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Newcastle city centre leisure boom to continue with launch of The GIN Bar

Newcastle City Centre’s flourishing leisure scene will have a new addition later this summer when a new cocktail bar opens in the newly-developed Stephenson Quarter, behind Central Station.

The GIN Bar will be based on the ground floor of the new, eagerly awaited Crowne Plaza hotel, although will be open to the public as well as hotel guests.

The bar will specialise in gin-based Martinis and customers will be able to engineer their own Martini from an impressive menu with around 23,000 different combinations, whilst craft beers and boutique wines will also be available.

New bar manager Gary French, 34, will bring over 15 years of experience in the drinks industry to the destination bar.He said: “I’m excited to be working with such a great team and look forward to our opening in late summer.

“We will be focusing on offering the best customer experience, helping our guests to discover and invent their perfect Martini from a choice of around 30 gins and an extensive list of vermouths, garnishes and cocktail production methods. Simply put, we will offer drinks that are perfectly balanced to individual taste.”

The GIN Bar will have a classic feel that gives a nod to the industrial heritage which its location is renowned for – the bar is a short walk from the historic Stephenson Works that was home to the Robert Stephenson and Co. Locomotive Works, the crucible of the railway industry, where the revolutionary Rocket was built in 1829.

“From the invention of drinks to the design of our menus, the theme acknowledges the impressive industrial history that Newcastle, and particularly the Stephenson Quarter, is famous for.

“We’ve added our own twist with retro bar equipment, newspaper-style, disposable menus and elegant glassware along with refillable cocktail hip flasks.”

The GIN Bar will follow the contemporary and stylish designs of the adjoining Crowne Plaza® Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter hotel which will also open its doors in late summer.

Crowne Plaza Newcastle Food and Beverage Manager Paul Walker said: “When deciding on the general ethos of The GIN bar we wanted something that would be attractive to both our business guests who need a casual yet elegant space to relax after a busy day; as well as local people who would visit the bar for something unique and different.

“We are hoping to work with a few local producers including Jack Cains, Lakelands Gin, Durham Distillery and Masons Yorkshire Gin, to support the local businesses and ensure that only the finest drinks reach our customers.

The GIN Bar will also offer signature G&Ts, traditional non-gin cocktails and a selection of small plates and sharing platters from the hotel’s brasserie Hawthorns.

Paul added: “Initially we’ll have around 30 gins with regular guest gins, but we’re also hoping to work with one of the local distilleries to create our own bespoke gin.”

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