The Ropewalks and surrounding area of Liverpool city centre has seen a vibrant cluster of cocktail bars spring up in recent years. Back in 2008, following success of the likes of Alma de Cuba and Heebie Jeebies on Seel Street, came the launch of The Peacock on St Peter's Square.
At the time, Director Alfie Torres-Silva was keen to point out that the venue was not yet another cocktail bar but, at its heart, a pub. Whatever Torres-Silva's original vision, the mix works, and this pub-come-bar-come-club was fantastic to visit on a relaxed Tuesday evening with the open-air seating being made good use of by a number of patrons enjoying the clement weather.
With comfy light brown leather seating (which has, unfortunately, seen better days) and light wooden benches inside, the venue's quiet and relaxed atmosphere was worlds apart from the flamboyant fervour I've previously encountered when The Peacock flashes its plumage on Friday and Saturday nights.
Approaching the extensive bar, we were at once wooed by the cocktail menu. Housed in several handy photo frames, the list provided a mere a snapshot of what is on offer. Friendly barmaid Bibby instantly informed us that this is not where the cocktail choice ends but, rather, where it starts. "If we've got the ingredients we're happy to make you anything you like," she assured with a smile.
A proud boast, and the staff at Peacock are certainly knowledgeable on a variety of mixtures and welcome a challenge or opportunity to experiment. My friend and I were delighted to find our favourite rum (Havana Especial) appeared to be the spirit of choice for Bibby and fellow bartender Pedro.
Starting with a Mojito - a sweet and tangy mixture of mint, Havana rum and lime juice topped up with soda water, along with a bitter sweet mix in the "Death Before Dishonour" - Sailor Jerry's, Fig liqueur, orange bitters and fig preserve - we were more than impressed by the strong kick-start to our evening. The spirits slid down our throats far too easily, so we decided it best to line our stomachs by sampling the pizzas at Peacock. Beside the impressive large stone bake oven a blackboard lists a mouth-watering selection of pizzas each priced at £5. (£1 for each extra topping you may desire).
We went for "El Espanol" - Parma ham, chorizo, artichoke, black olives and we added a sneaky portion of mushrooms and the "Pollito" - Chicken, sweet peppers, onions and rosemary with an extra topping of spinach. Presented before us within 15 minutes, the thin, crisp crusts were neatly covered with exceedingly satisfying savoury selections, and I must note that the cheese and tomato base sauce itself was particularly tasty. At just £5 per pizza they are an absolute steal making for an excellent after-work treat.
Next up, Pedro perched two magnificent concoctions alongside our plates including a personal invention of his: Rum and Celery Sour - Havana Especial, Celery crushed up and mixed with lemon and sugar. A sharp citrus mix to bite against the rum, to my surprise, celery as an ingredient gave a real boost to the flavour. My friend tried The Jinga, a popular infusion amongst the staff, we were told, it is Peacock's take on the Caiprinha - Sagitiba rum, sugar, lime and half a passion fruit with a red wine float. We enjoyed this sweet blend so much we instantly ordered two more!
Having devoured our pizzas, with a heavy-hearted awareness we both had early starts the next morning, we decided to bid farewell to The Peacock...after one last sample before hitting the road. Bibby advised we rum lovers to try the "Straight up Daiquiri" - with no 'frills' often added such as strawberry and intended to bring out the flavour of the rum, it was a sharp and slick drink. The Fresh fruit Mojito with an addition of raspberries worked well to take the edge off the mint and give a summer feel to the popular beverage.
Despite Director Alfie's resistance to the 'cocktail' label that some rivals seem to revel in, the down-to-earth yet effortlessly trendy feel in The Peacock welcomes any patron, young, old, male or female to sample the cocktail list compiled by its eager-to-please bartenders. The staff's personable nature and extensive selection of spirits behind the bar undeniably provides a welcome extra flair than many bog standard city centre 'boozers'. And, happily, The Peacock's mixtures can be enjoyed without the hiked up prices for cocktails you may find in many bars. (Priced £5.50 each).
Check out the fascinating and informative 'recipe guide' which includes the genesis of many cocktails on The Peacock's website http://www.peacock-liverpool.com/
For further infomation or to enquire about room hire call The Peacock on 0151 709 2146.
Don't miss: 3rd and 4th September - Liverpool Food and Drink Festival - The Peacock will transform a part of Sefton Park into the streets of Havana as part of their dedicated music and bar area. Visitors will be able to sip on a Mojito or two while listening to some of the region’s most respected DJs.
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