approaching summer evenings.

The new summer menu was launched on Tuesday, and I was lucky enough to pop along and try it out. Their cocktail menu has had a complete makeover, bringing in some exceptional combinations to quench that summer thirst. Their wine list too, has been radically changed but keeping some old favourites.

With almost 30 cocktails to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice, so why not start out with a ‘Mr Bumble’ (£8.50). An invigorating twist on the a classic cocktail named after the pompous beadle of the workhouse in the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. A very tasty apple brandy – Calvados Henry de Querville is the core of this cocktail giving off crispy and fresh apple notes with a beautifully rounded sweetness. Yellow Chartreuse Honey offers a subtle nectareous flavouring, the zingy-ness of Lemon adding a sharp kick and then topped with Chateau de L’Aulee Cremant de Loire, a creamy sparkling white wine which expels a fruity taste of pressed apple juice with an unexpected sherbet streak. This cocktail will definitely have you asking ‘Please, Sir. Can I have some more?’

Sticking with the literature theme, you could opt for the Swizzle Dee, Swizzle Dum (£7.50) – but unlike the hallucinogenic wonderland tales of Lewis Carroll this cocktail makes perfect sense.

The sweetly scented angelica root and juniper flavours from the Tanqueray gin and the blend of Bordeaux wine and citrus liqueur in the Lillet Blanc aperitif make for an excellent and refreshing long cocktail. Throw in the tanginess of some orange blossom water, pomegranate, orange and lemon and this zesty, sweet and wonderfully revitalising cocktail will have you down the rabbit hole in no time.

Looking for something more ‘old fashioned?’ Epernay have that covered too. Their Oaxaca Old Fashioned (£9) uses Tapatio Reposado Tequila which is rested for months in ex-bourbon casks to give a fuller flavour and is blended with Ilegal Joven Mezcal – a handcrafted brand of Mexican artisanal liquor that gives an orchard fruit quality and a light smoky creaminess. Mixed with house bitters and garnished with orange peel set alight this charming short cocktail is more refreshing than the standard old fashioned.

If you’re a fan of quirky cocktails then this next one may be for you. Aptly named, ‘The Kid’ (£8) this raspberry and white chocolate infused cocktail uses milk washed Tapatio Reposado Tequila to pack a punch and homemade Raspberry cordial to add some innocence back into this tall, playful drink.

Filled to the brim with ice and soda, this eccentric cocktail finishes off with Briottet Crème de Cacao Blanc – a cocoa liqueur to give it its white chocolaty taste. Of course, it’s garnished with none other than a MilkyBar!

Epernay are staying true to their heritage though, with their new summer menu still boasting to serve the city with the largest list of Champagnes served by the glass, standing at 15. All Champagne, Prosecco and English sparkling wine are served by 125ml flute and range in price from £6.50 to £12.50. A Prosecco to try is the Bisol “Crede” Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore D.O.C.G. At a modest £6.50 per glass it offers an elegant and fresh Italian option of sparkling wine. Alternatively, and also at £6.50, the Champagne Palmer Brut is an exceptional fizz with subtle notes of pear, baked apple, apricot, honey and brioche.

If wine is your tipple, why not head down to Epernay mid week for their ‘Week Night Wine Down’ and enjoy an array wines such as the Austrian Hopler Burgenland (Gruner Veltliner) a light, peppery white wine with a creamy finish and sweet fruit notes at just £5.00 for a 175ml glass. Or try the French Patrick Piuze Chablis – a smooth and refreshing chardonnay with apple and mineral notes at £9.00 a glass.

Epernay also have an excellent selection of reds, a personal favourite being the aromatic Italian Primivito Vigne e Vini, Papale Oro di Manduria – with its Cherry taste making it a soft fruity red that’s all too easy to enjoy!

Not sure which one will suit your taste? Not to worry, as their acute and knowledgeable dedicated house sommelier will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

CONTACT & BOOK

Epernay Champagne Bar, 1a Great Northern Tower, Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4EE.

Call 0161 834 8802 or email [email protected]

epernaymanchester.co.uk

@epsmanchester