Serving up ‘tonics and treats’ that play on the venue's moniker, Elixir is a sanctuary within the inner city area. You can’t help but feel at least slightly daunted by the heavy gothic doors, but they create plenty of intrigue as to what lies behind.
Inside is somewhere with a real sense of soul. There's a lot of passion, too, with a cocktail menu that's clearly a labour of love. Try the Totally Herbaceous, featuring the green fairy herself, little miss Absinthe, or the Window of Windsor, a twist on a White Lady with gin, triple sec, egg white, lemon juice and fino sherry finished off with ‘caged truffle and intensifying atomisers’.
Alongside these is a really solid draught selection, with beers like Warsteiner, Samuel Adams and Asahi pushing aside the more conventional choices. An uncomplicated and simple food menu comprises sandwiches, soups and sharing plates. Order one of the latter and you'll get a couple of shots of ale, red wine, white wine or Prosecco. A nice touch.
It’s one of those places where newcomers might feel a sense of trepidation but there's always a surprisingly friendly welcome. And it's this combination - along with those drinks - that keeps the crowds returning.