It's no secret that the food industry is changing, and while taste is still a main priority, patrons of bars and restaurants worldwide are now looking for an experience. Whether the experience is authentic, themed or worthy of the most elite social media profiles, the pressure on restaurants to keep their guests happy is at an all-time high. One restaurant that really got it right was the United Kingdom's own 'The Alchemist.' With a food menu to please all tastes and a crafty cocktail menu, 'The Alchemist' understood the assignment.
Before arriving in Scotland, 'The Alchemist' was on the itinerary. With locations dotted across the UK, I knew it was a must-try. With a mysterious ambiance that joins science and magic, the restaurant dazzles patrons from the moment they walk through the door. I was wowed by the George Square location in Glasgow, but I have full confidence that all locations are just as jaw dropping.
I entered 'The Alchemist' just before noon for an early afternoon experience without a reservation, and my friend and I were accommodated right away. Walking in, the lengthy bar was the restaurant's focal point and the energetic hub of the area. The bar was stocked with an excellent collection of ingredients, and was both clean and organized. The moment I walked through the door, I was excited to order.
We were seated by a friendly hostess with a full menu, drink menu and brunch menu to choose from. The menus looked incredible and it was difficult to choose a meal and a drink, so we opted for their brunch for the chance to sample a few of their specialty cocktails. Their brunch deal is an incredible option, offering one brunch dish and three cocktails for £30 (approximately $38 USD). It was a great option for us, and we ended up ordering quite a few cocktails.
Our waitress, Tadhg was amazing, and gave us excellent recommendations. If you are not quite sure what you want to try, the staff is all very friendly and happy to help you decide. Tadhg helped us find cocktails that suited our personal preferences and made our entire experience enjoyable. While she was particularly awesome, all staff was quick, attentive and friendly which made our afternoon at 'The Alchemist' pleasant and comfortable.
For our dishes, my friend ordered the toffee crisp pancake stack and I ordered the chicken and waffles. Her pancakes were fluffy and sweet with touches of toffee, passionfruit, white chocolate and a flavorful miso butterscotch. As for my chicken, it was perfectly cooked and tender with a sesame maple glaze and served on toasted waffles. Both dishes were flavorful and filling, but all dishes on the menu looked equally incredible. It was difficult to settle on one!
Cocktails were the majority of our order, as it was difficult to watch the crafty concoctions pass our table without trying them. For my first brunch cocktail, I ordered 'The Bubble Bath' which was a Tanqueray cocktail mixed with fruity flavors and a touch of fairy liquid that made the drink bubble to life in front of my eyes. My friend started off with a true classic, an Aperol spritz that looked lovely. The drinks were amazing, but I do have to warn you of one downfall: posting the drinks on social media may result in a ton of likes, so be prepared for a busy inbox!
Enter round two. Our second brunch cocktails arrived as we enjoyed our meal and were equally impressive. With her pancakes, my travel companion opted for a 'Big Baby Guinness' which is a coffee-based vodka cocktail with a Guinness reduction, topped with an amazing Baileys foam to make the cocktail look like a small pour of Guinness. It was a beautiful and original take on a coffee cocktail. Amazed by the theater of my first drink, I chose the 'Lightbulb Moment' cocktail to compliment my meal. With more gin, Pimms, and bright spring flavors, the drink was a highlight of the day.
Once our dishes and our second round of cocktails were cleared, it was time for our third - yet not so final - round of drinks. My friend opted for a theatrical cocktail ordering the 'Color Changing One' and I indulged in a 'Raspberry Ripple' to keep with my fruity theme. Tadhg helped me choose my third beverage knowing that I wasn't interested in anything with too much sweetness, and she hit the nail on the head because the drink was perfectly suited to my taste.
After brunch we thought we were ready to get the check and move on with our day, but we were stopped when a neighboring table ordered a drink for two that looked more like a mad science project than a cocktail. We knew we needed to try it and Tadhg noticed our interest and came over straight away. She told us all about the 'Mad Hatter's Tea,' a warm cocktail for two that is brewed and infused at the table. I've never been sold on something faster in my lifetime. We ordered it and the presentation was immaculate. With fresh fruits and herbs, a touch of science, a touch of magic, and a pour of vodka, Tadhg bubbled up a twisted tea party for two. The glittering drink was both a performance and a delight.
It's hard to look at the menu and say 'no' at 'The Alchemist' so we finished off our afternoon strong with one more craft cocktail. To finish off her sweet afternoon, my friend settled on the delicious 'Disco Sour' drink featuring a scientific convection tube. I settled on 'The Legal One,' a smoking gin cocktail served in a bong for added flare. Both were a delicious end to our afternoon.
'The Alchemist' ticks all of the boxes when I think of the ultimate dining experience, and the entire operation runs smoothly. From interesting ambiance and attentive staff to delicious bites and show-stopping cocktails, 'The Alchemist' really nailed it! With locations in Birmingham, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oxford and Portsmouth, there is absolutely no excuse for you to skip this experience if you are in the UK!
By far, one of the best dining experiences I've had in Scotland, 'The Alchemist' should be on your itinerary.
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