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Cliona O’Sullivan has been appointed as the General Manager of Newcastle’s latest and most elegant cocktail bar, Vampire Rabbit that launches on August 8th
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Vampire Rabbit is located at 29 Collingwood Street, in close proximity to the city’s train station
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A bold and experimental cocktail menu has been curated by master mixologist Connor Hughes
Ahead of its launch this Thursday (8th August) Newcastle’s latest cocktail bar, Vampire Rabbit, has announced Cliona O’Sullivan as its General Manager to oversee the running of the bar.
With a passion for hospitality, O’Sullivan has pursued a career in Newcastle’s bar scene, having worked at the helm of The Points Irish Bar and The Passing Clouds Cocktail Bar. O’Sullivan will manage Oliver Knox’s newest cocktail bar venture, Vampire Rabbit, to ensure that guests experience its elegance and buzz.
Launching this week, the new bar’s name is an ode to the local legend of the famous Vampire Rabbit statue, perched above the rear door of the Cathedral Buildings that has overlooked the back of St Nicholas’ Cathedral for over a century.
Vampire Rabbit is in prime position for Newcastle’s buzzing nightlife, conveniently located at 29 Collingwood Street, which sits on the conjunction of Collingwood Street and Neville Street, only a short walk from the city’s train station.
Four unique spaces make Vampire Rabbit a venue to be explored and gives guests an intriguing, diverse drink experience. Areas include: the Grand Cafe which contains the main bar, the Peacock Room, and the snug room and vault room both reached via the staircase. Whilst enjoying a cocktail, guests are still able to see the vault where valuables were historically stored when the venue operated as a shipping office.
Vampire Rabbit will offer a full guest experience, with visitors greeted at the door and taken to their table, where table service will continue throughout their visit. Every night guests will also experience entertainment consisting of relaxed, live music and singers.
The bold and experimental cocktail menu has been curated by master mixologist Connor Hughes and his coveted team. Cocktail highlights include the Rhubarb and Custard Martini; a sweet pink drink that comes in a signature flamingo glass and consists of premium vanilla vodka, rhubarb cordial, freshly squeezed lemon juice, double cream and Vampire Rabbit’s house rhubarb bitters. The Brûlée White Russian is an ode to Vampire Rabbit’s heritage. Served in a classic tea cup, the delicious cocktail contains Absolut Citron Vodka, Pimento Dram, Bristol Caramel Syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, double cream and is topped off with a disc of sugar tuila, which adds that extra element of fun as guests get to spoon crack this themselves.
Other signature cocktails include the summery Strawberry and Peach Paloma, a staple Ginger Sidecar and the Pear Drop Martini. With a gorgeous fizz to it, the Strawberry and Peach Paloma consists of El Jimador Tequila, Bristol Strawberry Syrup, peach liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice and is topped off with London Essence Pink Grapefruit Soda, giving it the baby pink hue.
A twist on a classic, the Ginger Sidecar contains Martell Brandy, freshly squeezed lemon juice, homemade lemon, ginger and honey syrup, and is served in an elegant glass. For those that prefer zingy, fruity flavours, the Pear Drop Martini hits the spot whilst referencing the nostalgic Pear Drop sweet. Consisting of Absolut Pear Vodka, Xante Pear liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice and Bristol Caramel Syrup, it is a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Vampire Rabbit’s concept is rooted in Newcastle’s maritime heritage with the earliest known use of the venue as a shipping office and headquarters of Captain Black Bob Douglas. As the notorious sea captain and trader who operated ships out of the Port of Newcastle in late Georgian and early Victorian England, legend has it that as the Captain passed the famous rabbit statue one evening, its eyes glared red at him, and the following morning, he found out his favourite ship had sank.
Cliona O’Sullivan said: “Running bars is in my DNA, having worked at my family’s bar throughout my teenage and early adult years and more recently managing some of Newcastle’s most lively bars. I am truly excited to be part of this new bar offering to Newcastle folks – everyone who visits can expect a Kildorrery Irish welcome at the Vampire Rabbit!”
Commenting on the launch of Vampire Rabbit, director Oliver Knox said: “I couldn’t think of a better place to open Newcastle’s latest cocktail bar. Encapsulating a twist of history, fun and our bold, unique design, we have paid homage to both the city and the building’s heritage throughout Vampire Rabbit, from the name choice to the interior design and menu curation.”
Launching on 8th August 2024, Vampire Rabbit will be open from 12 noon – 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with an earlier close of midnight throughout the rest of the week. A creative breakfast and brunch menu is still to be announced.
To find out more, follow Vampire Rabbit on Instagram @vampirerabbitnewcastle
