Raise your glass to a sumptous new bar in Norwich where you can sip beautifully-crafted cocktails in stylish surroundings. From twisted classics to old favourites, quirky newcomers to distinguished flavours, Chambers Cocktail Company has a drink to suit all tastes.
From twisted classics to old favourites, quirky newcomers to distinguished flavours, Chambers Cocktail Company has a drink to suit all tastes.
Nothing summons up the image of elegant glamour more succinctly than a cocktail.
Whether it's James Bond's Vodka Martini (shaken, not stirred and let's not forget his Vesper Martinis, Old Fashioneds, Americanos, Mojitos and Stingers) or Joan Crawford throwing silver gin in the face of her lover in 1941's Wages of Sin, cocktails are the supermodels of the drinks menu, the peacocks of the alcohol world.
Chambers Cocktail Company is the new venture from Norwich publicans Nick and Briony De'Ath who have teamed up with experienced bar tender Matt Saunders to create a sophisticated venue a stone's throw from the bars and restaurants of Tombland on Wensum Street.
With classic styling, luxurious seating and booths, the former Lawyer pub has been transformed into a drinking palace with just a touch of the speakeasy about it – refurbished with local company Warings, which specialises in hand-built furniture at its Norfolk factory, it's filled with supple leathers, tactile velvet, warm wood and cool marble set against midnight blue walls with pops of colour: canary yellow chairs and raspberry pink panels.
The menu reflects the show-stopping glamour: hand-crafted cocktails featuring innovative syrups, shrubs and cordials and garnished with imaginative delicacies are on offer in addition to an array of craft and traditional beers on draught, a well-stocked wine list, a bar packed with the best spirits from around the world and an ever-changing selection of bottled and canned craft beers from new and innovative brewers.
From the cocktail menu, try Beets by Dre, (Element 29 vodka, beetroot shrub, lime juice and ginger ale), How Tequila Negroni (Espolon Blanco, Martini Extra Dry, Cointreau Blood Orange and Orange Bitters), Barbin' for Apples (Warner Edwards Gin, rhubarb syrup, Liquor 43, lemon juice and apple juice), Pinky Blinders (Boxer Gin, raspberry syrup, Chambord, soured hibiscus, lemon juice and egg white – my favourite) or Mad Ting (Ketel One Citron Vodka, pampelle, grapefruit juice and lemon juice).
And if you're feeling fruity, Highline with its Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Blackdown Elderberry Port, Dolin Rouge and blackberry syrup might hit the sweet spot while the Amalfi (Limoncello, Boxer Gin, lemon juice, lemon verbena syrup and lemon bitters) comes complete with its own home-made lemon tart balanced on top.
The growing list of cocktails are all made in-house to order by Matt and manager Alfi Shipp. Matt and his team (Alfi, Angharad, Ellie and Kyle) have trained and worked together in some of the countries most exclusive bars and hotels. Their passion for their products comes across in every single drink they serve – there are definitely no half-measures for these bartenders.
After nine years in the business creating bespoke cocktails, training bartenders and opening and running bars, the team is ready to bring a whole new cocktail experience to Norwich.
'We all share the belief that a perfectly made cocktail or perfectly poured pint is essential. Our customers can expect to receive top-class, knowledgeable service in a stunning environment. We are passionate about the beauty of carefully considered blends, assembled with care and attention,' said Matt.
Chambers Cocktail Company will be open daily from 3pm until late and reservations can be taken for small groups while larger groups can hire the snug. And there's great news for anyone working in the hospitality industry – all industry staff from the city (bring a recent payslip to confirm that you work at a restaurant or bar in Norwich) can receive 30 per cent off their drinks every Sunday from 3pm to 12am. Cheers to that!
* Chambers Cocktail Company is at 12-14 Wensum Street in Norwich, www.chamberscocktailcompany.co.uk, open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday from 3pm to 11pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 3pm to 12am and Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 1.30am, 01603 633122.
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