This Leeds speakeasy is serving up a unique martini and oyster menu for one night only

Experience the perfect pairing at Below Stairs’ Martinis and Oysters event.

If you’ve ever ventured down to Below Stairs, a speakeasy on South Parade, you’ll know this is an event not to be missed this month.

Since opening their Grade II listed bar back in 2017, brothers Jamie and Manachain Monaghan have converted far more than a converted office-to-bar to Leeds. Their storytelling abilities rely entirely on a first-class cocktail menu and wealth of hospitality experience to transport guests around the world, through tales of past and present- and it’s well worth experiencing.

Read More: The best cocktail bars in the UK have been revealed – and four are in Leeds

The well-loved bar has already had a whirlwind month to bring in the new year. So much so, Below Stairs has been officially recognised as one of the top 50 bars in the UK, placing a respectable 39th. Basking in its newfound fame, the bar remains hospitable and intimate but with added events to give us more opportunities to check out the award-winning bar.

This week, the bar is collaborating with Fords Gin is hosting a one-night-only event in the heart of Leeds to share the secret to the perfect Martini pairing with a select few.

On offer is both a sensory and culinary delight: expect both dry and dirty Fords Gin Martinis as well as freshly-shucked oysters aplenty, with expert staff on-hand to explain why the unlikely combination is so irresistible to connoisseurs of the foodie scene. Guests can expect one oyster per martini served all night long- or until the oysters run out.

There’s far more than Martinis on offer, Below Stairs and Fords Gin have created a specially selected menu of cocktails to choose from.

The Rockefeller is butter-washed Fords Gin with dry vermouth, parsley chartreuse and a baked breadcrumb aroma: an unusual but sensational combination you’re unlikely to have every experienced before.

The Petiance is perfect for those looking for a light boozy drink to quench their thirst, expect Fords Gin with Riesling, peach wine and lightly carbonated mineral water- it sounds like the ideal combination for a midweek tipple.

The Surf and Turf is serious about its flavours and every ingredient boasts a magnificent explosion to savour. Made up of Fords Gin with sage and chamomile vermouth, black truffles and candied sage: we’re expecting lip-smacking goodness from this one.

The one-night-only event will be held at Below Stairs on Tuesday 8 February, 5 – 8pm, or until the oysters run out.

As you’d imagine, this highly-anticipated event is going to be of interest for near enough anyone in our city looking for the perfect post-work tipple, so we highly recommend booking a table in advance.

For more information, including how to book your place at the Fords Gin and Below Stairs’ Martinis and Oysters event, visit the Below Stairs website.