The first two months of 2022 were the best January and February ever for a Macclesfield gin bar.

Despite dry January and the rising cost of living, G&T Macclesfield has had some of their most successful takings in recent times.

G&T Macclesfield is found on 23 Back Wallgate, in the historic castle quarter of Macclesfield.

It is a charming bar started by Diane Grogan.

A gin made out of Jaffa Cakes (left) is one of the more niche tipples they offer.

The Macclesfield resident owns and runs the bar, being one of two staff members.

Named after the surnames of Diane and her former business partner - and not the vast range of gins they sell - G&T Macclesfield is currently celebrating a successful start to the year.

"We've been open for three-and-a-half years and have had our best January and February ever", said Diane.

"We had lots of people who wanted to come here over Christmas but they couldn't because everyone had COVID over Christmas.

Diane's other staff member Meg is a stalwart of the business, having worked for her since the start.

"And still today we have new customers that didn't know we were here.

"We've also not really put any pricing up, and if we did, it was very little, which was a miracle."

The bar is a modern day Cheers, in an intimate but cosy setting where customers can converse.

Diane knows most customers by name. Half of her customers are even her Facebook friends.

There is a small fireside seating area downstairs with toilets, while the main bar is upstairs.

The bar which seats 35 plus standing room get a wide range of clientele.

"We get groups of thirty-something lads, which you wouldn't think for what is supposed to be a gin bar," added Diane.

"I've got whole families who come in here, across generations which is nice.

"The business started with an idea of a mobile drinks van with a friend of mine. But it got to the point where we were going to fall out over agreeing on very small things. And then I found this [their premises on 23 Back Wallgate which used to be a haberdashery].

The bar often gets compared to the TV show 'Cheers' and not just because the woman who works there is called Diane!

"Originally I wanted the bar downstairs as you enter, but I decided to put it upstairs and that's what people like about us.

"It is quirky, different, and even when it is quiet the vibe is quite nice. And no one can see you in."

The late night bar three days a week on Thursday 5pm–1am, Friday 5pm–2am and Saturday 5pm–2am.

Events-wise, the bar hosts tarot card evenings, psychic nights and a monthly DJ nights.

Their cocktail menu goes through seasonal changes.

As well as a small range of bottled beers and wines, the bar has over 50 different types of gins.

When somebody asks to try a new gin, Diane will always try to offer a gin she thinks nobody else in Macclesfield stocks.

You won't be finding a Gordon's here, as these are some of the world's most quality gins.

There's also local favourites like Macclesfield's Forest Gin and Norton Priory's Hunters Gin.

The cosy Macclesfield bar also serves champagne, rum, bourbon, and vodka.

As well as their gin range niche, they have a new rotating cocktail menu they recently introduced.

There's even a cocktail named after Diane, who has lived in Macclesfield near Victoria Park for 20 years.

The mum-of-three has also ensured that the bar serves soft drinks for kids.

There is also alcohol free beer for teetotals or drivers.

From Forest Gin to global gins you've never heard of, the Macclesfield gin-focussed bar will turn four this year.

If you've never been to the bar, you may recognise the staff as they were the official bar for Party at the Pews Festival at Christ Church, Macclesfield last year.

Her serving of the Macclesfield music festival last October actually coincided with her business' three year anniversary.

So Diane is hoping to host a big four year anniversary party on October 23 this year.

For the future, Diane would like to go bigger. She will never leave Macclesfield but would love to have another premises as they are getting to the point where the tiny bar becomes too crammed.

The Macclesfield business has 2,000 followers on Facebook.

Saturday nights are the busiest, and recent weekends have been the busiest ever in the history of the unique Macclesfield bar.

G&T Macclesfield serves quality drinks, in an old-fashioned speakeasy type bar but with modern decor, on a characterful street.

It is located on 23 Back Wallgate, SK11 6LQ.

You can call them on 07340 001054.

Diane and Megan (pictured) will host a birthday party for the bar this autumn.

You can follow the Macclesfield bar on Facebook, where the bar has a five-star rating.

You can also follow the Macclesfield small business on Instagram.

They have a combined 4000+ followers on social media.

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