Bar ‘wizard’ aims to put town under his spell
ABARTENDER who has served Her Majesty the Queen herself – along with A-list celebrities including the Beckhams, Simon Cowell and Sting – has brought a brand new cocktail bar to his home town of Stockport.
Neil Garner, former Britain’s Got Talent “Bar Wizards” performer and professional bartender to the stars, has opened the doors on Cherry Jam and aims to bring a 90s vibe – with pop, disco, soul, funk and what he describes as “awesome vibes and a big heart”.
With graffiti art walls, disco balls, street art and neons, he promises plenty of Insta-opps for the social crowd.
Split into two key areas, Bar Cherry is open to the public while The Jam is also available for private hire parties of up to 30 guests.
Stockport-born and bred, Neil, 42, started his career collecting glasses in Grand Central bar in 1996.
He has competed as a professional flair bartender, was once crowned World Bartending Champion, performed in Las Vegas and has worked in over 100 countries worldwide, training thousands of bartenders.
He then started his very own cocktail company – the Bar Wizards – who were runners-up on the first series of Britain’s Got Talent.
The Bar Wizards have performed for and served the Queen along with many other famous faces.
Neil says: “I’ve been coming to Stockport Market for as long as I can remember.
“I used to love coming down every Saturday with my mum, who sadly isn’t with us any more.
“In fact, Cherry Jam’s venue itself was once a software superstore, where I spent many a Saturday afternoon with my brother looking through video games for my Amiga.
“I loved the hustle and bustle and always thought it was a special place with loads of personality.
“There’s so much positive change afoot, and real energy in the air.
“It’s great to be a part of it.
“Cherry Jam was born out of lockdown and was pretty much paid for from the money made on our lockdown cocktail delivery service, which we introduced quickly when we had to pivot to survive.
“As time has drawn on in lockdown, we have had some further investments into the venue, but we have – incredibly – managed to fit both venues out for around £60,000.
“We have used brains over budget and upcycled whatever was left behind from the previous tenants.
“We poured our heart and soul into the build – with our partners, family and the wider community all working so hard to get the bar launched.
“I am so thankful to all of them and I am hoping that the blood, sweat and tears show.
“Stockport has always been in Manchester’s shadow, however with Manchester getting bigger and rents going up, it makes Stockport a natural place for independent bars and restaurants to come and set up.
“It’s only ten minutes from Manchester, and it has a real personality and vibe of its own.
“It’s an icon in its own right, and without the constraints of big rents and overheads, it genuinely gives independents a platform to set up and follow their dream and passions. I want to take the very best of what I’ve learnt in over 100 countries around the world, and bring it home in Cherry Jam.”
Cherry Jam is a true labour of love for Neil as he returns home to Stockport after years spent living all over the world and setting up various successful venues in London.
It started off as a boutique cocktail bar concept but, due to the venue next door becoming vacant during lockdown, the bar has extended massively since its original planned launch date and now boasts 1,200 square feet of eccentric, eye-popping decor aimed to create a forget-the-world-outside vibe.
Neil has given a nod to the town by calling cocktails after well Known Stockport places, faces – and even its transport.
The 192 combines four rums, tropical flavours and is set alight before serving – promising to hit you like a bus.
The menu also includes Blossoms – named after the Stockport indie band – a tall drink comprising local Tarsier Gin, lychee liquor and citrus, garnished with cherry blossom. Then there is Town Called Malice – The Jam, a signature serve of gold rum, fresh raspberries, raspberry liquor and topped with fizz.
Bees Knees – let me Bee your fantasy comes with Stockport gin, citrus, honey liquor and local honey syrup; and Queens of Cale Green – a cocktail dedicated to our Queens, mums and grans, has Green Chartreuse and citrus with bramble topping.
Other key serves will include frozen margaritas, tiki tropical cocktails, summer punches and craft beers in pretty cans, a collection of drinks and flavours from Neil’s travels around the world.
The bar is also stocked with home-grown and home-foraged gin infusions created by Neil’s team.