Tuesday 28 May 2013

Go on - just a small one..

Tempting - even on a night off to just pop round to Haycock for a crafty nightcap. Maybe tonight is the night to test out the green fairy of an absinthe made the traditional way - from an absinthe fountain.

or maybe just an Old Fashioned this time....

That's done it. I'm off out.

Wednesday 22 May 2013

We're on it again this weekend!

Having had a few days to iron out the couple of hiccups discovered at our preview weekend (sorry ladies, we had no idea that the toilet door wouldn't lock!) - we're back on it for our official opening weekend from 6pm this Friday 24th of May.

I've just got back having sampled a bit more meat in the form of zebra, bison - and alpaca (which is strangely like lamb and beef all at once..).

Off to bed for a power sleep now - shrub making tomorrow.

Sunday 19 May 2013

Wow!

Haven't updated until this morning due to emotional fatigue!

We open officially on Friday (24th of May) at 6pm, with the full drinks and food menu available.

Really good feedback about the drinks - and the samples of the food that we sent our smelled fantastic. Tasted some of the springbok - very very nice.

More later..

Friday 17 May 2013

Madness!

Like a bunch nutters - we progress towards our preview weekend nights tonight and tomorrow with something that lacks any finesse whatsoever.

This is all I've got to say at the moment - maybe more later..

Thursday 16 May 2013

How things seem to come together at the end...

Late last night saw Haycock cleared of tools, surplus materials, empty boxes - and, most importantly, any doubt about whether we would all finish in time!

All the clutter has revealed in its full glory a contemporary version of a 1950s/1960's club room. If that's hard to picture, then the only thing to do is come down and have a good old butchers.

This weekend is a preview where we will be serving drinks, but not the full food menu. We will, instead, be wondering amongst you with complimentary offerings from the supper menu.

You can book on the website, or just drop in. If we're full we'll take a number and let you know when a space has become available.

No photos yet - we were frisked for (well, asked to declare and hand over) camera devices today...#seriously?

Must go, the doorbell just rang (which is how you gain entry by the way).

Monday 13 May 2013

Monday> it's countdown time..

Today has seen fierce activity on the phones chasing up bottles from Germany (Vielen Dank Klaus), menus, spicy nuts, and Aztec Chocolate Bitters.

Sam has been tasting Stilton and figs. Martin has been tasting success with his idea for Russian Roulette Profiteroles....

Bookings for Friday are a bit mad, but there's space later on in the night, and on Saturday. You're welcome to drop in tho - it's not bookings only.

Off for an early night now. Four sleeps to go.

Sunday 12 May 2013

Just tried a Bloody Mary for breakfast..

...I Prefer Frosties.

Having said that every drink deserves a second chance, so here goes...

Much better second time around, and I'm now in a bloggy mood.

The builders finally get the elbow tomorrow and Sam gets to turn what appears to be a recycling centre for fast food wrappers and fossilised paint brushes into something that resembles his and Martin's vision of what a Cocktail and Supper Room should look like.

Having been inside a few times now I'm starting to see what they're up to, but I can't help feeling that there's even more to come...

The website is finally live, although finding the link to the reservations page is a challenge possibly designed to see off anyone who isn't a free thinker. It is there - just go with your instincts and it will appear to you.

Photos tomorrow? Might manage it, especially if Martin and Sam go off on another 45 minute argument about the best way to say 'bath, scones, and Nene'. I wont go into details, other than to say does it really matter especially when your new place opens in just 5 days time..?

Saturday 11 May 2013

We're taking bookings for the Preview Weekend!

A bit of chilled day today after last night's sampling of Goose Fat Gin and Smokey Bacon Bourbon...(hic)

Martin's been stressing a bit (actually - A LOT!), and forgot to buy a diary before sending an open invite to the world to book for the Preview Weekend on Fri/Sat 17/18th of May!

If you want to reserve a table for cocktails, we get to practice on you with complimentary supper items. Visit the FB page for details:

Facebook Preview weekend details

Not sure if they are keeping the place a mess of boxes, tools, and Greggs wrappers to avoid me getting a few crafty photos - but whatever the reason it's working!

Tomorrow it's all about revising some classics as well as the list cocktails.

Salut for now..

Friday 10 May 2013

Friday already. One week to go..


Today's update:

Found out the the web page is shorter than the actual name: haycockandtailbar.co.uk - but it's not live yet.

Lots of calls and texts from mates wanting to come to the open night. Martin and Sam don't do open nights. They just open and see what happens!

Apparently, the plan is to have a preview weekend on Fri and Sat 17/18th of May - and then open properly the following Friday for the bank Hol weekend. "What's a preview weekend?" we asked. Apparently again, it's all about inviting people to try various bits of nosh from the menu, but without necessarily charging them for it...Looks like we might bang out a fair few zebra fillets then.

On a lighter note Martin went mental at having got up after 4 hours kip to open up for Eon to change the meter - only for them to decide not to come. The cuddly captain has a darker side..

Tuesday 7 May 2013

Training and last minute nerves...

With Haycock and Tailbar Associates due to open its doors in Northampton next week we've been hard at it.

I'm not allowed to say too much, but the idea of a cocktail and supper room sounds odd, but when you're in it it feels like I imagine the original night clubs felt - no loud music and no piss heads - just nice people staying up late and enjoying each other's company.

Will it be the only place in Northampton serving steaks and stuff right up to midnight? Not aware of anywhere else..You?

Keep an eye out for drinks - I will try and discreetly take a few snaps..

Website will be live soon: haycockandtailbar.co.uk