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!
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