NEWS
Hideaway – Steel River Drinks ’ founder Jay Byers in the distillery ’ s unique Speakeasy Bar .
As we kick off the festive season , Steel River Drinks has the perfect venue for your office party or corporate celebration …
Let the fun beGIN !
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : TOM BANKS
The office Christmas party is going upmarket .
From his secret Speakeasy Bar on Stockton ’ s Portrack Lane Industrial Estate , Steel River Drinks founder Jay Byers has created the perfect space to indulge in the region ’ s best-known artisan drinks brand , take a tour , enjoy some homemade food , and let your hair down to fantastic live music .
All this and a gin quiz with special prizes and the chance to listen to the charismatic Jay telling his story , the history of gin , showing you how he makes it , and giving you the chance to taste the liquor in its raw state ( beware , it ’ s potent stuff !).
Jay ’ s party nights have been going down a storm throughout the year , promising a great atmosphere and a classy way to celebrate a special occasion among like-minded gin connoisseurs .
Several Teesside firms have already booked up the whole venue – which seats 44 – as a staff treat , although there are still some spaces left to enjoy a very unique evening .
The Speakeasy Bar lies in a secret part of the Steel River distillery , tucked away in an industrial unit behind B & Q .
From its unprepossessing exterior , there is always a gasp of surprise when guests enter the unique drinking den with its sumptuous leather Chesterfields , woodpanelled walls and eclectic artwork . Think 1930s ’ Prohibition speakeasy meets gothic Victorian gin parlour !
There ’ s also a bar and a performance space for the range of local talent Jay lines up to entertain his guests .
Party nights have already been scheduled into 2023 , so for those who prefer a late festive celebration , you can still join in the fun in the New Year . And the venue is available to hire for any occasion throughout the year .
You could also opt to try Jay ’ s Gin School , where up to 20 people can take a tour of the distillery , have a go at making
The perfect corporate Christmas gift
Looking for a corporate Christmas gift that epitomises the essence of our region ? Or perhaps you fancy treating yourself or a loved one ? Then you can ’ t go wrong with one of Steel River Drinks ’ festive gins .
Winter ’ s Embrace was a favourite last Christmas and is back again with another flavour profile . It ’ s still the perfect Teesside dry gin , but also features citrus , spices , frankincense and foraged botanicals such as mulberries and holly .
You can buy a 70ml bottle , which includes the trademark Steel River gin flask containing sloe gin , for £ 34.95 , or a presentation box set with two goblets for £ 59.95 featuring Snow on the Tees , an original artwork by renowned Teesside artist Mackenzie Thorpe . Snow on the Tees shows the Transporter Bridge and a father and daughter embracing while sitting on a jetty overlooking the Steel River .
their own gin and even take a bottle home . Perfect for team bonding with a difference !
Whether hiring the whole Speakeasy , or coming along to an amazing party night , you can find out more about all the live events Steel River Drinks has planned , and you can also book , at steelriverdrinks . com / live-events
Want the ultimate corporate gin gift ? Let Steel River Drinks make your very own company gin for you . With minimum order quantities of just 24 , they will design the artwork and make a gin just to your liking . Wow your staff with a bottle of gin they ' ll never forget !
Products are available online or from the Steel River Drinks shop at Unit E , Lustrum Park , Ascot Drive , Stockton , TS18 2QQ , where you will also find a full selection of Steel River merchandise . Opening times are Monday to Friday 8.30am-6pm and Saturday 9.30am to 6pm . For bespoke gins , email Jay on Jay @ steelriverdrinks . com .
steelriverdrinks . com | Facebook : @ steelriverdrinks | Instagram : @ steelriver _ jay | LinkedIn : @ jaybyers | Twitter : @ Jay _ SteelRiver The voice of business in the Tees region | 165