The Alchemist

A bedazzling, twinkly space lit in all manner of ways, The Alchemist adds a touch of personality to sterile Spinningfields. Behind the long bar, mixologists take the name of the place seriously – they might not be turning base metals into gold, but they do turn premium spirits into very decent cocktails. The Smokey Old Fashioned, conjured using Woodford Reserve, maple syrup, bitters & a smoke machine, is a favourite for its sheer theatricality, while the white cosmo immerses a frozen white orchid in vodka, St Germain, white grape juice & lemon bitters. Food is less sophisticated – try fajitas, fish & chips or tongue-in cheek-chicken in a basket but the outside terrace is a boon, & in summer they set up a mojito bar for the Spinningfields open-air movie screen.