Reporter Darcie Rawlings attended The Botanist launch party in Sunderland with her partner to celebrate the opening of the new cocktail and restaurant venue in Sunderland.

The Botanist is a brand-new addition to Sunderland’s cultural centre, Keel Square and is situated underneath the Holiday Inn.

The Northern Echo: The Botanist in Sunderland

As the 35th venue in the national cocktail bar chain, The Botanist opened its doors in Wearside for the first time on Tuesday, January 30.

Since opening The Botanist has proved to be incredibly popular and they hosted a launch party event this week (Thursday, February 8) equipped with delicious canapes and exciting cocktails to try.

The Northern Echo: The stage area at The Botanist in Sunderland

A significant feature in their new Sunderland branch is a stage – set for live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. There were some great performers at the launch party event playing plenty of crowd-pleasing songs for the audience, which created a warm and vibrant atmosphere.

The venue lives up to its name following a botanical theme decked out with leafy plants, dark green murals and exposed brick walls.

At the event, we tried out the four mocktails on the menu and this is what we thought!#

The Northern Echo: The Mind Mojito from The Botanist in Sunderland

Mind Mojito - This cocktail Lyre’s Dark Cane Spirit, apple juice, strawberry puree, mint and soda water and it was delicious. This mocktail was £5.95 and is the perfect fresh and fruity option, even though it was alcohol-free you really didn’t feel like you were missing out.

The Northern Echo: The Botanist Lemonade from The Botanist in Sunderland

Botanist Lemonade – This was my favourite drink of the evening, it felt more like a soft drink than a mocktail but it was well priced at £5.50. This drink contained Everleaf Marine, lemon juice, elderflower cordial, bay leaves and soda water and was really refreshing and light.

The Northern Echo: The Blackberry and Rhubarb Cooler  from The Botanist in Sunderland

Blackberry and Rhubarb Cooler – Another mocktail on the menu that felt luxurious but only £5.50, this cocktail contained rhubarb and sage cordial, apple juice, blackberry puree and soda water and was served in a large wine goblet you were definitely getting the most for your money with this option.

The Northern Echo: The Forest Spritz from The Botanist in Sunderland

Forest Spritz – This cocktail was the most expensive at £7.95 and easily my least favourite out of the four, with non-alcoholic aperitif containing saffron and vanilla served and tonic water I think this option is best for gin lovers.

When you purchase a non-alcoholic cocktail at The Botanist 25p is donated to Mind charity. 

The Northern Echo: The menu also has something for everyone and has plenty of vegan’s and vegetarian’s offerings

We were also served an array of nibbles such as flatbread with hummus and crispy chickpeas, a giant scotch egg, mini beef burger and various skewers of kebab, chicken and haloumi. All were delicious and a great way to sample some of the menu items.

There was a spin-the-wheel game, a photo booth and also some Spriggan-like creatures covered in flowers and vines that were wandering around the venue. They were a bit scary in my opinion but other guests seemed to love them and they were posing for plenty of photos. 

Owned by hospitality group New World Trading Company Ltd the Botanist will be serving up food and drinks from 10am every day.

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The menu also has something for everyone and has plenty of vegan’s and vegetarian’s offerings as well as dedicated kids' menu, the restaurant is also dog-friendly inside.

The Botanist is also launching a Valentines Day menu to celebrate their Bath branch being Channel 4's First Dates venue. This might be a great opportunity to try out the new venue.

The Botanist is open seven days a week from 10am, for more information visit https://thebotanist.uk.com/locations/sunderland.