Kowloon Correspondents Club by The Liquorists

If you are an enjoyer of the cocktail in Manchester you will know of the magic of the Liquorists. Tom and Jody make up the duo who host regular cocktail trails around Manchester including the infamous Christmas tastings held at their secret hideaway on Redbank. They’ve recently expanded their offering to the city with Reserve on King Street providing a spirit store and tasting house. When I’ve been I’ll write up a review but to whet your appetite, they’ve gone on and done more…

The Kowloon Correspondents Club has popped up in the beautiful grade II listed building of Barton Arcade. The lush surroundings hail from an East meets West concept and the passport style menu follows the travels of fictional correspondent Albert Henry Belvedere. The 14 featured cocktails accentuate the flavours of their main spirit, Belvedere vodka, with home made syrups and cordials.

As if this mystery and fantasy isn’t enough the Liquorists lure you in with ‘cocktail hour’ where you can enjoy everything at half price between 5pm-7pm as well as free masterclasses every day. We were treated to a mini masterclass with the amazing Nate Booker who has just returned to the UK from Australia. The Belvedere lemon tea was an instant hit with guests on the night I visited and this is the only place you will find it in the UK apart from at duty free. It’s certainly an interesting flavour, you must try it.

Mr Stephenson’s Rocket is one of my favourites on the menu mixing Belvedere citrus and black raspberry with elderflower homemade rhubarb syrup, lemon and spritz. This could have been overly sweet but the citrus flavours mellow out that sweetness well leaving a well rounded drink.

Showcasing the Belvedere lemon tea well was the Rifle of the Raj mixing the vodka with lemon verbena cordial, gunpowder tea syrup and Fever Tree ginger ale. Wonderfully refreshing with a hint of spice from the ginger ale.

You will get a couple of things from this pop up; excellent service and an excellently mixed drink. These guys know their stuff and with free masterclasses you really can’t beat it. I’ll see you there as I’m still working my way around the world with my passport menu…

We visited as guests of the bar. This has in no way affected my review which is an honest account of my experience.