A new bar manager at the Abbey Hotel is set to re-launch the Allium Bar as a top destination drinking spot in Bath.
Andrew Fisher, former manager of the wine bar @ Bordeaux Quay in Bristol and one of the South West’s most renowned spirits and cocktails experts, has joined Chris Staines’ food and beverage team at the Bath Abbey Hotel with the mission to re-launch the Allium Bar.
With a CV covering roles from Manager of the Vanilla Rooms at Park House Private Members’ Club in Cardiff, to Single Malt Whisky Brand Ambassador for Diageo and Brand Ambassador for Belvedere Vodka, Fisher brings an extensive understanding and appreciation of premium drinks and how best to serve them.
Andrew said: “I’ve lived in Bath for some time now and when I have a night off, I’m generally stuck of where to go for a decent drink. Bath has some great pubs with good real ale offerings, but for those of us who prefer something a bit different – a perfectly executed Manhattan, Dry Martini or even a gin and tonic that is more than just Gordons and Schwepps, there are very few options. My aim is to fill that gap.”
Fisher’s new offering at Allium Bar will appeal not only to those discerning Bath drinkers who share his passion for authentic cocktails, but also to hotel residents looking for a nightcap, diners in the Brasserie wanting a post-meal digestif and tourists and shoppers looking for the perfect spot for a quick snack or an afternoon cream tea.
He added: “It’s a challenge to ensure that we cater for all those different needs, but I’m confident that our new drinks and bar food menu will bring something new and exciting to keep our clientele coming back for more. We’re already getting great feedback from customers and I’m looking forward to the Bar’s official re-launch in June, which is timed to coincide with Allium Brasserie’s first birthday.”
Ian Taylor, proprietor of the Bath Abbey Hotel, said: “We‘ve worked really hard to find the right person to join our Allium team to head up the bar: someone with a passion for sourcing and serving exceptional drinks – both spirits, cocktails and wines. In London and Bristol there are a number of bars with a strong reputation for their drinks offerings, whether top quality spirits mixers or wines, but there has been a gap in the market in Bath.
“To fill that niche we knew we had to get the right personality on board to lead the bar’s development: someone with an in-depth knowledge of the history and provenance of spirits and wines, combined with the infectious enthusiasm to be able to share that knowledge with customers. I’m delighted to say that in Andrew we have found that person!”
