It's the most wonderful time of the year - and for some of us, a great festive cocktail can only make it better
1. The Somerset, Ilminster
The Somerset is a cocktail wine bar in Ilminster, designed and built by Mark Cresswell and Alice Temperley. The bar is phase two of the couple’s transformation of a derelict factory into a creative hub, Phoenix Studios, which houses Alice’s shops, design and textile studios.
Guests have the option of sitting in the stylish bar or, if the weather permits, there is an ‘al fresco’ option with a cobbled mews style courtyard, and from spring 2023 there will also be a roof terrace draft bar.
The Somerset’s resident mixologist, Tom Powell, has designed an exciting menu of premium Signature Cocktails, alongside a range of Classic Cocktails. Throughout December, in addition to Christmas festivities, there will be the regular Open Mic and Quiz Nights, as well as a Wine & Cheese evening to launch their revamped in-house Wine Off License - somewhere to find sommelier-selected wines for all occasions.
2. Bar 501, Shepton Mallet
Bar 501 is an Art Deco cocktail bar situated in the Market Place, in the heart of Shepton Mallet. The bar offers an extensive drinks list including bespoke cocktails and mocktails designed in-house, promising some innovative festive specials to put you in the Christmas spirit, although the experienced bar staff are well versed and will happily create a Classic Cocktail on request.
For gin fanatics, Bar 501 also stocks over 100 gins from around the world with some intriguing names for the more adventurous including Sweet Potato Lavender and Copper in the Clouds Flower Bomb. Sometimes the gin and cocktails come together in a glorious match made in heaven, for instance the CVDS cocktail is made from locally distilled Chew Valley Gin, lemon juice, grenadine and an elderflower tonic foam.
This striking venue will be in full festive mode in December so keep a look out for their Christmas events.
3. Flow Bar Frome, Frome
Flow Bar Frome is part of an award-winning bar group and is located in a renovated Georgian building at 8 The Bridge, overlooking the River Frome.
Perfect timing for some Christmas sparkle, this winter sees the launch of The Gold Bar, situated on the first floor, complete with 24-carat gold leaf applied from floor to ceiling.
An innovative seasonal cocktail menu has been put together incorporating locally-sourced ingredients where possible. This winter’s offering includes The Midas Touch gold shot, a glittering toffee vodka shot that forms part of a special edition cocktail list. It promises to transport you somewhere exotic: ‘think Tiki glasses, a flower wall installation, neon memes and some opulent additions.’
Pictured is the new White Gold Salted Caramel Espresso Martini with a Midas Touch shot. Sounds delicious.
To make those parties go with a swing, The Gold Bar will also be available for private hire and for hosting cocktail masterclasses.
4. On the Rocks, Cheddar
On the Rocks, a cocktail bar established post-pandemic in 2022, is situated at the heart of Cheddar’s gorge at 2 The Cliffs.
It prides itself on its cocktail menu and range of spirits from around the world, brought to life by the fun, quirky vibe that this bar delivers, from the décor to the staff uniforms. This winter guests can expect a ‘relaxed ski lodge aesthetic’, creating a cosy atmosphere with a touch of Christmas magic. Everything will be in place ready for the village’s ‘festive night’ which takes place on December 7.
Even though it’s early days for the bar, it has already become quite a hub for locals with weekly karaoke nights, venue hire including a private karaoke room, and a ‘bring your own’ food policy. For the ‘ultimate bar experience’, there are also Cocktail Making events – there’s an idea to put on the Christmas present list.
5. The Graze Bar, Portishead
Another newcomer to the scene, The Graze Bar opened in September this year and boasts a coveted, water’s edge position in Portishead Marina.
The concept is to serve luxury sharing, cheese and charcuterie ‘grazing boards’ alongside a wide range of innovative cocktails and mocktails. The venture has sprung from a career change for owner Carly Bryer who started creating the platters as a takeaway option when everyone was homebound during the first lockdown.
Having outgrown her kitchen, she was delighted to come across the stunning premises in Portishead which has allowed her to not only grow the business but also to take it in a different direction by pairing with cocktails. The result is a family-friendly bar and restaurant during the day, and an ‘over 18s only’ policy for after 7pm.
Guests can expect grazing platters and a cocktail list designed for the festive season, plus a very glamorous location for a Christmas party.
