Beverley’s dining scene is back on track after the lockdown. Some of our most special places like the Pig & Whistle, the Beverley Arms, and Whites, with its 9-course tasting menu, are open for business again. Not to mention, the legendary Westwood Restaurant all offering a unique dining experience.
But what about something equally unique to drink? Maybe, a cocktail? Beverley has a plethora of places to sample a well-mixed vermouth or a sparkling spritzer and we had intended to create a longer list of cocktails from around Beverley. However, after just a few our chief taster did not really seem in full control of their notebook and pen. So, our list has just three, but we think they are three of the best.
But first, a question. Why are cocktails so special and loved by so many? Is it that each cocktail is an individual creation and made before your eyes? A cocktail doesn’t exist until you order it, usually by some elaborate name.
And there is room for improvisation. I knew a barman, whose attitude to cocktails was the same as mine is to baking. Whatever the recipe says, double it. He was popular. He called himself a mixologist rather than a barman, proclaiming the art of mixing, as much as the ingredients, is what makes for a great drink.
And for the romantics amongst us, a cocktail more than that. It’s a mixture of art and memory. The crisp internal decor of a fine crystal glass refracting light, ice, fruit and boozy tones is timeless. They order a Gin Rickey and they are drinking with Mr Jay Gatsby. A champagne cocktail and Marilyn is at their side. Shout for a bloody Mary and across the room, there is John F Kennedy in a beautiful white dinner jacket.
Anyway, back to reality, with all that is going on in our local eateries we wanted to bring to the town’s attention the vast array of cocktails available. However, as we have said, sampling them all would have been a health hazard and probably bankrupted this little website. So just for pure enjoyment, here are three absolute greats of the Beverley cocktail scene that you simply must try. Beyond that, don’t be shy to get out there and support our wonderful night-time economy.
The Champaign Cocktail at the Westwood Restaurant
This dream of a drink is simple and magical. Served with a quietly fizzing sugar cube over which is poured champagne and cognac. The Westwood serve it chilled but without ice and quite rightly so, for although ice prolongs the chill it does so at a cost to taste. This drink is a native of Paris, so if it’s romance you seek, well, off you go to The Westwood and order one. A very special drink, possibly the very best in Beverley.
What also makes this drink special, is the little known but very beautiful bar at the top of the Westwood Restaurant. A lovely sophisticated environment with superb service for before or after your meal or for just a late-night tipple.
The Woodford, Old Fashioned at the Beverley Arms
This simple drink is an old favourite for many. Its curious name refers to both the way it is served (in a whisky glass) and its deep historical roots. Said to be the invention of the famous Kentucky bartender James. E . Pepper of Louisville in 1880. Anything old is very much at home at the Beverley Arms that goes back to the time of Cromwell.
The drink is simple fine Kentucky bourbon, ice and orange peel with (we suspect) a touch syrup. This is a beautiful and simple drink.
Even in this day and age, it’s very clear that some modern cocktails are, by their name, (we all know them) aimed at women. This is very much a man’s cocktail however. It is not so much ‘sex on the beach’, it is more ‘sitting, dignified in a chesterfield armchair’. If smoking were allowed, a cigar would be taken from your top pocket and the maitre de hotel would be on hand to light it for you. As they left you to it, you would take a sip of Old Fashioned as cigar smoke billowed above your head like a steam engine. Okay, we have slightly strayed from reality again here, but you get the picture. Please don’t smoke inside.
Enjoy this drink in the history of this incredible Beverley Arms, a jewel in the crown of our town, now fully restored to perfection.
Pineapple Daiquiri at the Pig & Whistle
And finally, it’s over to the exquisite Pig & Whistle for something both elegant and exotic. A classically built Daiquiri served very cold. Many believe the Daiquiri to be a wholly American invention. In fact, unlike many drinks, its origins can be pinned exactly to a recipe card from Cuba in 1896. Here the master mixologists at the ‘pint size’ neighbourhood bistro use quality 3-year-old white rum, ginger and lime to create what has to be one of the finest drinks on offer in the town. Perfect before, during or after some tapas. Don’t be afraid to book at the Pig & Whistle, it’s bigger than you think inside, and in terms of quality and experience, it’s a giant.
There are so many great places to enjoy cocktail in Beverley, pubs, restaurants and bars in our wonderful night time economy. Tell us what you like!
What do you think?
If you have a favourite Cocktail from the Beverley scene, or if you are a bar or restaurant that want to highlight something special on your drinks menu, please get in touch for future articles.
Very good writing that