Below Stairs

Occupying an enviable position on South Parade, this underground cocktail bar gets the crowd buzzing. Combining expert mixologists with the ambience of a friendly local, this is the place to be come Friday night. Set in the basement of a Grade II listed building, Below Stairs is a scene of laid-back elegance: think a white-tiled bar and contemporary artwork standing out in dramatic contrast to the midnight blue walls. Guests are greeted at the door with a complimentary drink, which provides a great chance to sample the team’s latest cocktail creations. Settle down in a comfy armchair to peruse the menu, or ask the talented bartenders what’s on offer.

Brothers Jamie and Manachain Monaghan set up Below Stairs to create a completely immersive experience, with cocktails designed to tell simple emotive or sensory stories. You’ll find innovative cocktail creations like Hanami: inspired by the annual Japanese National Cherry Blossom Festival, Hanami combines Ketel One Vodka, plum and cherry Umeshu cordial, burnt cherry tisane, sour plum and pickled ginger in a confection of perfectly balanced elements. Those looking for more familiar flavour combinations will be pleased to find a range of classics mixed to perfection alongside a choice of six craft beers on tap. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, the wine list is carefully compiled from a number of small vineyards.