Review: Fu Manchu Cocktail Making Clapham North

Have you ever seen Cocktail with Tom Cruise? No nor have I. But I’m pretty sure he is a bartender with a penchant for making delicious cocktails in a slick fashion. And it would have probably served me well as research for the cocktail masterclass I attended at Fu Manchu on Tuesday 25th August 2015…

After entering Clapham’s dim sum and cocktail bar and meeting its suave bar staff, it quickly became apparent this was not going to like a spot of lazy wine tasting. No, we were getting a crash course in the art of cocktail making and we had to keep up. Mixing, cutting, shaking… everything that these guys make look so easy and fun is actually pretty hard. At least it was to me.

The event was hosted by head bartender William Baker (the Bear Grylls of the cocktail scene), who kicked things off by making us a round of Strawberry Lychee and Ginger Bellini’s. Great. He told is about Fu Manchu’s own mix of quintessential England and Ancient China (echoed in the interior design and its name taken from a fictional Asian character). The second drink was my favourite; French 75, a twist on the Chinese 75, which consisted of cognac, champagne, Rosemary and Lychee.

And then it was time to try our own hands at cocktail making. I tried to remember all of the things I had been told… what shaker to use, the type of ice, how many grapes… I forgot everything. I had a patient enough bartender; although at times his perennially quizzical expression reminded me of an owner staring sadly down at his confused, weak pet. I somehow managed to make something resembling the Lotus Cup – a twist on a South Side – which consisted of mint leaves, gin, lemon juice and syrup. Very good too but my least favourite of the night – though I accept all of the blame for that.

Drinks are priced from £8 – £10 and a range of beers and wines are served too. The full drinks menu can be viewed here. Fu Manchu also serves food, runs music nights each weekend and holds various other events throughout the year.

Overall a great night. Recommended.

Written by Gareth Brown @GarethBrown26

Gareth also has Booksie page for his stories and Youtube Channel for short films.