Five Minutes With... Vampire Rabbit Director Oliver Knox
Launching in August, Vampire Rabbit is Newcastle's newest hot spot!
An ode to the famous statue that's overlooked the heart of Newcastle from its perch on the Cathedral Buildings for more than a century, there's certainly a story behind Oliver Knox's latest venture: Vampire Rabbit.
So it should come as no surprise that of course we jumped at the opportunity to catch up with Oliver, and talk all things legends, legacies and of course - cocktails.
What made you decide to open The Vampire Rabbit? When did the seeds for the idea behind the bar start to grow?
We have been looking for a site for some time for the Vampire Rabbit (VR) concept. It had to be within the historic Grainger town district and in a building of historical significance. Something that would give the ambience of a grand continental café and cocktail bar.
What fascinates you so much about the Vampire Rabbit legend?
I first spotted the VR sculpture and was fascinated to discover the Geordie folklore that existed around it.
How did you got about researching the history behind not only the Vampire Rabbit, but 29 Collingwood Street and Captain Black Bob Douglas too? You must’ve gone down quite a rabbit hole (pardon the pun)?
I don’t want to give away too many of our secrets but the city archives have fascinating documents about all the historical buildings of Newcastle.
You’re also the man behind the Bigg Market bars Filthy’s, Passing Clouds and The Points. What will The Vampire Rabbit offer that’s different from these venues?
My Dad Tony runs the Bigg Market bars and has been running venues in the city centre all his life. Our family have the city in our blood. My great grandfather ran bookmaking throughout the city with his brothers; they were the Geordie peaky blinders and other members of the family ran steam tug boats on the Tyne.
What made you choose to work with mixologist Connor Hughes when curating the bar’s cocktail menu?
We have been aware of Connor for some time. He is a local legend in bartending circles and whose knowledge of mixology is said to be “infinite”.
What would you say are The Vampire Rabbit’s must-try cocktails?
Cocktails are very personal to a customer – you might love a negroni, hate a margherita or vice versa. We have tried to make our list so that there is something for everybody with some quirky new takes on the classics. Like cooking, quality is made from the best ingredients and that would be our policy.
What can guests expect from your upcoming breakfast and brunch menu? Do you have chef lined up?
We are in discussion with a great local chef at the moment and we are hoping to confirm his appointment very shortly.
We hear there’ll be nightly musical entertainment – what kind of acts can guests expect?
We have built a fabulous stage in our main salon and the music from our singers will be piped through to the other rooms. The emphasis of our concept is relaxation so our acts will provide laid back entertainment to accompany your drinks but hopefully not intrude on your conversation.
Finally, if you could give people one reason why they should visit The Vampire Rabbit, what would it be?
We hope everybody who enjoys our wonderful city centre will give us a try. We intend to offer the most elegant surroundings in the city with a great selection of wines, cocktails, as well as beers. If you don’t visit, you won’t know what you’re missing.
