A bar in north Staffordshire is shaking up the local cocktail scene with a unique take on a Stoke-on-Trent delicacy.
Desire Cocktail Bar will be serving a savoury martini inspired by the city’s most iconic dish, the Staffordshire oatcake.
The limited edition creation reimagines the classic bacon-and-cheese oatcake in a “playful yet refined” liquid form, bosses say.
Belvedere vodka that has been fat-washed and infused with cheese along with smoked salt and a bright red tomato oil capture the savoury notes, while a toasted oatcake garnish provides a subtle nod to the original dish.
“To mark our second birthday, we wanted to launch something bold, unique and rooted in Stoke-on-Trent,” said owner Dereece Gardner.
“The Staffordshire oatcake is part of our culture and identity. We’re proud of where we’re from and nothing shouts Stoke more than a Saturday morning queue for fresh oatcakes.
“I wanted to create a drink that celebrates that spirit, not as a gimmick, but through genuine craft and technique.
“We’ve reimagined something deeply embedded in our city’s life and turned it into a modern experience for visitors.”
Mr Gardner added: “It’s a fun serve, but it’s also a love letter to Staffordshire: familiar, comforting and a little bit cheeky, just like home.”
Since opening in Piccadilly in Hanley in December 2023, the bar has continued to champion creativity, local pride and modern cocktail craft.
Mr Gardner said: “This drink brought a real challenge – how do you express those savoury flavours without compromising the elegance of a martini?
He said the idea came about during a research-and-development session, and “it just felt right”.
He continued: “We couldn’t use real bacon because it would make the drink heavy, so instead we built the sensation of bacon through smoked salt, fat-washing and carefully selecting the right cheese.
“Every detail had to be considered. The goal was to keep it clean, modern and drinkable.
“It’s also a nod to our team’s creativity – us pushing ideas, experimenting and seeing how far we can take something that’s part of our local culture.”
The Staffordshire Oatcake Martini, priced at £11.50, will be available at Desire Cocktail Bar until 1st January 2026.
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