Aperol Spritz and summer go together like peanut butter and jam - they’re pretty much made for each other. Pair that with the bustling atmosphere of Manchester’s Spinningfields and, well, you’ve got a recipe for a good time and a cheeky tipple.
This week, a pop-up bar has sprung up at The Oast House, and will be in the city centre for the next two weeks. The Piazza Aperol has taken over the Spinningfields beer garden, decking it out in orange trees, Fiat 500 seats and art deco street lights. Not to mention a bar fully stocked with the popular Italian aperitivo.
I headed down to the launch on Wednesday ahead of the official opening on July 14, where the outdoor space has been transformed into a stunning Italian terrace perfect for an al fresco cocktail or two.
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The Instagrammable venue was packed when I arrived, and is clearly going to be a popular haunt for the next fortnight. I’m glad I’d decided to wear orange for the occasion, making for the ultimate social media snap with my sunny orange spritz.
For those who have never had the cocktail, it’s an aperitif made with prosecco, Aperol and soda. And with the help of bartender Paolo Tonellotto, I was able to learn how to make the perfect Aperol Spritz, the Italian way.
Paolo is a pro when it comes to pouring these cocktails, so much so it’s quite literally second nature to him. Behind the bar, I watched intently as he filled a large Aperol-branded wine glass with ice before filling it around half full with Prosecco. In went a good glug of Aperol - around two parts to three parts Prosecco - with a dash of soda water before being garnished with a slice of fresh orange.
The Aperol Spritz is a classic. It’s essentially Italy’s answer to the British Pimm’s, and offers a bittersweet flavour of orange and fizz that feels very sophisticated. I’d previously been under the misconception that I wasn’t a fan of Aperol Spritz, but it was simply a matter that I’d never had a good one.
The beer garden is a gorgeous space that feels safe, fun and brings all of the party vibes with a great playlist. It’s quite literally picture perfect, you almost can’t resist popping down after work - I mean, it’d be rude not to, right?
Despite being in the centre of Manchester’s urban jungle, it really offers a slice of serenity in which, if you close your eyes and try really hard, you could almost feel like you’re on holiday.
Loris Contro, Campari Group UK Italian Icons Brand Ambassador, said “The Italian piazza is the beating heart of any town or city, where family and friends come together to mark the end of the working day, and the beginning of the evening to come. With this summer set to be more sociable than ever, Piazza Aperol will transport you to Italy with its celebration of the spontaneous and joyful, continental way of life.
“As an Italian, I know how important embracing these moments is, and what better way to do it than in the sunshine with a perfectly poured Aperol Spritz and good company?”
On Friday, July 15, The Oast House handed out free Aperol Spritz to celebrate the summer season, giving out 200 complimentary drinks at 5pm. If that’s not a way to welcome the weekend, I don’t know what is.
Whilst guests can walk in and enjoy Piazza Aperol for free, those keen to get the best seats are advised to book ahead via their website The piazza is open from 4pm to 10pm Tuesday to Thursday, then 12pm to 12am Friday to Sunday.
Danny Leach, General Manager of The Oast House said: “Following the success of last year’s Aperol Spritz & Spiaggia – which truly helped visitors make the most of British summer time come rain or shine – we are thrilled to welcome back Aperol with its Piazza-style experience. Our customers love making the most of the longer summer evenings and now with Piazza Aperol, we can spritz up their visit with some Italian fun.”
Now I know how to make the ultimate Aperol Spritz at home, it’s all I’m going to be drinking after work this July and August! The continental-style outdoor terrace is open until Sunday, July 24, with the exception of Monday, July 18. So get on down and say ‘salute’ to the summer.
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