Gin seems to be the tipple of choice in Liverpool in 2015. From the rebranded Side Door to Jenever, the opening of the Botanical Garden in the Baltic Triangle, and of course the success of Liverpool Gin, the juniper-infused liquid is something to be celebrated right now. When it was announced that Roja Pinchos, the Spanish Pinchos restaurant on Berry Street was opening a Gin and Cava cave underneath its celebrated restaurant, it seems a perfect time as any to add this to the growing list of speciality bars in the city.

We went along to the opening night of Abajo – Spanish for ‘below’ – to see what the Roja team had up their sleeves. And they did not disappoint.

As we enter Roja Pinchos, we were lead down the stairs to Abajo. It is small, hence the ‘cave’ description, but the team have made the most of the space given to them. It’s tastefully decorated in a minimalist fashion, focusing only on the colours white and red, so the space doesn’t feel too crowded with decoration. There is a relaxing area with big red cushions adorning wooden blocks, and the Twitter feed for Abajo is projected onto a wall, a cute gimmick that would be perfect for film screenings.

Waiters were on hand to fill up Marie Antoinette glasses up with Spanish Cava, something that Abajo maintains it owns the biggest collection of in the city. Though Liverpool reportedly drinks the largest amount of Prosecco, the Spanish sparkling wine is made in the same manner as Champagne, so it is more refined than its Italian counterpart, and it seems that Abajo could go some way to converting the crowds. Already, I can imagine myself whiling away an evening, lounging on the cushions and drinking copious amounts of bubbles.

Guests were treated to the delicious pinchos from upstairs. If you’ve never visited Roja Pinchos, pinchos is Catalonian tapas which is laid out on the bar and you pay per ‘stick’ of bite-sized food. It was a delicious offering, included slices of Seranno ham, Manchego cheese with honey Chorizo and tiny versions of the classic Spanish Omelette. These were washed down with goblets of Beefeater Gin and Tonic, embellished with lemon and sprigs of rosemary.

Despite Abajo being underneath the restaurant, it didn’t feel dark or claustrophobic. A little garden had been made in a courtyard at the back of the bar. ‘Grass’ covered the floor, with old beer kegs covered with wooden planks to create tables decorated with candles and an herb garden all made up the outdoor space. It felt very secret, and it also meant there was light flowing into the bar too, a nice touch.

There is a laid back feeling to the Abajo, probably as its fairly hidden away and underground, it makes for an intimate setting with guests lit only by candlelight. It’s nice to feel tucked away from the large, cavernous bars and clubs that are part of Liverpool’s night-time scene and I’m sure the unique ambiance of Abajo will make it a favoured place to visit.

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