The Daisy Manchester
The Daisy NQ is a bar that offers Parisian inspired subterranean cocktails & late night escapism. Located right underneath Evelyn’s (one of my fave restaurants in the city), its the perfect spot for a few after-dinner cocktails or some weekend drinks. It definitely has speakeasy style vibes, but despite being tucked away, its definitely a popular bar so bookings are recommended.
The Daisy have recently re-vamped their menu, so I was excited to try some of the new offerings as I hadn’t visited in a while.
The New Menu
As well as some of the much loved drinks and brand new Daisy Classics there’s a particular section of the new menu I went to try, which is based on The Peeling of the Daisy.
A game of French origin, where the player recites the rhyme:
He loves me He loves me not,
He loves me a little He loves me a lot,
He loves me passionately, He loves me madly, He loves me not at all.
Traditionally played by plucking the petals of a daisy whilst reciting this; the line spoken when the final petal is plucked determines not just if, but how, the object of their desire returns their affection. The new Daisy menu is a nod to this French game and the sentiments are embodied by each drink in turn.
The Cocktails
First up we tried the Pas du Tout (Not at all) – Strawberry Yoghurt Washed Banhez, Mezcal, Ocho Blanco Tequila, Rhubarb, Coconut (£12) and the Paloma – Buttered Ocho Blanco Tequila, Yuzu Sake, Fino Sherry, Vetiver, Grapefruit, Co2 (£11). I love a Paloma, and this one was exceptional. However, the Pas du Tout was my favourite cocktail of the night. Its dangerously delicious, with the strawberry yogurt giving a really fruity flavour, but the Mexcal and Tequila still come through, so its not sickly at all. It was so good that we were tempted to order this one again, but reminded ourselves that we were there to actually try a few from the menu, so picked some others as our next drinks.
Our second round consisted of the A La Folie (To Madness) – Tanqueray, Poppy Seed Liqueur, Elderflower, Vanilla, Cava (£12) and the Long Beach – Takamaka Coconut Rum, Ocho Blanco
Tequila, Hand Pressed Pineapple, Burnt Sugar Syrup, Espelette (£10.5). The A La Folie is for those who love some fun in their cocktail. The glass comes placed on a bowl with a smoking rosemary sprig, which unleashes as you lift the glass. I was intrigued by the poppy seed liqueur mostly, which isn’t a prominent flavour, but the overall taste of the drink was again, delicious. The Long Beach is one who like sweet and strong. Something I’d definitely order again and one that I’m sure most would easily see off without question.
And Finally
As you can probably tell, both The Daisy and Evelyn’s are at the top of my list for favourite places. I know a few of my friends have already been too after hearing me bang on about it so much. Honestly, the experience is faultless, and the food and drinks are all incredible. The staff are some of the best in Manchester and that always makes such a difference to my experience too. If you aren’t already sick of hearing about it from me, I’ll be doing another post soon about some more of the dishes at Evelyn’s. (Obviously I went back as soon as I had the chance. I just had to try out the rest of the menu.)
In the meantime, book The Daisy here and Evelyn’s here. Definitely visit both. I promise you won’t regret it.
LL x
*This was a gifted visit. As ever, all opinions are my own.
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