In the heart of the city’s creative district is an understated, late night bar I have just fallen in love with, and it’s called The Daisy.
With inspiration taken from the Pigalle district of Paris as well as Los Angeles and the inspired cocktail culture of NYC, the bar is a vision in monochrome tiles, mid-century furniture, plush fabrics and jewel tones.
Situated underneath Evelyn’s, which is a much-loved hipster spot in its own right, the bar is certainly an extension of the all-day restaurant upstairs, but with its own personality. The Daisy, in essence, is Evelyn’s late-night alter ego.
I headed down on a Friday evening and was pleasantly surprised that this edgy little bar welcomes a nice crowd of people to enjoy a chilled drink against the lively buzz of house, hip hop disco and funk.
I was charmed by the Parisian-inspired sophistication with the combination of the stunning, intimate interior, cultured crowd and some truly special drinks offerings.
Speaking of the drinks, in true Pigalle style, The Daisy is famous for their martinis as well as other French spirits like chartreuse, calvados, cognac and even absinthe complete with the traditional fountain.
On top of an impressive wine list which boasts a selection of natural and biodynamic wines, they focus on a little French drink called Crémant which, I think, knocks Champagne out of the park.
First of all, it is what the French call any sparkling wine which isn’t from the Champagne region – which means it doesn’t come with the hefty price tag. It is full of character, yet because it hasn’t been aged as long of Champagne, it’s light both in colour and taste.
Sure enough, the Crémant positively flows at The Daisy like a Gatsby party – and I certainly couldn’t get enough.
Alongside this is a beautifully curated menu of cocktails. The namesake drink ‘The Daisy’ is one of the most delicious drinks I have had the pleasure of sampling. It takes Finlandia vodka and combines it with the floral notes of bergamot rosolio, grapefruit and lemon for tartness.
Finally, in a last act of theatre, this drink comes with a puff of rosemary smoke which adds a whole new dimension of flavour to the experience, and certainly something you’ve probably never tried before.
From that initial aperitif to something deeper as it gets later, there is something for every moment – all loaded with that certain je ne sais quoi which had me hooked.
In the day, The Daisy acts as a private co-working space. This provides the perfect location to work remotely or have a meeting in a beautiful relaxed interior while enjoying a complimentary cup of delicious Ozone coffee or tea by The Rare Tea Co.
After dark, it opens its doors to everyone and transforms seamlessly into an esoteric subterranean cocktail and wine bar in the very heart of the lively and vibrant creative hub of the Northern Quarter.
The Daisy is open for drinks Wednesday-Friday from 5 pm until late and from 10 am on the weekends. For information about co-working or bookings head to the website here.
The Daisy, 44 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA
