A pop-up bar in the heart of York aims to offer something different to city drinkers this autumn and winter.
Callum Houston wants to give guests a unique drinking experience at his latest venture, Forage, which is tucked away in Little Stonegate.
“We’re looking to create a space where you can escape the hustle and bustle of York nightlife,” he said.
“We want to served great drinks that taste amazing but also create a space where you can relax and chat with company no matter the time of day.”
Located in the vacant Gusto site, the city’s newest concept bar aims to offer flavours and drinks people have never tasted before.
Guests can expect to enjoy cocktails such as Raspberry Sour, made from foraged autumn raspberries, or Hip to the Hop, made from an IPA distillate, elderflower and beetroot.
Another seasonal offering includes Negroni, made with dark chocolate, maple, Campari, gin, Antica Formula and autumn truffles served on a bed of moss and fresh pine smoke.
A wild selection
The traditional method of foraging brings wild-grown ingredients to the drinks at Forage – and a connection with the natural local landscape.
“We’re training our staff to actively search for their own ingredients and to use the best that nature has to offer,” Callum explained.
“We’re also encouraging them to work with local shops and bars, looking at what waste produce can be reimagined, in order to create the drinks we serve.
“We’re not hiding behind syrups, mass-produced products or artificial flavours.
“By using our own, freshly-foraged ingredients that we hand pick and distil ourselves, we can create a unique range of tastes and deliver a drinking experience that is designed to wow customers, while keeping our impact on the environment to a minimum.”
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He said they constantly update their menu “depending on what’s available seasonally, so customers can expect new flavours and a new experience each time they visit.”
Forage will be open now until New Year, from Tuesday to Sunday. The bar has capacity for 105 people seated, and tables are booked on a first come first served basis.