On 6 Mar 2018 at 9:15am JN wrote:
We recently had the misfortune of meeting for a friends Birthday in the The Back Yard Cafe ‘Cocktail Bar’.
Arrived to be told “Sorry we don't have a menu, oh and we have run out of cocktails, but we have Gin and Rum".
Since our friends were already sat scanning the room for any glimmer of atmosphere, we begrudgingly order one Rum and one Gin, bad move!!!
No finesse, sticky table and indifferent service. Our bill was £17 for two low-end spirits!!! We were shortchanged too, with a poor reason of "I can add up" when I counted back the £2 in change given from a £20 note…really!
Sorry guys but not good enough. Dimming the lights in a cafe does not make a ‘Cocktail Bar’, though a menu…cocktails…smile would be a step in the right direction!
Lewes can and must do better!
On 6 Mar 2018 at 10:47am Earl of Lewess wrote:
I have to say I was underwhelmed when I went there. It's a shame, as I used to love going there for some tea and cake, but since the new owners took over, it's felt confusing and a bit chaotic.
On 6 Mar 2018 at 11:55am Tom Cruise wrote:
I've been for cocktails several times and love it!
On 6 Mar 2018 at 1:14pm cocktail wrote:
I think the new owners are great and the atmosphere is nicer than in other cafes in Lewes.
On 6 Mar 2018 at 3:06pm Bob wrote:
Weird. We went there and there was a menu, a happy hour, table service, and a bar where you could see all of the booze that was available. Perhaps you went on a 'test night' or something? It was totally fine when we were there, if a little pricey.
On 6 Mar 2018 at 4:45pm sponge square pants wrote:
I'm sticking to the Krusty Krab Kocktail bar.
On 6 Mar 2018 at 9:41pm We'vehadourfun wrote:
Is this the old sandwich shop opposite the crown?
On 7 Mar 2018 at 3:42pm The Lady of Lewes wrote:
Wow what a scathing review!
My experience is very very different.
There are menues bought to the table - however I was there the night they had been really busy and sold out of some cocktail ingredients. The lovely and helpful bar staff explained that they had been busier than expected and offered to make us cocktails unique to our taste. I said I loved rum and almond - the amazing girl made me an Almond Daquari. I would argue that it was the best cocktail I have ever tasted.
I witnessed the bar girl mix up cocktails on the spot for other customers - she is really talented and knows her craft.
The atmosphere is amazing it is exactly what Lewes has been crying out for.
No need to go to Brighton for cocktails and music when Back Yard has it all. In fact on Saturday I was speaking to people who had travelled from Hove to have cocktails!
Looking forward to going on Friday when Steve from the Sharks will be playing blues with his talented friends.
On 7 Mar 2018 at 6:08pm Lady Van Basten wrote:
I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing the new Backyard cocktail bar on the opening weekend. After having poor cocktails at Aqua and Fuego Lounge I was really looking forward to a new place. The lovely cocktail lady made me my favourite, espresso martini. It was so yummy and made with some overnight brewed coffee which made it taste so creamy. I thought it was a funky little place and I met some great new folk there too. Going back with a big bunch of girlfriends this week so watch out if you want to keep your ear drums in tact .. The girls will be a true test of whether this place cuts the mustard.
On 7 Mar 2018 at 10:28pm thirsty wrote:
Why don't you try cafe Du Jardin for cocktails! I find that always really nice and 2 4 1 aswell!!!!!!
On 7 Mar 2018 at 10:32pm Pete2 wrote:
Dare I ask where the Back Yard Cafe is?
On 11 Jun 2018 at 7:46am Miss Lewes wrote:
So disappointing to see people criticising one of my favourite spots. Yes as mentioned it may seem a ‘little pricey’ but the cocktails there are without a doubt the most original and delectable I’ve had to date, and although I’ve had to wait a while for them, they are more than worth the wait, possibly the best mixologist I’ve ever come across! The menu is limited but I'm never disappointed with the quality, breakfasts are especially impressive! I think it’s fantastic seeing a local business get it right. Great food, great cocktails, great atmosphere and even better staff!