Stoke-on-Trent’s most iconic dish has inspired a new Staffordshire oatcake martini at a cocktail bar in Hanley.
Desire Cocktail Bar has created the limited-edition drink which reimagines the classic bacon and cheese oatcake in a playful yet refined liquid form.
Fat-washed Belvedere vodka infused with cheese, smoked salt and a bright red tomato oil capture the familiar savoury notes, while a toasted oatcake garnish offers a subtle nod to the original dish.
The Piccadilly business has built a strong reputation for elevating the drinking culture in Staffordshire since opening in 2023 following a £100,000 investment.
Owner Dereece Gardner said: “To mark our second birthday, we wanted to launch something bold, unique and rooted in Stoke-on-Trent. 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. It’s a fun serve, but it’s also a love letter to Staffordshire: familiar, comforting and a little bit cheeky, just like home.”
Dereece, who used to be an area manager for PureGym, said the drink brought a challenge but the team knew they had to create it when the idea came up in a research and development session.
He added: “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 from 15 December to 1 January.
