Tees Life Tees Life issue 3 | Page 21

REVIEW The Artizan's new cocktail menu features The Cinderella, served in a glass shoe bottle. M iddlesbrough’s food and drink scene is going through an exciting period of change. And the town’s newest cocktail bar really is something to write home about. Set on Roman Road in leafy Linthorpe, The Artizan impresses from the moment you step through the door, thanks to the warm and friendly atmosphere provided by the staff and the industrial, yet cosy feel of the bar. Exposed brickwork is set against varnished benches and cushions, while dim lighting complements the rose gold and steel fittings. On arrival, the bar staff explained it was table service and we got about getting to grips with an extensive menu as the place filled with a brilliant Friday night buzz. On first thoughts, the location could be classed as a bit of a gamble. It's close enough to the town centre but still probably too far to walk, especially if you've had a couple of their Long Island Iced Teas (the best ever, according to my drinking partner). However, investment opportunities on the outskirts of other town centres has proved to work well - could Linthorpe be the new Jesmond? - and more is planned in the area, so it could be a very good move indeed. To refer to The Artizan as simply another cocktail bar would do the place an injustice. The owners and bar staff have a vision that’s refreshingly forward-thinking in terms of experimental ingredient combinations and visually stunning drinks. But what’s really unique about The Artizan – along with the imaginative décor - is that the cocktail menu Cocktail O’Clock Anne-Marie O’Donnell pays a visit to Teesside’s newest gin and cocktail bar, The Artizan features a number of concoctions inspired by Teesside’s history and industrial heritage. The Transporter, a blue drink (obviously) made of ingredients including Tanqueray gin, Havana Club rum, Bols Blue Curacao, proved to be a delicious reminder of the legacy of Ironopolis. Meanwhile, The Bottle of Notes is a passionfruit and Sailor Jerry’s-based cocktail served in a medicine-style bottle, complete with a handwritten note and a cloud-like pollution which billows out when opened, giving the drink a fruity yet smoky taste. The Chemical Circus is a potent mix of Courvoisier, absinthe and soda, while Tijuana to Tee sside is a fiery and tangy Mexican-inspired drink made from Olmeca tequila, lime and agave, finished with a jalapeno. Caribbean Blue Blazer is the showstopper. Described on the menu as “Tikifire rum, orange, pineapple, Falernum flamed, thrown and shaken in style”, blue flashes of fire erupted and were then poured out to create a tropical-style drink that is a must for any rum lover. We were also treated to a sample from The Artizan’s new menu. The Cinderella came served in a glass shoe bottle – which made it a winner regardless of taste - but the incredible mix of ingredients tasted like apple pie and ice cream. It will be a sure-fire favourite for those with a sweet tooth. We ended on some refreshing gins, of which there were plenty to choose from. Edinburgh Cannonball, King of Soho and 6 O’Clock Gin are just a selection. The Artizan staff have all been trained in gin-tasting and are more than happy to explain each choice and suggest the perfect mixer. Draught - literally served on tap from the walls - includes Blue Moon, Peroni and Urquell, while bottles are available too, as are wines, champagnes and cider. Drinks and cocktails are reasonably priced (from around £6 to £9 each) and opening hours are from 4pm Monday to Friday and from midday Saturday and Sunday. Booking ahead is recommended. The concept of The Artizan encompasses excellent craftsmanship, vision and a lot of Teesside passion. I can’t wait to head back! 21