Summers In The Botanical Gin Garden
Luxury Street Food To Urban Landscapes
Take a little walk to the edge of town, and come across one of the most scenic venues in Liverpool. Tucked behind graffiti and rainbow doors to reveal an outdoor haven of plants, industrial decor , wild DJ sets and of course a gin menu that will more than please every gin connoisseur throughout the whole summertime. You might have seen me a few years back do a review piece on Liverpool's Gin Botanical Garden. But I'm mega pleased to announce whilst Finca has made a departure from their street food, they've introduced Oktopus, offering simple clean cooking mastering the art of small plates. I adore the idea of heading out for small plates, as when I meet up I generally go for a nibble, never a full on meal and the concept of picking at cuisines and sharing is the most ideal meal for myself. I'll be chatting through the food and drinks we had prior to Sound City before a night hair swishing boogies.
Location: Botanical Gin Garden, New Bird Street, Liverpool
Oktopus Street Food
After ordering in some drinks, me and the squad were totally famished and dying to try out some of their latest food. I loved Finca, and their Cubana's will forever be in my heart as some of the best food I've ever tried. However I was blown away by Oktopus, whilst we ordered in; salt and pepper calamari, burrata mozzarella vine tomatoes, fried chickpeas, mojo verde. buttermilk fried chicken in honey & harissa, roasted peanuts, smacked cucumbers and of course sweet potato fries. All super freshly prepared, and attention to detail in the seasoning. I love that they specialise in creating seasonal dishes, utilising the best ingredients for light refreshing dishes that aid having a gin. Definitely a place to hit up if you're a sweet potato fries fan - they were some of the best I've ever had! The food is reasonably priced for the quality of each dish and can definitely see myself heading back again and again for meetings - particularly whilst the sun has been treating us so well.
Top Recommended Cocktails
Moving onto their established cocktail menu; I always urge every person I bring to try gin in a tin, with the aesthetic of the cream soda you had a child with the wacky adult twist of being the perfect chilled beverage on a summers day. Fancy something more upmarket and experimentative? Do try the New Bird Cooler, everyone in the squad snatched one up in a heart beat, a combination of fresh fruit, Sipsmith summer cup, Beefeater and Fever tree ginger ale, it's one of their most beautiful drinks to try. Even the red snappers are epic, I've never found a cocktail that I didn't like in the Botanical Gin Garden.
Their cocktails with pink gin are ever so refreshing, it's a guaranteed sell out as everyone wants a sip or two on a Friday or Saturday. I'd always urge trying to strive to head in on a weekday if you want chilled back vibes, jump on the grassy benches or relax on the sofas inside the greenhouse. But if you fancy a pumped up night, the weekend is your calling.
