AN EXPERT mixologist has launched a new pop-up bar to offer a fresh take on cocktails in the heart of York.

Callum Houston hopes to give guests a unique drinking experience at his latest venture, Forage Bar, which is tucked away in Little Stonegate.

Located in the vacant Gusto site, the city's newest concept bar aims to offer flavours and drinks people have never tasted before.

Guests can expect to enjoy cocktails such as Raspberry Sour, made from foraged autumn raspberries, lemon and sugar, or Hip to the Hop, made from an IPA distillate, elderflower and beetroot.

Another seasonal offering includes Negroni, made with dark chocolate, maple, Campari, gin, Antica Formula and autumn truffles.

York Press:

Callum Houston, of Forage Bar, in Little Stonegate, York

York-based entrepreneur Callum is also the founder and director of events company, Yorkshire Bartender and distillery, The Yorkshire Explorer.

His philosophy has always been to create high-quality spirits using sustainable and locally-sourced produce.

With Forage he is taking that up a notch, using fresh, foraged ingredients to creatively deliver an array of flavours while also reducing food waste.

Callum said: “It’s about using as much as possible from around us to produce the best flavour combinations possible.

"We’re training our staff to actively search for their own ingredients and to use the best that nature has to offer, as well as their own creativity, in order to create the drinks we serve.”

Callum has re-hired five staff from the previous space within two weeks of them losing their jobs, and has employed two more people for the venue.

He said: “We’re not hiding behind syrups, mass-produced products or artificial flavours; by using our own, freshly-foraged ingredients, that we hand pick and distil ourselves, we can create a unique range of tastes and deliver a drinking experience that is designed to wow customers, while keeping our impact on the environment to a minimum.

"Excitingly, our menu is also constantly changing, depending on what’s available seasonally, so customers can expect new flavours and a new experience each time they visit.”

Callum was originally compelled to become a mixologist due to his fascination for flavours.

As a self-confessed foodie, Callum takes inspiration from ground-breaking chefs and the inventive ways in which they use taste, colour and presentation to deliver an exceptional experience.

Forage’s aim is to apply the same principles to drinking.

Incorporating carefully-selected, wild-grown ingredients, the traditional method of foraging brings an exploration of tastes and a connection with the natural local landscape to Forage.

Both The Yorkshire Bartender and the Yorkshire Explore Distillery are thoughtful, eco-conscious ventures kicking back against the norm.

Callum’s vision for Forage is to bring passion and creativity to the drinks Forage Bar serves and to offer something different and new for the people of York.

Forage will be open now until New Year, from Tuesday to Sunday. The bar has capacity for 105 people seated, and tables are booked on a first come first served basis.