REVIEW
Anne-Marie O’Donnell gets a taste for
The Nuthatch in Stockton.
You’d be nuts
to miss this
T
ucked away in the corner of The
Wasp’s Nest Yard in the heart of
Stockton’s historic quarter, The
Nuthatch was our post-work
destination for a Friday evening, and we
were more than just a little excited to see
what this relatively recent branch of cocktail
heaven had to offer.
Meandering though the labyrinth of
narrow lanes between the High Street and
the River Tees, things were already on the
right foot. We walked into the courtyard and
were pleasantly surprised at the mecca of
trendy bars which greeted us as people sat
enjoying al fresco drinks.
As we stepped into the intimate bar
around 6pm, a friendly staff member
promptly showed us to a candlelit table set
against a backdrop of exposed brickwork,
low-hung bulbs and beautiful green foliage
which draped the interior walls.
Straight away this Nuthatch branch feels
like it has more of a laidback atmosphere
compared to its Middlesbrough counterpart
- the type of gem you stumble across on
holiday and keep going back to.
As each table started filling up, I eagerly
skimmed through the cocktail list before a
very knowledgeable mixologist came over
to explain that the menu featured a twist on
some classics but mainly offered in-house
specials created by the Nuthatch team.
First up I tried A Blaze of Glory – an
interesting mix of ingredients including rum,
Grand Marnier, candyfloss syrup, pineapple
and cinnamon. It tasted tropical but with a
warming hint of Christmas (I think it was
the spice!). My guest chose Taste of Paris, an
elegant yet potent mix of cognac, champagne
and demerara sugar which, according to the
menu, was the tipple of choice at the opening
of the Eiffel Tower in 1889.
We were clearly well into the swing of
things when I opted for the Mango and
Chilli Mojito. All the usual suspects were
there, but I couldn’t quite get the taste of
mango, though there was no mistaking
the spicy kick. One to try if you’re feeling
adventurous.
Next up was the dreamy Salted Karamel
White Russian. The blend of caramel, sea
salt, Kahlua and rosemary (it works!) is
divine.
The cocktail menu oozes originality and
each colourful creation, from the berry-
laden Copper Rose - a ruby red take on the
Woo Woo - to the stunning Lilac Lavender
Martini, is created with precis ion and
passion.
Aside from cocktails, the choice of
speciality gins, rum, wines and bottled craft
beer is extensive. We tried a Silent Pool gin
served with tonic, a slice of orange and some
pretty flowers. We weren’t disappointed.
Opening just eight months after their
flagship on Middlesbrough’s Bedford Street,
things are looking good for The Nuthatch
and their talented team who promise to
introducing more new drinks in the autumn.
The vibrant Stockton bar is an excellent
choice for weekend drinks (open Friday–
Sunday from 5pm till late), but book a table
in advance and be willing to pay anything
between £7 and £15 for a cocktail. Worth
every penny? Absolutely.
Summer Fizz
Matt from The Nuthatch in Stockton
has created a simple ‘Summer Fizz’
Cocktail to make at home.
Head to The Nuthatch website for the
full recipe at www.the-nuthatch.co.uk
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