CityLife

DV8

DV8

DV8
Congleton
February 2010

Overall: 5/5

‘DEPART from the established course’, reads the slogan on the drinks menu at DV8 – a fairly apt statement for such a unique cocktail bar.

Down a quaint side street in Congleton town centre, it is the bricks and mortar of the Grade II-listed, terraced Tudor building that give it its character. The original fireplace, carpet and flagstone flooring and low-slung black beams create a cosy cottage feel that is brought up to date with modern furnishings and a forward-thinking attitude on the bar.

Free from trendy accessories, but with a contemporary style, it’s a pleasant hideaway for the well-dressed over-21s. A busy Friday night sees a 40th birthday party gather pace on the upstairs mezzanine; two men talking business by the outside rockery and 20-something women bopping their heads to background beats, sipping cocktails by the bar.

It is a bar with wide appeal and bags of personality, not to mention a cocktail list as long as your arm. A well-stocked back bar features premium spirits and cheeky choices like Coca Leaf Liqueur, Agwa de Bolivia.

At one with the upbeat bar staff is operator James Kennedy, who co-runs DV8 with Chris Carsons (both of De Vere Hotels and Alderley’s The Bubble Room). The bar’s first birthday is imminent on February 28, when a band will perform on the Friday, a DJ will hype the celebration on the Saturday and an open mic night will entertain on the Sunday.

DV8 - 6 Little Street, Congleton, CW12 1AR, (01260 278 553).