Does Alchemist Canary Wharf Serve Vegan Cocktails Nightly?

Stepping into Canary Wharf's buzzy evening scene, I always get pulled toward the theatrical cocktails at the Alchemist — they’re like mini performances in a glass. The menu there tends to blend smoky, fizzy, and neon elements: a smoky ‘Old Fashioned’ variant with a dome of cold smoke, a fizzy citrus potion topped with popping candy, and a bright, floral gin-based serve that arrives with a edible flower or mist. These are the kind of drinks made for photos, yes, but they actually taste balanced rather than being all show. I’ve watched bartenders layer syrups, torch citrus peels for a caramelized aroma, and drop in mini dry ice pearls that create that cinematic fog. Some staples I spot regularly are a bold whisky-forward concoction with charred orange, a puckery sour with egg-white foam and edible glitter, and a tropical rum blend served with smoke in a cloche. If I’m feeling adventurous I’ll pick whatever has the theatrical trick I haven’t tried yet — it’s like ordering a mystery episode of a favorite show, and I always leave with a silly smile.

If you’re wondering whether The Alchemist in Canary Wharf runs cocktail masterclasses, the short and exciting news is: yes — they do. The Alchemist is well known for turning mixology into a theatrical, hands-on experience, and their Canary Wharf site often hosts masterclasses that let you get behind the bar, learn techniques, and build (and taste) a few of their signature creations. Expect things to be lively — these sessions are as much about storytelling and spectacle as they are about balance and shake technique, so you’ll walk out with a few new skills and some great photos to prove it. Typically a masterclass at The Alchemist will last around 60–90 minutes and is led by one of the venue’s resident mixologists. You’ll normally be shown how to craft two to three cocktails from start to finish: from choosing the right spirits and balancing flavours, to garnishing and, often, one or two of their theatrical tricks like smoke, dry ice, or clever presentation. Sessions are designed for groups, so they work brilliantly for mates’ nights, date days, hen or stag do’s, and informal corporate events. The exact format, minimum group size, and whether it’s a public scheduled session or a private booking can vary, so I always check their site or booking partners for the current options. Booking is straightforward: you can usually reserve a slot through The Alchemist’s official website, and the Canary Wharf venue is often listed on platforms like DesignMyNight or Eventbrite too. Price points change with packages — a basic hands-on class might sit in the £30–£50 per person range while more elaborate experiences (private hire, drinks extras, or food add-ons) push the cost higher. There’s typically a minimum group size for public masterclasses and a larger minimum for private hire, plus a deposit or pre-payment policy to secure the reservation. If you’re going for a special occasion, ask about gift vouchers or a private session in a quieter area of the bar; they’re flexible and often helpful when planning surprises. If you’re planning to go, a couple of practical tips: book early (popular weekend slots fill fast), wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little sticky, and bring a camera because some of the presentations are worth snapping. I’ve been to similar sessions at The Alchemist and loved how approachable the tutors are — they break down techniques into simple steps and the vibe is hands-on but relaxed. It’s one of my favourite ways to spend an evening in Canary Wharf: you learn something useful, taste some tasty cocktails, and leave feeling like you could impress people at your next dinner party.

Heading to Alchemist Canary Wharf for an evening out? Expect a vibe that’s grown-up, theatrical, and a touch glamorous — the sort of place where cocktails are part performance and people tend to dress a bit sharper than the average pub night. In plain terms, the safe sweet spot is smart casual to cocktail attire. Think tailored trousers or a neat skirt, a well-cut shirt or blouse, and shoes that aren’t sneakers. You’ll see a mix of blazers and dresses, and while it’s not strictly black tie, there’s definitely an unspoken nudge toward dressing up rather than down. For men, I usually opt for a crisp shirt, dark jeans or chinos, and a blazer. If I want to feel extra put-together I’ll swap jeans for tailored trousers and choose leather derby shoes or smart loafers. A clean, fitted jumper layered under a blazer works well on chillier evenings. For women, a midi dress or a stylish top with a skirt or smart trousers is perfect; heels are common but chic flats or ankle boots work too. Accessories can be bold — Alchemist’s aesthetic rewards a little flair — so a statement bag or interesting jewelry feels totally on-brand. Keep grooming tidy: neat hair, subtle cologne or perfume, and nothing too casual like gym wear or beachwear. There are a few definite no-nos I always remember: avoid flip-flops, sports trainers, ripped hoodies, baggy joggers, baseball caps, and anything that screams ‘just came from the gym’. On busy weekends or for special events they do get picky, and I’ve seen guests politely turned away for being underdressed in very casual gear. If you’re attending a ticketed event or a themed night, those can be more formal or have a specific vibe, so aim a notch dressier just in case. Also, Canary Wharf can be colder than the city center in the evening because of the wind between towers, so a smart overcoat or a tailored trench complements the outfit and looks stylish while keeping you warm. My go-to outfit for a night there is a dark blazer, a patterned shirt (keeps things fun), slim-fit trousers, and chelsea boots — comfortable enough for cocktails and stylish enough for photos. I always bring a lightweight scarf or a smart coat because the walk from the tube can get breezy. Bottom line: you won’t need a tux, but a little effort makes the whole evening feel special and matches the theatrical cocktails perfectly. I love that dressing up a bit turns the night into more of an occasion, and honestly, walking into that moody, glowing bar in something sharp just adds to the fun.

Heading down to Canary Wharf and ducking into The Alchemist for happy hour is one of my favourite little weeknight treats. From what I usually see, their happy hour tends to run on weekdays in the late afternoon — commonly around 4pm–7pm — and they trim prices on a handful of classics and some house cocktails. Typical discounted drinks sit in the roughly £6–£8 range for selected cocktails, while bottled beers and a glass of house wine often fall closer to £4–£6. Their theatrical signature cocktails, the ones with smoke and fizz, normally retail higher on a regular night (think £11–£13), but during happy hour they can occasionally drop into the £7–£9 bracket or be included in a multi-drink deal. They also roll out promotions now and then like two-for-one or multi-cocktail bundles — those are the times I go with friends and order a round of weird, fun serves. Overall, plan to spend less than a regular evening out but still expect a slightly premium price for the flavour and presentation; it’s worth it for the vibe and the cheeky little molecular touches.

Scouting spots in Canary Wharf can get overwhelming, but I can tell you straight: Alchemist Canary Wharf does take private bookings, and they lean into the theatrical cocktail vibe that makes a party feel special. I booked a mid-sized celebration there once and the process was pretty straightforward — you deal with their events team who outline room options (private booths, a semi-private area, or whole-venue hire on quieter nights), capacity estimates, and minimum spends. They offered set menus and bespoke cocktail packages, plus AV and DJ options if you want to turn it into a late-night dancefloor. Expect deposits and a contract that covers timings, cancellations, and any corkage or outside supplier rules. If you’re picky about accessibility, dietary needs, or bringing spare decor, mention that up front; they were flexible but specific about what could be attached to walls and what external caterers were allowed. For me the highlight was the immersive cocktail theatrics — it elevated the evening and people still talk about it. Worth the splurge if you want a memorable night.

Reborn Cafe has this cozy little menu section that's totally plant-based, and I stumbled upon it last month when my vegan friend dragged me there. At first glance, you'd think it's just another trendy coffee spot, but their 'Green Harmony Bowl' with turmeric-infused quinoa and roasted chickpeas? Chef's kiss. They also do a cashew-based 'cheese' toastie that made me double-check if it was actually dairy-free. The barista mentioned they rotate seasonal specials too—last winter, they had a pumpkin spice latte with oat milk that even my carnivore roommate adored. What really impressed me was how they label everything—little leaf icons for vegan items, stars for gluten-free, so you don't have to interrogate the staff. Their dessert case always has at least two vegan pastries; the matcha avocado mousse cake is my kryptonite. Pro tip: Their house-made almond milk froths better than most chains' standard options. I’ve noticed more vegans congregating there since they started collaborating with a local organic farm for ingredients—it’s become this unofficial hub where people swap recipes between sips of cold brew.

Great spot to ask — I’ve eaten at Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen in Goa a few times and can say with a fair bit of confidence that they do cater to vegans. Their menu usually lists a handful of clearly plant-based dishes and a larger number of items that can be adapted. I’ve had a coconut-based curry and a vibrant salad there that were both fully vegan, and I’ve seen jackfruit and seasonal vegetable specials rotate through the menu. The kitchen seems comfortable swapping out dairy or eggs when asked, so things like pizzas or flatbreads can often be made vegan by changing the cheese and asking for extra veggies. The vibe inside is relaxed but a little trendy, so the bar staff are pretty used to dietary requests — I’ve noticed they offer plant milks for coffee and will tweak sauces (many of which are coconut- or tamarind-based) to be dairy-free. They also have some small plates and sharable options that work well for a vegan spread: roasted vegetables, spiced legumes, and fresh chutneys. Cocktails and mocktails often use local ingredients like kokum or coconut water that pair nicely with the food. If you’re picky about strict vegan preparation, mention it up front so they can avoid cross-contamination. Otherwise, it’s one of the better spots in that part of Goa to eat out without compromising your diet — I left feeling full and pleasantly surprised by how flavorful the vegan options were.

Walking into Liberty Tavern in Quincy feels like stepping into a warm neighborhood spot where the bartenders actually remember your face and take as much pride in crafting a drink as the chef does plating a dish. Their cocktail list leans modern-classic — think thoughtful twists on comfortable favorites, plus a couple of house originals that locals swear by. The vibe is approachable: you’ll find stirred, shaken, and muddled cocktails alongside a few seasonal specials that rotate with the bar’s fresh-ingredient philosophy. I love that they balance familiar flavors with flashes of creativity, so whether you’re in for a burger or oysters you’ll find something that feels both comforting and a little adventurous. Some of the signature cocktails I’ve come back to again and again include the 'Liberty Mule' — a crisp, ginger-forward take on the mule with vodka, fresh lime, a hint of mint, and plenty of fizzy ginger beer served in a chilled copper mug; it pairs ridiculously well with salty fries. The 'Freedom Old Fashioned' is for bourbon fans: classic rye or bourbon, a touch of maple or demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, and an orange twist, finished with a single large ice cube and a luxardo cherry. If you’re in the mood for something bright, the 'Harbor Breeze' blends white rum, pineapple, lime, and a splash of cranberry for a beachy but not-too-sweet sipper. For gin lovers, the 'Captain’s Negroni' uses a slightly herbaceous gin that plays nicely with Campari and sweet vermouth — bitter, balanced, and perfectly boozy. They also have a smoky 'Barrel-Aged Manhattan' that tastes like a bar’s worth of weekend evenings condensed into one glass — rye, sweet vermouth, a couple of dashes of bitters, and subtle oak from short-term barrel aging. For brunch or daytime drinking, the 'Liberty Lemonade' brightens things up: vodka, house lemon syrup, soda, and a sprig of thyme. Seasonal highlights are worth watching: in fall they often feature an apple-cider-inspired cocktail with spiced rum, and winter might bring a warm-spiced old fashioned with molasses syrup. There’s usually a tasty Bloody Mary on the menu — house mix built around savory, herb-forward flavors and a hefty garnish that can double as lunch. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, they rotate a couple of mocktails that aren’t an afterthought: think sparkling shrub drinks and a cucumber-citrus cooler that feel grown-up. My practical tip? Ask the bartender what’s fresh that day — they’re more than happy to riff, and they’ll sometimes put a house twist on classics based on what’s in season or what spirits they’re excited about. Honestly, between the friendly service and a menu that respects tradition while having a little fun, I usually leave planning my next visit halfway through my first sip. My go-to remains the 'Liberty Mule' for the perfect sip-to-food ratio, and I always walk out with a grin.

Stepping into flos music and bar feels like walking into a playlist that smells faintly of citrus and smoke — and their cocktails are the tracks you keep replaying. My go-to is the 'Flos Midnight Groove': mezcal for that charred backbone, espresso liqueur, a touch of maple, and muddled blackberries. It's served in a lowball with a single large ice cube and a coffee-bean trio on top; sipping it is like the slow build of a late-night set, bitter and sweet at once. They also do a killer 'Vinyl Old Fashioned' — bourbon, smoked sugar, orange bitters, and a torched cherry. The presentation leans vintage: a vinyl coaster, amber glow, and a tiny flamed orange peel. For something bright and showy there's the 'Neon Set,' a vodka-based, lychee-and-lemon drink blended with butterfly pea tea that shifts color when you add a squeeze of lime. It's totally photogenic but actually well-balanced. If I want something tropical and easy to talk over I order the 'Late Night B-Side' (aged rum, coconut, pineapple, a dash of falernum) and for sober friends they make a 'Soundcheck Spritz' with elderflower, tonic, and cucumber. Each cocktail feels curated to a mood or a track, and the bartenders tune them with tiny seasonal twists — that attention to detail is why I keep coming back, smiling each time I get a new favorite.

Oh, I was just at The Divorcées Dessert Cafe last weekend, and I have to say, their vegan options are surprisingly delightful! As someone who dabbles in plant-based eating, I was thrilled to find a whole section of their menu dedicated to vegan treats. They had this rich chocolate avocado mousse that was to die for—creamy, decadent, and you'd never guess it was dairy-free. Their almond milk lattes are also a must-try, perfectly frothy and aromatic. What really stood out was their attention to detail. Even their vegan pastries, like the matcha coconut tart, had this delicate balance of flavors that didn’t feel like an afterthought. The cafe’s vibe is cozy and inclusive, which makes it a great spot for anyone, whether you’re vegan or just curious. I left feeling like they genuinely care about catering to diverse dietary needs, which isn’t always the case at dessert spots.