Pick of the Month

Juniper t h e Nerve Magazine’s Pick of the Month Written by Abbie Bradford

Now that Dry January is far behind us (thank god!), for Nerve’s Pick of the Month we decided to look at somewhere that might just become your new favourite drinking spot. If you hadn’t already guessed from the name, The Juniper Lounge is a gin bar - and who doesn’t love a gin! The Juniper Lounge opened in the summer on the corner of Holdenhurst Road, so perfect walking distance from all halls!

Its handy location and very reasonable prices mean that it’s a great place for a few relaxed drinks or somewhere to have some classy pre-drinks before a night out. The venue offers a quirky style and atmosphere and with quiz nights, live music and sport, you are bound to find an evening that suits you. So let’s get into it!

The Gin

Now don’t get me wrong, I am a massive fan of gin, however, I’ve never been keen on the tonic, so I was sceptical. As we sat at the bar, the owner and manager Russell assured me that this would change.

We sat and talked about what kind of gins I liked and whether it was sweet, dry, flavoured or even local, with an impressive 57 gins behind the bar, there was plenty to choose from, but I didn’t have to! Russell insisted that he could make me the perfect gin based on what I liked. He expertly crafted a mix of tonic and spices paired perfectly, and he was right!

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Q&A with Russell

What was your vision for The Juniper Lounge? The concept of The Juniper Lounge is to create a chilled, safe “hole in the wall” bar focusing on gin, live music, a great vibe and fun.

Do people really dislike tonic with their gin? Some people ask me for gin with lemonade which is almost sacrilege! I then act as their gin consultant to understand more of their tastes and gin experiences. By personalising the gin doctor approach I mostly am able to prescribe the right medicine and cure the tonic affliction!

What’s your favourite gin and tonic combination at the moment? The bar favourite is rhubarb and ginger gin with rhubarb tonic and a big twist of lemon. Currently I enjoy BH1, which has a liquorice botanical, with mediterranean tonic and a twist of lime.

What is the most exciting place you have ever worked? I have been very lucky to have worked for 15 years in Malaysia, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Dubai. They are all fabulous in very different ways.

What would be your message to the students of Bournemouth University? KEEP CALM, DRINK GIN... OR WINE OR BEERS! N

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