Reading Roars!

I went to Reading’s new cocktail bar Mix last night and enjoyed it. The cocktail menu was interesting, though many of the drinks looked very sugary to me. The bar was elegantly designed and there were cream sofas, pink walls, chandeliers, mirrors and flowers. All very feminine, in other words. Four bartenders did their best to mix cocktails despite having “only half the ingredients” and the movie Sin City was displayed on the wall behind them. Tres chic.

There were a number of other customers at Mix who appeared quite smart. About 90% of guys present were drinking beer, despite the novelty of drinks available. It’s possible that they saw cocktails as something for the ladies.

I wasn’t so fussy. I had a cocktail. Two, in fact: a berry mojito - a mojito with a reddish strawberry/raspberry syrup (not sure what they’d make of that one in Havana), and a deep, fruity Slivovitz and Cointreau with assorted pieces of fruit, elderflower and a couple of other things. Result: pretty good. The fruity concoction in particular tasted rich and strong, and very probably wouldn’t appeal to the majority of people who I suspect have sweeter, lighter tastes.

Prices started at £4.95 for a cocktail, though cheaper drinks (£3.50, I believe) are on offer between 5pm and 8pm on a Monday and Tuesday. Most appeared to cost £5.95 or £6.95.

If you’re reading this post now (early Saturday evening), why not give Mix a try tonight? Last night it wasn’t very busy. I’m sure that in 6 weeks time, the place will get very crowded indeed.