A Nottingham bar will be going head to head with three rivals in Birmingham who are all hoping to be crowned the best bar in the Midlands and East Anglia. Tequila and mezcal specialists 400 Rabbits, tucked away in a Nottingham alleyway, is one of the contenders at the CLASS Awards, hailed "the biggest and best UK bar industry celebration."
It's eight years since 400 Rabbits burst onto Nottingham's drinks scene, bringing something different to the city with a cool and vibrant Mexican vibe. Bartenders have gone on to show there's more to tequila than slammers with salt and lime.
Cocktails are served with names like Bunny Boiler, Danger Mas and Ananas Spritz. Different types of mezcal and tequila are sold. Tequila is a type of mezcal, made from blue agave, while mezcal can be made from any type of agave, a plant native to Mexico.
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The bar, in Hurts Yard, is up against Couch, Fox and Chance, and Passing Fancies, all based in Birmingham. Owner James Aspell said: "We're really chuffed to be nominated. The CLASS Awards are a big deal in the UK bar industry and to get that recognition is a testament to the work the whole Rabbits team puts in to making the place the warm, welcoming, wonderful bar we set out to make it when we opened eight years ago, especially Julien Latil, our general manager."
Around 500 bar industry guests including bartenders and judges will be at the ceremony at the final of the CLASS Bar Awards on Tuesday May 23 at Battersea Arts Centre, London. The regional awards are new this year. One of the winners from the five regions will go on to be named the best in the UK.
Whatever the outcome the bar is already a superstar in the eyes of fans. One reviewer said: "I love it here! Brilliant cocktails and fantastic staff who really know their tequila. We always have a brilliant time! The space is lovely, the playlist eclectic and their drinks menu is varied. Highly recommend, a jewel in Nottingham's crown."
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