Review of Bar Pravda at the Hyatt Regency
Bar Pravda mixed to perfection
by Alice Perrey
Cocktails have never been so popular, with smooth classics, fruity concoctions and even non-alcoholic varieties attracting those of us who want something a little different on a night out.
And after sampling the fabulous cocktails at Pravda, at the Hyatt Hotel in Birmingham city centre, I cannot imagine ever ordering a glass of dry white wine again.
Pravda is city sleek; a modern bar whose good looks could leap straight out of a cool interiors magazine. It has an air of sophistication and maintains an exclusive feel.
Bar manager James was in charge when we headed to the luxurious bar after a long day at work and introduced us to Marcus, a chatty and charismatic guy, and the lovely Nage, from Turkey.
Enthusiastic and attentive throughout, all three have lots of experience in the art of making cocktails and are clearly passionate about the magic of mixology.
James is blessed with a good memory and finds it easy to remember recipes.
It’s just as well, for the cocktail list is extensive at Pravda, with more than 60 on offer, plus its own signature list, which is created by the bar staff and changes regularly.
What makes Bar Pravda so special is that the bar staff make some of their own syrups, cordials and infusions.
On our visit, we sampled a particular favourite of James’s: a rum and raisin liqueur, which he uses in his black raspberry espresso. We also tried A Road to Plymouth, a gin-based cocktail that uses Marcus’s superb home-made basil syrup, as well sloe gin, fresh lemon and elderflower liqueur. This fresh and zingy drink is perfect for summer and is not too heavy on the alcohol, either.
We cannot recommend the cocktails enough, but if you prefer something simpler, Bar Pravda also has a huge selection of spirits, Champagnes and wines on offer.
And why not treat yourself to some food there, too? Bar food, which includes delicious sharing platters, is available until midnight and is of the quality you would expect from a hotel such as the Hyatt.
With passionate and knowledgeable staff, amazing cocktails and stylish surroundings, we can hardly wait to go back.
So, which were our favourite cocktails? Bar Pravda manager James shares his cocktail secrets with Touch Base readers.
Fruits of the Forest
20ml vanilla vodka
20ml crème de cacao
20ml crème de cassis
20ml kirsch
20ml cherry brandy
20ml lemon juice.
Blend all the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker. Poured into a chilled Martini glass and finish off by gently pouring double cream (over the back of a spoon, so it floats on top). Grate over some dark chocolate.
Moonfruit
1 tube of Parma violets per cocktail, crushed in a pestle and mortar
20 ml of lemon juice
50ml gin
25ml Chambord
25ml cranberry juice
20ml almond syrup.
Blend all ingredients, including the crushed Parma violets, in a cocktail shaker and fine strain into a chilled Martini glass. Decorate with blackberries.
2 Bridge Street, Birmingham B1 2JZ
Tel: 0121 643 1234
www.birmingham.regency.hyatt.com
Email: birmingham.regency@hyatt.com
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