Made in Camden – catering for crowds and locals alike

Situated within The Roundhouse, one of London’s most important centres for culture, Made in Camden undoubtedly succeeds in the difficult task of living up to the  iconic status of its location. Yet the bar and restaurant does not merely cater for the Roundhouse crowds. Made in Camden also has a distinctively local feel, drawing in a crowd of regulars.

The interior is modern and minimalistic without sacrificing comfort, matching head chef Josh Katz’s adventurous and delicious menu. At the sleek pewter-topped bar, customers can order from a range of locally sourced beers and carefully selected wines. 

It is, however, the ever-changing cocktail menu that provides the bar with its most alluring feature. Although the staff at Made in Camden are happy to serve the classics on request,we recommend trying one of the specially created cocktails, some of which incorporate the unique flavour of Brockmans Gin.

Click below to view our interview with bar manager Mattia.

James

Obsidian, Manchester - a hidden gem

It's always doubly rewarding to discover a new luxurious experience. Obsidian Restaurant & Bar at 24 Princess Street Manchester is one such gem.
It has a beautifully sumptuous feel without being intimidating. The offering is subtle. The décor tells you are somewhere special. The bar team, with Tom Lloyd heading it up, make you feel relaxed. They also offer some truly unique cocktail creations. Further this team are interested in what they are doing. At Obsidian you have no doubt that Tom and his team are engaged in their art. It is a real joy to watch.




Obsidian Restaurant and Bar has been open for 6 years. It is part of the Arora Hotel. The bar and restaurant were refurbished 2 years ago to allow for more space. The atmosphere is relaxed with a mix of cool and professional.





Most people have one thing in common. They are there to enjoy great drinks. The food is terrific too apparently, although we didn't have time for that.





Tom Lloyd, the bar manager, started as a bar back and worked is way up into bar management. You can tell that he enjoys what he does. One of his favourite cocktails at the moment is Brockback Mountain which is made up with the following ingredients and served in a martini glass.

Brockmans Gin,
Antica Formula Vermouth
Mozart Chocolate
Mandarin Napoleon

In keeping with the bar this is a luxuriously smooth taste.

The cocktail menu is both extensive and interesting so make sure you check out Obsidian soon.

Bob

Kronenhalle Bar - A 'must do' experience

Sometimes you come across a bar that has tradition, history, amazing decor, great drinks and a friendly and talented bar team. When you get all of that in abundance, it becomes a 'never to forget' experience.

I found myself in awe of all these things at the Kronenhalle Bar in Ramistrasse in Zurich last week. This a unique bar with exquisite mahogany panelling and marble top tables with legs designed by Diego Giacometti. Art by Picasso, Klee, Tinguely and Miro adorn the walls. The sheer majesty of the surroundings immediately tell you that you are in a special place. .

As you enter you feel like you have entered an expensive antiques shop, unnerved by the feeling that you might knock the odd piece of classic art over. After a while the ambience takes you over and you appreciate that this is a place where people have come to enjoy great drinks.

Then you meet the bar team, with Peter and Christian and their team creating wonderful drinks . Having expected reserved and stuffy tradition, you are greeted by an array of exciting cocktails served by a team that just look delighted to be working there.

Suddenly the art around the bar loses significance. The craft behind it becomes the focal point. Moreover, the decor misleads. This is not a place thats stuck in the past. This is a bar where professionalism and creativity work hand in hand. Peter Roth, a world renowned mixologist served us with a smile. He showed us a great repertoire of cocktails.

Finally we settled on one. 'Olio Nobile' as fine and logically named as it sounds. The name derives from the beautiful Tuscan olive oil that helps create it's delicious, smooth and refreshing taste. The dash of oil helps it go down easily, too easily. This wasnt quite spring or even summer when the drink would be even more appropriate. Even so we enjoyed a few. Our experience was complete except soon afterwards Peter Roth sent us his recipe. A true nobleman, offering a truly noble experience.

Olio Nobile:

4cl Brockmans Gin

1 Scoop Lemon Sorbet

1cl Olio Nobile 'Fruttato' Olive Oil

6cl Orange-Passion Fruit Juice

2 Tablespoons of Crushed Ice

Mix in blender.

Garnish with a Spring of Mint and a Green Olive

Enjoy!

Bob