Gin with a special twist

RAISING a glass at the new Gin and Juice bar opened by MP Jim McMahon, left, pictured with owners, Carl and Gill Taylor

SPECIAL guests were sippin' on Gin and Juice at the VIP opening of Royton's newest contemporary bar this weekend.

Gin and Juice opened on Middleton Road on Friday with the ribbon officially cut by Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon.

Owner Carl Taylor, who also launched restaurant Jacks Smokehouse in the town centre, said: "We originally started looking at Royton as a possible location for Jacks Smokehouse but we were unable to find a suitable premises so decided to open in Yorkshire Street instead.

"When I had the idea to open a bar, I looked again at Royton and thought this location would be perfect.

"Gin is becoming really popular across the UK with a range of different brands and unique flavours rather than your standard gin and tonic, which can be bitter."

He added that the bar stocks over 20 different gins and dozens of different tonics.

Carl continued: "We're also using the different flavours to create cocktails and drinks with a sweeter or fruit tastes. We've got one which recreates the tastes of Parma Violet sweets and another than uses chilli to add a bit of a kick. There is really something for everyone's tastes."

Carl is hoping that the success of the opening weekend, which saw online VIP tickets sell out in just two and a half minutes, will continue as he looks to create a brand for Gin and Juice.

Carl said: "We took the name from the Snoop Dogg rap song "Gin and Juice". I thought the name had a good ring to it and our signature cocktail is named after the rap song. We're aiming to offer something different to what is already available in the area and complement the range of great pubs and restaurants.

"Hopefully there will be something for everyone at the bar, with young people enjoying our quirky room with a mural and decorative features while others might prefer the chilled-out green space downstairs."