Cocktail testing on a Tuesday – who could turn that down?

Arriving at Oxford’s St. Clements branch of Be At One, I was more than ready to try their new cocktail menu. Boasting punny names like ‘Baller Colada’ and ‘Jamaican Me Crazy’, my wordplay senses were tingling with excitement before I’d even walked through the door.

I headed straight to the gin option, sadly to find out they were all out of the ‘Peach Cups’, which included Glendalough gin (so distinct in taste they couldn’t possibly use a different gin), Aperol, peach wine and spiced clementine. So vodka it was; it had been a busy start to the week so heading for the hard stuff seemed appropriate. I opted for the ‘Peachy Blinder’ with Absolut Mandarin, RinQuinQuin and a clementine blend and to my delight, it was sweet and refreshing. Strong, but refreshing.

One of the best things about this drink was most certainly its size – when it comes to cocktails, size does matter. The bigger, the better.

Next up, I went for possibly the most Instagram-worthy drink on the menu, the ‘Cinema Club’ which includes Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Monkey Shoulder, popcorn syrup and a tiny, Be At One branded side of popcorn – cute! This, however, does sit rather on the small side as it comes in a coupe glass, but considering I’m no rum fanatic, I wasn’t complaining this time.

Other drinks tried and tested were the ‘Cuban Pussy’ (Cuban rum – the fruitiest Pussy I ever did taste), ‘Jump Ship’ (more rum), Jamaican Me Crazy (a delicious rum & banana take on an Espresso Martini) and an ‘Old Fashioned’ (it’s a cherry they put on top, not an olive – duh). The Old Fashioned wasn’t favourable for a light-liquor lover like me, but apparently, it was a good one if that’s what you’re into.

We also had a peek at the new Halloween menu, which features a combination of pretty deadly cocktails and that’s no pun intended.

Situated just off The Plain, Be At One works as a good destination for cocktails before heading down the Cowley Road, although perhaps competing with some of the Cowley’s infamous and longer-standing bars. You could also do what we did and head up to The Coconut Tree. For a night in Oxford, it could be a little out of the way for some – don’t forget about crossing Magdalen Bridge in your high heels!

The low-level lighting and booth-like seating make it a cosy and intimate area, great for a date or drinks with friends. It’s pretty big too, with little sections and a downstairs area available for functions, which also opens on the busier nights. The important stuff: Happy Hour sits between 5pm-8pm Monday to Saturday and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.

My favourite part? Be At One’s decomposable straws! Not the paper kind, getting soggier as your drink goes on; they look and appear plastic but as I discovered they decompose by three weeks’ time.

All that’s missing for me now is a flavoursome, ‘picky’ food bar menu to go hand-in-hand with some kick-ass cocktails.

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday 5pm – 1am, Friday & Saturday 5pm – 3am, Sunday 6pm – 12am
Happy Hours: Monday – Saturday 5pm – 8pm, Sunday 6pm – 8pm

Be At One
15 St Clement’s Street, Oxford, OX4 1AB
beatone.co.uk
01865 598206