Belfast hotel launches ‘once-in-a-lifetime' £1,000 cocktail
A Belfast hotel has launched a £1,000 cocktail which it described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime experience'.
The pricey tipple at the Merchant Hotel has been described as a 'masterpiece of Irish whiskey'.
The Belfast city centre hotel earned the Guinness Book of Records title for the world's most expensive cocktail in 2007 with its £750 Mai Tai.
However, that was overtaken in 2013 by a cocktail which was sold for £8,583 in Melbourne, Australia.
These exceptional drinks have been crafted to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be savoured
Aaron Dugan
The Merchant Hotel launched its new cocktail menu on Wednesday, including a collection crafted with rare whiskeys by Midleton, Macallan and Michter's, which start at £785 and go up to £1,000.
The most expensive, the Midleton Foret de Troncais (£1,000), is described as 'a masterpiece of Irish whiskey, aged in rare French Troncais oak casks and delivering elegant notes of honey, toasted almonds and delicate spice' served with Antica Formula and Dubonnet.
The menu, consisting of drinks which start from £14.99, was created by a team led by the Merchant Bar's general manager, Aaron Dugan and cocktail bar manager Emily Doherty.
Mr Dugan said: 'We are proud to bring our unique collaboration with three icons of whiskey to life with The Rare & Refined Collection.
'These exceptional drinks have been crafted to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be savoured. The lucky few that get to try these drinks will get to relish something truly special.
'And, for those that find the price tag too rich, we have also created an exceptional collection of 21 cocktails, inspired by timeless classics, but with a unique Merchant twist. Named according to their flavour profile, the menu has been designed to help customers match their preferred flavour profiles to their choices. There truly is something to suit every taste.'
The cocktail bar at The Merchant has been described as one of the most decorated in the UK and Ireland, and is the first and only bar in Northern Ireland to be awarded the coveted 2 Pin status by the Pinnacle Guide.
The Merchant will officially receive its 2 Pin award later this month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major Scots city's ‘only nightclub' hits the market after almost 30 years in business
The iconic riverside venue has been a staple in the city's nightlife since 1997 LAST ORDERS Major Scots city's 'only nightclub' hits the market after almost 30 years in business Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE only nightclub in a major Scots city has hit the market after nearly three decades in business. Johnny Foxes and The Den, two of Inverness's most beloved nightlife hotspots, are now up for grabs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Johnny Foxes and The Den in Inverness have hit the market Situated along the banks of the picturesque River Ness, Johnny Foxes first opened its doors in 1997. This iconic riverside venue has become a cornerstone of the city's social scene. It is famed for its live music seven days a week, buzzing atmosphere and extensive menu of food and drinks The award-winning Irish-themed bar and restaurant features interiors crafted from Caithness stone and Ballachulish slate, accented with pine and oak wood. A doorway links the cosy, traditional vibes of Johnny Foxes to the vibrant, modern atmosphere of The Den. Opened in 2009, The Den quickly established itself as the nightclub of Inverness, offering a lively and upbeat experience. It's often said that no trip to Inverness is complete without a visit to Johnny Foxes & The Den, proudly known as the 'Home to the best Craic in the city.' With a combined capacity of 520, the venue has played a major role in Inverness nightlife. Dubbed the "capital of the Highlands," Inverness is a city steeped in history and culture. The sale of Johnny Foxes and The Den is being handled by agents Christie & Co. Iconic Scottish Pub for Sale: The Market Bar in Inverness The remaining 25 years of the lease are on offer, with pricing details available upon request. Simon Watson, Business Agent at Christie & Co, shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity: 'Having been a frequent visitor to Inverness over the past 25 years, I've always enjoyed a night out at Foxes! 'I'm thrilled to work on behalf of Don Lawson and his team to market Johnny Foxes and The Den, without question one of the most iconic and exciting opportunities on the Scottish hospitality scene. 'We are confident there will be no shortage of interest.'
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Stunning private islands off UK coast offering ‘slice of ancient history' could be yours for just £108,000
ISLE BE SEEING YOU ISLE BE SEEING YOU Stunning private islands off UK coast offering 'slice of ancient history' could be yours for just £108,000 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PICTURESQUE private island off the coast of the UK is available to buy - and it's just £108,000. The stunning Irish Islands of Dunnyneill, located on Strangford Lough, are home to range of gorgeous flora and fauna. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Dunnyneil Island is located 2.5km from the Irish coast Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 It is believed to have been a seventh century trading post Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 The interconnected islands are available to buy for just £108,000 Credit: Tim Martin estate agents Surrounded by blue waters and coated in lush greenery, the islands are located just 2.5 kilometres off the coast of Killyleagh, Ireland. Comprised of two islands, it was once a former seventh century trading emporium frequented by merchants. Owning the islands gives you the chance to buy a piece of history, as merchants from Russia, Germany, Iceland and France used to visit the island. The main island is described as being "formed from a small drumlin with a boulder clay core." It sits around 16 metres above sea level and is roughly D-shaped. The second, smaller island, has a steep cliff facing towards the mouth of the Lough. At low tide the islands are linked by a causeway. Advertising the islands, estate agent Tim Martin, provides the following description: "This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's history on the shores of Strangford Lough." The island's name uses the word 'Dun' which refers to a fort, while the rest of its name alludes to hostages - although thankfully the historic name is no longer accurate. Those interested in the island can purchase them for £108,000 with no stamp duty - unless you are purchasing as a buy to let, or as an additional property. Emily Barker opens up on move to Ireland Photos of the island clearly show the gorgeous greenery surrounded by clear blue waters, with an easy to navigate path encircling the islands. It's a great opportunity for nature lovers to make the most of Ireland's picturesque scenery. The beaches provide easy access to the serene water below - making it the perfect spot for water sports. In one of the photos of the island, visitors can be seen pushing a canoe into the water. Another shows visitors taking a dip in the shallow waters as they make the most of the island paradise. 6 During low tide the islands are connected by a causeway Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 Its beaches offer easy access for those looking to enjoy the water Credit: Tim Martin estate agents 6 It is home to a unique range of flora and fauna Credit: Tim Martin estate agents One of the main selling points for the island is its gorgeous views - with one photo showing the breath-taking sunsets owners could expect from the island. Sailors from East Down Yacht Club are known to travel past the island, with it being classified as a "sailing landmark" in the area. Those interested in purchasing the island can reach out to Tim Martin's Comber office via email or phone. Over the years, the island's topography and history have been the subject of study thanks to its unique geography. The discovery of imported ceramics, as well as evidence of either glass or metalworking on the island, suggests the site was particularly important during the early medieval period.
The Herald Scotland
10 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland must read the small print in Ireland's growth success
These figures are, however, astonishing, just too good to be true – and they are. Irish growth is hugely inflated by the presence of large US multinationals in the high-tech sector, especially in pharmaceuticals and digital technologies. The capital flows – investments, repatriated profits, IP ownership etc – and trade flows – imports and exports – associated with their operational activity and financial engineering, heavily distort the picture of what's happening elsewhere in the Irish economy. The lowest corporation tax rate in Europe (12.5%) and other sweeteners have helped to attract these US behemoths. This has already put the Irish Government in the crosshairs of the EU: last year the European Court of Justice required a reluctant Irish Government to claw back 13 billion euros from Apple on the grounds that unlawful tax advantages had been granted. Now, reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% are being threatened by the Trump administration: not good news for the likes of Pfizer, in Cork, which exports 80% of its drugs back to the US for finishing. Unsurprisingly, the high surge in Irish first-quarter growth is in large part due to stockpiling by these businesses in anticipation of new tariffs being imposed. Paul Krugman, the Nobel Prize-winning economist, described Irish growth as 'leprechaun economics' where GDP is 'artificially' distorted by multinational tax strategies. He's right. The main lesson for Scotland is to avoid dangerous over-dependence on powerful multinationals and to try to keep on Trump's good side – at least until things change. Other home-grown development paths are always available. Ewen Peters, Newton Mearns. FM should call an NHS summit I RECENTLY read a letter, published elsewhere, from a group of senior health professionals who very crisply, in a blameless collegiate way, described a way forward for our NHS and Social Care. In essence they are calling for John Swinney to put aside party politics and call a non-political summit to discuss and review the way forward for our health service. We've had various summits most recently about the rise of far right so surely it shouldn't to too difficult to organise this considering it's the subject uttermost in the minds of most citizens' concerns. Of course these experts are not suggesting that a simple summit will solve all the ills of our health and social care but as the start of a cross-party approach, upon which there are many areas of common ground. Our politicians owe us this but sad to say, with another election looming, I somehow doubt anyone has the guts or ambition to grasp the health nettle and plot a way forward. Come on, John, do as you say and put the people of Scotland First. Ian McNair, Cellardyke. Summits are the height of delusion I KNOW that the SNP likes to pretend that Scotland is a sovereign state bestriding the world stage. After all, as Cabinet secretary Mairi MacAllan told Holyrood in February 2024, 'More often than not, world leaders are approaching the Scottish government asking for our advice on how we have managed to lead the way so successfully on a number of fronts'. If you believe any of that, you will believe anything. John Swinney's self-important contribution to this is to hold 'summits'. Did we ever hear positive results from the one in April when he gathered the not very great or good together to devise a strategy for combating Reform? That went well last week. Now he is to hold a 'summit' on the scourge of knife crime. Some angry Scottish nationalists on social media are asking why he isn't holding a summit on independence, instead, which gives an indication of their (lack of) interest in the wellbeing of Scots. A summit is normally understood as a meeting of world leaders on a pressing issue of international concern. Using it to describe the deliberations of a devolved authority on a serious internal problem is to indulge in delusions of grandeur. Par for the SNP course. Jill Stephenson, Edinburgh. Organising NHS staff properly IAIN McNicol's letter (June 9) gives a glowing review of his NHS treatment and he suggests that taxes should be increased to improve funding of this enormous organisation. Not everyone has been so well treated and many have to wait a very long time for treatment. I speak from some experience. Television is full of programmes about hospitals, emergency services, ambulances. et cetera. Even for a minor accident it is not unusual to have a couple of ambulances, a fast response paramedic, the Hazardous Area Response Team, the fire service, a couple of police cars and a JRU (Joint Response Unit). In many cases a helicopter is called in to add to the mayhem and sometimes sent away again as not needed. The scene is a sea of blue lights and all colours of high-vis jackets. What does all that cost and could it not be more economically organised? Then the scene switches back to the A&E department and here you can see a large number of staff milling around, sitting at computers. I don't think funding is the problem. I think it has more do with actual organisation, but with an enormous unionised workforce it will never be sorted out. David Gilchrist, Paisley. Child Payment has been a success THERE can be little doubt that the Scottish Child Payment (SCP) is one of the most progressive initiatives delivered by either the UK government or any of the devolved ones during the last 10-15 years. Author, political commentator and Oxford University Professor Danny Dorling acknowledged this at the weekend when he said the SCP had significantly helped tackle child poverty in Scotland while remaining almost entirely ignored by politicians in England, whom he accused of wearing 'unbelievable blinkers'. He added that for an eligible family, 'If you've got three kids that's about £4,000 a year extra – that means that your children can eat and eat well, I mean healthily'. Figures published in March indicated that 31% of children across the UK were in relative poverty compared with 30% a year earlier. In Scotland the rate was 22% compared with 26% for the previous year. The SCP is yet another example of positive change initiated by the Scottish government and as such, is in stark contrast to the 'change' promised but not delivered by UK Labour. As Professor Dorling intimates, it is strange that there is such widespread ignorance of it south of the border. Perhaps the Child Poverty Task Force set up by Keir Starmer will recommend its adoption right across the UK. Alan Woodcock, Dundee. Sarwar did well in his TV interview THEY say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The letter from S. McArthur (June 10) would suggest that the same seems to apply to political programmes. Contrary to the views expressed, I found Anas Sarwar's interview to be excellent. He dealt at length with issues relevant to the Scottish Parliament, which was what the by-election was all about and declined the invitation to dwell on issues for which the First Minister has no responsibility whatsoever. He answered at length matters which they are. As a Labour voter I was very proud. John Swinney, a nice man, demonstrated the pressures he had been under the whole week-end, and was understandably crestfallen. I am sure that I was not alone in being hugely impressed by the interview with Dame Jackie Baillie as the votes were being counted. Emotionally drained, she gave the honest answer that at that point the result was too close to call. It came as no surprise when we saw the Herald's picture of Dame Jackie in tears. As a Labour voter I thought that, not for the first time, she is the kind of person who gives politics a good name. Sir Tom Clarke, Former Labour MP for Coatbridge. Election count? IT would appear that the First Minister does not even have a basic grasp of maths – pretty essential, may I suggest, for this role. He claimed that the Labour vote at Hamilton 'collapsed by 20% from 50% to 30%'; this is a reduction of 20% points, the actual percentage reduction is an entirely different figure . Perhaps the Cabinet Secretary for Education could put him right? Mike Flinn, West Kilbride.
