COCKTAILS WITH MORE THAN A FESTIVE SPIRIT

With no sign to mark its existence and a hidden staircase behind its closed door, although its sounds like a cliché, is one of the city’s best kept  secrets. It also boasts one of the largest Christmas cocktail menus in the city.

Pass through the huge door and up the very old polished staircase and all is revealed – The Maven – a stylish and decadent cocktail bar for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the best that mixologists can offer.

The Maven is situated in Call Lane in one of the oldest parts of the city and was built around 1851. This building is a piece of Leeds’s history with its stained glass windows, polished wood floors and dark panels and leather upholstered seating.

The Maven is one of the few bars to have a Cocktail Tasting Menu and has done one especially for Christmas

The concoctions are all part of the world of mixologist Calum, who has spent nearly 13 years travelling the world and picked up some of these unusual mixes en route. The titles are amazing as are the ingredients and the menu describes each one in detail.

“All the cocktails are about Xmas things and I have put them into cocktails. There are cocktails suiting the classic taste and those who like to go for something a bit more exotic.”

Callum has also created a cocktail tasting menu for New Years Eve of the many special cocktails they have on offer there “Again they are inspired by ingredients and themes from around the world.

Callum took us through the tasting menu and explained his inspiration for the drinks.

Christmas Morning – Aperol/Fresh Squeezed Clementine Juice/Prosecco/Chocolate Orange

“Imagine waking up  first thing on Christmas morning as a child and looking at your stocking under the tree. Your were sure to find a chocolate orange and a clementine. This is our adults only version of this Christmas morning ritual with prosecco” Verdict: Refreshing and very Moorish.

Berry Christmas – Haymans Slow Gin Raspberry Blackberry and Cranberry Sauce

“This is berries, berries and more berries. I have used Christmas favourites of sloe gin and cranberry sauce to create this easy drinking cocktail.” Verdict: Sharpe and flavoursome

Bermudan Christmas Storm – Gosling Black Seal Rum Ginger Pedro Xlminez Citrus and Stormy

“A take on dark and stormy with a lick of Christmas spirit with the addition of my home made Christmas pudding syrup. Verdict: A warming drink that is refreshing with a sweet and sour taste that really has a kick to it.

Candy Cane Punch – Slingsby Rhubarb Gin Strawberry Mint Fresh Cream

“This is another stocking filler classic. I took my inspiration from the candy cane. The Yorkshire Rhubarb gin swims in the strawberry and mint liqueurs alongside fresh cream. The perfect finish to your tasting menu” Verdict: A little too sweet for my male colleague but the perfect girlie cocktail for me in both looks and flavour.

There were two other cocktails on the menu Mince Pie Mai Tai with Appleton & Jamaican Rum Almond Mince Pie and Citrus and Apply Strudel  with Absolut Vanilla Vodka Raisins Cinamon Press Apple and Citrus   both  absolute heaven in a glass and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas Spirit.

However we  had to try a Christmas Cocktail from the ordinary menu.

I opted for the Black Forest Negroni. This had Monkey 47 Gin/Chocolate Wine/Campari and Cherry. On ordering I was a little worried about the chocolate wine but I need not have been. I hardly knew it was there. Negroni is my favourite cocktail and I was not disappointed with this right to the last drop. It still had the unique Negroni Taste and the Campari taste, that I love, came through. A sharp drink that did not disappoint.

My colleague’s Gingerbread Old Fashion with Makers Mark Bourbon, Gingerbread Syrup and Angostura Bitters was “to die for”. There was a strong taste of Bourbon and it was the most warming cocktail you could ever imagine. The Gingerbread Syrup was not overpowering – the perfect drink for a cold winters night.

The Maven 1 Call Lane, Leeds LS1 7DH. Open weekdays 17.00 to 2.00am – Friday/Saturday 17.00-3.00

www.themavenbar.com