Byker-based Crosbys Catering Equipment has been appointed by The Bottle Shop Bar and Kitchen to source specialist products to complement the bar’s artisan, premium, handmade craft beers.
The bar, which is based in the former Electric East restaurant and has created six full time and four part time jobs, has launched in partnership with London-based craft beer company, The Bottle Shop, as the first of five bars which are planned to open in the North within the next five years.
The venue in Waterloo Square, near St James’ Boulevard, features 12 draft lines – 10 keg and two cask, more than 40 bottled beers, and a selection of wines and spirits. Craft beers from around the world – including Sweden’s Omnipollo brewery, and Green Flash from California, are exclusively available at the Newcastle site.
Crosbys, which marked its 25th anniversary this year, won the contract to provide a range of glassware and tableware for the bar. The company supplies crockery, cutlery, specialist catering equipment, paper and janitorial supplies to more than 2000 customers in the North, as well as a series of London restaurants and Michelin establishments across the UK and overseas.
The contract win marks the latest development in a successful year for Crosbys Catering Equipment, following a move to bigger premises in Brough Park Way, the growth of its team and the acquisition of specialist supplier John Dodds.
Crosbys’ Andrew Wachsberger said: “We’re delighted to see a new specialist craft beer bar put roots down in Newcastle. One of the great attractions of The Bottle Shop is that it offers customers the choice of a third, a half, and two thirds of a pint, so that they can sample new brands in smaller measures and discover new favourites. With this in mind, we supplied the beautiful, tulip-shaped Munique beer glass – an elegant product featuring three measuring stamps, which removes the need to stock three separate glasses, and ensures both impressive presentation and flavour.
“Each stemware piece features a round bowl which narrows at the flared rim to help retain carbonation and a frothy head, above a short flared stem and wide foot. The durable beadless rim is guaranteed not to chip, and the tulip shape is ideal for enhancing the flavour of pale ales, IPAs, Pale and Amber Lagers, Saison, Lambic and other draft beers with fruity undertones.”
Crosbys’ director Roger Crosby said: “We have several craft beer fans in our team, so we’ve thoroughly enjoyed sourcing specialist products to show off these rare brands at their best, and we hope to develop a long working relationship with The Bottle Shop Bar and Kitchen as it evolves in the coming months.”
Crosbys liaised with head chef Matthew Stephenson, who has worked at North East venues Pan Haggerty, Lola Jeans and Slaley Hall, to choose a selection of rustic dishes in a range of styles and colours to complement his dishes. The food menu, which changes daily, features a selection of tapas dishes with recommended beer pairings, bar snacks such as bacon and smoked cheese doughnuts with maple syrup, hot roast sandwiches, pies and three-course Sunday lunches.
Other local suppliers include Wylam Brewery and Pink Lane Coffee, and there are plans to introduce beer and food matching sessions, and monthly pop up street food markets featuring local vendors.
The Bottle Shop Bar and Kitchen manager Jamie Oliver said: “Our Newcastle location is the very first Bottle Shop site in the North, so we’ve been keen to use the knowledge and expertise of local suppliers. Crosbys is a stalwart supplier in the North East catering scene and they’ve sourced top quality products to reflect the unique offering that we provide here.
“Craft beer is becoming increasingly popular in the North East and we’re really proud to bring a high-end craft beer bar to the heart of the city. Customers can choose from a huge range of beers that are simply not on offer anywhere else, and we want to become known as the go-to place to enjoy quality drinks in a relaxed environment with a great atmosphere.”
Find out more about The Bottle Shop Bar and Kitchen on Facebook and follow @BottleShopNE1 on Twitter.
For further information about Crosbys, visit www.crosbys.co.uk or tel: 0191 228 4800
Like Crosbys Catering Equipment on Facebook and follow @Crosbys_BCA on Twitter.
